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How to Ride Your Motorcycle in Heavy Rain

Last Update: 3 March 2023

 Riding Your Motorcycle in Heavy Rain - MOTORESS
Five Essential Tips On How to Ride Your Motorcycle in Heavy Rain

How to ride your motorcycle in rain and in heavy rain can pose some danger for motorcycle riders if caught without the right preparation or experience. Every motorcyclist knows the adventures of the open road include the changes the weather can bring along the way. That dry clean stretch can change to a stormy wet surface which can last for hours. If you’ve packed your rain suit or – even if you’ve forgotten to, there’s no reason you can’t ride on.

Generally, even if you never ride in the rain, your skill set needs to be sufficient enough to be capable of handling yourself and your machine when the weather takes a turn for the worse. Use these five essential tips below on how to ride your motorcycle in heavy rain  – to be prepared and safe when the skies darken and the heavens open wide!

Claim Your Space

Give yourself plenty of space, increase following distance when you’re on the road, and do your best to stay clear of the edges where debris can accumulate. On some roads there’s a chance of aquaplaning which may interfere with the direction of the motorcycle. So give yourself as much space as possible to correct any mishaps. Ensure you’re in the most visible lane positions and if in a group the staggered group formation at a slower pace will ensure safety for all. But ride single file with a two second following distance through corners and turns.

Relax – Try Humming a Tune

Calm yourself and nestle in for the long run. Adjust and reduce your speed to allow more space to respond. There’s no room for panic reactions in the rain. If you need to brake or slow, allow for a longer stopping distance and a relaxed application of both brakes. Temper your shifting smoothing it out even more to ensure easy transition and avoid spinning the tires. Don’t stiffen up (the cold can do this too) as this will interfere with your steering and you’ll likely have a cramp after the ride. If you can ride your motorcycle in one gear higher than normal for the speed you’re travelling, this will help in avoiding peppy throttle application which could spin the tires.

Temper your shifting smoothing it out even more to ensure easy transition and avoid spinning the tires. Don’t stiffen up (the cold can do this too) as this will interfere with your steering and you’ll likely have a cramp after the ride

Read the Road

It helps if you know the route you’re travelling and what’s coming up ahead – painted road markings, metal surfaces and fresh tarmac are slippery and are often more difficult to see in the rain. Take special note to the road signs. If you’re not sure what lies ahead, pull off at a fuel station and double-check your map or GPS. Double check with the fuel stations staff for tips on the conditions ahead. Visibility in heavy rain is greatly reduced and being unfamiliar with the road surface and your surroundings could increase risk factors.

Shine On

If you’re heading out into a storm there will not only be rain but a dark sky, thicker cloud cover and mist – all reducing your visibility. Making sure you’re seen by other road users is a priority. Here’s where a high-viz vest is a great solution. Sure your rain suit or gear usually has built-in reflective strips, but these are small in comparison to a safety vest.

Stay Warm

Finding yourself unprepared in a rain storm without rain gear isn’t ideal. However, it’s the cold that will  cause you higher risk than getting wet! Dampness and windchill is the combo that’ll quickly set in and result in chilliness throughout your body.  And if the cold does gets to you – your hands and feet – you’re going to have slower reactions and less control of your motorcycle. Layering your clothing under your jacket and pants is a technique that works well! Getting drenched while riding is unpleasant, but being cold is unsafe. If this occurs, don’t press on – pull over dry off, warm up and continue if safe. Naturally if the going just gets too harsh for you and you are way outside of your comfort zone – make the sensible decision to wait for better conditions.


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