If you’ve been riding for numerous years, you will have encountered rain during one of your travels. Whether on a cross-country trek, or just a quick Sunday ride, rain can occur at any time, especially during the winter and spring seasons. Can you ride a motorcycle in the rain? Yes, you certainly can.
Before you leave for your ride, there are a few parts to inspect to be prepared for the wet weather.
Before you leave on your ride, protect yourself from the elements with proper riding gear and attire. Note that there are two different types of water prevention clothing, waterproof and water-resistant. Waterproof clothing/gear will not allow water penetration unless under more extreme circumstances, like being submerged in water. Water-resistant gear will shed water from the surface but tend to allow water penetration after a certain period of time when hit with water continuously. When looking for new riding gear for more adverse riding conditions, take note of the type of water prevention the gear is supposed to have.
Beyond having the right riding gear for cold or wet weather, there are some other considerations to have in your riding plan.
Wet roads can create dangerous situations for any motorcycle rider. Though it can appear perfectly clean, oftentimes wet roads consist of oils and other slippery residuals on the surface. Be wary and alert of the hazards that heavy rainfall can have on the road in order for you to navigate to your destination safely.
Rain unveils oils that create slippery, wet surfaces that reduce the traction on your tires. The first hour of a heavy rainstorm is the most dangerous time to ride, when the oils are raised to the surfaces of the road and have not yet been washed away. If it’s possible to stop for a quick break, now is the time. Wait the storm out or until the rain has thoroughly washed the road surface clean of oils and anything else that has been left behind prior to getting back on your bike. Once the rain has eased up, ride behind the vehicle’s tire tracks, as they have already propelled some of the water away and allow you the gain better traction.
A heavy volume of water can also cause you to hydroplane, despite how good or new your tire tread is. Hydroplaning occurs when a layer of water prevents direct contact between the tires and the road. To reduce your chances of hydroplaning, try to avoid riding on painted lines, manhole covers, tar snakes, rainbow-hued puddles, and metal crossings, as they contribute to reduced tire grip.
While riding, slow down as much as possible, squeeze your clutch, and coast through the puddle. At higher speed conditions, try to maintain your speed and avoid abrupt changes as it can reduce the traction of your motorcycle. Also, take into consideration the type of tires you have on your motorcycle. All-weather tires are designed to handle water whereas summer sport tires may not be as resourceful.
The surface presents many challenges, but sometimes what you can’t see in the distance is the biggest obstacle. Visibility of the road and on the road is a big concern. Reflective and/or bright-colored high visibility gear should always be worn while riding in the rain. In dismal conditions, or in the dark, they could be the discerning feature that keeps you visible to other vehicles as their wipers beat across the windshield.
Braking opportunities will be reduced in wet weather conditions in comparison to dry riding conditions. Braking distance should be increased on the wet road and cornering needs to be slow and steady. It’s best to ride as vertical as possible so your tires have the best contact patch and can whisk away the most water through the treads in your tires. While braking, apply a lighter application to the front brakes. The reduced application of the front brake should be compensated by adding more stopping distance.
If there is lightning accompanying the rain, get off the road immediately. Lightning may only seek out tall objects, but that electricity has to go somewhere in the ground. If everything is wet, including yourself, your tires aren’t absolutely going to insulate you from electricity traveling along the ground. Don’t take the chance.
What parameters did we base ourselves on to make the list of the best motorcycles for rain?
Without a doubt, one of the most important. Driving a naked is not the same as driving a scooter. In the first one we will have very little protection against the wind and inclement weather, while in the second case, we will be very protected, especially in the part of the legs.
Since the arrival of heated grips, any motorcycle that claims to be a good option for winter must have this system mounted. But now, with several models on the market that have heating in the seat, it will be another point to consider.
In winter we have fewer daylight hours, with fog, with snow… in short, if we want to be safer and calmer, we must have a state-of-the-art lighting system.
It seems obvious, but if we are looking for a motorcycle that will face winter, we must have an adequate braking system, with ABS, that is capable of overcoming possible precipitation or frost.
Having different driving modes will be of great help when the asphalt is not dry due to that winter morning dew or its temperature is low. Undoubtedly, a “rain” mode will help in both cases since the metered power delivery will give us extra security.
The third wheel gives us extra security on wet and even icy surfaces, it is also a motorcycle that has sufficient protection, heated grips, and the latest technology (including different driving modes and ABS braking system) to be within this list.
Its giant boxer engine covers half the leg, the wide tank the other half, and the screen the body. This, together with its heated grips and seat, the latest technology with different driving modes, and the BMW Integral ABS Pro braking system, make this GS worthy of being on our list of motorcycles for winter.
A robust and safe motorcycle that will protect you from the cold, will be on your side in terms of stability and safety. Its LED technology lights will light your way on the worst days and all this together with a very comfortable driving position.
It loads a Bosch injection engine, Ride-by-Wire that produces 1,262 cc that produces 158 CV at 9,500 rpm. It has a 6-speed gearbox and Sachs inverted fork suspension with fully electronically adjustable 48mm stanchions. This ensures that this Ducati model has the appropriate technology to be able to circulate on almost any terrain.
It is a low-power motorcycle that is powered by a single-cylinder engine called the LS 410, with 411 cc and 24.5 hp. Its main virtue is that it has little electronics. The mechanics are basic and in this way, in the event of a mishap in a distant region, it can be repaired in a local workshop instead of going to the official house, a mishap that can ruin the adventure.
When the weather conditions are adverse, safety prevails when making a decision. Knowing the essential tips to ride a motorcycle in the ran, and choosing a premium motorcycle is essential to start an adventure that you will certainly enjoy!
Want more information on can you ride an electric motorcycle in the rain? Click the link below to contact us.