Safety Tips for Riding Motorcycles in the Rainy Season

When it rains, roads are often slippery and visibility is reduced, which increases the risk of traffic accidents. For motorcycles, navigating the rainy season smoothly requires both good driving skills and proper gear. This Kwiksure guide will share tips for riding a motorcycle in the rain, what the essential gear is, and examine the advantages and disadvantages of different types of motorcycles in wet conditions.

Motorcycle Guide for the Rainy Season | Riding Tips

Wet surfaces reduce tire grip, so the tire quality is crucial for motorcycles. Regularly check tire wear to ensure sufficient tread depth for water drainage and maintain proper tire pressure. Both over-inflation and under-inflation can affect grip. Additionally, keep these 4 points in mind when riding in the rain:

1. Cautions for Wet Road Surface

• Slippery Roads: When it starts raining, oil and dust on the road create a thin oily film. This is the most dangerous phase.
• Maintain Distance: Keep a longer distance from the vehicle ahead to allow ample time to react and brake. The Transport Department advises that distance from the vehicle in front should be at least doubled in wet conditions to ensure sufficient stopping time. Some countries have a "two-second rule," where you are supposed to maintain a two-second gap under normal conditions, but increase this to four seconds in the rain.

2. Road Surface Hazards

• Puddles and Hidden Obstacles: Puddles can make potholes, rocks, or other obstacles harder to see, causing loss of control.

• Water Splashes: Driving through puddles at high speeds can cause water splashes, impairing visibility and affecting other road users.
• Avoid Fast Lanes: Try to avoid spending too much time in the right lane to prevent sudden water splashes from oncoming vehicles affecting your visibility.
• Beware of Slippery Surfaces: Road markings, manhole covers, and metal surfaces become very slippery in the rain, so avoid them if possible. If you must drive over them, slow down and keep a straight line, avoiding sharp turns or braking.

3. Ride Your Motorcycle Smoothly

• Ride Stably: Avoid sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns on slippery surfaces. Ride as steadily as possible.
• Braking Technique: Apply both the front and rear brakes gently to avoid wheel lock-up. Try feathering the brakes.

4. Maintain Good Vision and Look Out for Potential Hazards

• Keep Good Vision: Rain can affect your vision, so regularly clean your helmet’s visor to ensure clear vision.
• Look Out for Potential Hazards: Pay close attention to the road ahead, especially slippery surfaces like road markings, manhole covers, and oil stains.

Motorcycle Guide for the Rainy Season | Proper Gear

Wearing the right gear while riding a motorcycle significantly reduces the risk of injury in accidents. In rainy weather, special attention should be given to the following:

1. Rain Jacket and Pants

Choose breathable, waterproof materials like Gore-Tex that keep you dry while preventing trapping heat from prolonged wear. Ensure the rain jacket has good sealing design to prevent water from entering through the collar and cuffs. There are also full-body rain suits that are convenient to wear but may restrict movement of your lower body, and they are more suitable for scooter riders.

2. Waterproof Gloves

Get a pair of waterproof gloves with heat insulation to keep your hands warm and dry. In cold weather, wet gloves are uncomfortable. Look for gloves with anti-slip designs, such as those with rubber grips or pads in the palm area, to ensure a secure grip on the handlebars even in wet conditions.

3. Waterproof Boots

Make sure the boots have good anti-slip soles for better grip on slippery surfaces and to prevent slippage on the footpegs. Choose boots with higher shafts and pair them with waterproof pants to keep water out.

4. Helmet

Compared to full-face helmets, open-face helmets are less likely to fog up, maintaining clear vision. Choose a helmet with anti-fog visors. Additionally, make sure the helmet has good ventilation. With full-face helmets, it is recommended to keep the visor slightly open to prevent fogging and too much heat being trapped inside the helmet.

6 Types of Motorcycles and Their Performance in the Rain

Different types of motorcycles have varying handling and performance characteristics in the rain due to their design features. Here are the performances of 6 different types of motorcycles in rainy conditions:

Sport Bikes

Sport bikes often have high-performance tires that excel on dry surfaces but may offer less grip on wet roads. Their excellent acceleration and braking abilities mean that extra care is needed in wet conditions to avoid skidding. The low riding position also means these bikes are more affected by water splashes when it rains.

Naked Bikes

Naked bikes offer agile handling, making it easier to avoid obstacles or hazards in the rain. However, although their upright riding position often gives the rider a better view, it can also expose the rider to more rain and wind.

Cruiser Bikes

Cruisers have a low center of gravity, which helps maintain stability on slippery surfaces. Their wide tires and stable frame also contribute to a more stable ride in the rain.

Dual-Sport Bikes

Dual-sport bikes typically have multi-purpose tires that provide good grip on various surfaces, including wet roads. Their higher seat height and longer suspension travel also help navigate through puddles and uneven terrain.

Sport Touring Bikes

Sport touring bikes combine the benefits of sport and touring bikes, offering comfortable riding positions and good handling. They are suitable for long-distance travel and different weather conditions. Moreover, most sport touring bikes come with powerful brakes that provide good stopping power even in the rain.

Scooters

Scooters usually have lower seat heights, making it easier to keep balance with the feet when stopped or starting. Some scooters have a transparent windscreen that provides better protection from rain, reducing the impact of rain on the rider.