The Complete Guide to Driving Motorcycle in Heavy Rain

Driving in heavy rain is not only a question of facing wet roads but also dealing with things as visibility, slippage, and instability. Rainy weather is always tricky, especially while driving a car or motorbike, feeling all wet inside the rain.

Fortunately, with adequate safety measures and understanding of the risks involved in driving during wet weather you can minimize the risks. In this article you will find practical pointers and steps that you can take to successfully navigate the road in severe rain without getting in an accident.

Riding a motorcycle in heavy rain presents its own unique set of challenges. Unlike cars, motorcycles have less stability and are more affected by road conditions. However, with the right precautions, you can ride safely even in the wettest weather.

Table of Contents

Dress for Success with RainGear

Comfort and concentration are particularly important while riding in the rain and that is why it is important to avoid getting wet. Riders must also wear waterproof apparel; we advise you to invest in a good rainsuit, waterproof gloves, and waterproof boots.

When riders wear wet clothes, they may get distracted by the wet clothing and may also feel cold, which can also affect their ability to ride properly.

Take It Slow on Wet Pavement

Wet pavement significantly reduces traction, making it essential to adjust your riding style. Reduce your speed to increase your control over the motorcycle. Do so gradually and smoothly when accelerating, braking, or steering to avoid losing traction. Sudden inputs can cause your tires to slip, leading to a loss of control. By taking it slow and being gentle with your inputs, you can maintain stability and avoid accidents.

Maintain Traction

To effectively balance a motorcycle in wet conditions, the bike’s tires must have good threads to grip the road. Learn not to jerk the bike around and to keep the bike straight when you’re riding. Sharp turns will decrease the extent of the connection between your tire and the ground, leading to slipping.

It is better not to drive through the water as this will help you avoid potholes. Flooded sections of the road are more likely to hydroplane. Should there be eventualities that you must ride through water, this should be done at a constant speed and without sharp turns.

Stay Visible

Visibility is even more crucial when riding a motorcycle in the rain. Always use your lights, even during the day, to ensure that other drivers can see you. Additionally, wearing high-visibility gear with reflective elements can help you stand out in the rain.

When making turns or changing lanes, signal early to give other drivers plenty of notice. In wet conditions, other drivers may have reduced visibility or longer stopping distances, so giving them extra time to react is essential for your safety.

Dealing with Slippery Surfaces

Roads practically become very slippery whenever they are wet, which is another problem for motorcyclists. The sundry elements like the railroad tracks, manhole covers, and even the painted lines on the roads become highly slippery during the rain.

Treat these surfaces carefully, throttle down, and do not lean the bike to either side. While crossing railroads, it is advisable to do so perpendicularly so that you do not slip off. Knowledge of these risks and avoidance of certain riding styles in the rain helps ride safely during rainy weather.

Keeping it Safe by Checking Accident History

If you bought your motorcycle from a previous owner, it’s best to check if they have been in a rain-related accident before. To find this out, you’ll need to use a motorcycle VIN decoder to get the bike’s history report.

In the unfortunate case where it has been in a rain-related accident before, it’s best to double-check whatever may have caused it – the brakes, slippery tires, dim headlights or tail lights, and others.

Conclusion

Riding in rainy weather means exposing yourself to danger. However, you can alleviate some of the risks by following these tips. But in any case, riding a motorcycle is a risk on its own – and we highly recommend to avoid doing so in a heavy rain unless absolutely necessary.