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6 Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riding in Rain

by shumail ayub
( NE4 6AL)

Riding a motorcycle requires a lot of skill, training, focus, risk tolerance, experience so you can ride safely under varying weather and terrain conditions. Riding a motorcycle in the rain requires practice and a lot of skill, but it is not something that you should fear. There is no doubt that there are some difficulties that one faces during rainy weather but you can counter all of those. Discussed below are some of the problems that one faces and along with that tips on how to counter those obstacles. Learn to ride in the rain so you can enjoy the experience while staying safe!


1) Motorcycle Waterproof Clothing
Make sure that when you are going out to ride in the rain, you are wearing proper motorcycle rain clothing that is waterproof and does not let any kind of water drip in to your body. From waterproof jackets, to motorcycle waterproof trousers you will find that all accessories and gear is available for the wet and rainy weather.


2) Waterproof Motorbike Gear
Many motorcyclists complain that although the motorbike helmet covers the head and face and provides protection, it does little to stop water from seeping in. yes, water can be a distraction especially if you want t stay dry and concentrate on the road. To solve this problem, always buy top quality motorcycle crash helmets that have a tight seal and does not allow water to flow in. Get waterproof gauntlet gloves that will not allow rain water to enter, as the cuff adjustment is so tight. Or you can simply tuck the gloves in the cuff of the jacket.

3) Traction

Many motorcyclists face trouble and accidents on wet road and terrains as they become slippery. One has to learn to adjust the speed as well as controlling the brake system that responds differently in rain. However, if you have gotten latest tires installed which have a good grip on the pavement even if it is wet it is better and safer for you. You have to get used to the roads and find out which ones offer best traction as there may be some which are worn out and provide less traction but some hard pavement or street that has better traction .One technique in finding out the traction of the road is by applying the brake carefully to the point of lock-up. Be cautious of broken roads, tarred pavements, and places where you suspect that oil or slippery substance might have been spilled. Stay away from such areas especially in the rain as they can cause the tire to slip and for the motorcycle to go out of your control. Of course, follow the instructions of staying at a low speed during rain and careful braking.

4) Low Visibility in Rain
When you buy a motorcycle helmet, make sure that it has anti-fog feature in the visor as it will help your vision especially during rain. You should also have a helmet with a visor that does not let water stay on it too much and the rain drop slip right off it. You can also lift up the visor if visibility is really low to avoid any accidents or mishaps due to low visibility.


5) Wind & Lightning
Of course, besides rain there are other weather related things to be expected for motorcyclists. Since you are exposed to the air, you should not ride out in times when you feel that lightning might strike you. Also, be wary of the wind and make sur eyour motorcycle helmet is aerodynamically designed in a way that the wind does not slow you down or cause an impediment in your driving.

Conclusion:
Riding a motorcycle in the rain is basically about buying the right gear and wardrobe so that you are dressed up accoridng to the weather. It also means that you will be wary of the rules, regulations that are taught to you during driving schools as well learn from other's experiences. You should be able to get the hang of riding in the rain with your personal experiences and keep in mind all the tips mentioned above. The key is to remain in control of your motorbike.

Source:http://riderwear.net/

Comments for 6 Safety Tips for Motorcycle Riding in Rain

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Jul 24, 2013
Also
by: Susanne

All great comments especially regarding wet weather riding. With all the available technology I would also look for a bike that offers ABS and traction control. Both features add very little extra cost to your bike when you factor in the added safety. The rate of fatal crashes is 31 percent lower for motorcycles equipped with optional ABS than for those same models without ABS(from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety website). It's something to consider the next time your in the market for a new bike.

Jul 23, 2013
riding in rain
by: jp

Just some additional comments from a seasoned rider.

Clothing. Make sure it's tight around wrists, neck and ankles. Don't tuck your gloves into the wrists as the water will be working it's way in through the tightest attempts. Use gauntlet gloves or expect to feel some water seeping in. It's a little distracting but not the end of the world. Just pay attention to the driving and you'll get a chance to dry out later. Right now I use the rain liner to my Joe Rocket gauntlet glovwa and rain pants under my Joe Rocket Mesh pants to keep the rain pants from 'ballooning' in the wind, (and often melting holes in the fabric as well as letting water in). Sometimes it takes trying out different styles and types of rain gear to find what works for you.

Visibilty: MOST important issue along with traction. Rain drops on more than one area of plexiglass is almost impossible to see through, so depends on if you can see over your windshield. I'm a bit on the short side and have had to open my visor as well as take all glasses off to see when I had a bike with a too tall windshield. The best windshield is one you can see over. Now, I have a bike with a shorter windshield and a helmet that keeps fogging at bay and I've only once in a really strong downpour had to open the visor. If the rain is coming down really bad it will bounce off the roadway back at you, causing more leakage and visibility problems, so do what you have to do to see. Pulling over is not a bad idea if possible. I really do not ride in rain and dark but I have in the past but with experience riders who had flashers which helped.

Traction: In addition to the o.p. comments I'd add to be more vigilant about keeping more distance in front and if someone cuts in, let them and back off from them. If whoever in back of you is close and making you nervous then pull over and let them by.

Have fun and enjoy the adventure, which every ride is.

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