I HAVE RIDDEN a motorcycle through several rain storms, and it was not a pleasant experience. The first time that it happened was when it rained continuously from Utrecht in the Netherlands to Hamburg in Germany.
Even though I had invested in wet weather gear, my brother wore a leather jacket (bad news) and we were both drenched, and it took two days for everything to dry because of the 5-hour ride in heavy rain—seams, zippers, cuffs, and collar openings were all weak points in my wet weather gear.
Riding in the rain requires extra caution and preparation. Wet roads, reduced visibility, and unpredictable traffic make wet-weather riding more challenging. Here are some essential tips to help you stay safe and in control.
Adjusting Your Riding Technique
- Accelerate, brake, and turn more gently than usual. Sudden movements can cause your tyres to lose traction, increasing the risk of skidding.
- Avoid manhole covers and lane markings. They become extremely slippery when wet, and lane markings often contain plastic elements that make them especially dangerous.
- Ride in the left or right of your lane, avoiding the middle. Oil from cars accumulates in the centre of the lane, creating a slick surface.
- Be extra cautious after the first rain following a dry spell. The oil that has built up on the road will mix with water, making the surface dangerous—like riding on ice.
- Stay visible. Rain reduces visibility for both you and other drivers. Assume that cars may not see you, and be prepared for sudden lane changes or turns in front of you.
Dealing with Water on Your Visor
- Buy gloves with a built-in rubber squeegee. I invested in gloves with a small squeegee on the thumb, which helped clear rain off my visor.
- Use the wind to keep your visor clear. If you’re moving fast enough, turning your head side to side can let the wind push water away.
- Carry a microfiber cloth and visor cleaner. A minor can of Spray cleaner helps keep your visor clean during longer trips.
Fogging and Ventilation
- Use a Pinlock visor. These anti-fog inserts are lifesavers. They create a double-layer effect that prevents condensation from forming on your visor.
- Breathe through your nose rather than your mouth. It sounds silly, but it reduces the amount of warm air hitting the visor, which can help prevent fogging.
- Avoid using a chin skirt. This is a difficult choice because I wear one in cold weather, but it can trap moist air inside your helmet, increasing fogging.
Dangers of Painted Road Surfaces
- Painted road markings are incredibly slippery. Look out for crosswalks, turning arrows, and even lane dividers, which become hazardous in wet conditions.
- Be cautious when crossing painted lines. If you need to change lanes, be on red alert, do it smoothly, and avoid abrupt throttle or brake inputs to prevent your rear wheel from losing traction.
Additional Hazards to Watch For
- Tunnels can be deceptively dangerous. Oil accumulates on tunnel roads and is rarely washed away. When vehicles bring in rainwater, it creates an ultra-slick surface. Avoid tunnels in wet weather whenever possible.
- Standing water and hydroplaning. Deep puddles caused us to hydroplane, where our tyres lost contact with the road. If this happens, ease off the throttle and avoid sudden movements.
How to Stay Comfortable and Dry
- Invest in quality rain gear. Investing in a high-quality rain suit, which you can wear over your motorcycle suit depending on the duration of your ride, will prevent you from getting completely soaked.
- Use heated grips and seats if available. These were a must they helped keep me warm in the cold, wet conditions.
- Make sure your gloves are waterproof. Wet hands get cold fast, reducing your ability to control the bike.
Personal Experiences and Lessons Learned
Everyone has their own stories about riding in heavy rain, and ours made for an incredibly cold and miserable ride. The lesson? Good gear is essential but be prepared for the worst. If you must ride in the rain, take it slow, stay prepared, and prioritise safety. With the right techniques, gear, and mindset, you can confidently handle wet weather while reducing risks on the road.
