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4 Tips for Motorcycle Riding in the Rain


With the seasons changing, you might find yourself starting a weekend ride off in stellar conditions, but end up with rain, wind and possibly even icy roads. Less than optimal weather conditions do not have to keep you off your motorcycle, but it is important to take extra precautions when riding in wet weather.

Riding in the rain takes a whole separate set of skills than those you use on dry roads. By preparing yourself and your bike for rainy weather, you can reduce your risk of a motorcycle accident. For some tips to handle riding in the rain, read below.

Invest in proper coverage

This does not mean shopping for additional motorcycle insurance, but instead, be sure you have the appropriate gear that will keep you covered. If you do not already have one, consider purchasing a full-face helmet to keep the rain and other debris from blowing into your face during stormy conditions. Also, get yourself from proper rain gear, such as a water-resistant riding jacket, so that you have a better chance of staying dry.

Test the traction

Not only should you keep your brakes and tires in good condition, but you should also test the traction of the surface you are riding on. To do this, very carefully use the rear brake until the point where it locks up. If your tire breaks loose too quickly, then the traction might not be great in that particular area and you should be extra cautious while riding.

Keep your vision clear

Consider treating the surface of your face shield with a product that stops the rain from gathering on the outside of it. Also, an anti-fog treatment for the inside can be very helpful as well. However, if the rain is coming down too hard, either slow down enough so that you have sufficient visibility or pull over and wait it out.

Create a bubble

The biggest danger on wet roads is other vehicles. Keep a bubble around yourself so that you can ride a safe distance from other cars. While it is easier to keep your distance from cars and trucks in front of you, it can be a bit challenging when you have a vehicle that wants to tailgate. You may need to use hand gestures, such as reaching back and waving your hand, to get a driver’s attention and indicate he or she is too close.

While the above tips can help keep you safe on wet weather, they are not foolproof. You cannot control what other people on the road are going to do. If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident due to a negligent driver, you might be able to file a claim for damages.