Motorcycle Rain Riding Tips
You might not plan to ride in the rain, but that doesn’t mean it won’t happen. It’s best to be prepared for this type of scenario in advance. There are some extra precautions you can take, as well as safe riding techniques to learn for when the rain hits. You know what they say, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. We’ve gathered some important tips for riding your motorcycle in the rain.
If you have questions or you’d like to browse our inventory, give us a call or stop by Willamette Valley Indian Motorcycle® today! We’re conveniently located in Eugene, Oregon near Corvallis. We proudly offer a wide range of motorcycles for sale and would be pleased to help find the perfect one for you.
Prepare Your Motorcycle
The first order of business is preparing your bike for rain riding. Regardless of what type of bike you have, it’s crucial to make sure it’s in great shape before you brave the rain. This is helpful for spotting potential issues so you can handle them before you hit the road. You’d much rather deal with a repair in the comfort of your driveway or garage than in the pouring rain on the side of the road.
Begin your preparation by checking the tires. You’ll want to ensure they have enough tread to provide traction on the wet road. On the subject of tires, you’ll also want to check the air pressure to ensure it’s at the level recommended by the manufacturer. Check your fluid levels, including engine oil and brake fluid, and top them off as needed. Be sure to test the clutch, throttle, and brakes before you ride in the rain. Lastly, confirm all the lights are functioning and as bright as they should be. If you notice any issues at all, address them prior to riding.
Adjust Your Riding
A major key to safely riding your motorcycle in the rain is adapting to the current road conditions. Keep in mind that wet riding requires you to use various defensive driving techniques. For starters, you’ll want to leave plenty of space between yourself and other motorists. If someone comes to a sudden stop, you’ll have plenty of time to slow down and avoid a collision. Make turns and change lanes slowly. The rain makes the roads extra slick, which reduces traction. If you slam on your brakes or jerk too sharply, you can lose traction and end up in a dangerous situation. Safe riding in the rain requires you to ride easier and with more caution than you normally would.
Ride in a Dry Line
As you ride your motorcycle, you might notice that many roads are worn down into a “W” shape, which is created over the years of cars riding over them and causing wear. Water tends to collect in these grooves in the road, which threatens safe riding due to the increased risk of hydroplaning. You can aim to ride in the center of the hump since there is less water in these areas, which means there’s more traction.
If all else fails and you find yourself in a seemingly dangerous scenario while riding in the rain, simply wait it out. You don’t have to wait for it to completely pass, but at least long enough for conditions to visibly improve so you feel safe riding. After all, no ride is worth sacrificing your safety.
Before your ride, visit us at Willamette Valley Indian Motorcycle® for additional tips or to invest in some new gear for the road. You’ll find our shop is conveniently located in Eugene, Oregon near Corvallis. We’d be happy to answer your questions or help you choose a new bike!