5 Tips On How To Ride A Motorcycle In The Rain

While riding a motorcycle in the rain is never a good option, sometimes it's the only one. The best advice you'll ever have toward riding in wet conditions is to not do it at all. You put yourself in a dangerous position when you try to tackle slippery surfaces with just two wheels. Your balance and control are immediately put at risk when it's raining, but there are ways to increase your safety even in the wettest conditions.

Here are five tips on how to ride a motorcycle in the rain:

1) Ensure Your Tires Can Handle The Wet Road

The first question you should ask yourself is whether or not your motorcycle tires can handle the wet conditions of the road. If you have slick tires, you need to stop reading this and avoid wet roads at all costs until you invest in some stickier tires.

There are plenty of tires available that give you more control and stability. In rainy weather, these tire benefactors will help you remain in control of the bike and in the direction you're going.

2) Avoid Riding Immediately After It Rains

If you're forced to ride your motorcycle in the rain, steer clear of riding at the beginning of a storm. This is heavily advised because the roads are full of brake fluid, oil, dirt and other grime before it rains. As soon as the raindrops hit the road, it makes a slick concoction on the road that could drop you and your bike the second you hit a patch.

The best strategy is to wait and let the rainfall wash away the dirt and grime off the road before you ride. Take a break and try to wait for the storm to lighten up before you hit the road. If you hit the road after the storm begins, but it's still raining, remember to drive extra slow.

3) Be Cautious Of In-Road Hazards

When riding in the rain, the road will have a much different feel than when you're riding in dry conditions. Additionally, driving a car in the rain is much easier than a motorcycle. Things such as manholes, concrete surfaces and railroad tracks all become extra slick for motorcyclists when it's raining.

Try to avoid these obstacles as much as possible and always be wary of any puddles. While it might look like the rain puddle is only a few centimeters deep, it could actually be covering up a pothole that sinks much lower.

When you're riding in the rain, you must stay focused on riding on clear road paths and know that any pooling, gravel or tree branches in the road have a completely different affect on your riding than compared to being on four wheels.

4) Brake And Accelerate Slowly

Even in a car, you're advised to brake and accelerate slowly, so why not apply these same safety measures to your motorcycle? If you're riding in traffic, ensure you're going at a slow enough speed that allows you brake effectively in traffic. You want enough room stop without skidding.

Additionally, you should try to accelerate slowly because your rear tire could be on a manhole or an extra slick surface. This could cause you to spin out and lose control.

5) Invest In Rain Motorcycle Apparel

There's various motorcycle gear specifically made for wet conditions to keep you warm and safe. You need to wear gear that is reflective or bight so other motorists can see you. Also, it's critical to stay warm if you need to ride a far distance in the rain. Ensure you have appropriate and waterproof gloves, pants, boots and jackets to keep safe.