Riding your Motorcycle in the Rain
Many benefits come with riding a motorcycle. You save on gas, can avoid traffic, parking is easier, and you don’t have to spend loads on maintenance. Unfortunately, there are some setbacks; especially when it rains. When riding your motorcycle in the rain, you’re completely exposed. There are no windshield wipers to help with visibility, and your small vehicle is less visible on the road to other drivers. If a motorcycle is your only vehicle, then you have no choice but to ride in the rain. Below, we give you some tips for safely riding your motorcycle in the rain.
Wear Proper Gear
Be sure to wear a jacket and pants that are water-resistant or you’re going to be soaked. Also, find a helmet that covers the face because rain will be flying at you.
Mind Railroad Tracks
If you have to cross railroad tracks, try to ride over them as straight as possible. Metal tracks can become slippery in the rain.
Check Your Tires
Make sure you have good tires with enough traction to keep you from sliding in the rain. Check the thread before you ride.
Brake Correctly
When you need to brake, apply more pressure to the rear wheel than usual. If your front wheel slips, you’ll lose control. If the back wheel slides, you may be able to control your bike better. Also, don’t hit your brakes hard or your bike will slide. Instead, pump your real breaks first to reduce speed and then brake hard if necessary.
Pay Heed to the Road
Many parts of the road will become slippery. Avoid white lines or your tires will slide. Also, try not to hit puddles; you may not know how deep they are. And most importantly, look out for rainbows on the road. This means that water mixed with oil or other auto fluids makes the road even more slippery.
Give yourself Space
When riding your motorcycle in the rain, leave a good amount of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. In the rain, you will require more stopping distance; if you don’t leave yourself enough space, you may slide into the vehicle in front of you.
Be Visible
Rain decreases visibility which makes it harder for other drivers to see you. Wear bright colors, or add lights and reflectors to make it easier to see you on the road.
Avoid Lightening
If you see lightning while you’re riding your motorcycle in the rain, stop driving immediately and find cover. Do not stop below trees since they can attract lightning. Reduce your speed. Slow down! It's tough to stop quicker than you normally would on dry surfaces.
Ride in the Tire Tracks
When cars drive in the rain, their tires can displace the road of water. Tire tracks can end up being the driest part of the road. Riding in the tracks can keep your tire from sliding.
Driving in the rain is extremely risky. Use these tips to make sure you are taking every precaution. Driving a motorcycle is already dangerous; riding your motorcycle in the rain is even more dangerous.
If you do experience damage in the rain, you can ease your worry about safety by obtaining a Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance policy. SkyBlue Insurance is an authorized agent for Dairyland Insurance. We can find you great rates on Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance to make sure you have the protection you need. Give us a call at 1-800-771-7758 or go online and get a free Dairyland Motorcycle Insurance quote for instant results.
Riding your Motorcycle in the Rain
How to ride your motorcycle in the rain | Safety tips to ride motorcycle in rain | Motorcycle Insurance Basic plans
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