All motorcycle owners wish they could always ride in clear skies and on dry, even roads, but that isn’t always the case. There will always be times when you’re out riding in the rain or get caught in a storm.
Riding in wet weather is inherently unsafe. Water on the road creates a slippery surface, reducing traction and making it harder for your tyre to grip the road. This also increases the risk of hydroplaning. Rain, especially during heavy storms, is one of the worst conditions to ride in for visibility. Not only does it impair your visibility, but it can also impact other drivers, too. From water droplets on the visor, reduced light, and the rain itself hiding hazards on the road, it is far from ideal.
While the safest thing to do in wet weather is to wait it out and keep your motorbike parked, we understand that isn’t always possible. So, we’ve put together a guide complete with riding safety tips, gear recommendations, and motorcycle upgrades for when you have to ride in wet conditions.
Motorcycle Riding Tips For Wet Weather
Accident investigation data shows that in 85% of accidents involving a motorcycle, riders incorrectly use the brakes. This includes either not applying brakes at all, applying the brakes too hard, or using too little.
Statistics show that very few motorcyclists regularly practice emergency braking techniques. Even under ideal, dry conditions, emergency braking is a difficult technique to learn and even harder to employ, and it is even more difficult in wet weather.
One of the best tips we can give to motorcyclists in wet weather is to learn how to brake on slippery roads. The best way to learn how to brake on wet roads is to try it. Under controlled, safe conditions and away from traffic, practice braking on your motorcycle during or shortly after rain.
During wet weather and shortly after it has rained, it takes longer for motorcycles to stop. This is because the tyres have less friction on the road. So, another tip to keep in mind is to always allow for more space between you and the vehicle in front of you to brake safely if needed.
Another tip is to always keep your visor clean. It can make a world of difference when rain is coming down hard. A clean visor makes it easier for water to bead away, increasing visibility.
Finally, it’s paramount to invest in wet weather gear. Getting wet is always followed by getting cold. Getting cold and losing feeling in your fingers and toes can be dangerous when riding. You need complete function of your hands and feet for braking, changing gears, and clutch control.
We recommend always checking the weather forecast before you go out riding. It’s also handy to get a set of wet-weather riding gear that you can always keep in a backpack or bag.
Motorcycle Gear For Wet Weather Riding
Riding in wet weather is unavoidable, so investing in wet-weather gear is important. It can make a world of difference in the riding experience, making you comfortable and protecting you from the elements. We recommend investing in:
A waterproof jacket and pants
Invest in a high-quality, water-resistant jacket and pants. This is important for keeping you dry and combating the cold when riding. You want a material that prevents rain from soaking you.
Waterproof gloves
Wet hands are a quick way to lose feeling in your fingers, making it difficult to control a motorcycle. Every rider should invest in a set of waterproof gloves and carry it with them in a bag or backpack.
Waterproof boots
Similar to gloves, the last thing you want is to lose feeling in your feet. Waterproof boots are essential if you want to keep warm and stay dry. We recommend looking for boots with a waterproof lining and a high-ankle design. The boots should also have a good tread pattern for wet surfaces.
Invest in a good helmet
It’s important to get a full-face helmet with a good ventilation system and anti-fog visors for rainy weather. We also recommend sticking to clear visors, as tinted visors may reduce visibility, especially on dark/rainy days.
Motorcycle Upgrades For Safer Wet Weather Riding
Along with investing in new waterproof gear and incorporating our riding strategies, there are a few upgrades you can make to your bike to increase safety in wet weather. From lighting upgrades to heated grips, we’ve outlined the different upgrades you can make.
Lighting upgrades
When riding in wet weather, visibility is everything—not only for you but also for other vehicles around you. Upgrading to brighter LED headlights and adding auxiliary lights can help increase visibility, illuminate the road, and let other riders/drivers know where you are.
Upgraded brake pads
As statistics show, braking plays a massive role in most motorcycle accidents. While braking technique and learning how to emergency brake is important, the quality of your brake pads matters too. Investing in premium, high-quality brakes like sintered or semi-sintered will provide better response and more control in wet weather.
Heated grips
In cold and rainy weather, every effort to stay warm counts. Heated grips are a great addition to waterproof gloves to help keep your hands warm.
Mudguards
Mudguards and upgrading your fenders can help prevent water and mud from splashing onto you or your motorcycle. The last thing you want is water or mud impacting the electronics or brakes.
Rain covers
If you want to keep your bike on the road as long as possible, we recommend investing in rain covers and waterproofing upgrades for your seat and electronics. Water-resistant seat covers help reduce the risk of slipping while riding in the rain.
Installing upgrades
When it comes to installing upgrades for wet weather riding, we recommend always seeking advice or visiting a professional workshop for installation. A qualified technician can ensure the upgrades and/or modifications are installed correctly and road-legal.
Professional workshops have the space and specialised tools, which can be an expensive investment if you want to install upgrades yourself. They may also have connections to easily locate/source upgrades and potentially order them at cheaper prices.
Book Your Motorcycle In At Taverner Motorsports
One of the most important ways to prepare for riding in wet weather is to ensure your motorcycle is in top condition. Here at Taverner Motorsports, we can make sure your motorcycle is running optimally with our range of workshop services.
If you’ve been riding in wet weather and your motorcycle has been damaged, we also offer a range of repair services. Our team of qualified mechanics has been in the industry for decades and specialises in motorcycle repairs.
Our team can help with general repairs, component replacements, and troubleshooting. Taverner Motorsports has been in the motorcycle business since 1975.
If you have any servicing or repair needs or inquiries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us directly. Contact us today to book your motorcycle and request a quote. When you bring your motorcycle to us for any services or repairs, we will keep you informed throughout the entire process, including estimated costs and a timeline for completion.