I think my bike yesterday was thinking 🤔 “ Ok are you SURE you want me to overtake this truck in these conditions… you don’t want to wait? ….. ok hold on tight “ !! 😂😂👍🏾
Thanks for the excellent video with sharing 3 rules to master while riding in wet conditions. Additionally to the 3 rules to always remember, my take away from your life-saving information that most resonated with me and my current riding skills was to always be upright when having to ride over a branch, dirt, leaves, etc. Ride slower in curves to avoid excessive lean angles with minimal braking while maintaining smooth steady throttle to get you around the curve. Following in the tracks made by other vehicles for improved traction. Be relaxed with the handlebars while riding and looking ahead to anticipate changes. Great advice to be smooth, predict the unpredictable, remain calm and relaxed. Practicing these techniques will allow for a safe, enjoyable ride I am willing to do in wet conditions. 🙂👍
I find all your tutorials explained patiently in an easy to follow, knowledgeable and thorough manner. More like a friend talking to a friend. Thank you. 👍
Im 66 and back riding again after 40 yrs. You are awesome. Your advice has saved my butt. Helped me break some really bad habits I held on to from back in the day.
Same here Bro! Scared the crap out of myself getting back on. Greg has really straightened me out. There is a big gap between what I was taught to get my license and what it takes to ride properly. So much respect for this guy.
Great !! That's exactly the same ages and non-riding period for me (I thought I was the only one). Bought a brand new Tiger 900 Rally Pro (2024) , scared me for a while but I am getting back into it and these MotoJitsu videos are priceless for me , so happy I came across this channel.
I'd also add to it, go to parking area and try some hard braking on wet to experience front wheel lockup and learn to not panic when this happens. You know I was asking Greg something similar at one of his streams, he replied to go and practice and try it myself. I did so, and just a month ago this training and experimentation saved me from a crash. I was riding on a wet twisty road. I used front brake before a turn and perhaps used it too much, or there was dirt I didn't notice - so front wheel lost traction. I didn't panic and eased off the brake, and the wheel stabilized soon.
100% slam dunk information! I hate riding in the rain, especially at night. That said, if you are out and it starts raining, one has to deal with it. Again, this is top tier information from Jitsu.
It wasn’t in mountains, but I’ve rode in colder and wetter conditions on my gen 1 fZ1. Besides finding out my boots aren’t waterproof anymore it was fun. Glad I practice my skills.
Ive found myself using my rain gear more than I thought in the last year. I was even caught in spontaneous snow storms (no salt on roads just ice, water, and snow)- and as someone who is extremely experienced I’d still recommend watching this guy’s video. Its a necessary to learn continuously + get refreshers. Also, this fog in the video looks sick! What a nice ride environment
Yes i would second definitely go on that ride. Looks beautiful and honestly, the roads arent that bad. Motorcycles handle surprisingly well in the rain.
I was riding for two years in Ireland (wet roads or rain basically all the time) so I ride carefully but I'm not afraid (specially if it's MY bike with my choice of tyre). One thing my life long motorcyclist father taught me about wet roads is to watch out for colorful patches (meaning oil on water) as those are super slippery too, thought I'd mention it here :) Safe riding all!
Great video! I bought a ‘11 ZX6R as my 2nd bike back in July coming from a 250 cruiser. Needed tires, the rear was bald and I had an appointment for new tires the day after I bought it. That night and during the day it pissed rain, but I wasn’t missing the appointment. So I rode my brand new-to-me 600 25 minutes in the rain with a bald rear tire. First ride on that bike for me. One of the best, funnest and most terrifying riding experiences of mine all in one. Put 4k miles on her myself since.
I’m glad I got started on dirt bikes when I was 12 yrs old. I believe it helped me tremendously once I started riding street bikes 33 years later. Great vid Greg. Love the new bike. Keep educating riders…ride safe!
Great tutorial! I’ve been riding over 50 years. Toured the country in all kinds of weather. Your descriptions were spot on! The most difficult run I ever made was up California Hwy 1 from Mendocino to Crescent City. It was in the rain, fully loaded with wife, and our gear for three weeks travel, on a 900 lb bike. It was slick as hell with hairpin curves on very steep slopes. Ride often and practice, practice, practice!
I'm in the North of England so pretty much that's the norm. Most of my lessons/test were cold/wet, poor roads. It makes it all that more enjoyable when you get some decent conditions. Thankyou for the great content. Joel
Hi from Scotland. The worst conditions we have here is after a dry spell where a lot of rubber, diesel etc is laid down on the roads around bends and a light shower comes along. The road is then very greasy for a while, if it’s a real downpour it can actually wash the surface and it feels like there is more grip. Everything you said there is how I ride here. Following the tracks of the car in front and standing the bike up to go over any debris is crucial as are the heated grips, finger dexterity is very important. In the city centres we can have cobbles too which were fine for carriages in the 1800s but are a real challenge in the wet. Thanks for that.
I use to ride all year round when i was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia. Cold, wet and everything. I never rode when its raining 🌧 but when its not raining yet, i rode and road I did through the rain. Slow and smooth! 👍👍👍
I found the most critical advice is less pressure on the handle bars results in more control. Keeping the upper body loose results in smoothness and critical to control in slippery conditions.
You are right, it is important to keep your upper body, arms, and hands relaxed. However, at the same time you must be positive and deliberate with your steering inputs. You can't be all loosey-goosey with your steering inputs.
@@dgphi I think he was saying that being loose is about having the right body positioning - so you don't have straight arms, with all your weight leaning on the bars. If your forearms are parallel to the road and arms bent you won't have much weight on the bars. Even then I still have to remember to drop my inside elbow on corners when it all feels a bit to stiff.
Always make sure that you have a no fog visor, stay warm. The fewer distractions the better. In the wet, ride way within your limits. Thanks for another great video. Your work is saving lives.
It’s because of these videos I’m not nervous about taking my MSF class. Greg’s videos are a brilliant source of information that help you understand the bike is merely taking your inputs and transmitting those to engine .. transmission and tires … if your inputs are trash .. chances are your closer to the dumpster than you think. Truth is something most people don’t want to hear
I learned how to ride in December in Pennsylvania. Kinda glad I did, because I feel like it helped a lot. First bike was a 2013 ninja 1000 with no TCS, abs, ride modes, etc. Scared me at first, but just remembered to take it easy and be smooth with inputs.
I get a little nervous riding in the rain initially, but I know it is a justified fear that I shouldn't ignore. I adjust my riding accordingly, coach myself similar to your videos, and enjoy it!
Just wanted to say thank you for all the videos you upload. I'm a new rider who is still in the process of acquiring the license, but I watched about 100+ of your videos in the past 3 months, and already doing some of your drills. I feel like I really know quite a lot already, just need to practice practice practice. All my friends were forcing me into a liter, but I bought G310R and plan to stay on it for a few years until I complete the Black Belt (which means I need to travel somewhere to complete courses, as there is only one in Dubai). My next comment will be when I am done with it, mark my words!
Interesting comments about the G210R. I'm working with the company who manufactures the G310R. As the owner of a liter bike, I've been wondering how well the G310R would address the US market.
@@dnickerson94gt the G310R is an amazing bike, for its size and power it’s so stable on the motorway it’s surprising, it’s cheap to own it has plenty of power and because it’s so light it makes it easier to live with 10/10 from me 👍🏾
Always have and always will love the videos. In the UK at this time of the year, the roads are almost always like this however, although it isn't 'as fun' I always get myself out on the wet roads to do exactly this. I find that the extra concentration on the road and your riding style improves you as a rider overall but also takes your mind off of the cold and other factors and tunes you in! Anyone that is hesitant to get out in these conditions if you do exactly what Jitsu has said, you will notice your riding get better! Ride safe people 🏍
Doing what Greg tells us to do in this video is basically a life saver. I use my bike all year long and with almost any weather...the only thing that scares me too much is riding on snow. That's where I draw the line, for now.
I’m used to ride my bike on this conditions,even I didn’t take it off-road courses.For me riding my bike it’s fun in every condition,I find something beautiful riding my bike in any conditions 😊
I'm 63 and just began riding again after 39 years. My last bike was a 750, back in the days when GS referred to a Suzuki. That bike has now referred to as a retro or a classic. Less fondly, I am now referred to as old. But, to answer your question, at the speed you're traveling, I would be comfortable. I get a lot of practice living just a few miles from the northern pacific coast in WA state.
Since you asked, I would totally ride your bike up that mountain in the rain. My heart would pound in my chest, accelerated by the initial rush of adrenaline. A heightened sense of awareness would sharpen my focus even for the tiniest of adjustments. The raised stakes when riding in the rain makes it more stressful, but also more rewarding. It resembles driving a slick twisty road during a snow storm. Excellent lesson! I love your no-nonsense and pinpoint fucus on essentials. No fluff, no ego.
Leaving my son's house at 6 AM. in Savannah Ga. I had to ride home to Baton Rouge. It started to rain in Jacksonville and It rained heavy all the way home. It was the most miserable trip I have ever made. I had to be in Baton Rouge the next day so I did not have a choice. I would add an item to your list. Pray!
I would add: PRAY, EVERY time you roll out! I do. Rain 0r Shine, it's always GOOD to pray 🙏🏽. Dude, in todays' social climate, I pray everyday I step out of my house!! The HATE. -😟
Here's a twist (pun intended), I'm brand new to riding. Started this year. I live up in WA, and committed myself to ride thru the weather. So when I look at that sweet bike,wand those, ahem 'wet' roads, I would love to ride that road in those 'conditions'. 😂 Seriously though, love getting tips from you, I'm always ready to learn! SF
Thank you. I would ride it. Still on my first bike and have absolutely zero assistance. No ABS and No traction control. So making me learn skills. Live in PNW so these days are very common.
I started riding when bikes had no technology. I used my bike as my only transportation in all weather. Being smooth and loose has always been my mantra. If I feel myself begin to tense, I just wiggle my elbows and I relax. So could I ride your bike? Yes I could, but at 73 year of age I would just wait until the conditions improve. I want to keep riding as long as I can so I am more of a fair weather rider now. I love the sport. It makes me happy. Also, I still go to a parking lot and practice even more now after watching your videos. Still learning. Thanks.
Thank you Greg for the video, I actually went riding today, and got surprised by one part of the ride, it started to get very foggy, humid, and wet. And I got a bit anxious about cornering, but I just stayed calm, and went a little bit slower, and tried to not lean too much. For my surprise when I came home, I got a notification for this video! Life saver, now I know, better for the next time I come across these weather. Also I know understand better the meaning of lowering my tire pressure, as you explained to me in that other comment, and after see it now on your video, again about lowering the pressure for better grip. I just want to say Thank you Greg, for all your advices. You´ve been teaching me alot, since I started riding 6months ago. Big hug and keep up with the great content!
I recently had my practical exam on a CB650R and of course it was pouring down. To be honest what you said in the video just came naturally without even thinking about it.
Also I think it's important for new riders to understand that you don't lose all your grip in wet conditions. Sure you have less grip than in dry conditions, but you won't start sliding around when it's wet. Unless maybe if you have slicks. So don't fear wet conditions, and just ride smooth like MotoJitsu showed
This is great information and advise. Here in New Hampshire I'm exposes to these types of conditions a lot, cold/wet. With my new S1000RR and wanting to ride to break it in, I'll be riding in 40-50 degree weather and will be practicing these exact techniques. I've been riding for 45 years and there is always something to learn.Thanks bro, always great to watch your videos.
Even as a beginner rider I'd ride in the rain with the same mindset I did in a car; just be smart, be cool. Back then I thought the reason people didn't ride in the rain because it sucked to be rained on, and in a way I think that unjustified confidence helped me in the long run.
Would I do it on your bike? Absolutely! My bike would be safe at home. 🤷♂️😁 Excellent video, and great advice. It's good to see something like this, so people know that even guys like you, with lots of knowledge and experience, slow down and respect the condition of the environment.
Been watching you and a few other training videos. Finally got my permit and passed my msf course today to get my license. I’m exciting to join the riding scene and plan to take up what you did and keep taking a bunch of courses! You’re very inspirational and thank you🎉
I live in the Pacific Northwest and rains a lot. I just put Dunlap Mutants on my bike and I'm not afraid of the wet roads at all, similar to driving you just take it a touch easier on all inputs as grip is inferior to dry conditions.
Hey MJ. i just got new tires on my rebel 500. rode home about 4 miles, rode easy(had some corners to handle) the next day i wanted to put some miles on, so i rode from Ocala, fl. 89 miles to Tampa, fl. nice 2/4 lane back road, it was wet, raining off and on, RR tracks on a slight curve, i thank you for your instructional videos. i didn't have a single problem with the tires, the handling really does feel different,wanting to (seems that way)lean farther, the only bother was getting my visor, and me soaked. but it was a blast, thanks to you!!👍👍👍👍
Thank you for this video. I'm a relatively new rider with only two years under my belt. I continually go though youtube videos, finding just such as yours here, learning what I need to know. Then I try from then on to apply that technique to what I've already learned, hoping to become a safer more skilled rider. It is videos such as this one that are of value to me. When home I can pick and choose the day I want to ride. Out on a distance cruise, the weather will determine what you face. It is for those days, I find such as this of value.
I'm a new rider. I'm going for a ride next Monday (because I can finally do it legally then). I hope it will be reasonably dry and warm, but you must prepare for the worst :)). Well done tutorial, very helpful.
probably similar temperature few nights ago I could feel the handlebar lightness while getting on the hw on ramp, to the point where minute steering action has no effects on trajectory
I think that i get the most out of my practice in wet. Everything needs to be more precise and done more concerned with more feeling and smoothness. When i mastered wet riding i become comfortable riding fast in dry. And yes we are riding regularly in conditions like this or even worse. 40% of 25.000km in one ruding season its coold and/or wet) i personally enjoy it the same as in dry. 25 years ago there was no electrinics and heat gipps for us. Only CBRs GSXRs YZFs and ZXRs :) whole day ir two wet mountain trips over alps with temperatures arround 0°C - 10°C happened unplanned tine to time. What i would add as advice, imortant to stay dry and warm. Heated grips or warm water proof gloves help alot to keep warm hands and circulation, otherwise you get stiff in the shoulders arms ...no matter how good and experienced are you with riding in wet and cold. And don't forget vision. If you don't see you can't ride. Pinlock visor or similar antifoog, on outside water replant (washed with soup). I alsso prefere to overtake cars ASAP since otherwise they mist my visor and block vision lifting all water and dirt with their wheels. There is no bad weather for motorcycle riding, only bad/wrong motorcycle gear. Thank you for great contend and continue great work.
I just rode across route 160 from Durango to Pagosa Springs (60 miles) and it was raining the whole way. You are correct (and you know it) about being controlled and calm. One thing you did not mention but I noticed you did was avoid driving over painted surfaces. My bike does not have any of the traction control technology and went through the rainy mountain road just fine. People, your bike will probably slide a bit one or twice, just remain calm and ride through it.
In Belgium the sewers are beneath the roads, which means the sewer covers are in your path, often they also are in the middle of a corner. You must be very careful in the wet on these things. Chilly in Belgium start around 46 F° or 8 C°. Still drive my spanking new Goldwing in these conditions. Extra careful of course.
I'd say starting off on a dirt bike when I was younger helped a lot. I was making a left turn at an intersection on a rainy day and as soon as I went over the thick painted pedestrian line my bike fishtailed but I managed to get the bike back up and under control. It doesn't rain too much here Phoenix AZ, so it was a hell of reminder not get complacent. Thanks for for all the riding tips.
great advice, all of it. I will add that being smooth offers another advantage. If a slippage does occur, it will also be smooth and slower, allowing more time to recover. Getting used to riding in the rain or when it's wet is so liberating. Also if it's in a forested area, the colors are really vivid. Add some whisks of mist and it's downright magical and what about that amazing fresh air after a downpour. Final tip, good gear that keeps you warm and dry is not just a matter of comfort but of safety. Good luck being smooth and controlled while shivering and having half frozen fingers and toes.
What I missed: don't feel rushed by cars driving behind you. You just have to be more careful in corners than cars in the rain. And you missed a great opportunity to mention how slippery these animal crossing bars (4:04) are in the rain!
I focused on what's most important...YOU...not the people who may or may not be behind you. Staying calm and taking dirt courses address the slippery bars, as it does anything slippery.
One of my very first times riding I ended up having to ride about twenty kilometres in a full-on rain storm. It was pretty uncomfortable, but it stopped me from being too nervous about the weather in the future!
You are spot on, I definitely need to practice more in the wet at slower and in town, I have no issues going 80 down the highways but get more freaked out going through turns in town, I don’t understand me sometimes. I would have no issues riding your bike in the wet, I have a BMW K1300S my bike is a beast as well and it don’t have any riding modes unfortunately. Thank you my friend for your videos.
Great video, Greg! I’m not going to lie, I’m a newish rider and I’m pretty scared of riding in the rain. I just can’t wrap my head around how the tiny bit of contact that the tire has on the road doesn’t just wash out on curves, even taking them slower and smooth. I will practice in the rain, I just need to get out of my head.
Got my first rirtbike when i was 6 rode motocross my whole life pretty much. Finally got my 1st bike for the streets and having grown up riding, makes everything easier tranisitioning to street having that experience. Took a min to adjust to a 600lb cruiser instead of a 300lb dirt bike but the physics is all the same.
Thank you for remember me some important aspects of riding on wet roads. I have been raiding in those weather conditions very often since I drive every single day and here in Portugal we have had a lot of rain in the last three months. Personally, on those days I tend to adopt a body position that reduces centrifugal force but minimizes the lean of the bike when cornering, to increase the traction of the tires.
Australian here. My brother and I once road from Beenleigh QLD to Airlie Beach QLD, and then to Penrith NSW, a distance of 3,217 kms (2,010 mls) in pouring rain over around 8 or nine days and the rain didn't stop for one minute.
Ive been riding fer 45 years and learned more in the last year listening to homeboy than i ever learned from others. My riding has become completely transformed. Now i wanna hit up alpine road just outside of lahonda ca. That road bested me in a downhill harpin corcksrew. Was moving to fast and hit a small divot in road. Ended up on side of mountain surounded with poison ivy. Thank GOD i was weari g my leathers so endes up with satin burn on my knee when it got caught between bike and road. That road surface is sketchy the entire route and mostly harpins. Tough road to do on a crotch rocket but a real blast on a supermoto. Ive spent a lot of time on the twisties in that area. The roads conditions are always changing so must be ready for anything to happen.
My friend, great video, but I must say... that is not a wet road :p I ride in the PNW, and regularly (think multiple times a week) ride through something that would maybe still freak you out given how much wetter it is than what is seen in this video.
Saw this and made me want to go practice and ride so I did! 👏🏼 took all the tip leaned myself off the bike and kept it more straight, gave me more confidence in my riding! 💪🏼
I grew up in Copenhagen. Wet most of the time. Worst was potholes and what the water 'covers'. The water itself is not slippery. Car oil slicks are! Yes, ride smooth but a bit of apprehension is good to keep it safe...
1. My cardiologist feels it's a good idea for the ole ticker to get jump started like you did with that foto!!!! (i wish, right?) Seriously man, you turn out great content. Super easy to understand. We see you do exactly what you'r explaining. Would I be nervous on your bike on that road? A little. So long as I was going MY speed I'd do it without hestitation. I would never try to keep up with anyone else. My speed, my comfort level. Do I need to practice YES!!!!!!!!!! Keep 'em rolling brother.
This is great, mostly I thought about it the same as you but I got reminded about the possibility of a branch and what to do, don’t usually run into that. Thanks! Glad to see my first thought of being smooth is correct. Hey I know you said don’t pay attention to the bike you are riding but I wanted to tell you congratulations, that’s a beautiful motorcycle, basically my other dream bike besides the motorcycle I have. I guess having one of your two dream bikes is good enough! Beautiful motorcycle dude!
I'll be honest. I would be apprehensive about doing this. I went through some twisted slopes earlier this week after a rain. I took it it slow and smooth as i could. I was relaxed but some worry was in my mind. Like you said, i just have to practice more.
I'm a new rider, only been riding for about 9 months. To answer your question, do I think that I could do that ride on your bike? Yeah, but I wouldn't be comfortable at all doing it at least not the first few times. I'd be way more comfortable and confident on my bike but I'd still be very cautious, probably to the point of being overly cautious. I had my first real experience with wet weather a couple months ago. I was caught out in an unexpected thunderstorm one afternoon while out about 50 miles from home. I waited out the worst part of the storm and made the ride back with the roads thoroughly wet. The first 10 minutes or so was very unsettling but then I started to get a feel for how my bike handled the wet pavement and small puddles. Long story short, I made it home with no issues and since then I've made a point of taking my bike out for an hour or so after it rains to get a little more experience with it in the wet. Just a few weeks ago the lot where I do a good portion of my practice, had a water truck and street cleaner come through and spray down and clean the lot in preparation to have the lines repainted. I took the opportunity to use the wet lot to do some low speed and med-speed (15-20 mph) practice. Still have a lot to learn but I'm having a blast doing it. Just wish that I had done this 30 years ago when I was in my 20's,
I would ride that road in those conditions, no doubt. When you said how “chilly” it was I almost laughed. I’ve ridden roads like that with snow on the shoulders. Beautiful day for a ride!
what i have learned from trying to go fast in the rain is just that everything from the dry is amplified. Stuff like bodyposition, rolling on the throttle and not sudden steering movements. I realized that i had to give my bike alot more throttle to make the bike stable in the rain.
Some additional Info about me/us. I am orig. german and my wife American and we used to live in the Bay Area. Now in switzerland. I love motorcycles. I am a returning rider and after a long time bought a 2008 KTM 990SM. Learning alot again. I know you/r😅 videos since many years. Love them. Take good care. Just sayin...
I ride all year round here in the UK, especially in winter with cold, damp roads etc. it makes you a smoother better rider and helps you relax more. Relax more, and you have more control.
I would jump on your bike with a level of caution just because I don't know it, I have a 650 cc bike with no rider aids so pretty used to being smooth in the wet but it is always good to approach a new bike with respect. awesome video by the way
This is a good video with some pretty good advice (for an american audience I guess), but calling these conditions "cold" and "wet" did make me chuckle a bit.
I ride a 2018 ktm superduke R everyday to work and go cruise around town every day for at least an hour. I live in Anchorage Alaska our weather sucks from what i’m told. Hahahha. These are good tips. Idk the number of times i’ve gone too hard on the throttle and had to get some clean shorts a minute later. Were almost at the frosty point of the year. Great video good tips.
Solid advice. If all goes to plan, Ill be returning to Motorcycling after about a 42 year hiatus spring of 24. I just moved from N Miami to Austin TX, where we have some nice country roads and some freeway/city driving. Miami is just nuts for driving anything, hats off to motorcyclists who survive that madhouse. Because 99 pct of the roads are either highway or city driving, with all the drivers snorting methamphetamines while texting. I wont miss that place, maybe the shark diving but never the roads! Cheers Motojitsu!
Riding YOUR bike under those conditions, yes, I would be a little nervous as I've never ridden it before. On my old Goldwing, no not nervous at all, but absolutely, ride to the road conditions.. I stop riding when the temp goes below 41°F...5°C... Hailing from northern Ontario, Canada. Keep on rockin out the videos, and have yourself a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!
I just got my licence last month and bought a brand new bike (vulcan S 650) im a bit nervous when riding in the morning when its dark and rainy with poaple waking up in there cars but not too nervous. I know how to ride... i can't wait till summer gets here so i can get the most out of my bike!! Im from Holland btw. Drive safe🏍
There have been times when I specifically chose a rainy day to go out and burn a few hours. The requirement to be just that little more in touch with the conditions makes every other day off riding that much more enjoyable. You have to learn to appreciate the suck sometimes.
