What can we say about riding in the rain? About as much as we can do about it...not much. But since we talked about riding in hot and cold weather, thought we'd dedicate a page to wet weather.
The most dangerous time during a rainstorm is the first ten minutes. This is because there is usually a layer of oil, brake fluid, dust, gasoline and other 'stuff' that builds up on the road. When it starts to rain, this mixes with the water and forms a deadly mixture just waiting for the unsuspecting biker. The good news is that after a good few minutes of hard rain, this deadly mixture ends up in the gutter leaving the road surface with more traction than you might imagine.
Who among us has started out on a bright, sunny perfect day, only to encounter 'The Perfect Storm? That being said, if riding in the rain is unavoidable, you can still enjoy the ride when you have the right riding gear. And, for the most part, you can arrive at your destination dry and in high spirits.
Here are some guidelines for riding in the rain:
• You are most likely to lose control of your bike when braking. Experienced riders may ride close to a vehicle. During a rainstorm drivers brake a somewhat harder than usual - you snap the front brake and down you go!
• Reduce your speed by 20% when riding in the rain. You don't have enough traction to brake hard.
• Ride behind one of the vehicles brake lights (not in the middle behind the license plate). If the car should stop suddenly you can go to either side and earn a little more time and space to stop your motorcycle.
• In the rain, keep your bike more upright when cornering, and go very slowly when turning through intersections as there is more oil here (due to slow moving traffic) than anywhere else. Lean forward and keep lots of weight over the front wheel.
• If you are going to ride in the rain for an extended period of time, decrease your tire pressure by 25%. A wet road is a slippery surface, but a tire grips the road surface because the rubber 'flows' into the dimples of the road surface and a slightly deflated tire is more flexible, warms up more and is therefore able to fill these dimples more easily.
• Brake with your rear brake first and then progressively pile the pressure on the front brake. If the rear wheel should lock up, LOOK UP, LOOK AHEAD, GO STRAIGHT. Yes, the bike will fish-tail around, but it should remain controllable and upright.
• Try to keep your tires on good surfaces, and avoiding puddles where nails and other sharp objects can accumulate. A wet nail will penetrate a tire more easily than a dry one!
• Know your limitations. When the rain, hail, lightening, etc becomes a danger, pull off and wait for it to pass. We read about a motorcyclist who takes an umbrella with him on all trips: that way, he can stop and keep the rain off his bike as well. LOL! Oh, and hear are two more suggestions...
• If you don't have one, make one of the first upgrades to you bike a decent windshield. It won't stop the rain, but it will add a measure of protection from the rain...and the wind. And here's a good one...
• Put your raingear on before it starts pouring.
For more information on riding in the rain, check out these sites - interesting reading...
