Wet Weather Motorcycle Riding

You can plan to avoid riding your motorcycle in the rain, but Mother Nature may have other ideas. The weather forecast may call for clear, but halfway into your ride the rain comes pouring down. Before you get caught in unexpected rain, be sure you know how to safely navigate the situation. We've gathered up a beginner's guide to wet weather motorcycle riding below. If you have questions or want to explore motorcycles for sale, head over to Escondido Cycle Center. Our dealership is located in Escondido, California. We proudly serve those in San Diego and Oceanside, California, as well.

Get Your Motorcycle Ready

A small motorcycle issue can become a larger safety threat when slick roads from a rainy day are involved. You'll want to conduct a pre-ride inspection before you hit the road to ensure your motorcycle can handle the ride, including a slippery road from unexpected rain.

Start with the tires. They need tread to be able to maintain the necessary traction on the wet road. You'll also want to measure the air pressure against the manufacturer's recommendations.

Next, check out your fluid levels. Do you have enough engine oil? How about brake fluids? Top off the fluids as needed.

Finally, take your motorcycle for a short test drive. Make sure the brakes, clutch, and throttle work as they should. Test your lights to ensure none of them have burned out. If you notice any problems, take your motorcycle to a service shop before your next ride.

Bring the Right Equipment

If there is a chance for rain, you will want to bring extra riding gear. Remember that leather and water do not mix well, so think twice about wearing your leather motorcycle jacket.

You'll want a form of outerwear that is water-resistant. Otherwise, you will get soaked to the bone and feel freezing once the moisture and the wind combine. Waterproof pants and a waterproof jacket are a solid option. You can even get a one-piece rain suit. It'll be more expensive but will offer you better coverage thanks to its seamless protection. 

You'll also want a solid pair of warm riding gloves. Cold hands can struggle to manipulate controls, which is made even worse when hands get wet from rain. Waterproof and warm gloves will keep your hands comfortable so you can easily stay in control of your motorcycle.

Finally, make sure you have a form of eye protection that is well-suited for the rain. Goggles can let some water in, which makes it harder to see the road. Use a helmet with a face shield that has a waterproof coating or use goggles that are fog-resistant. 

Adjust Your Ride

When you ride your motorcycle in the rain, you will want to change how you ride. Remember that slick roads have less traction, which means suddenly slamming on your brakes or jerking to the side can more easily result in a loss of traction. Give yourself plenty of space between your motorcycle and the other motorists on the road. If they suddenly stop, you'll have plenty of time to reduce your speed.

You'll also want to keep an eye out for low traction obstacles. The rain can turn steel plates, leaves, and dropped oil into slippery hazards. Keep your eyes peeled for them and treat these obstacles the same as you treat black ice.

We hope you found these tips helpful For more safety strategies or to check out motorcycles for sale, head over to Escondido Cycle Center. Our friendly staff can answer questions and provide advice, so stop by near Oceanside and San Diego, California today!