Sometimes when you’re on a motorcycle ride, rain can come out of nowhere. A lot of riders dread riding in the rain, but if you do everything right it can be safe and even enjoyable. You’ll just need the right set of skills and the proper gear to safely ride your motorcycle in the rain. Here are four 4 tips to help you stay confident on your bike when the rain hits.
1. Have the right gear. You should always carry rain gear with you on your bike because the weather can be unpredictable. Items like a waterproof rainsuit, gloves and boots will keep you dry, even in a torrential downpour. Some riders even opt to purchase an electric heated vest to go under their rain gear to help them stay warm and dry in wet weather. If you choose to wear a helmet, you’ll want one with an anti-fog visor and breath guard so you can maintain visibility during your entire ride without fogging up.
2. Note the hazards around you. Many things are as slippery as black ice when you’re riding in the rain. Keep an eye out for leaves, lawn trimmings, manhole covers and sealer pavement, which will all make you lose traction quickly. If you’re unable to avoid any of these slippery hazards, don’t brake hard or accelerate aggressively while on top of them, just try to slowly roll over them. Standing water can also be extremely dangerous because it can hide other hazards like potholes or debris and can make you hydroplane. Avoid riding through standing water whenever you can.
3. Ride on the dry line in your lane. If you’re riding on pavement, try to stay off the wet parts of the lane you’re in. There should be a dry line from other vehicle’s tire tracks that you’ll want to stay in. The dryer the pavement, the more traction and maneuverability you’ll have on your motorcycle.
4. Be very careful at intersections and roundabouts. Even without rain, intersections can be very dangerous when you’re riding a motorcycle. Many accidents occur at intersections due to drivers not paying attention or not seeing motorcyclists. Be wary of the traffic around you since visibility might be lower than normal in the rain. There are other hazards to look out for as well at intersections including slick oil spots and painted lines that become slippery in the rain. If you’re riding through a roundabout, both the entrance and exits can be slippery. Approach the roundabout slowly, so you don’t have to brake suddenly and try to limit your lean while going through the circle.
Riding in the rain can be tough and challenging, but it can also be rewarding and even fun. Make sure you’re prepared with the proper gear and knowledge to help you ride in the rain safely. Once you ride in the rain a few times, you’ll become more comfortable and increase your skills, making you a better rider.
At Hupy and Abraham, we do all we can to help motorcycle riders. Our firm has promoted rider awareness and safety for decades. Hupy and Abraham’s “Watch for Motorcycles” message is spread through billboards, TV ads, stickers and more to help keep riders at top of mind of other drivers and help save their lives. Stay tuned to HUPY.COM for more motorcycle articles, tips and tricks and videos.
As a rider, sometimes even if you do everything right, an accident can still happen. If you’re injured in a motorcycle accident, call us today at 800-800-5678 so we can start fighting for you. Hupy and Abraham has helped over 70,000 clients receive over $1 billion for their injuries.
