How to ride a motorcycle in the rain?

Rule #2: Equip yourself well

When riding a motorbike in the rain, it is important to stay warm. The cold, caused by the rain, can causear Being wet can make us numb and tired. Our reflexes are then less good and we increase the risk of having an accident. This is why it is essential to have warm and suitable clothing. The ideal is Gore-Tex equipment, which makes the clothes waterproof. However, remember to take a break from time to time to rest if you are on a long journey. It is also advisable to bring a change of clothes (combination, gloves etc) if you ride for a very long time in the rain. Indeed, the water always ends up par leak somewhere and get wet. In this case, stop when you can in a sheltered place to change your clothes.

Rainwear

Dry suits

Drysuits are essential for staying dry. Choose one that provides good coverage. It should also be easy to put on over your regular clothes. It should also be breathable to prevent condensation inside. If you don't want to be bulky, you can opt for a overpants and over-jacket waterproof. These are easier to ranger in a bag.

Tip: If you get caught par rain while driving, pull over to the side of the road in a dry place. Keep your hazard lights on when putting on your rain gear. Also, be sure to keep your eyes on the road to see what's happening.

Waterproof gloves

Waterproof gloves protect your hands from moisture and cold. They are essential for handling the motorcycle with dexterity.ar rainy weather. Make sure they are comfortable and durable enough to protect your hands in the event of a fall or accident. It is also recommended to have a "windshield wiper" on the index finger. This allows you to wipe away water drops on the speedometer and the helmet visor.

boots sealed

The waterproof boots keep your feet dry and provide extra protection. They should be non-slip and high enough to prevent water from seeping in. Consider choosing boots with good thermal insulation to protect your feet from the cold.

See and above all, BE SEEN!

To be seen on the road, equip yourself with accessories such as a jacket or a reflective vests. This allows you to be seen par other drivers when visibility is reduced.

Tip: Assume that others cannot see you. So before you enter an intersection, make sure you have been seen.

Helmet suitable for rain

To ride a motorcycle in the rain, we recommend that you opt for a full face helmet with a anti-fog visor (or a Pinlock). It is also advisable to have a visor with a water-repellent treatment (such as Rain-X) so that water slides off more easily. Also, remember to check the condition of the visor before setting off. Make sure it is clean and scratch-free. Indeed, these can create light diffractions that can impair vision. Finally, don't forget to put some reflective stripes on your helmet!!

Rule #4: Areas to avoid

Avoid puddles

Puddles can hide potholes or dangerous objects. Avoid them whenever possible to reduce the risk of losing control, getting a flat tire or even falling. Par Elsewhere, it is difficult to know how deep the puddle is. Thus, deeper puddles can cause aquaplaning. The tire then loses contact with the ground and slides on the water.

Beware of summer black ice!

Summer black ice is a particularly dangerous phenomenon for motorcyclists. It occurs when rain falls after a long dry period. Oils and greases (petrol, hydrocarbons, etc.) present on the road surface rise. This creates a slippery layer. In the rain, this layer can become very slippery and increase the risk of falling. Summer black ice takes the form of a white foam. If you see that the cars in front of you are leaving tracks,races on the road, be careful. Indeed, it is possible that summer black ice has started to form.

To avoid it, here is a tip: wait a little before taking your motorcycle. It is at the beginning of the downpour that summer black ice begins to form and is the most dangerous. Wait about an hour, the time it takes for it to be pushed to the sides of the road. If the downpour falls on you and you cannot avoid it: keep your motorcycle upright and above all, SLOW DOWN !

...And just black ice in fact

Black ice is a major hazard for motorcyclists. In the rain, the cold can cause water to freeze on the road surface, creating an extremely slippery surface. It is therefore vital to reduce your speed and avoid sudden acceleration to avoid skidding. It is best to stick to straight lines and not change direction suddenly. If in doubt about the condition of the road, it is best to stop and check the surface before continuing.

Pay attention to smooth surfaces

Par In dry weather, smooth surfaces are already a bit slippery... So when it rains, it's even worse! Beware of road markings (white lines, pedestrian crossings), paving stones, manhole covers, rails... In short, anything that isn't asphalt!

You should be careful when driving through them. Above all, avoid braking or accelerating suddenly on them. Their appearance can reduce the grip of your tires and increase the risk of skidding.