Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain

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  Posted by RoadCaptain October 14, 2009 - Filed in Riding Tips & Safety - 122,277 views
  

  

    

  

  RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IN THE RAIN

  For many motorcycle riders, the first time riding in the rain is usually an accident or a surprise. Usually, a rider will take off on an all day ride while the sun is shining and by the afternoon they realize they're going to get their first taste of wet asphalt.

  Whether you get caught in an unexpected rain or you are an experienced motorcycle rain rider going out in spite of the rain, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Of course you need to follow the common sense rules whenever you are on a wet road;

  Slow Down

  Leave more space between you and the vehicle in front of you

  Allow yourself more time to stop

  Take turns much slower

  Relax, tensing up will cause your reflexes of slow down and also take you out of your normal riding rhythm

  And most importantly stay focused. It is easy to lose focus on the road when there is water hitting you in the face and your clothing is getting soaked, but none of that is as important as staying focused on the road

   

  Here is a list of critical rain hazards to watch for whether its your first time riding in the rain, or you ride your motorcycle in the rain often:

   Painted Lines

  Crosswalks can be slippery and unsafe for motorcyclists, particularly if you're turning and crossing the lines at an angle. Reduce your speed more than usual and try to keep a constant and steady speed. Slowing or accelerating can cause the rear tire to break loose.

  Lane Dividers can be dangerous in wet conditions. The biggest issue is when you are switching lanes to pass someone.  Accelerating while crossing a lane divider can cause the rear tire to break loose, so cross the lane divider at a constant speed and then accelerate once in the new lane.

  Diamonds in the HOV lanes. These can be very nasty when you lean into one. The diamond is shaped so you will just slide across it and continue to slide along it. However, you should not be riding in the center of the lane anyway, especially if it is wet.

  Any painted line or surface is a hazard to you as a rider. Until the DOT addresses this issue and comes up with a less slippery texture, you must be the one in control of your destiny.

  Surface Textures

  Many commercial and residential parking areas are paved with very slick concrete surfaces.  Your wet entry into the gas station, local mall or condo complex can put you on the ground in a second. Again, ride slow and straight up and don't let the concrete bite you. The area around gas pumps is notoriously slippery from people spilling gas and oil. Be sure to approach and leave the gas pumps very cautiously. 

  Rubber

  How about that rubber they use around railroad tracks to decrease the sound as cars drive over them?  Forget those little circles on the surface, these provide zero traction to you as you cross.  Slow and straight up.

  Steel

  Manhole covers are enemy number one and railroad tracks rank a close second.  Making a turn over the surface of them sets you up for trouble.   Avoid them whenever possible, or keep the bike straight up and cross over them slowly. 

  Railroad tracks have a way of popping up on you just after a turn and you may still be into a lean when you reach them.  Look for the crossing signs ahead of time, slow down and stay straight up when crossing. 

  Grated bridge crossings and metal plates are a nasty encounter in the rain.  Look at where you want to ride, take it slow and don't try anything fancy, particularly a lane change.

  Standing Water

  Puddles/Pot Holes - It only takes one time to know how this one feels.  You cruise through a puddle and after it's too late you realize you just went into a pot hole that wants to flip your bike.  Or the puddle is deeper then you thought and hitting it at a fast speed can put enough resistance on your front tire to lift your back tire off the ground.  Avoid puddles if you can, if you must ride through them...slow down and keep you bike straight up. 

  Oil

  It's everywhere and very very hard to spot in advance. Those little red and blue rainbows on the ground mean danger.  Ride slow and straight up.  Remember the first rain after a dry spell is always the most dangerous.  If you're caught in the first rain following a dry spell remember the roads are covered with lots of oil and dirt that will be lifted from the surface in the first 30-60 minutes of a new rain.

  Lane Position

  Avoid riding in the center of the lane, this is where most of the oil will be.  Also avoid riding on the right side of the right-most lane, this is where you are most likely to encounter puddles and/or pot holes.

  Tires

  If you thought you might save some money by buying long lasting tires, think again.  Such tires are typically not as tacky and have less traction, especially when the rain comes out.  If you find yourself riding in the rain often, look for more tacky tires with a tread pattern designed for wet roads.

  Rain Gear

  Wearing proper riding gear is very important. When you are dry and comfortable you will be a better more attentive rider.  You also want to make sure you have the proper eyewear and/or visor.

  If there is even the slightest possibility of rain, bring your rain gear.  Rain gear not only keeps you and your clothes dry, it can actually make you a better rider in the rain.  If you are riding cold and wet, you will naturally tense up lessening the control you have over your motorcycle.  There are many types of motorcycle rain gear out there and it is recommend that if you will be doing a lot of motorcycle riding in the rain to buy quality rain gear.

  Note from the writer:  I find that the more rain gear I carry, the less chance of encountering rain :-)

  Eyewear/Face Protection

  If you know you will be riding in heavy rain your best protection is a helmet with a face shield.  This will not only keep your vision clear, it will also keep a good amount of rain off of your face.  Again, this goes to being comfortable and more focused on your riding rather than the rain hitting your face.  If you do not have (or don't want to wear a helmet with a face shield you should wear either goggles or at least glasses that completely cover your eyes and preferably seal on your face.  Either way with a a face shield or just goggles/glasses the best lenses for riding in the rain have a slight yellow tint.  These will enhance your vision in the low light poor visibility conditions.

   

  Remember when riding in the rain, or in the best of conditions, a near disaster (such as sliding in a turn, or hitting a major pot-hole) will throw you off your game.  Even after you recover safely, your nerves are shaken and you may be out of sync with your bike.  A good idea is to find a safe place to pull over, take some time and a few deep breaths to ground yourself before moving on.