Riding in the rain at night!!!

[James Santry]

Help!
Can anyone pass on some good advice on how to improve riding in the dark when it is raining cats and dogs? I have fitted a 130/80 bulb to my 850GS, and if I keep on high beam, it is a liitle easier to see. As on coming cars don't flash me to dim my lights, maybe the headlamp could be adjusted slightly higher? As soon as I reach the car infront of me, I have to dip and then I can see very little again. In Ireland, many of the roads do not have cats eyes or white lines in the middle of the road, so you have to judge your position between the oncoming car and the ditch. This is very difficult when it is raining as my vision is restricted by the rain on the visor and the terrible light from the headlamp. My last bike (VFR 750) had an excellent front light. As this is the only complaint I have about the GS, it is a far better bike for the Irish roads than the VFR, but at night time it is a disaster.
If anyone has any tips for improving this situation (apart from the obvious one, which is to slow down a bit) I would really appreciate it.
I was toying with the idea of changing for a GSA, but the engine is so sweet on the 850, I wonder if it is worth while trading up as the only big trips I do, would be once or twice a year. The extra top end speed would be nice for the continent, as I felt that the 850 seemed to be happy at 80 - 90 mph. An extra 10 mph would be nice on the autobahns. How are the lights on the GSA?

 

[MikeO]

James,

do a search for "lights", open a beer and spend the next 3 days reading - the solution is there...

Mike

 

[(RIP) Bin Ridin]

James,
I have just fitted two Hella micro-de lights wired to the dip via autoswitch and two Hella FF75's wired to the main beam. Result - very good, better than I expected as I went from Gorey to Wexford on old road last evening. Not raining but I still think they are the biz. Very big difference on dip beam as the micro-de's light the ditches and if you switch them off, the dip beam alone is pathetic even though I have a PIAA 55w bulb.
This is on an 02 R1150gs.
Bought the light bar from Migsel in Belgium, lights locally and autoswitch from Nippy Norman. Then you need a soldering iron, shrink tubing, time in a warm shed, tea, radio, time, biscuits, time, did I say time?
Some say FF50's are better than FF75s - not sure but these work anyhow.
Laurence

 

[(RIP) maverick]

I was toying with the idea of changing for a GSA, but the engine is so sweet on the 850, I wonder if it is worth while trading up as the only big trips I do, would be once or twice a year. The extra top end speed would be nice for the continent, as I felt that the 850 seemed to be happy at 80 - 90 mph. An extra 10 mph would be nice on the autobahns. How are the lights on the GSA?

If you seriously think of the whole situation you have answered your question. Keep the 850 unless you happy to spend another 4-5k for a slightly faster, heavier bike with useless lights. It is nice cruising along on the autobahn at 100mph but essentially if you on holiday enjoy the view which is much better at 70.

Best would be as suggested to click on the search button and read through the numerous threads of lights, light bars etc. Most GS owners settle for the hella FF50 driving lights.

Cheers

 

[bmwrich58]

Can anyone pass on some good advice on how to improve riding in the dark

I put some cheapie Hella's "55 watt" make a huge difference. About $60.00 US.

 

[(RIP) Geriatric Germ]

Try These.

9" Cibies, FF50's, Migel Bar, wind resistence, weight restrictions, heavy duty batteries, loads of pisstaking, and I never go out in the dark, let alone Rain. Just a slow moving old Poseur

 

[ferguscawley]

James

It seems to me like your headlight needs adjusting. Your headlight is the same as mine ( an 1100 GS). These haedlamps are very good, especially witht he higher wattage bulb fitted. I have an 80/100 W in mine and it is very good.
The headlight can be easily adjusted - the adjuster is just behind the clocks.

By the way, where in Cork are you ?

Ferg

 

[James Santry]

Thanks for all the tips.

I was wondering if someone would suggest adjusting the headlamp. Thanks Fergus. I think I will try this first of all.

Living just outside Cork, in Riverstick.

 

[wessie]

Also, try to reduce the amount of water on your visor. This will improve vision by reducing the refraction/reflection of the light from oncoming vehicles.

Silicon based polishes like Mr Sheen work well. A friend swears by Mer.

One caveat: all of these products contain solvents that evaporate to leave a smooth layer of silicon. These solvents may reduce the life of your visor.

 

[ferguscawley]

Thanks for all the tips.

I was wondering if someone would suggest adjusting the headlamp. Thanks Fergus. I think I will try this first of all.

Living just outside Cork, in Riverstick.

James

I'm in Douglas. Give me a ring on 086 8128943 if you'd like me to adjust the headlight for ya.

Do you know the Coleman family (Vince / Gavin / Donie ) in Riverstick ?

Passed through there yesterday on my GS about 2:30 ish.

Later

Ferg