Tips for Riding in the Rain
If only every ride was in perfect weather! But that’s not the fate of the motorcyclist. Some days you head out in sunshine only to be surprised with a sudden downpour halfway in. Riding in the right isn’t preferable, but it may not be avoidable. It’s important to brush up on safe riding in the rain before you get caught out in it. At Toad Suck Harley-Davidson®, we want to improve your riding experience as much as possible. We put together some tips to make your rain riding experience better. If you need any maintenance or parts before your bike is rain ready, stop by our location in Conway, Arkansas.
Grab Your Rain Gear
The right supplies make all the difference. Your main focus, of course, is staying dry. Once you get wet, the rest of your ride can become miserable fast. Clothing sticks to your skin. Warmth quickly fades. Soon your focus drifts from how much you enjoy the ride to how much you are looking forward to the ride’s end.
Protect the enjoyment of your trip with water-resistant or (ideally) waterproof clothing. Throw on both a jacket and pants. Anyone who rides in the rain frequently should consider a one-piece waterproof riding suit. You’ll get the best coverage possible (while gaining better insulation). For your feet, choose waterproof boots. For your hands, wear waterproof gloves. Normal gloves that get wet make it difficult to grip your handlebars and press buttons. Most of these supplies can fit snugly into your touring or cruiser cargo storage so you’re ready in the event of sudden rain.
Stay Warm
No one wants to spend their ride shivering helplessly. Wearing the right clothing keeps you warm and enjoying your ride. Don’t underestimate the wind chill (which can make things feel up to 20 degrees colder!) You may feel comfortable in a light jacket when you step out of the house. But will it be warm enough when you’re cruising down the highway with the frigid wind beating against you? Likely not.
Stay warm by dressing in layers. You’ll get more warmth than you would be wearing one large coat. If the temperature rises during your ride, you can just remove a layer of clothing to stay comfortable. You can even layer up your socks (with a normal sock as a bottom layer and a warmer sock on top).
If you really want to stay warm, invest in heated clothing. This style of clothing is either battery powered or takes power from your touring or cruiser motorcycle. The many options include pant liners, jackets, vests, socks, and gloves. You’ll enjoy the utmost comfort with these pieces of clothing. But most riders find simply adding layers does the trick.
Safe Riding
Driving your cruiser or touring motorcycle in the rain is different than riding in normal conditions. You face all the normal hazards on the road: inattentive drivers swerving too close, animals darting out in front of you, etc. But now your ability to respond is compromised since it’ll take longer to safely break as it would in good weather. You may also suffer limited visibility due to the downpour. It’s important to drive defensively to compensate for the compromised conditions. Leave more space between you and other vehicles. Don’t feel the need to go the full speed limit. Take corners and lane changes slower.
As you drive defensively, keep a look out for high-risk spots. Things you normally can drive right over (like metal construction plates or piles of leaves) become dangerously slick in the rain. Intersections are another key thing to watch out for. As cars idle here, they can drop oil. When oil mixes with water, it becomes slippery. If you must pass through a high-risk area, reduce your speed and avoid making changes (like turning or switching lanes) if possible.
Before you head out in the rain, make sure your bike is at peak performance level. If you need any parts or maintenance, stop by Toad Suck Harley-Davidson®. We serve the areas of Conway, Searcy, and Russellville, Arkansas. We offer a wide range of cruiser and touring bikes for sale, parts, customization packages, and more. Whatever you need, we’ve got it ready for you!