Rainy Day Motorcycle Riding
Most of the time, you can avoid taking out your motorcycle in the rain, but sometimes it can’t be helped. An unexpected drizzle can come out of nowhere or you could have some urgent reason to head out even though it’s pouring out. At Rock City Harley-Davidson, we want you to stay safe in all weather conditions, so we’ve compiled this beginner’s guide for riding your motorcycle safely in the rain. To find out more or to get yourself a worthy Harley-Davidson® bike, come to our dealership in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Prep Your Motorcycle
Ideally, you should inspect and service your bike regularly so that it’s always in good shape. Before heading out on a rainy or cloudy day, perform a pre-ride inspection. Look out for any potential issue that may become a big problem in the rain. Fix any problems you find prior to riding out. You’ll find it much easier to take care of these small problems in the safety of your garage rather than in the pouring rain.
Before heading out, ensure that your tires are in good condition and that the tread isn’t worn out. Tread is extremely important for gaining traction on wet roads. The air pressure of your tires should be at the level recommended by your owner’s manual. Check the engine oil and brake fluid levels, as well as the clutch, brakes, and throttle.
Finally, make sure that all the lights on your bike are bright so that other drivers can see you on the road. The rain is bad for visibility and you don’t want other drivers to miss your presence while you’re riding. If your motorcycle has any issues you can’t handle yourself, have a professional fix it for you.
Wear the Right Gear
Your gear will go a long way in keeping you safe on wet roads. Of course, it’s essential to wear proper gear no matter what the weather outside is like, but during trickier weather conditions, it becomes even more important for your safety. In the rain, you’ll have some considerations to keep in mind. For example, you may love to wear a leather jacket when riding your bike, but water and leather don’t go well.
Consider getting a one-piece rain suit that will cover your clothes completely. These suits are made to provide seamless protection from the rain and will keep you dry. You can also get waterproof pants and a waterproof jacket. A solid pair of riding gloves is essential to get a firm grip on the handlebar and it’ll also protect your hands from freezing. Invest in a full-face helmet to protect your head from the rain and get fog-resistant eyewear for good visibility. Goggles can allow some water in, which will make it harder to see the road. Just make sure the helmet’s face shield has a waterproof coating so the rain doesn’t stick to it.
Adjust Your Riding Style
You will have your own way of riding your bike, which works for you on most days. However, riding in the rain makes the roads less safe, and you'll need to change your riding style accordingly.
Defensive Driving
The lower traction means you'll need much more time and space to slow down your bike. As a result, you’ll want to leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles on the road. If anyone suddenly brakes, you’ll have enough time to slow down and avoid a collision. When it comes to turns and lane changes, go slow as slick, wet roads have less traction. Slamming on your brakes or jerking too sharply is dangerous as it can cause you to lose traction. Safe riding requires you to ride more cautiously than you normally would.
Low Traction Obstacles
You’ll need to be vigilant in all aspects of riding, but this is especially true when navigating obstacles that provide limited traction. Manhole covers, metal road construction plates, and oil slicks can all present dangers when you’re riding your motorcycle in the rain. Try to avoid hitting the throttle or brakes if you end up riding over one of these, and make sure to slow down beforehand so you don’t hit them at a high speed.
Another area to be careful around is intersections. When cars idle, they can drip oil. When rain mixes with this oil, it creates a slick spot, where you can lose control of your motorcycle. Try to avoid these low traction obstacles altogether. If you have no choice but to ride over them, approach them carefully.
Ride a Dry Line
Most roads are worn down into a ‘W’ shape. These “trenches” are created by years of cars wearing down the road. When it rains, water collects in these dips, which increases the risk of hydroplaning. Try to ride down the middle of the hump. There will be less water and, in turn, more traction.
For more tips about safely riding your motorcycle in the rain, visit us at Rock City Harley-Davidson in Little Rock, AR, and talk to our expert staff. We’ll be happy to answer all your questions. If you’re looking for motorcycles for sale, let us know your budget and needs, and we’ll set you up with the perfect match. We proudly serve the good people of Benton and Hot Springs, AR.