Being Safe While Riding in the Rain

Wet riding can be unavoidable. Sometimes an unexpected drizzle comes out of nowhere. That's why you'll want to study in advance safe riding techniques. When the situation arises, you'll be prepared to stay safe! We created the following guide to safe riding in the rain below. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. We proudly serve those in Los Angeles.

Wear the Proper Equipment

Safe riding starts with the proper equipment. You still need the protection from the road as usual, but you'll need to adapt your gear to the unique circumstances of wet riding. If you normally wear clothes made of leather, remember that leather and water don't mix well!

Consider getting a one piece rain suit. It covers up your clothes and keeps them safe in the rain. They are constructed to provide seamless protection so you'll stay dry. These tend to be costly and bulky, but it offers the best protection. Another solution (that's cheaper) is to get waterproof pants and a waterproof jacket. 

The rain does more than make clothing wet. Riding in the rain can also reduce your visibility. Make sure you have a form of fog-resistant eyewear. Part of proper motorcycle safety is maintaining proper visibility, after all!

Adjust Your Riding

A big part of motorcycle safety is adapting to the given road conditions. Wet riding requires you utilizing many different defensive driving habits. Leave plenty of room between yourself and other motorists. If they suddenly stop, you'll want plenty of time to slow yourself down to avoid a fender bender. Take turns and lane changes slow. The rain makes the roads slick, which reduces traction. Slamming on your brakes or jerking too sharply can cause you to lose traction, which gets dangerous quickly. Safe riding requires you to ride easier and more cautiously than you normally would.

Low Traction Obstacles 

Part of safe riding involves proactive looking for obstacles. Wet riding can make otherwise harmless situations into dangerous ones. Steel plates, for example, are common throughout a city. They help cover holes in construction zones and are normally a non-issue. But they provide zero traction and become exceptionally slick when wet. If you attempt to make a quick change to your speed or direction while riding across them, you could end up sliding.

Another obstacle is intersections. As cars idle, they drop oil. The oil mixes with rain to create a slick spot, which poses an issue for your motorcycle.

As much as possible, try to avoid these low traction obstacles altogether. If you have no choice but to ride over them, approach them with caution. Use a slow speed and focus on driving smooth.

Ride in a Dry Line

On most roads, you'll find they are worn down into a "W" shape. There are two trenches created by years of cars wearing them down. Water collects in these dips, which poses a challenge to safe riding due to the risk of hydroplaning. Wet riding is safer when you shoot for riding down the middle of the hump. There will be less water and, in turn, more traction.

For all your motorcycle needs, visit Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. We carry a range of new and used motorcycles for sale. Our friendly staff can help answer all your questions and direct you to your next dream bike! We also offer a parts replacement and service department that can get your vehicle running like new. Whatever you need, you'll find it with us! We proudly serve those in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Ana, California.