Some motorcycle riders love riding while it is raining, while others hate it. However, regardless of if it is raining or storming, there are certain things a rider needs to do to protect themselves and others on the road.
Keep reading for some helpful tips on how to ride safely when it is storming. These actionable tips will help keep you safer and keep others on the road safer.
1. Don’t Ever Trust Puddles
If a rider wants to avoid being hurt in a motorcycle accident, they can’t ever trust puddles. While the fun-looking, mini-pond of splash-ready joy may be enticing, it could also hide a huge pothole and who knows what else.
When puddles are unavoidable, hold the throttle steady and keep the bike upright. Also, avoid touching the brakes when moving forward. By doing this a rider can avoid hydroplaning or losing control of their bikes.
2. Avoid any Shiny and Smooth-Looking Surfaces
If surfaces are slippery on dry days, they will become perilously slippery when it rains. Try to avoid certain parts of the road, such as metal plates, tar snakes, manhole covers, and even painted lines.
For riders who find themselves on these things, don’t brake or speed up quickly. Try to roll over it with no sudden inputs.
3. Stay Calm
When it is storming, the worse thing a person can do is panic. It’s best to remain calm and avoid making any sudden moves.
Harsh or abrupt acceleration, steering, or braking can eat up the limited traction present. Make sure all inputs are gentle and smooth.
If a rider has to brake hard, they should do it progressively. This means to squeeze the lever slowly at first, which loads the front tire and compresses the suspension. Once that’s done, increase the force until the bike has slowed down enough.
4. Do One Thing at a Time
Under normal conditions, several actions are combined such as trail braking while turning, shifting, and speeding up. When it is raining or storming, it’s best to focus on these actions separately.
For example, finish the acceleration before turning into a corner. This will reduce the traction demands on the tires.
5. Loosen Up
If a person clings to the handlebars with a death grip, three bad things may happen. The rider will tire out much faster, the movements will be exaggerated, and the suspension won’t work properly.
Remember, a motorcycle is designed to handle only small wiggles and bumps. It’s up to the rider to let it do its job.
6. Rainbows aren’t a Friend
The magical and colorful swirls are pools of oil that can cause serious accidents. Never aim for the rainbows.
These are usually worse at an interaction where vehicles often sit. Be careful when crossing through or stopping at intersections.
7. Leave Plenty of Space
Take it easy when riding during a storm. Try to put more space between the motorcycle and vehicle than what is considered normal.
Remember, baking distances are usually longer in the rain. Traction isn’t always guaranteed in the rain either.
Riding in the Rain
If a motorcycle rider plans to go out in the rain or a storm, they need to use the steps here to avoid being in an accident and suffering an injury. Doing so will help the rider remain safe and avoid injuries.
