Some riders think that when the rain starts to come down, so too should the garage door, tucking the bike away until the sun shines again the following spring. It is so obvious to know that water reduces your motorcycle traction on the road as it creates a layer between your tires and the road surface. Then there is the problem of visibility and also the fact that previously non-slippery surfaces and road markings become slippery. That situation is really dangerous.
Unfortunately, those people are missing out on one of the best motorcycling experiences, as riding in the rain can actually be fun, so long as you know what to expect and how to change your riding accordingly. Rain is unavoidable and while you will probably never relish the opportunity to go out on your bike when it’s hammering down, it is not something you should be scared of. If you are fearful of it, it is something that you should really work on because, as we mentioned, you are going to do it at some point. You should try these 7 tips when you are riding in the rain.
1) Avoid Shiny-Smooth Surfaces
Surfaces that are kind of slippery on dry days become perilously slippery in the rain. Stay off of things like painted lines, manhole covers, metal plates, and even tar snakes. If you do find yourself caught on one of these, avoid hard braking or acceleration, just roll over it without any sudden inputs.
2) Find A Dry Line
When available, try riding in the tire tracks of vehicles in front of you. A car’s wheel can act like a plow, pushing water on the road out of the way for a brief moment. Soak up that dry pavement while you can.
3) Don’t Trust Puddles
That fun-looking mini-pond of splash-able joy could be hiding a foot-deep pothole, or who knows what else. If you can’t avoid riding through a puddle, hold the throttle steady, keep the bike upright, and don’t touch the brakes.
4) Keep Your Cool
Stay relaxed, and don’t make any sudden moves. Harsh, abrupt acceleration, braking, or steering can quickly eat up your limited traction. Make all your inputs smooth and gentle. If you have to brake hard, do it progressively, slowly squeeze the lever at first, to load the front tire and compress the suspension, then gradually increase the force until you’ve slowed enough.
5) Loosen Up
Clinging to the bars with a death grip will do three bad things. First, it will tire you out faster, exaggerate the effects of any movements you make, and keep your suspension from working as it should. Remember that your bike is designed to handle small bumps and wiggles, so let it do its job.
6) Give Yourself Time And Space
Take it easy. Reduce your speed, and put more space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Braking distances are much longer in the rain, and you can’t count on having traction when you need it. Plus, you need time to scan the road ahead and choose your lines, so you can avoid all the wonderful things we mentioned above.
7) Dry Gear Isn’t Enough
Waterproof gear is great and all, but the visible waterproof gear is even better. Remember that rain makes it even harder than usual for cars to see you. If your rain gear is all black, invest in a hi-vis vest or other reflective accessories.
Sources: Twisted Throttle.