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It always scares the crap out of me because of the oil/water mix and the so-very-little contact patch that's now lubricated by that mix. I usually slow down and downshift so I'm running at a higher RPM in order to keep the power to the rear wheel in hopes that keeps the wheel firmly planted. And, I tend to use way less front brake, a lot more engine braking and avoid the center of the lane like the plague.



I find the tubeless Metzler tire competent enough on wet road, but obvious precautions are in order, especially on surface streets.

I find I can pretty much fly as fast as I care to on the highway as long as I am clear of traffic - then watch out for their dumb moves...

Off the slab, though, on wet streets, I find that the rear tire is more prone to slip and slide out when turning under power. Not much surprise there, but what I have taught myself to do, is take those 2nd gear turns in 3rd gear instead, reducing the torque to the rear wheel. She feels a little better planted when doing so.

Again, I have to give kudos to these bikes, and the 65" wheelbase we enjoy. Don't take it for granted. That is a specification that, I think, bears some appreciation. When that back tire does want to break loose and slide out, if you are paying attention, you realize it soon enough and can save it by rolling off the throttle in time or letting off the rear brake if that is the case, even at highway speeds in a panic-stop-stab on the rear brake. A shorter wheel-based bike, I think, would come around so much faster that it would be very difficult to catch or control it.

p.s., Do not try the panic stop at highway speed on wet road. Your results may vary.....

Keith
Houston
Ridin'Texas
'04 Speedmaster
AI removed, Pingle, UNI Filter, 1 shim, straight-through slash-cut TORs, Stage 1 DynaJet, 140 mains, 3 turns, 16/42 final drive, 115K
2020 T120 Black