5 tips for riding your motorcycle in the rain
Tips
Rain is a motorcyclist’s kryptonite. Not only because riding on two wheels out in the open is uncomfortable, but also because the level of danger increases considerably when the asphalt is damp or wet. That’s why it’s important to know your bike well and sharpen your senses more than ever in these weather conditions. We don’t want you leaving your motorcycle in the garage even when the sky is grey, so here are 5 tips that will help you ride safely and confidently in the rain.
Watch your distance
If keeping a safe distance is always important, when it rains or the road is wet, it matters even more — and therefore it should be greater. In these circumstances, it’s recommended to leave more space between you and the vehicle ahead. That way, if you need to make an emergency stop, you’ll have enough room to brake without colliding with the one in front of you.
Avoid puddles!
On rainy days, puddles are not only annoying because they splash, but they can also be very treacherous when riding a motorcycle. On the one hand, a large amount of water can cause the well-known and dangerous aquaplaning effect during braking. In other words, a thin layer of water forms between the tyre and the road, and grip is completely lost. On the other hand, when puddles are deep you can’t see what’s underneath, which is another reason to avoid them. And if you have no choice but to ride through one, never brake while crossing it, as there may be drain covers, road markings or hidden potholes beneath.
How to brake properly
Ideally, when riding your motorcycle in the rain, you should use the rear brake more often than the front one, to avoid possible wheel lock-ups. As mentioned before, always maintain a safe distance, since braking must be smoother than when riding on completely dry ground.
Areas to avoid
As you know, especially in the city, there are many elements to consider when riding a motorcycle. If under normal conditions road markings, grids, and drain covers are dangerous, when it rains or the road is wet, they become even more so. In addition to these obstacles, there are also the aforementioned puddles and others that may seem harmless, such as fallen leaves. Braking on them is something you should always try to avoid, as well as riding over them. If you can remove them from your path, even better.
Rely on the best
As with everything, to get the best performance out of your motorcycle — even in the rain — it’s important to have the best allies. In that sense, and considering that braking is one of the most critical manoeuvres when the road is damp or wet, having high-quality brake discs is vital. That’s where we come in. NG BRAKES offers a wide catalogue with specific models for all types of motorcycles, ensuring you can brake safely regardless of weather conditions. Cutting-edge racing technology, within everyone’s reach.