Safe Riding in the Rain
Rain is more than a simple inconvenience for motorcycle riders. The slick road conditions can mean serious trouble if you lose control, and the room for error is far narrower than in ideal weather. It can also be uncomfortable, either from getting wet or the chill of biting wind. While it's generally recommended to motorcyclists to stay off the roads when it's raining, we know that sometimes riders can get caught off-guard by sudden showers.That's just why it pays to plan ahead! Here at North County House of Motorcycles, we know the rain can present riders with a few difficulties, and it's no good when anyone gets caught out without the right knowledge or gear. In that spirit, we’ve put together a short guide to prepping for safe riding in the raid, including tips and tricks to keeping comfortable. Read on for more information or head into our showroom in Vista, California, near San Diego.
Gear
Having the right gear is key. Make sure what you're wearing is suited for the rain. Plastic outerwear is okay, but it doesn't provide a lot of insulation. If you don't expect to encounter a lot of rain, then a waterproof jacket and waterproof pants will probably suffice for the occasional emergency. However, if you know you’ll be riding in the rain on a regular basis, we highly recommend a one-piece waterproof riding suit. These provide seamless coverage and are often better insulated. Also make sure you have waterproof boots to protect your feet, and waterproof gloves that are insulated to protect your hands. Try to fit as much of this in your motorcycle's cargo storage as you can so it's on hand and ready to use if it starts to rain.
Warmth
When you're riding at highway speeds, the air can feel as much as 20 degrees cooler than from wind chill alone. The key to staying warm is layers. Layering keeps you better insulated than one heavy coat does, and if you get too hot, you can just remove a layer or two. As we mentioned before, your gloves should be insulated as your dexterity is very essential for your bike's controls. You can also look into getting handles with heated grips for added warmth. If your boots don’t provide proper insulation, try wearing layers of socks, preferably a normal sock first and then a thicker, warmer sock on top.
For particularly cold days, you can get clothing with heaters built into them. This can be particularly useful for your hands and feet, since they're most susceptible to the cold. But it can be a little much for the rest of your body, especially if it's only a little cold out. Layering should do the trick most of the time, but if you find you're still too cold, consider looking for heated jackets.
Road Conditions
Exercising safe riding practices for hazardous road conditions is your best bet to keeping safe in the rain. Defensive riding is more important during hazardous road conditions than any other time. Stay watchful for potential problems, like sudden slowdowns, obstacles, and overly-aggressive drivers. You’ll need to anticipate these problems rather than reacting to them.
Keep your eyes peeled for high-risk areas or low traction areas. Metal construction plates are a great example of a road hazard that loses traction as it gets wet. Piles of leaves can also cause a problem as they tend to form a slippery paste when wet. Places where cars can idle and drop oil, like intersections, can make for slick roads when the oil mixes with water. If you can’t avoid a low traction area, just be careful as you pass over it, either coasting through it without any changes or making direction and speed changes slowly and carefully. Suddenly shifting course can cause you to slide. Instead, look for dry areas. Many roads form a “W” shape over time with two trenches forming where many commuter vehicle tires wear down the road. Water tends to gather in these trenches, creating a hydroplaning risk. Instead, try to stay in the center hump where it’s usually drier and there’s more better traction.
Riding in the rain may not be avoidable, and motorcyclists are certainly at more risk than other motorists when the roads are wet, but with some safe riding skills and proper apparel, you won’t have to be deterred. If you’re after more riding tips, or you’re just eager to take a look at our great selection of new and used motorcycles, head into North County House of Motorcycles in Vista, California, near San Diego. Our team of knowledgeable and courteous professionals are standing by to answer all your questions and help you find the motorcycle of your dreams. Come in today!