Motorcycle Riding in the Rain

You can’t control the weather, and unless you want to keep your bike garaged, chances are that sometimes you’ll find yourself caught riding in the rain. There are multiple hazards to deal with during bad weather, from slick roads to visibility-reducing rain and road spray. It can be stressful to get caught out on the road unprepared. Luckily, with a little bit of preparation, you can handle even the worst weather and get to your destination safe and sound. Read on to learn how.

Get the Right Equipment

Good gear makes all the difference when you’re riding in bad weather. The combination of wind and rain, if you aren’t properly dressed, will make you cold in no time. The first place to start is with some waterproof outerwear. Packable plastic outerwear can help to keep the rain off, but it’s not particularly durable and it doesn’t provide insulation, so unless you are already wearing a heavy coat it might not help much. Keeping your core warm will help to keep the rest of your body comfortable, so it’s best to go with a full-body, one-piece waterproof riding suit if you plan on riding in the rain often.

Read the Road

Even if you’re equipped for the ride, you’ll need to understand the road’s condition. The road may be wet, but some sections are going to offer much better traction than others. For example, standing water will always prove a risk for hydroplaning. Water will always pool in the lowest parts of the road, which can include the inner parts of turns, low dips, and potholes. Many roads will also wear down over time in a “W” pattern in which two furrows will form in the areas where car tires pass. These furrows will hold more water than the centerline of less-worn asphalt, and it’s there that you’ll often find better traction. 

There are many other low-traction obstacles on the road you should be aware of. Metal construction plates laid on the road to cover ditches or holes can prove as slick as a sheet of ice. Intersections are another low-traction area. When cars stop at intersections, they may leak motor oil or other fluids. Over time, these oily deposits will form extremely slick patches, and when you add water to the mix, you’re looking at a real hazard. 

Ride Carefully

The final element of preparation is to adopt the defensive riding mindset so that you can handle any challenge. You should always ride defensively when you’re on a motorcycle because you’re much smaller than other vehicles. But when it’s raining, you’ll be faced with low traction which can lead to major instability. So not only will you have to be on the usual alert for other motorists merging into your lane or causing hazards in your area, but you’ll have to stay one step ahead because you won’t be able to dart out of the way like you normally would.

When you get to intersections, slow down and look ahead to the intersecting lanes to see if any cars are merging into your lane. Look several cars ahead when you’re on the highway to see any hazards that might be forming that you might react to. In general, you’ll need to stay more alert than usual, drive more cautiously, and take fewer risks.

Safe motorcycle riding is all about preparation and awareness. With the right gear and correct execution, you can stay safe and get to your destination without any problems. Stop by BMW Motorcycles of North Dallas for all your riding needs. We’re located in Plano, Texas, and proudly serve Dallas, Frisco, and Fort Worth.