Riding Your Motorcycle in the Rain
Riding your motorcycle in the rain comes with many safety hazards, but it’s a situation that might be unavoidable. If your bike is the only mode of transportation, or if you’re riding and it rains unexpectedly, you’ll want to be as prepared as possible. Remember that this is very different from riding on dry roads. We’ve created this handy guide with tips for bike riding in the rain to help you stay safe.
Get Your Bike Ready
Before you think of trying to ride your motorcycle in the rain, you’ll need to ensure it’s in great shape. It’s best to prepare your bike in advance and take care of any potential issues in the comfort of your garage, instead of being stranded in rain on the highway. Check your tires to ensure they have enough tread to provide you with plenty of traction on wet roads. You’ll need to make sure they’re inflated to the correct level of pressure. Next, check the engine oil, brakes, throttle, and clutch. You’ll also want to test all the lights to confirm they’re working.
Use the Right Gear
Safe motorcycle riding starts with the proper gear. You’ll need the everyday protection that you normally use, but you should adapt it to the unique circumstances of wet riding. Consider investing in a one-piece rain suit, which will cover up your clothes and keep you safe in the rain.
A full-face helmet is the best option for facing the rain on your bike as it’ll protect your head and eyes from the rain. Goggles are risky because they can let water inside and reduce your visibility on the road. Don’t forget a pair of rugged riding gloves to keep your hands warm and dry for operating the controls on your bike. Finally, you’ll want to wear a sturdy pair of riding boots.
Adjust Your Riding
One of the essential components of riding your motorcycle in the rain is being able to adapt to the road conditions at hand. For example, you must leave sufficient space between yourself and other vehicles on the road. If someone comes to a sudden stop, you’ll need plenty of time to slow down and avoid a crash. Be careful while taking turns and making lane changes in the rain. You can expect the roads to be slick, so you’ll have reduced traction. Safe riding requires you to be more cautious than you normally would.
We hope you found our guide helpful! For all your bike needs, visit Kent's Harley-Davidson® in Abilene, TX. If you’re looking to buy, we have a wide range of motorcycles for sale, so it will be easy for you to find the perfect bike. We are your local motorcycle dealer proudly serving all those in San Angelo and Brownwood.