ALT-1 Tips for Safe Motorcycling in the Rain
The first tip for safe motorcycling in the rain is to wear the correct clothing. Riding a motorcycle in the rain is not a particularly pleasant experience, but riding when you are cold and wet can be dangerous. When a rider gets cold, the muscles of the shoulders become tense and painful, which can affect the rider's concentration, making it more difficult to safely control the motorcycle. A good textile jacket and waterproof trousers can keep a rider warm and dry, although if it is really cold it may be necessary to wear thermal clothing underneath. It is essential that the visor on the helmet or the screen on the motorcycle, if one is fitted, is clean and scratch free, in order to easily dispel rain water.
The second tip is regarding the condition of the motorcycle. Worn tyres do not dispel surface water as well as newer tyres with good tread. The tread pattern on road tyres is specifically designed for this purpose. Good working brakes and suspension are also important, and lights are necessary to increase visibility to other road users.
Thirdly, the importance of being smooth when riding a motorcycle cannot be underestimated. Harsh acceleration and braking can cause loss of control on wet roads. It is also important to use both front and rear brakes when braking in order to distribute the forces more evenly. Excessive use of the front brake can cause the front wheel to lock and a front wheel skid is more difficult to control.
The fourth tip is to leave greater distances between yourself and the vehicle in front. This is for three reasons: the spray being thrown up by the vehicle in front obscures your visibility; stopping distances increase on wet roads and finally that it allows greater reaction time if there are any hazards on the road. Painted white lines, banding, manhole covers, mud and diesel on roads are all hazards that can cause loss of control of a motorcycle. It is of the utmost importance that movements are smooth and unhurried. It is quite possible to ride through a patch of diesel without losing control, although it is very easy to panic and have an accident, particularly with very little riding experience.
Riding in the rain is a very good way of improving riding skills. The smoother you ride in the wet, the better you'll ride when it's dry.
