Staying Safe And Dry While Traveling On Motorcycle

Weather changes abruptly and the worst thing for motorcycle tourists is getting caught in rain. Whether it is winter or summer rain can come at any time and make your ride miserable. But you won’t have to worry much if you have the right gear and apparel. Riding with proper and complete motorcycle gear is necessary and important. But there is a little more protection when it comes to rain. You can find more motorcycle gear like backpacks, rain suits, gloves and more at Viking Cycle. Riding in rain with the right preparation can make for an enjoyable riding experience. Whether or not you ride in rain, we devised this article to help you to ride safe and dry.

Controlling the bike

Controlling the bike is the first thing that you need to have. Keep more distance between you and the vehicle behind in front. This gives you more time to control and stop the bike suddenly to avoid accidents.

Turning, Braking, and Accelerating

Accelerate gradually and keep accelerating the throttle smoothly until you get the speed you need. Ride at half the speed you normally do. These accelerate only when the wheels are perpendicular to the road, or they could lose traction.

Keep plenty of space between yourself and the vehicle in front of you so you can slow down or stop safely. Don’t get too close behind any other vehicle. Stop smoothly, don’t apply brakes abruptly, apply the brakes slowly and gradually.

On turns, get real slow, do not brake and change lanes while turning, unless it is very important. Downshifting before entering the turn. Throttle slow and gradually when leaving the turns. Be gradual and smooth riding in rain.

Road conditions

As much as you like it, don’t ride through puddles. It might be a deep pothole, debris or something that can harm you or your bike.

Avoid icy, oily, shiny, and metal surfaces on the road. If you must ride on it, try to keep the bike straight, don’t lean, and don’t use brakes. To slow down, hold the clutch and downshift. Go slow on the intersections, crosswalks, and printed sections. Avoid shiny, rainbow, and oily surfaces because it is oil that can cause the bike to slip. Never ride in the middle behind the vehicle, even if you keep the distance. When stopping, put your foot on a non-oiled surface, thus staying near a toll booth or footpath is better.

Water blasts can impair your vision and get you all wet. Thus, avoid riding in the middle lane and near the oncoming traffic.

Clothing

Right apparel and riding gear is the secret to staying dry and warm in rain. Waterproof motorcycle gear and rain suits are the options you have. I prefer rain suits because they come in handy in winter and summer as well. They act like an additional wind breaker in winter. Plus they are easy to put on, take off, dry, and wash. On the other hand, waterproof gear is good, but it takes more time to dry and you cannot use it in summer. So I think it is better to invest in an accessory that can help you in more than one way. Let’s have a look at what features should your rain protection motorcycle gear should have.

Motorcycle rain pants and jacket

Motorcycle jackets with material like Gore-Tex are good. Buy a motorcycle jacket that seals the cuffs and has a high collar that can keep the water out securely. Make sure the fitting is snug. Put on a few layers and try the separate rain jacket if that is what you are buying. A jacket with reflective lining, piping, or patches is better as it would keep you visible at night, dusk, and dawn times. Make sure no part of the jacket flaps around when you ride.

Make sure the zippers are waterproof. The waist and ankles of the pants are either zippered or elastic so you can get them on easily over the bulky motorcycle riding pants. I would recommend getting a zippered ones because they are easier to put on over the boots too. Having an elastic strap at the bottom of each leg helps the pant stay in place and avoid any excessive ride up while riding. Pants with suspenders are better at keeping them securely in place.

Riding gloves

Either get waterproof motorcycle riding gloves or wear waterproof and rain protection glove covers. Usually these glove covers are easy to put on but are three or two fingered mitten styled. They might not be too stylish, but you will be safe and comfortable with you regular riding gloves underneath.

Don’t ride in heavy rain and storms. Keep yourself and your bike safe under a shed or at some store until it passes. Nothing is more important than life.