How to Ride a Bike in the Rain
It’s quite difficult for people to move around during heavy rain. However, those who ride motorbikes in heavy rain face even greater trouble. Many might say they love rain, but a motorcyclist would never say that they enjoy riding in the rain. So today, we’ll learn about a few important things to keep in mind when riding a motorbike in the rain to stay safe and reduce discomfort for both you and your passenger.
Tips for Riding a Motorbike in the Rain
Proper Clothing
Your clothes will get soaked instantly in the rain, so wearing a raincoat or waterproof gear during the rainy season is essential. Choose waterproof clothing that not only protects you from rainwater but also allows enough air circulation to help you breathe comfortably. Buy a raincoat that covers your body from head to toe to prevent cold, fever, or other illnesses. Since visibility is low during rain, wear a brightly colored or reflective raincoat so that other drivers can easily spot you on the road.
Wear a Helmet with a Visor
Whether you’re the rider or the passenger, wearing a helmet is a must when riding a motorbike. However, during rain, you’ll regret not having a visor on your helmet. When riding at 50 km/h in the rain, the raindrops will hit your face and eyes painfully. You can wear glasses to protect your eyes, but a visor provides the best protection.
Check the Tires
Have you ever wondered why motorbike tires have zigzag patterns? These grooves help drain water from the road while maintaining a strong grip, preventing the bike from skidding. However, over time, these grooves wear out, reducing traction and increasing the risk of accidents. So before riding, always check the tire grip along with other auto parts.
Brake Gently
Roads become slippery during rain. If it rains after a long dry spell, the roads become even more slippery, requiring extra caution. If you apply brakes suddenly in such conditions, your bike may skid and cause an accident. For safety, maintain a greater distance from the vehicle in front so that you have enough time to brake gently. If you ever need to brake immediately, do so in short, gentle pumps instead of pressing hard at once.
Be Careful on Roads Full of Potholes
Always be cautious while riding. Riding through puddles might seem fun, but they often hide small or large potholes. If your tire hits such a hidden hole at high speed, you could lose balance, fall, and get injured. You may have seen posts on social media showing bikes submerged in muddy water due to such accidents. Be extra careful while crossing speed breakers, uneven roads, or railway tracks. Try to keep your tires straight and move slowly, especially over metallic surfaces. Watch out for oily, rainbow-colored patches on the road—these form from oil mixed with water and can cause severe accidents if you ride over them. Avoid such slippery surfaces whenever possible.
Bonus Tip: Take Shelter During Thunderstorms
You might think your motorbike’s rubber tires can protect you from lightning, but that’s a myth. Water conducts electricity, so if you’re wet and lightning strikes nearby, you can easily get electrocuted. Although lightning-related deaths among riders are rare, some bikers do lose their lives each year due to lightning strikes. So it’s wise not to take any risks—take shelter in a safe place during thunderstorms. Avoid standing near trees or electric poles, as they attract lightning.
