How to Handle Unexpected Weather While Motorcycle Riding

No matter how thoroughly you plan, your motorcycle trip could be interrupted by unexpected weather. This could happen right before you are ready to hit the road or halfway through your journey. Either way, you'll want to have an action plan for how to handle this sudden poor weather. We created the following guide to help you decide whether it's safe to still ride (and how to keep yourself safe on the road) below. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. We’re in Westminster, California, proudly serving those in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire.

Making the Call

Your first step is deciding whether or not you can head out in this poor weather. Multiple factors come into play when evaluating whether it's safe to still hit the road.

Your Riding Level

Beginner riders should stay home. If you are new to riding, you won't have the skills and muscle memory necessary to handle poor road conditions brought on by snow, rain, and so on. The more extreme the weather, the more experience you need to safely handle it.

Your Motorcycle

Some motorcycles are better built to tackle tough road conditions than others. A sturdier bike that’s easier to control is your best bet. Also, your motorcycle's condition is a contributing factor. You'll want to do a pre-ride inspection before heading out in poor weather. Make sure you have enough fluids to get you through the journey, that you have enough tire tread and tire pressure to maintain traction with the road, your lights are clearly visible, and so on. If your bike has been experiencing any issues, you need to stay off the road.

Riding in a Group

If you are riding in a group, you'll want to have a group meeting to gauge how everyone feels. Would you all prefer to push through poor weather? Or would you all rather pull over for a few hours to see if the conditions let up? You don't want to waste valuable trip time engaging in these discussions (or provide an avenue for everyone to get stressed and heated while debating this). Try to have these talks before the trip so that you can all get on the same page and more easily make the final call.

Riding Solo

When you make the call on your own, keep in mind that you are riding alone. You won't have other riders there to immediately help you if something goes wrong. Without that safety net, riding in bad weather can be riskier.

Weather Dealbreakers

A good rule of thumb is don't head out into weather that you wouldn't walk or drive your car in. Keep in mind the risks of different weather scenarios. Storms can cause falling trees and branches. Rain and freezing temperatures can cause black ice. Heavy snow and rain can compromise visibility. Plummeting temperatures can cause hypothermia or frostbite. Be cautious about heading out in bad weather.

Be Prepared

If you've used your best judgment and decided that it's safe to venture out on your trip, your next step is to be as prepared as possible. You want to set yourself up for a safe, successful ride in poor weather.

Gear

Poor weather calls for sturdier gear. A full-face helmet is always ideal, but it's especially important in poor weather conditions. Rain and wind at high speeds can feel harsh against your skin and the full-face motorcycle helmet will help shield you from this. It'll also keep you warmer and drier.

Next, you'll want waterproof outerwear to keep you dry. You'd be amazed at how fast a little bit of moisture can chill you to the bone. Make sure to have a waterproof jacket and waterproof riding pants. Underneath that, you'll want plenty of layers to stay warm.

Finally, make sure you have sturdy motorcycle riding boots! You'll want to be sure they provide plenty of grip. Ideally, they would also be waterproof.

Packing

If you can, try to only bring waterproof luggage. Your luggage will be stored out in the open on your motorcycle. It'll feel the effects of rain and snow. You don't want to arrive at your destination to discover soaked clothing and ruined electronics!

Make Emergency Plans

Make a plan in advance for your riding trip. Decide at what point you would pull over. Look for stopping points alongside your touring route. Tell someone where you are going and when they should hear from you that you arrived. These are small steps that can make a big difference in case of an emergency.

Make Adjustments To Your Riding Style

The compromised road conditions mean that you'll need to adjust your motorcycle riding habits. Some roads or routes may be closed, so you’ll want to check in advance so you don’t have to waste time going back around or throwing your schedule off for detours.

The poor weather is also going to affect your stamina and ability to stay focused, so you’ll need to take more breaks than normal. Keep in mind that there will be obstacles that rise up with rain and snow, such as sand, leaves, oil slicks, and so on. Be careful when you pass over them and treat them like black ice. Leave plenty of space between you and other vehicles. Take turns and corners slowly. The more defensive driving tactics you adopt, the safer you'll be! 

We want all riders to stay safe and happy out there, so keep all this in mind and let us know if you need any more help by stopping by Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County. We proudly serve those in Westminster and Los Angeles, California, as well as all those in the Inland Empire.