You can plan your rides according to the weather forecast perfectly, but you’ll still inevitably get caught out in the rain at some point. Mother Nature has a mind of her own, after all! It’s important to know how to safely ride your motorcycle in the rain before it happens. We’ve rounded up the basics of safe rain riding below. If you have any questions or want to look at motorcycles for sale, visit CalMoto. We are a motorcycle dealer proudly serving those in Mountain View, Livermore, and San Jose, California.

Keep Your Motorcycle Well-Maintained

A well-maintained motorcycle is crucial for safe riding in the rain. Small issues on a normal road can become big safety issues in the rain between the slickness of the road and the reduced visibility. Conduct a pre-ride inspection to ensure everything is functioning as it should.

First, inspect your tires. These need to have enough tread to maintain proper traction on the slippery road. They also need to be inflated to the right levels. Next, check that you have enough engine oil and brake fluids. Then, test your brakes, clutch, and throttle. Finally, test your lights. If you notice any issues during your inspection, you’ll want to take your bike into a motorcycle dealer service department to get fixed before your next ride.

Wear the Right Gear

You’ll still need all the usual motorcycle riding equipment as well as specialty gear to deal with the unique challenges of riding in the rain. If your usual clothing is leather, you’ll want waterproof outerwear or to use something else altogether. Water and leather do not mix well. A one-piece rain suit shields your clothes from rain and uses seamless protection to keep you dry. For a cheaper solution, you could get a waterproof jacket and pants. Waterproof clothing can be tucked into your motorcycle storage so that you’ll always have it on hand in case of unexpected rain.

You’ll also need a form of hand protection. Hands that are wet and cold from the rain will struggle to manipulate the controls and stay in control of the motorcycle. Gloves keep your hands warm, dry, and fully functional.

As for your helmet, a full-face option is best. It’ll cover your head and eyes from the rain. Goggles are a good second best option, but they can still allow water in and make it harder to see the road. If your helmet comes with a face shield, be sure that it also has a waterproof coating to keep the rain from sticking to it. If you want advice on finding a helmet, you can visit your local motorcycle dealer (such as CalMoto) to get advice.

Use Defensive Driving Tactics

The rain creates compromised road conditions, which means you’ll need to adjust your driving tactics accordingly. The wet roads compromise your traction and increase the time you’ll need to come to a full stop. Leave plenty of space between you and other motorists. This gives you the necessary distance in the event that they suddenly slam on their brakes. You’ll also want to approach lane changes and turns slowly since you’ll have less traction. Try to avoid any sudden changes in speed or direction.

We hope you found this article helpful! Visit CalMoto for motorcycles for sale near Mountain View, Livermore, and San Jose, California. We are a motorcycle dealer offering a wide range of options for all budgets. Our expert staff is always happy to answer any questions and provide tailored recommendations on which models best suit your lifestyle. Let us know your riding level, what style of riding you do, and any special features you want and we will suggest models to match. Stop by and visit today!