Riding in the rain can be intimidating, but with the right preparations and techniques, it can actually be an enjoyable experience. As the monsoon season takes hold, here’s a comprehensive A to Z guide to help you and your motorcycle navigate the wet conditions.
Before You Ride Prior to embarking on a rainy ride, it’s crucial to ensure your motorcycle is in optimal condition. Schedule a routine service or check-up to address any mechanical issues that may impede your ride, particularly those that might worsen in wet conditions.
Tyre Condition: Inspect your tyres for wear and replace them if they are nearing the end of their life. Adequate tread depth is essential for effective water dispersion and improved grip on wet surfaces. Old tyres tend to harden, compromising their grip even with sufficient tread depth. If you notice cracks on the sidewalls, it’s recommended to replace the tyres regardless of remaining mileage.
Tyre Pressure: Consider running tyre pressures slightly lower than the manufacturer’s recommendation in rainy conditions. This increases the tyre-to-road contact patch, enhancing grip. However, be cautious not to go too far below the recommended pressure, as it may compromise handling. Remember to restore the specified tyre pressure when the weather clears.
Waterproofing: Investing in waterproof riding gear is ideal, but if you’re on a tight budget, opt for affordable rain gear that fits over your regular riding attire. Ensure the rainwear allows freedom of movement on the bike while remaining snug to prevent flapping or snagging. Comfort and dryness are essential for maintaining focus and handling the challenges posed by wet roads.
Get Proper Footwear: Often overlooked, waterproof boots play a significant role in keeping you comfortable during rainy rides. Invest in a good pair of waterproof boots to prevent discomfort caused by wet feet. Although they may be more expensive, they are worth the initial investment.
Visibility Matters: Poor lighting and reduced visibility are common in rainy conditions, even during daylight hours. Consider purchasing brightly colored rain gear or gear with reflective strips to enhance your visibility to other road users. If bright colors aren’t your preference, at least ensure your gear incorporates sufficient reflective elements.
Visor Visibility: Opt for a clear visor for better visibility in gloomy monsoon conditions. Avoid using dark or tinted visors, as they can further hinder visibility. Ensure your visor is clean before starting your ride, and replace it if it shows signs of significant wear. Avoid applying substances like wax to the visor, as they can damage the surface and impair visibility.
Maintenance Essentials: Carry a clean, dry microfiber cloth to wipe your visor if it gets wet or dirty. If your visor is muddy, pour water on it to clear the muck before using the cloth. Failure to do so may result in scratches on the visor surface.
On the Bike Exercise Better Control: Remember that wet roads offer reduced traction, necessitating smoother inputs to avoid exceeding the limited traction threshold. Avoid sudden and jerky actions, such as rapidly opening the throttle, hard braking, or aggressive steering, as these movements can easily overwhelm the available traction and lead to accidents. Maintain smooth and progressive control over your bike.
Master Braking Techniques: Proper braking techniques are even more crucial in wet conditions. If your bike is equipped with ABS, you can apply the brakes firmly without worrying about wheel lock-up. However, if your bike doesn’t have ABS, exercise extra caution when braking. Practice being progressive with your inputs and develop a feel for the tyres’ behavior under braking. If you sense the tyres nearing lock-up, ease off the brakes slightly.
Reduce Speed: The initial showers of the monsoon are particularly treacherous as they wash away oils and grime from the road surface, making it extremely slippery. It is advisable to maintain lower speeds than usual throughout the monsoon season, especially during this phase.
Beware of Unsafe Lines: Road markings such as lane separators, zebra crossings, and manhole covers tend to be extra slippery when wet. Avoid riding over them whenever possible. Additionally, avoid riding in the center of a lane where vehicles often leak oil and other fluids. Instead, stick to one side and follow the wheel-tracks of other vehicles. This not only protects you from fluid spills but also allows you to ride on a drier surface created by the displacement of water by other vehicles.
Maintain Distance: Braking distances are longer on wet surfaces, so maintain a greater distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle ahead of you. This provides ample room for slowing down and helps avoid the spray from the rear tyres of other vehicles.
Keep Headlights On: Even on overcast days without rain, it’s advisable to ride with your headlights on (not just your Daytime Running Lights). Reduced contrast in gloomy monsoon conditions makes it essential to enhance your visibility to other road users.
Avoid Splashing Through Puddles: While it may be tempting to splash through puddles, it’s best to avoid them whenever possible. Sudden deceleration due to deep puddles can lead to loss of control. Furthermore, hidden potholes beneath the water surface pose a risk. If you must ride through standing water, maintain a slower speed, choose a lower gear, and keep a constant throttle to minimize splashing. Avoiding excessive splashing helps prevent water from creeping into the spark plug area. Additionally, remember that while you may enjoy splashing, others on the road, including pedestrians, may not appreciate it.
In the Corners Smooth Movements: Make gradual and smooth shifts in body position when navigating corners. As mentioned earlier, ensure your braking, throttle, and steering inputs are as smooth as possible to maintain optimal traction.
Optimize Grip: Leaning angles in wet conditions should be reduced compared to dry conditions. Choose lines and speeds through corners that allow you to keep your bike more upright, maximizing grip during turns.
Avoid Trail-Braking: Even if your bike has ABS, avoid sudden deceleration while leaning over on a wet road. This can cause the front end to tuck in and potentially lead to a crash. Whenever possible, scrub off speed in a straight line before entering a turn. The exception to this rule applies to motorcycles equipped with IMU-based cornering ABS, as they are more effective in maintaining stability during braking while leaned over.
After the Ride Your responsibilities continue even after parking your bike safely. Consider the following tips to maintain and extend the life of your motorcycle for years to come.
Thorough Clean-up: During the monsoon season, it’s advisable to pressure wash your bike more frequently compared to other seasons. Mud and debris can accumulate and damage components over time, accelerating corrosion. Regularly wash all parts of your bike, paying attention to hard-to-reach areas, and ensure thorough drying to extend the longevity of the components.
Chain Care: Exposed chains require special attention during the monsoon. While washing your bike, focus on cleaning and lubing the chain. Generously lubricate the chain after washing and drying it. This practice improves the chain’s durability and ensures smoother operation of your bike.
Riding in the rain can be a unique and exhilarating experience. By following these tips and adopting the right techniques, you can make your monsoon rides safer, more enjoyable, and truly memorable. Remember, preparation and cautious riding are key to a successful rainy ride.
