Unveiling the Surprising Truth: Traction on Wet Pavement Explained

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[alanrainey]

I find this to be true, but people need to remember for first few minutes (we’ll say 20-30 minutes to be safe) oils and other things that have been on the road lift to the surface, so be careful at first. Also painted lines are usually much slicker when wet, so stay away from them if you can. Rain can also hide pot holes in the road. Tire and experience play a part as well.
I enjoy Kevin’s videos, he puts out a lot of good information

[mymatemartin]

So much about riding a bike is getting over the mental things that inhibit our physical ability and our understanding of physical realities.

[Alakay]

The issue is, the road isn't just wet with water. There are often oils that make it much more slick once it rains. Good tip on relaxing though.

[martinj.groenewegen]

Thats kinda what I have learned the 'hard way'. Rule #1 to driving/riding/piloting a motorcycle thru strange conditions...Do not panic. Slow your roll and loosen up a tad. Thanks really for confirming my intuition, really.

[marekstawicki]

Hi Kevin!
Well, it is only partialy true. It would be true if you had added “clean”: on wet _clean_ road. Hence it’s essential to remember that if it’s raining after some dry days firs ca. half an hour the surface mey be very slipy, untill all the dry dirt (such as sand, oil drops, breaking pads dust etc.) is washed out of the track; 2nd is that anywhere where dirt may come onto the surface of the road it may and it will be skiddy as on ice: water streams comes from dhe side will carry lots of sand and mid, constructions sourrandings may be covered with mud taken out of the construction’ site on trucks wheels etc… this is mandatory to keep it in mind all the time during the rain, because the traction will drop dramatically and instantly in such places
All the best from Poland!
Marek

[murraehaynes]

Tires need to be good with good sipes…did plenty of racing in the rain…

[jeffreylong]

Motorcycle tires have so much better grip than car tires that’s way they don’t last very long .

[rrodriguez]

these tests means nothing if we dont know what were tyres temperatures during the testing. Im pretty sure the tyre at 15 degree Celsius has lower grip compared to the tyre at 40 degrees Celsius. On hot wet tarmac must be joy to brake no doubt. On cold wet tarmac its the lottery

[dw]

That's true for clean, wet pavement. It is neither true for wet, dirty pavement, nor for wet road paint, and it is especially untrue for wet metal like duct covers and tram rails. As all these things may cross your way at any time, it is better to prepare for this reduction of grip than for the 10% of clean, wet, paved roads.

[johnherian]

Slow down, relax and corner with a little less lean.

[donaldremington]

Well said. Rain riding is something that many aren’t comfortable with. Good tires, rain wear and a little discretion ! A question! We see many posts where riders are very nervous about GRASS that’s been mowed onto the road. I find it something to be cautious about but not the end of the world. Thought’s. ?? Thanks