10 tips for motorcycling in the rain
In rainy weather, drivers should reduce their speed and keep clear of other vehicles. This gives drivers a better view and reduces the risk of collisions with other vehicles.
Challenges of motorcycling in rainy weather
Motorcycle riding in rainy weather is one of the toughest riding conditions any rider can face. In rainy weather, drivers should take some precautions to stay safe without endangering themselves and other road users.
In rainy weather, motorcyclists have to ride on muddy and slippery roads. Rainwater and mud on the road surface prevent the tires from sticking to the road surface while driving, making it difficult for drivers to brake, corner and even stay on track.
In addition, visibility is reduced in rainy weather, increasing the likelihood of collisions with other vehicles. In addition, rain can expose drivers to puddles and drops of water, which can negatively affect driving comfort.
Tips for riding a motorcycle in the rain
While some drivers love and enjoy driving in the rain, others can be anxious and hate it. Riding a motorcycle on rainy days can be an interesting experience or a scary ride on slippery ground. The best thing about driving in the rain is that it is a good practice method for any type of driving, and it should be smooth and smooth while driving.
If you’re one of those people who puts your helmet on the shelf when it gets cold, we recommend checking out our wet weather riding recommendations. With small changes to your clothing and a few tweaks to your riding technique, using it in the rain can be easier and more fun than you think.
1. Don’t rely on invisible puddles
Splashing puddles that look like fun little ponds can contain foot-sized holes in the bottom and similar hazards. If you have to go over it, try to keep your throttle steady, keep your bike upright and don’t touch the brakes.
2. Avoid glossy flat floors
Floors that seem a little slippery on dry days become dangerously slippery on rainy days. Try to stay away from road markings, manhole covers, metal plates and snake-shaped pitch marks in the asphalt. If you come across one of these and need to get over it, go over it calmly without braking hard, accelerating suddenly or steering abruptly.
3. Stay calm
Keep calm and don’t make any sudden movements. Hard, sudden acceleration, braking or steering will eat away at your limited grip. Make all your movements smooth and soft. If you must brake hard, do so gradually: Squeeze the brake lever slowly at first to load the front tire and compress the suspension. Then gradually increase the intensity of the squeeze until you feel you have slowed down enough.
4. Do one thing at a time
Under normal circumstances, you may be able to do many things at once, such as accelerating, shifting, or braking while turning (although it’s not recommended, there are some who use this technique). Try to perform these moves one at a time in the rain, for example try to finish your deceleration before entering the corner. These reduce the desired grip of your tires.
5. Rainbows are not your friend
Those magical colorful liquids on the floor are nothing but puddles of extremely slippery and deadly oil. Don’t aim for rainbows and try to go over them. They can be found in the worst intersections, in such places the oil they drip accumulates because vehicles have been waiting for a while, so be careful when stopping or passing through intersections.
6. Take time and distance from yourself
Take your time. Reduce your speed and leave more distance from the vehicle in front. Braking distances are longer in the wet, and if you need grip you shouldn’t rely on it as much as you would on dry roads, and scan further down the road and draw your line accordingly to avoid the pitfalls we just mentioned.
7. Find a dry line
Whenever possible, try to follow the tire tracks of the vehicles in front of you. Car tires work like a team and throw the water out of the way for a while. Try to take advantage of this dry path as much as possible.
8. Waterproof clothing is not enough
While waterproof clothing is very good, more visible waterproof clothing is even better. Don’t forget that rain makes it harder for cars that can’t see us anyway. If all your rainwear is dark, consider investing in a safety vest or other reflective accessories.
9. Get up every once in a while
Heavy rainfall often forms a puddle on your lap, and if the water is not poured for too long, it can zip up even the highest quality brands and make you wet. To avoid this, it may be a good idea to stand on the pegs from time to time and let the water drain out of your lap.
10. Consider using heated clothing
Although their prices are high, heated clothing is a special equipment that can protect you from hypothermia and from getting wet and cold. If you are going to be riding in cold and rainy weather for a long time, you should consider investing in these products.
Is it safe to ride a motorcycle in rainy weather?
Riding a motorcycle in rainy weather can be more challenging than under normal driving conditions. However, with the right equipment and driving techniques, drivers can keep themselves and other road users safe.
What equipment should be used in rainy weather?
In rainy weather, motorcyclists should wear suitable equipment, such as waterproof motorcycle clothing, helmets with rain feathers and boots with non-slip soles.
Is it difficult to brake in rainy weather?
In rainy weather, braking can be more difficult because the road surface can be slippery. That is why it is important that drivers brake in time and slow down slowly.
How to take turns in rainy weather?
When cornering in rainy weather, it is important that drivers slow down and distribute their body weight evenly when cornering. When cornering, drivers should accelerate slowly and get out slowly.
Does visibility decrease in rainy weather?
Yes, visibility is reduced in rainy weather, which increases the risk of drivers colliding with other vehicles. Therefore, drivers are advised to reduce their speed and keep clear of other vehicles.
How much speed can be done in rainy weather?
In rainy weather there is no speed limit which can change depending on road conditions and traffic density. However, it is recommended that drivers drive at a speed appropriate to the weather conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.