ALT-4 Tips for Safe Motorcycling in the Rain
Do you love your biking? Do rainy days get you down? Well, they don't have to, as long as you take reasonable precautions. For some people rainy days can be an excuse to leave the motorbike at home and take the car out instead. Don't be one of the fair weather bikers, learn what steps to take and enjoy your biking whatever the weather.
1. Make sure you keep your headlights, taillights and indicators clean. In heavy rain you can become almost invisible if your lights are dim. By keeping them clean on a regular basis, you can ensure you are seen at all times and your visibility need not be an issue.
2. Wear fluorescent clothing. A cheap hi-viz tabard, or vest, can easily be obtained from motorist stores, or supermarkets. You might want to think about wearing one at all times while riding, but even more so in heavy rain when visibility is highly reduced.
3. One of the most important things to remember, when biking in the rain, is to leave plenty of room between you and the person in front. Normal braking distances are highly extended in the wet, and the only safe way to avoid braking too late, and hitting the vehicle in front, is to ride a good distance behind it.
4. Avoid riding on road markings or manhole covers. Motorbike tyres have very little surface area in contact with the road, and need to keep as much grip as possible if the bike is not to skid. When the weather is inclement, and the roads are wet, painted road markings, or large metal slabs, will give no grip at all. This can become a problem if the markings aren't flush with the road, or you cross manhole covers on bends.
5. Take corners slower than normal. Some of the most exhilarating experiences on a bike are had when negotiating roads with plenty of bends. However, this exhilaration can soon turn to fear if the road is wet and you end up losing grip, getting into either a highside, or lowside, spill. When the weather is nasty it is safer to take bends slower than usual, staying more upright on the bike.
6. Clear your visor regularly. For those who wear crash helmets, the biggest problem with riding in a heavy downpour is visibility due to rain on the visor. This can either be wiped away with your clutch hand, or, one of the best tips I've been given, is to turn your head to the side slightly for a few seconds, and let the wind blow the excess moisture off. Either way, you need to keep your visor as clear as possible to avoid any danger.
7. Probably one of the most vital precautions to take, when riding in the rain, is to think well ahead. On a clear road it can be tempting to open up the throttle, and blast away. But the rain can make this the most treacherous thing to do. In order to stay safe you need to keep concentration, read the road correctly, and be prepared for all eventualities.
Riding a motorbike in the rain can be as safe as riding one on a clear, sunny day. You just have to think about the road conditions, and riding style, a bit more than usual. Ride sensibly, and your pride and joy will keep you safe in any weather conditions.
