Some of you may want to avoid it, while for others, it’s an opportunity they have been long waiting for. Whatever the case, riding a motorbike in the rainy season comes with its own set of problems.
The whole riding experience can indeed become a little tricky and less pleasant when riding your bike in wet weather.
So, if you find yourself at the cusp of confusion and feeling somewhat less confident about riding your motorbike in the rainy season – we have come up with some valuable tips that can give you the best riding experience in wet conditions.
Let’s get you started:
1. Make Aftercare a Part of Your Everyday Routine
When you come back home from your long wet ride, the first thing you would want to do is park your bike, crack open a beer and watch your favorite television show.
However, in that scenario, the best thing you could do is wipe down all the wetness with a piece of cotton cloth, to remove any probability of it getting corrosion.
The same goes for your riding gear. Hang your gear somewhere dry and airy, where they can get dry in as little time as possible. Your bike gear is valuable and expensive, so you wouldn’t want it to go to waste. Also, be sure to wipe them clean because you don’t want to wear dirty, stinky clothes the next time you’re out on your motorcycle.
2. Keep Regular Tabs on Your Motorcycle’s Health
Before the rainy season sets in, you should make a ritual of getting your motorcycle checked and serviced by a reputed two-wheeler maintenance company. And believe us when we say it, following this simple step can make your life a lot easier during the rainy season.
Once you get your bike checked, you’ll have a clear idea of what parts of it need repair or replacement that can create complications for you during the wet season. The experts at WK Bikes insist riders replace broken and non-functioning parts of their motorcycle. Because it will help you in having a smooth and enjoyable bike riding experience during the upcoming rainy season.
Another great idea would be to get your brake oil and engine oil changed. Plus, ensuring your headlight, tail light, and indicators are not broken will give you more reasons to stay safe on the road. Be sure every accessory and part on your motorcycle is functioning adequately before you start riding into a rainy season.
3. Let’s Take it Slow
This should go without saying, but keeping a check on your speed limits while riding a motorcycle on wet roads is a painful thing to consider.
Maintaining a safe speed is crucial in the rain because you’ll experience less friction and poor visibility on wet roads. So, make sure you are always riding at a controlled speed.
Also, keep in mind that not all roads will feel the same. Some might feel more gripper and comfortable riding on, and some will feel barely safe to ride on. Also, keep an eye open for manholes and potholes, as they can have you kiss the road if you are not paying attention.
Take it easy, slow down and prepare yourself for the worst (in terms of riding conditions), be gentle with the throttle and the brakes. Professional MotoGP racers are the best riders globally, and even they go slow in the wet. So you shouldn’t feel bad about riding your bike slowly!
4. Follow the Tyre Routine
As mentioned before, regular checkups and maintenance of your bike should be a part of your everyday routine, but tyre condition needs a little extra concern when you are about to ride on a wet road.
Check your tyres regularly and make sure there is sufficient tread on your tyres, and don’t forget to check your tire’s air pressure every few days. Both of these elements play a crucial role in keeping you above the ground.
The tread on your tires is vital for removing water on waterlogged roads, and if the pits are low, your tires will prove less effective and less gripping on wet roads.
The official limit of tire pit depths is 1mm, and the tread depth must be visible to naked eyes. However, this is an official limit, which is slightly away from the ideal amount. That said, ensure your tires have plenty of treads so they can give you the traction you need on a wet road.
Pro Tip: If you see yourself riding in the rain for quite some time, look for tires that are specifically designed for wet road conditions. And replace them with your regular tires whenever you get a chance.
5. Gear Up
When you are out riding on a wet road, ‘All the gear all the time’ is the wisest advice for every motorcycle rider.
Getting wet in the rain is not only unpleasant but also creates many complications for you. For instance, it can reduce your body temperature, leading to loss of concentration – not advisable when you are riding a motorcycle. And we are not only talking about your journey that will be unpleasant, sitting with your wet clothes at work is not advisable either.
The high-quality waterproof gear can make your driving experience much more enjoyable, even when getting splashed with rain. Also, if you want to carry them around in your backpack, they can take minimal space to adjust. So, the next time you see the weather getting worse, grab your gear out of the bag, and you are ready to deal with the wet conditions on the road.
To Sum it Up
When it’s raining cats and dogs, and you have no other choice but to ride on your motorcycle, these tips will come in handy. However, you always have to keep in mind that you are giving your bike the care it deserves.
Make sure you change-check all the parts and accessories on your motorcycle before you start riding your bike in the rain. So you have a safe and enjoyable riding experience every time you get on your bike.