Tips for Riding Your Motorcycle in the Rain
While most motorcycle enthusiasts probably don’t purchase a bike with the intention of riding around in the rain, the situation might be unavoidable at times. If your bike is your only mode of transportation or if you’re riding and the rain suddenly hits, you want to be as prepared as possible. Remember that this is very different as compared to riding on dry roads.
Here at S&N MotorSports, we’ve rounded up some essential tips for motorcycle riding in the rain. If you’d like more information or you need parts or service before your next ride, feel free to give us a call or visit our dealership in Port Charlotte, Florida.
Prepare Your Bike
You shouldn’t attempt to ride your motorcycle in the rain before you’ve taken the time to prepare it for these conditions. After all, you never want to take a bike out on the road if it’s in need of maintenance or repairs. This is even more important when you’re going to be riding in the rain. Prepare in advance so you can avoid running into issues when you’re out on the wet, slick roads. You’ll be glad you took the time to do this when you’re handling potential issues in the comfort of your garage rather than on the side of the road in the pouring rain.
Begin by checking your tires to ensure that there’s enough tread to provide you with ample traction when navigating wet roads. The tires should also be properly inflated to the level of pressure that’s recommended in the owner’s manual. Next, go ahead and confirm that you’ve got enough engine oil and brake fluids for the ride. Test the brakes, clutch, and throttle. Finally, check to see that all the lights are functioning, visible, and bright. If you notice any issues during your pre-ride check, make sure to address them before you hit the road.
Gear Up
Once your bike is in excellent condition for riding in the rain, you’ll want to be sure you’ve got the right gear to go with it. You’ll need the usual road protection you wear all the time, but you should make an effort to adapt it to the unique circumstances you’ll be facing when the roads are wet. If you happen to wear leather clothes when you ride, remember that they won’t mix well with water.
If you anticipate a fair share of wet rides, you might want to consider investing in a one-piece rain suit. This will cover up your clothes underneath and keep them protected and dry. While this option might be a bit bulky and expensive, it will offer the type of protection you need when riding your motorcycle in the rain. Another solution worth considering is a waterproof riding jacket along with waterproof riding pants.
Another essential item you’ll need is a full-face helmet. This is the best choice because it covers your entire head and eyes, which is ideal for riding in the rain. Goggles can allow water in and make it challenging to see the road. Make sure that your helmet comes with a waterproof face shield. You should also have a pair of solid, shielded riding gloves to keep your hands warm and comfortable so you don’t have trouble manipulating the controls on your motorcycle. And as always, you’ll need a sturdy pair of riding boots with a good grip.
Look for Hazards
No matter how prepared your bike and body might be for the rain, there’s still the chance of road hazards that you’ll need to be aware of. The main thing to watch out for is low-traction obstacles. Wet riding can turn situations that are normally harmless into a serious danger zone. One example is the steel plates used on city streets for covering holes in construction areas. When wet, these steel plates have zero traction and become extremely slick. You should never attempt to make a swift change in speed or direction when traveling over steel plates because you run the risk of sliding.
Another obstacle that requires extra caution is intersections. As cars idle, they drip oil. When you mix this with the rain, it becomes a major hazard for motorcycle riders. The slick spots that are left behind can pose issues for those on a bike. Do your best to stay alert and avoid low-traction obstacles whenever you can. If you have no choice but to ride over these obstacles, approach them with extreme caution. Slow your speed and use intense focus in these scenarios.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to confidently ride your motorcycle in the rain. If you’re still in the market for the perfect bike, visit S&N MotorSports in Port Charlotte, FL. Our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be happy to give you a complete tour of all the amazing bikes that we have in stock right now. We proudly serve all those in Fort Myers, so stop by today!