Does the idea of riding in the rain make you gag? If you have the appropriate equipment and skill set, riding a motorbike in the rain can be both safe and enjoyable.
When riding in the rain, what should you exactly anticipate, and what modifications should you make on the fly?
Tip 1: Get the appropriate gear
The first step to enjoying a day in the rain is to make sure you have good waterproof clothing. Items like a two-piece or one-piece rainsuit, gloves, boots, and maybe an electric heated vest may keep you warm and dry in even the most relentless storm. While it may not be the most fashionable, wearing high-visibility clothing enhances the likelihood that other drivers will see you when visibility is low. Keep this in mind as you search for equipment. Although waterproof clothing tends to keep you warm on its own, if rain is predicted, think about packing several lighter layers that you can pull on if it gets cold.
The helmet is another frequently disregarded component of the gear jigsaw; it needs to include an electric defrost visor, a breath guard, or an anti-fog visor (like Pinlock). The last thing you want is a gloomy vision of a wet road, so either leave the tinted shield at home or carry along a clear spare. If you can, keep your visor closed and down at all times. It will be very difficult to defrost if moisture or rain gets inside.
Whatever setup you choose, be sure it doesn’t interfere with your riding or cause you any distractions. For instance, if your fingers are frozen, you can’t use the controls, yet wearing extra-warm gloves could be cumbersome and ineffective. In the same way, while a neck warmer could be cozy, it prevents you from rotating your head far enough to examine your shoulders. For the circumstances you want to ride in, you should be able to strike a decent mix between comfort and practicality, but you may need to look around for the correct equipment.
Lastly, if you ride your bike to work in the rain, make sure you have an extra set of clothes available just in case.
Tip 2: Ride more sensibly and smoothly
When riding in the rain, there’s just one word to keep in mind: smooth. Everything you do on your motorbike in wet weather should be fluid, including maneuvering, braking, and throttle changes. There’s a reason why modern motorcycles frequently come equipped with a Rain mode that reduces power, maybe even improves throttle mapping, and/or intensifies traction control and ABS intervention.
Roll on and off the throttle softly, and utilize your lean angle sparingly, even with current rider aids. If you encounter a slippery patch, you will be less likely to have your bike slide out from under you if you can keep it as upright as possible. Once more, that word: smoothly. Instead of stabbing at the brake lever, increase your following distance and utilize your engine to aid in deceleration.
Tip 3: Avoid crossings at large
Riding a motorbike at an intersection is risky enough, but the rain just makes it worse. These include a variety of hazards, such as painted lines that can turn into ice when wet (see the following advice), oily patches where cars stop and idle, and, of course, lots of other drivers who might not be as alert as you.
Roundabouts are particularly difficult since they might be slick all the way around the circle as well as at the entrances and exits. You’ll emerge unscathed if you approach cautiously to prevent needing to brake quickly, maintain your composure, and keep your lean to a minimum.
Tip 4: Be alert for unexpected events
Almost innocuous circumstances in the dry might become nasty surprises when it’s raining. Look out for manhole covers, painted lines, tar snakes (sealer pavement), and fallen leaves—all of which, when wet, resemble black ice. Prior to crossing any of these traction inhibitors, see if there is a path that you may take to avoid them. If not, roll over them without applying any forceful inputs and resist strong braking or acceleration.
Remember to tilt the bike no more than is necessary and to keep your hands relaxed on the handlebars in case you need to adjust your line or turn over a greasy area.
Another possible hazard is standing water, which may be particularly hazardous when traveling at high speeds on the road and making it difficult to slow down in time to avoid hydroplaning. Naturally, water will collect in low areas, which are frequently the leftmost lanes on highways where the concrete barrier keeps the water from draining. To identify issue locations ahead of time, stay out of that lane and keep an eye out for evidence of water spray from automobiles ahead of you.
Tip 5: Look for a dry line.
It may seem apparent, but we are often surprised by the sheer number of riders who choose to ride in a wet section of the road when there is a dry section nearby. Always stay in the driest part of the lane (usually where the automobile tire tracks are) as dry pavement provides better traction and maneuverability.
As you put these riding principles into practice over time, you’ll discover that riding in the rain—and even touring—can be enjoyable and enhance your skills as a competent rider. Although every trip will be different—riding in the city during a storm is nearly always the most nerve-wracking—you can still go practically every day even when clouds are rolling in.
