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What not to do when riding your motorcycle in the rain

Here’s what you should never do when going out on a rainy ride.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Oct 15, 2023
What not to do when riding your motorcycle in the rain

Now that the rainy season is well underway, the rain has made our favorite riding roads slick and muddy. For commuters on two wheels, especially newbies, wet roads may possibly mean tragedy. Because precipitation pulls all the oil, muck, and soot to the surface, freshly-precipitated asphalt often has an extremely slippery surface. A cyclist who is not prepared may become disoriented if it suddenly starts to rain. Not to mention the threat to safety that halting beneath an overpass in the midst of moving traffic entails. Being ready is essential while riding a motorbike in the rain. Here are a few things you definitely ought to avoid if you want to ride in the rain as safely and as confidently as possible. 

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Skimping on essential riding gear

What not to do when riding your motorcycle in the rain

It might be quite tempting to forgo essential safety equipment in favor of comfort, especially when it's raining. It appears more convenient to wear slippers instead of closed shoes, and shorts rather than pants to avoid the inconvenience of having to deal with these items being wet. However, some extra time spent doing laundry will certainly be worth it, as opposed to the consequences of going down unprotected. 

It's also crucial to keep in mind that the likelihood of an accident is significantly higher in the rain since the road surface offers less grip and the reduced vision makes anticipating hazards more difficult. This implies that you are more likely to lose control of your motorcycle, overshoot a turn, crash into another vehicle, or low side a curve. Having said that, the stark difference in odds would need you to be more prepared.

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Wearing a tinted visor and having broken/ substandard lights

What not to do when riding your motorcycle in the rain

You and the other drivers on the road have drastically reduced vision when it rains. It is your duty as a rider to make sure you can see and are seen. Given that the majority of prudent riders would always wear a helmet when riding a motorbike, it can be helpful to apply a coating of hydrophobic wax to the face shield or, if one is available, to buy a pin-lock visor for your helmet. Needless to say, wearing a tinted visor, regardless of how cool it may seem, will undeniably hamper your vision in the rain.  As such, you may want to consider getting a helmet with a drop-down sun visor. 

You can keep water droplets from sticking to your visor and obstructing your vision by applying a coating of hydrophobic wax on it. As a result, it keeps your vision clear by allowing these water droplets to effortlessly slip off. A pin-lock visor, on the other hand, creates a little air pocket between the warmer interior of the helmet and the cooler exterior to keep your visor from fogging up. Additionally, it's crucial to be visible to other drivers. Make sure your vest or jacket includes reflective spots or sections, and stay away from dull, matte colors. Also think about adding some auxiliary lighting to your motorbike.

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Neglecting your bike's maintenance

What not to do when riding your motorcycle in the rain

Our primary concern should be to keep your motorcycle rubber side down, especially throughout the wet season. In damp conditions, many mechanical gremlins come to light. Allowing mud and filth to accumulate on your bike and not washing it for days or even weeks out of complacency just makes things worse.

Make careful to maintain proper levels of the important fluids required for your bike's efficient operation. Brake pads, brake fluid, and tire wear should all always be above the recommended levels. Even while it's awful enough when your bike breaks down in good weather, it's far worse when it happens during a heavy downpour. Of course, it's a must to make sure your horse is in good condition as well, regardless of the weather.

Being reactive rather than proactive

What not to do when riding your motorcycle in the rain

Preparation is vital, as it is in all weather situations. Experienced riders are able to foresee events exactly seconds before they really occur. Having a keen sense of anticipation is essential in rainy weather, since the wet road surface reduces our tires' ability to turn and stop the bike. Thinking ahead also entails having the foresight to plan your routes and what you'll pack for the day.

While you get up in the morning, it can appear clear and sunny, but when you're getting ready to go home in the evening, it might start pouring down rain. Before leaving the house, check the weather app on your phone so you can determine whether to bring additional clothing or use your waterproof gear all day. Avoid puddles on the road and routes that are prone to flooding. And last, swallow your pride and ride a car to work if the weather is too unpredictable for you to handle or if you believe your abilities are not yet at the level needed to successfully commandeer your motorbike in bad weather.

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