Great info for great riding

12 Survival Tips for
Motorcycle Riding in the Rain

Yes…it makes sense not to go cruising on scenic, twisty roads if wet weather is apt to take the fun out of your day and make riding dangerous.

However, you may get caught in an unpredicted storm just about any time. And if you're on a lengthy ride, you could start your day in bright weather then drive into a storm miles down the road.

Rain happens…and you may not have the option of ducking for cover until it passes. It could be hours -- even days -- before the sun shines.

In no particular order, here are 12 tips to help you ride safe, stay upright, avoid mishaps and -- perhaps -- even enjoy riding in the rain…

I've also included six "quality of life" tips to increase your riding pleasure…

Wet weather riding survival tips…

1) Suit up early…

Put your rain gear on before you get soaked -- it might even keep the rain away. You don’t want to be flailing around on the side of the road…struggling to pull your rain suit on over wet boots and a soggy, clinging jacket.

2) Watch for grease…

If it's been raining for less than an hour, watch out for wet, slick sections where the rain hasn't washed away the grease -- particularly in the middle of the lanes.

3) Be smooth…

Relax and be smooth when braking, accelerating, cornering and shifting. Sudden inputs can cause your tires to lose traction.

4) Keep your distance…

Maintain an extra measure of braking distance between you and the vehicle in front.

5) Notice everything…

Amp up your awareness of the vehicles around you -- especially tailgaters. Be prepared for what other drivers are doing and what they might do.

6) Clean your brakes while riding…

Gently apply your brakes periodically, not to slow down, but to clean the rotors and disks of water and crud.

7) Brake straight…

When braking, always stop in a straight line. Keep your tires perpendicular to the road. Don’t lean or turn when braking.

8) Apply front and rear brakes equally…

Apply the front and rear brakes gradually with equal pressure on both. If you need more traction, apply a bit more pressure to the rear brake. Go easy on the front brake. You don’t want your front wheel to lock up or slide. It will take you down.

9) Telegraph your moves…

Tap your rear brake to alert followers prior to reaching your desired braking distance where you'll apply constant brake pressure.

10) Avoid puddles…

Don't ride through puddles. They could be hiding ruts and potholes that can wreck your tires and hammer the handlebars from your grasp.

11) Avoid wet metal…

Don't ride over slippery manhole covers or cross wet railroad tracks diagonally.

12) Check your tires…

Be sure your tires have ample tread depth to give you traction and displace water. And check the pressure in both tires to make sure they're properly inflated.

Six "quality of life" wet weather driving tips…

1) Pack smart, always anticipate rain…

Pack your rainsuit where you can reach it easily and quickly.

2) Improve your vision…

Wear eyewear equipped with yellow lenses when the weather is wet and dreary. They'll brighten your view and give depth and definition to everything you see.

3) Avoid having to dig for your stuff…

Transfer your wallet, keys and other essentials to your rainsuit's waterproof outside pockets or some other dry, easy-access location.

4) Prognosticate…

Watch the windshield wipers of oncoming traffic to determine how hard it’s raining ahead.

5) Clear your field of view…

Adjust your windshield so you're seeing the road over it, not through it.

6) Make yourself stand out…

Use your bike's four-way flashers and -- for good measure -- wear a high visibility reflective vest to make you stand out to other drivers.

I'm sure you have your own wet weather motorcycle riding tips.

Please share them with us.

* * *

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I've taken all the information in my website describing riding techniques for dangerous situations and added to it in the book "High Risk Motorcycle Riding."

Here's information you can put to good use to ride smart and well prepared when you're on the road and the going gets tough.

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