Motorcycle Riding in the Rain
While it isn’t always a part of your plan to ride your motorcycle in the rain, the situation can still present itself, especially in the Pacific Northwest! Fortunately, this is entirely manageable with the right kind of preparation. Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson® is here to help. We’ve gathered some useful tips for motorcycle riding in the rain. Keep reading to learn more.
If you’re still in the market for a bike, stop by your local Harley-Davidson® dealer. We’re located near Corvallis, Portland, Medford, and Salem, OR. Our staff would be happy to answer your questions and show you our selection of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale.
Outfit Your bike
There are some important steps you’ll need to take before you try to ride your bike in the rain. Regardless of what type of motorcycle you have, you need to outfit it for this type of riding so you can avoid running into problems on the road. You’ll be glad you took these precautions in the comfort of your garage or driveway rather than in the freezing rain on the highway.
Start by checking your tires to confirm they have enough tread to provide you with ample traction on wet roads. You’ll also need to ensure they’re inflated to the recommended psi level, which can be found in the owner’s manual. Next, you’ll want to check the engine oil and brake fluids. Test the clutch, throttle, and breaks for functionality. Check the lights to confirm they’re working, bright, and visible. If you notice any potential issues, address them before you ride. If you need assistance with parts or service, don’t hesitate to stop by your local motorcycle dealer.
Use The Correct Gear
Once you’ve properly outfitted your bike, you’ll need to make sure your body is prepared for the occasion. You’ll need the usual protection you normally use, but you should try to adapt it to the unique circumstances of riding in the rain. Don’t forget that water won’t mix well with leather.
You should consider buying a one-piece rain suit, which will cover up your clothing and shield them from the rain. These suits are designed to offer seamless protection, so you’ll remain dry underneath. While this option may seem bulky and pricey, it’s going to provide you the type of protection you need when riding in the rain. Another helpful and more affordable solution worth looking into is a waterproof riding jacket paired with waterproof pants. Be sure to ask about our MotorClothes when you visit your local motorcycle dealer, Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson!
Adjust Your Riding
A key component to safely and successfully riding your bike in the rain is being able to adjust to the road conditions. Wet roads will require you to use various defensive driving techniques. You’ll want to leave plenty of space between yourself and other motorists. If someone stops suddenly, you’ll want to have ample time to slow down and avoid a crash. Always take turns and lane changes slower when it’s raining. You can expect the roads to be slick, which means traction won’t be as good. Safe riding requires you to be more cautious than usual.
Watch For Hazards
As prepared as you might be, it’s still critical to watch for hazards, like low-traction obstacles, for example. Steel plates in construction areas can be dangerous and tricky when wet. There will be barley any traction, so don’t make any quick or sudden changes in direction or speed as you ride over steel plates. Another hazard that requires extra caution is intersections. When cars idle, they tend to drip oil on the road. When you mix this with rain, it can be a deadly combination for motorcycles. If you can’t avoid riding over a low-traction obstacle, you’ll need to travel at a low speed and remain extremely focused.
We hope that these tips for riding in the rain have been useful. If you have additional questions or you’d like to browse our inventory, visit your local motorcycle dealer, Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson. We’re conveniently located near Corvallis, Portland, Medford, and Salem, OR. We offer a generous variety of Harley-Davidson motorcycles for sale as well as parts and service, so stop by today!