Riding Your Motorcycle in the Rain or Snow
- Author David Jensen
- Published April 25, 2010
- Word count 682
If you live in a climate where rain and snow are the norm during the winter months, your motorcycle probably spends most of the time in storage while you wait for more favorable riding conditions. Then at the first sign of warm weather, you pull on your leather pants and motorcycle chaps and hit the road ready to inaugurate a new riding season. However, along the way you might discover that the glimmer of sunshine was just a teaser and you find yourself riding in inclement weather. A rain shower or light snowfall doesn’t need to preempt your ride, but there are some precautions you should take to make the ride safer and more enjoyable than the ride would be if you weren’t prepared. Your motorcycle apparel will offer some protection, but there are some other precautions that you should take before your ride.
If you have never experienced being caught off guard by a sudden downpour without the benefit of a face shield, many riders will attest that those innocent little water droplets sting when they make contact with your face. In this situation, some motorcyclists will tie a bandana across their face to ward off those steely raindrops. If there is a chance that you might encounter some precipitation on your ride, plan ahead by packing a face guard for your helmet. In addition to your leather pants and motorbike gear, pack a rain slicker, gloves or gauntlets, and perhaps a sweatshirt. In a heavy rain storm you might be better off pulling over and waiting out the storm. If this is the case, you will still want to keep warm if you’re not near a place where you can go indoors. Your motorcycle apparel can provide some warmth and protection, but you don’t know how long you’ll be out so it’s better to plan ahead with some warmer clothes.
Riding in the rain is more of a discomfort than a safety issue. Still, safety is always a priority when you’re riding a motorcycle and the best safety mechanism you have when riding in any kind of weather is your common sense. Begin to apply this common sense even before you begin a ride by checking your tire pressure and the condition of your tire tread. It doesn’t need to be raining or snowing for bald tires to become a safety hazard.
When operating any vehicle in the rain or snow, always slow down and allow plenty of space between you and other commuters. This is always recommended, but even more when the roads are wet. Damp roads usually make riding conditions unpredictable. For example, gas and oil are often spilled on the road. Until these spots have been washed away by frequent rain storms, they can be as slick as dry ice. One advantage that you have over dry ice is a light foam forms over an oil spot that is visible at some distance. If you are alert you can easily avoid these spots.
When riding in snow you run the same risks of sliding as you would if you were in a car. Here again, common sense and proper riding techniques (in addition to your motorbike gear and leather pants) can keep you safe and unharmed on a slick road. If you need to stop fast, don’t apply your brakes so hard that your front or back wheel locks up. Skidding out of control is inevitable at this point. Instead, apply light, even pressure on your brakes and keep the wheels turning. This will enable you to slow down without losing control of your bike. Also, try not to brake when you round corners. Instead, keep your speed the same and shift your weight to take the corner.
Naturally, you prefer not to ride when there are hazardous road conditions. However when you are on a ride and the weather conditions change, you can still get through the ride safely by staying alert and using safe riding techniques as well as properly outfitting yourself with your motorcycle apparel.
David Jensen is a content contributor
for jacketsforbikers.
To view and comment on this article, see www.jacketsforbikers.com.
Article source: https://articlebiz.comRate article
Article comments
There are no posted comments.
Related articles
- 7 Top Strategies For Enhancing Physical Security In Office Buildings
- The Legacy and Appeal of Final Fantasy: A Timeless Saga
- Unpacking Cyberpunk: Edgerunners: Questions And Insights
- What It Is Local SEO and How to Boost Your Presence Locally
- The Benefits of Silk Pillowcases for Skin, Hair, and Sleep
- Top Six Ways the Enhanced Planning Pack Streamlines Operations in Business Central
- Transforming Spaces with Drama and Warmth: A Guide to Bold, Immersive Interiors
- 6 Quick Ways to Show Proof of Income
- St. James's Place Under Mounting Pressure to Pay Clients More for Failures in Services
- How to Choose the Perfect Lighting Store in Brampton for Your Needs
- Why Choose a Chauffeur Service in KL for Stress-Free Travel?
- How Federal Legislation Could Impact Michigan's Online Poker
- The Cinematographer's Creative Toolbox: The Use of Special Lenses and Filters in Film making
- Essential Gadgets Every Business Traveler Should Pack
- Short Film Creation and Storyboarding-A Journey from Zero to One in Audiovisual Art
- Shopping for Lights? Discover Brampton's Premier Lighting Stores
- Experience Premium Chauffeur Services in Kuala Lumpur for Business and Leisure
- Shabby Chic Meets Rustic Farmhouse: Elevate Your Space with Carved Wood Sliding Doors
- How to Master Eclectic Decor: Tips and Tricks
- Apostolic Blessing from Pope Francis
- How Do You Find Experienced Builders for Micro Apartments in Brisbane?
- Searching for Professional Carers in Cambridgeshire to Support Your Family?
- How Do You Transfer Money to Egypt in Just a Few Clicks?
- Want Your Office Sparkling Clean? Get Top-Quality Commercial Cleaning in Auckland!
- Looking for High-Quality Lighting in Brampton? We Have the Perfect Options!
- Want to Improve Your Tender Success Rate? We Have the Solution!
- How to Choose the Right Chauffeur Service
- Why were the 1940's so important in history?
- Why Fire Safety Training Should Be A Priority In Your Workplace
- Creative Ideas for Using Old Trunks in Your Interior Décor