October 02nd, 2013

There is something very distinct and unique about the smell of a motorcycle when ridden after it has been out in the rain. Its the strange sickly smell of debris and dirt suspended in the rain water being burnt away by the heat of the engine and the exhaust. I have never liked it which is funny because I have no problem riding in the rain or poor weather conditions. High winds maybe, but certainly not rain. As the saying goes 'there's no such thing as bad weather, just inappropriate clothing'. This mornings ride was the first ride in the rain that I've had to make for several weeks, but the wet greasy conditions often leave me with no confidence in my tyres, nor the condition of the road. I have often talked about the amount of diesel and oil I see when riding around London and my constant amazement that fewer vehicles seems to break down. This morning wasn't any different.
The Pirellis that are currently on the Ducati are a superb dry weather and track day tyre, but as the summer fades into autumn and winter I'd rather have a bike shod with Michelin's excellent Pilot Road 3s which would give much better wet/cold weather grip. Saying that, its pretty much a moot point because as soon as the temperature drops down close to freezing and the council decide to spread the road salt about, the Ducati will stay tucked up in the garage on a charger.
Hopefully I'll get the second bike sorted by then, as I really hate using the car in London, but then again, who doesn't?