[jroskelley]

A quick question: "Bike for sale...garage kept...never ridden in the rain..."

Is this some sort of badge of honor? Not riding a bike in the rain, or exposing it to the rain? Am I missing something here? I ride my bike in the rain all the time? Isn't that kind of the point...at least to some extent?

Thoughts? Anyone?

Cheers,
John

 

[centerpunch]

Anyone who is not willing to ride their bike in the rain is probably kind of anal about how they care for the bike. I personally wipe my bike down after riding in the rain to keep all the crud from building up on it. I would think a guy would want to buy a bike that has been so meticulously taken care of.

Cheers back at ya

 

[kyhick1]

John,

Ride my bikes in all kind of weather, but since they were in meticulous shape when we bought them, I wipe them down after each ride........Also its easier to clean the dirt off right away than a week later :neutral: Keeps them looking shiney and new.

Heather

 

[meanie]

Keep in mind, riding in the rain has the potential to push water, dirt and debri in places which wiping down can't always get to. When buying a used bike, we never really know how well kept the bike was from the seller. I, for one, would buy a bike not ridden in the rain moreso over one which is ridden all the time in the rain, regardless of how well kept the owner indicates.

 

[2WheelFun]

For me....if I get caught in the rain....oh well....I got caught in the rain....but when I get the bike home I'll wipe it down also. Personally.... I don't enjoy riding in the rain since I had to work in the rain while living in California working on the ranch. Spent many cold and wet days soaked from rain so I prefer sunny....even cloudy and cold days over rainy days while riding my bike.

If I were looking to buy a bike....same as when I search to buy a car/truck....I look for clean vehicles as it tells me the owner takes pride in how they care for their ride. Just some thoughts.

 

[BRlawman]

Guess you'll have to put me in the "anal" category because I don't like to ride in the rain. I take alot of pride in the appearance of my bike. I like for it to look good. Also, I like to get in as much riding as I can, but I'm not going to sacrifice quality for quantity. Guess I'd rather be at my computer talking about riding than out on the road cold and soaking wet. :wink:

 

[centerpunch]

I like to take long road trips and see new country. You don't have a lot of choice in the weather when you are on the road 3 or 4 days at a time. I don't like to ride in the rain either but you gotta do what you gotta do. I have found on long road trips in the desert when it's about 90 degrees out it is nice to hit a small rain shower occasionally. Makes for an adventure. We all have different tastes. Each one to their own.
I would rather buy a used bike knowing it has been kept out of the rain than the same bike that has been ridden hard in lots of adverse conditions any time. I just won't get as much for my bike when I sell it some day. That's OK.

I found that if you are prepared for adverse conditions the ride can be just as enjoyable. The company you ride with also has everything to do with it.

BRLawman, Are you a member of the Blue Knighs?

 

[Phatboy]

If the bike wasn't driven in the rain that just means the owner was a wimp =P

I have no room to talk. I heard that mud caked onto 3" Big Straights makes baby Jesus cry, so I try to keep the bike dry.

Phatboy

 

[Bud]

I always thought that "never been rode in the rain" was just an expression meaning that it had seldom BEEN rode, and never under adverse conditions. However, I bought my Helix scooter from Slicks' "better half", and I'm purty sure she said it hadn't been ridden "in the bugs". We all know how difficult they can be to clean off.

 

[SteveA]

Some people find it a challenge to ride in the rain, snow, cold. I can buy that. I ride in the cold. I don't ride in the rain, unless I am caught in it. Two reasons: 1. It takes too much time to clean the whole bike effectively after being soaked. Did I mention effectively? 2. The crud, solvents, antifreeze, oil, etc are suspended on the road in the rain, just waiting for that shiny new paint and chrome to eat up. If you have a chain, you have to lube immediately after the ride. Some types of air filters will also need attention. At least that is the consensus among those that know far more than me. 3. I said two reasons. I lied. The third one is that I am anal about keeping the bike in flawless condition. It takes way too much time as it is! I may as well toss a cot and a coffeemaker in the garage & live out there. Or maybe just buy a used bike that's already rusted, pitted, dirty, and just worry about the mechanics of the bugger. Just my 2 cents.
Regards

 

[ispeed77]

John
i think everyone has covered your question fairly well, it just boils down to one thing, it is a selling point. just because you, as a buyer, would ride in the rain, doesn't mean that you want to buy a bike that has been ridden in the rain. kind of like buying a truck that you want to put a plow on. you may not want one with a plow already, so you may look for "never plowed" as opposed to "plowed with the state for three years". regardless of your intentions as the new owner, its always better to start with something in the best condition you can get.

 

[jroskelley]

One time I brokered a deal for a case of wine between two friend's of mine. They didn't know each other. Finally, it sold for $12,000...$1,000 a bottle. I asked my friend what he was going to do with it and he said, "Drink it man...what else?" He wasn't kidding. Withing 2 months the entire case was gone. He drank it like it was no different than a $10 bottle.

I guess that's kind of my opinion of bikes and riding. I don't begrudge anyone for not riding out in the rain or other bad elements. I understand. Me, on the other hand, I bought my bike to ride, and ride I do. I'm not worried about reselling, so I guess that's probably the difference. I have a son who may get my Drifter when I move into something else, or I'll just keep it, or I'll not worry about what I get for it and just hope the next owner has as much fun as I have.

Like I'm prone to saying, "It's all good..."

Cheers,
John

 

[kyhick1]

I bought my bike to ride, and ride I do.

I agree. I keep my bike clean and parked in a garage when home. But I ride and the rain or snow residue will wash off at a car wash or with a hose. The bike was my only transportation until I got married. Heather rode her BMW for 10 years as primary transport in all types of weather.

Mack