Back

Should You Ride Your Motorcycle in the Rain?

Jun. 29 2020 Motorcycle Safety Tips By Berts Mega Mall

Share

Berts Mega Mall | Powersports Hub 

When it comes to the rain, experienced motorcyclists will tell you to try to avoid riding in the rain at all costs. You are putting yourself in a dangerous position when you try to take on slippery surfaces with just two wheels because your balance and control are immediately put at risk.

So "Should You Ride Your Motorcycle in the Rain?" 

The best advice we can give you with riding in the rain is to not do it at all, but we understand that sometimes riding in the rain is the only option you have.

Here are some safety tips on how to ride your motorcycles safely when it is raining.

Before We Start - BE PREPARED

Before we get into "how to safely ride your motorcycle in the rain", the most important tool is to know when the rain is coming and to avoid riding during those times! For this, we strongly recommend using weather apps on your phones such as the Weather Channel App. A lot of these apps will send you real-time notifications to your phone giving you a near exact time when rain may start to fall. This is incredibly helpful and will get you home safely before the rain even begins!

 -

⛈ How to Safely Ride Your Motorcycle in the Rain ⛈

-

Safety Tip 1: Visor Visibility

Visibility is the first thing to reduce when you are riding in the rain because water will be constantly splashing on your visor and the cold weather causes it to fog up. Having a dark shield installed on your helmet is also a huge risk because the darkness will make it even more difficult to see what is in front of you. Having a clear visor will allow for more visibility in these conditions and having an anti-fog coated face shield or goggles will allow you to see more clearly.

Bonus Tip:

Wear a Windproof/waterproof balaclava mask for added facial protection

Safety Tip 2: Have the Right Gear

If you have to ride in the rain, the most important factor for safe riding is having the right gear. Having a good waterproof rain suit, jacket, pants, gloves, and boots can keep even the most persistent storm from soaking you. Getting a good pair of waterproof gloves is extremely important because your hands are what maneuvers the bike. If your hands are cold and wet, it may affect the way you control the bike causing an accident. Having waterproof gear will not only keep you dry, but it will also give you extra warmth and comfort when riding.  

Bonus Tip:

Get a waterproof tank bag to store additional dry clothing

 

Safety Tip 3: Be Seen! 

Riding a motorcycle is considered a safety hazard in any weather because it is difficult to be seen so riding in the rain will make it even harder for other drivers to see you. If you have to drive in the rain, make sure you have reflective or bright material on your jacket, pants, helmet, or bike. You want to make sure other drivers will be able to see you even in the worst weather. Make sure that the lights on your bike are working as well because your visibility and your visibility to others should be a top priority any time your ride.


Safety Tip 5: Ride Smoother and Smarter

Although you may have the urge to drive fast on your motorcycle, you must ride smoother and smarter when it is raining. Your motorcycle will not act the same way it does on dry weather because the streets are totally different. Throttle adjustments need to be made smoothly and in small increments. When riding, gradually apply your brakes and get your braking done early to avoid any accidents. Stay alert of your surroundings so you have time to react in case anything would to occur.


Safety Tip 5: Inspect Your Ride

If you know you are going to be riding your bike in the rain, it is ideal that you inspect the bike before you head out. Here are a couple of things you should look out for:

  • Tires:
    • Make sure the tires on your motorcycle have tread to be ready to deal with water. Also, make sure that the tires are the right pressure. An under or over inflated tire will react differently in water than it will when it is dry
  • Brakes:
    • Your brake pads should have plenty of brake material to stop as needed during wet weather. 
  • Oil/Brake Fluid:
    • Check your motorcycle to ensure that there is no leakage, including your oil or brake fluid. When the oil is mixed with water, it becomes a recipe for slippery, unsafe conditions that can end your ride early.

Conclusion:

Our best advice we can give you for safe riding is to avoid riding in the rain at all cost. However, if riding in the way is your only option, make sure you are prepared with the right gear and that your bike is in great condition for rainy weather. Being alert and aware of your surrounding will make your ride be more smoothly and you will be safer because of it.


Related:

 - 5 Safety Tips to Ride a Motorcycle

 - Hand Signals Every Rider should know

 - Don't Leave Without These Items On Your Street Bike

 

💰

GET FINANCED!

⏰

VALUE YOUR TRADE IN
30 SECONDS!

☎️

CALL NOW:

626-974-6600
✉️

EMAIL US!

customerservice@bertsmegamall.com
📍
GET DIRECTIONS!