HodakaMotoworld’s10 Tips for Riding in the Rain
The monsoon season is back and it is now raining almost daily. But then again, our climate is always standing by to rain at any time.
Riding in the rain can be challenging to some, scary to others. However, it does not have to be so. The weather is definitely cooler and besides that, your senses are more alive as you concentrate fully on riding.
1. Wear bright-coloured gear
This is the most important whenever you ride, what more in the rain. Car drivers are already having a difficult time in picking out the road, so a rider on a motorcycle is much worse due to our small cross-section.For this, we offer rainsuits with high visibility yellow jackets at our shop. But we understand that not all riders like wearing yellow or orange-coloured jackets, thus allrainsuitsfeature reflective inserts for visibility.
2. Stop in a safe place
Credit NST.com
If you cannot continue riding dueto intense rain or flooded road, do stop in a safe area. The safest is at a petrol station but they may be far and between, thereby stopping underneath an overhead bridge is the obvious choice. Should you choose the second option, get off your bike and wait behind the safety barrier. DO NOT sit on your bike. Keep in mind that drivers have their vision impaired in the rain, too.
3. Slow down
Credit Cycle World.com
Slowing down is a prerequisite. But how slow is slow? The fine point here is not to ride too slowly. Being too slow means the tyres cannot evacuate the water from underneath the thread, thereby causing aquaplaning, resulting reduced traction. Therefore, ride at a pace where you can feel the grip but not so fast that the tyres start squiggling around.
4. Keep it smooth
Credit Ultimate Motorcycling
If you have always ridden aggressively, this is the time to learn how to be smooth. Smooth inputs such as steering, braking and throttle control build confidence, even in the dry. In the rain, it is critical. So, steer smoothly, brake smoothly by squeezing (not clamping) on the brakes and roll open or rollclose the throttle smoothly. You will suddenly find the bike and tyres are actually very controllable in the rain. Consequently, your confidence will soar, too.
5. One control at a time
Performone control input at a time. For example, DO NOT try to brake while you want to steer, or downshifting while braking hard. The tyres have only so much traction to give and lumping all everything together will overwhelm the contact patch.
6. Keep your body loose
Loosen up your body, especially the wrist, arms, torso and lower body. Doing so allows the bike to work underneath you. Conversely, holding on too tightly will prevent the bike’s chassis from carrying out its functions. Best to do this is by clamping your thighs gently on the fuel tank, while leaving other body parts loose.
7. Stay away from puddles or tread carefully through them
Puddles and flooded roadsare dangerous to us. They not only hide deep holes but also act as physical speed brakes. Thus, the best approach is to ride around them. However, if you cannot avoid them, slow down and ride smoothly through them. Keep your throttle steady and do not chop it close for any reason.
8. Keep your vision clear
The helmet’s faceshield tends to fog up from the inside when it rains. Opening it up will get rain in your eyes and it is even worse.The best way is to use a helmet with a Pinlock anti-fog insert for the faceshield. The Pinlock insert consists of a membrane which absorbs moisture to keep the faceshield clear. However, do note that it absorbs moisture and not running water. As such, keep the faceshield closed at all times while riding in the rain.
9. Keep yourgloves on
It is best to wear your gloves in the rain, too. They will provide a good grip on the handlebar and of course save your hands in case of a fall. There is also another solution to this: You can spare a set of waterproof gloves or slot them over latex gloves.
10. Waterproof your important items
We offer plenty of waterproof bags and carriers. Each product was tested in harsh environments to keep your items dry and safe. That way, you can drop everything important such as your wallet and phone, among other things into the pouch or backback and not worry about soggy money or shorted out phone afterwards.
