Rain, Rain, Go Away.....

Come again some other day.......

Once again, we have weather with temperatures well below normal and rain, rain, rain. Does that keep us from riding.... Heck No!! As witnessed by our Service Dept every day, a majority of our riders are enthusiasts and weather does not stop them. And like Mother Nature, we are a force to be reckoned with....

So how do they ride without being bothered by the weather? Here are a few tips to assist those less apt to ride in the rain.

Tires - Those two pieces of rubber are what provides the traction to the road and keeps you from sliding all over the place. If you are a multi-weather rider, you need tires that have adequate water deflection from the center of the tire. Also, please make sure your tire inflation in correct also. We hear alot of people who over-inflate or under-inflate their tires based on someone elses recommendations for tire longevity. Changing the inflation on your tires may allow for longer tread life, but it also may change the amount of tire making contact with the road, and your traction. While maybe not noticeable on dry, hot pavement.... that may be different when the pavement is cold and wet. Please also only purchase tires with treads/compounds that match! A mixture of compounds and treads is a recipe for disaster in the elements. See Josh, Frank, Gage or Mike in our Parts Dept for any questions you may have about your tires. Also, please remember that CSC discounts the installation when you purchase your tires from them. So the combination of loyalty points and discounted labor makes purchasing your tires from us very cost effective.

Brakes - Brake calipers need to be bled on any motorcycle at least once every two years. Unlike cars, the master cylinder/slave cylinders cannot be put in a location away from heat. This causes the brake fluid to "gel" causing braking problems. To ensure that your bike is ready for inclement weather you should have your brake pads checked with each oil change or twice a year and your brake lines bled every other year. Chicago Sports & Cycle offers a FREE Safety Check. Call Kevin Teague or Joe B and schedule one for your bike.

Gear - Frogg Togs - The best rain gear out there. It is lightweight, folds into a compact ball, breathes so you don't overheat and is water resistant. You can't beat them. Last year, at the Chicago Sports & Cycle Shawnee National Forest weekend ride, when the weather looked like it might turn, we all pulled over and all you saw was Frogg Togs coming out of the luggage. They are made specifically for motorcyclists with more room in the crotch so they don't pull while you are sitting, longer legs so they don't ride up and get your ankle wet, and longer arms to provide a shield even when your arms are stretched out holding the handlebars.

So don't be afraid of the weather. Even if you are a "fair weather" rider, at some point you are going to get caught in the rain. And when that happens, it doesn't hurt to be prepared.