Rainex

[hap2]

1: Is RainX effective on lexin (1500) windshields? Does it damage the lexin?

2: What about on tinted visors for full-face helmets?

3: I guess the major thing I don't like about riding in the rain (that could be dangerous) is the lack of visibility.

4: O yes, re the tires...anything I can apply to the tires that keep them less-slippery. I'm thinking not, but thot I'd ask.

5: ALSO: does that liquid stuff work good for bike tires that have a slow leak?

Thank you very much

[schr8er2000]

Speaking from experience do NOT put Rainex on your windshield OR helmet visor.... it works for a couple of weeks, but after that it fogs it up and you will end up getting a new windshield..... never put it on a visor but feel the same would happen to it....

[hap2]

Ok, thanx. So how do u deal with it?

[schr8er2000]

Ended up buying a new windshield.... nothing would change the fogging on the windshield....

[hap2]

Okee dok. I guess I'll just keep spme micro-fibre cloths handy.

Thanx

[schr8er2000]

Thank would be your best bet.... the softer the cleaning cloth the better...Good luck and drive safe

[hap2]

Thanx & blessings upon u as well

[OnPapasWing]

For what it's worth, I've always had good luck with a used dryer sheet for cleaning the windshield. Won't bead the water like rain-ex will but it's great for removing those stuck-on bugs guts. Something in the dryer sheet that softens them up. Get dryer sheet wet, wipe windshield then rinse off. I know that isn't what you asked about but thought I would share just the same.

I would be careful not to apply anything to the tires. JMHO.

Steve

[mrtwowheel]

For visors and windshields I use carnuba wax after they are clean and dry. The carnuba wax without the abrasive cleaners, some use Lemon Pledge. Best thing to do with your tire leak is put 40 pounds of air in it and run a garden hose over it to watch for bubbles, a leaky valve stem can be replaced, a nail in the tire can be plugged if small, a bad tire can be replaced. I've heard of people using PB Blaster to soften tires, I wouldn't do this or recommend it.

Scott

[Dogsled]

Hap, How much experience do you have riding in the rain? It's not as bad as you can envision by overthinking it. Good tires will grip the road better than you imagine. I try to ride in the tracks of a car in front of me, they displace water reducing the possiblity of hydro-planning. I have the old windshield wiper blade tie-back on the left thumb to wipe the helmet shield if it the rain gets real heavy. Another thing is you should be looking right over the top of your windshield, not thru it. The air kicks alot of the water over your head.
There's prolly other stuff I can't think of but most of all, stay relaxed and don't death grip the handlebars. You'll tire quickly and that affect your ride safety. Rain is all just a part of riding.

Most of all don't get in between 2 semi's, you'll think your in a friggin car wash and can't see jack...

[mrtwowheel]

+1 on what dogsled said about looking over the windshield and not through it. If you can't do this then your windshield should be cut to size. I kind of enjoy a ride in the rain. I made an Iron Butt ride 500 miles of the 1000 miles was in the rain. Hail should be avoided at all cost, take any cover you can.

Scott

[minimac]

I have been using a spray protectorant (Armour All or similar)on my windshields for years. It doesn't damage the coating and water beads right up just like RainX. Spray on, then wipe off well with a soft cotton towel. Bugs splatter comes right off too! It's cheap enough to use daily if you want to. On occasion I've used Pledge also, but be forewarned- bees like the lemon smell! I prefer to look through my windshield and have never had problems even in torrential downpours. With a shorter windshield, the water runs up to the top the falls right into your lap!

[mrtwowheel]

I have been using a spray protectorant (Armour All or similar)on my windshields for years. It doesn't damage the coating and water beads right up just like RainX. Spray on, then wipe off well with a soft cotton towel. Bugs splatter comes right off too! It's cheap enough to use daily if you want to. On occasion I've used Pledge also, but be forewarned- bees like the lemon smell! I prefer to look through my windshield and have never had problems even in torrential downpours. With a shorter windshield, the water runs up to the top the falls right into your lap!

Armour All makes a lot of products, what one are you using? I like a windsheild height with the option to look through or over. And water does not fall right into my lap. I stay very dry if I am moving and dressed right. I have been known to heckle and give a hard time to the venders selling and installing the oversized windshields at Wing Dings.

Scott

[Mh434]

As far as the windshield & helmet shield are concerned, stay away from chemical treatments, like RainX, which are specifically formulated for use on glass. Chemicals that work great on glass may permanently ruin your 'Wing screen & helmet shield.

I use Mother's liquid wax (pure carnauba, with NO cleaners or abrasives). My windshield is old, yellowing, swirled & crazed, but using Mother's it looks like clear glass. Same with the helmet shields. The wax will not harm the plastic, contains no harmful chemicals (after all, you can eat it! In fact you do, when you eat fancy chocolates - they're covered with carnauba wax to make them shiny), and is dirt simple to apply. After cleaning my windshield with soap & water (and an old cotton T-shirt), I just smear on a little of the wax, cover the whole screen, then, when it dries (usually around 30 seconds), I buff lightly with an old cotton towel. Done. Good for a few more weeks. Water sheets right off, too, and bugs don't stick nearly as hard.

[Dogsled]

Riding in the rain or worse (on loose gravel) is all a matter of confidence you build in yourself as a rider. staying loose and feeling the bike is key.
I think Hap blessed us and left so we're talking to each other....
everybody ride safe and stay healthy

[tfdeputydawg]

MANY INTERESTING COMMENTS
We've clearly established one is NOT to use standard RainX, as it is for GLASS!! There is a Marine Formula available that is fine for motorcycle windshields.
Wax(any) is a good way to get all those fine scratches to start in a hurry!
Micro fiber which traps dirt/bugs, etc. becomes a scratcher very quickly.
I prefer to look through the shield-why have one at all if you're going to look over it?
What to do.
F4 customs windshield. Sheads water just like my cage glass shield w/RainX
Bugs/etc. clean easily with water and paper towel, yes I said paper towel.
Best shield I've ever had!!!!

[wingpilot08]

What are you applying to the tires??? Stuff to make them "blacker"...tire shine?? Don't do it EVER!! Bad idea!!!

[Viking]

A company called Moto Solutions makes and sells a product called Rain[Coat] and another called Fogtech. They work well for outside and inside visors and windshields. They are not harmful to plastic products. I have both, have used both and I like them.

[harvey01]

Safest and best method is to look over the windshield in the rain. Reommended in most rider training courses.

Don't put anything on tires, just use tires with adequate or better tread.

[tfdeputydawg]

What are you applying to the tires??? Stuff to make them "blacker"...tire shine?? Don't do it EVER!! Bad idea!!!

Carefully apply ArmorAll to the side walls, nothing on the tread!!!

[mrtwowheel]

What are you applying to the tires??? Stuff to make them "blacker"...tire shine?? Don't do it EVER!! Bad idea!!!

I know this is a bit off subject. I use Bleche-Wite and a stiff brush on my wheels, brakes and tires before I wash the bike with Cycle Brite or S100. After washing the bike I spray some tire foam on a paper towel and wipe the sidewalls. On my first ride after using the tire foam I lean right and left to kind of scrub the sides of the tread on the pavement. I've never had a problem with slippery tires after doing this. I think the tire foam helps preserve the sidewalls and gives me the opportunity to inspect the sidewalls while I'm wiping on the tire foam.

Scott

[HawkeyeGL1200]

I have used furniture "wax" on windshields in the past, and have stopped. Now, I just wash the surfaces (inside and out) with soapy water. When it rains, I'll either peek over or to the side to "clean" my helmet visor.

[WingAdmin]

Have a look at this product review: Moto Solutions RainCoat. I've been using it for a few years now.

[firey1]

i used turtle wax headlight reviver and conditioner on my screen and helmet visor
it takes off the yellowing haze get a nice clear screen and visor and also acts as a rain deterrent like rainx (its made for the plastic)

[Dogsled]

I gotta say I have had so many rain products on my windshield and when it's raining , you can't see thru any of them. If they had a product don't you think the car industry would be touting eliminating windshieldwipers.

The right height windshield, freway riding cause the air foil you need to look over the top of the shied and be able to to see. motorcycling skills will always go beyond some company telling you some story about being able to see in a deluge....

Nobody compensates for that crazy fogging you get on your shield AND helmet because of temperature/humidity.

There is no product that is going to make life safe for you on your bike in 'whatever' conditions god gives us.

I was on a city street in my van the other day and had to actually STOP because I couldn't see.....

Your on your own and your experience will guide you to safety