Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
Close Menu

Riding Motorcycles in Rainy Weather

riding in the rain

California is experiencing an extremely wet winter. Over the past few dry years, you may have been willing to wait until the clouds clear to get out the bike, but this year, that’s harder to do. If you’re planning to ride out the wet winter on your bike, find some suggestions below on how you can stay safe and warm in the rain.

Avoid large puddles: Motorcycles are less prone to hydroplaning than passenger vehicles, due to their narrower wheel base, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. If you encounter a puddle that looks like it’s over a half inch deep, try to avoid it, or ride through it at as steady a speed and as upright as possible.

Make sure your bike is in good shape: It’s always important to ensure that your bike is well-maintained, but never more so than in the rain. Make sure your tires have enough tread to ride safely on wet roads, and have your brakes inspected.

Watch out for items on or in the road that can provide a slipping hazard: Certain surfaces are much more slippery than others when wet. Avoid riding on lane paint as much as you can, as it gets very slick when wet. Any steel plates in the road, such as manholes or those overtop a construction project, can become extremely slippery, as well.

Give yourself more time to turn and come to a stop: You may be accustomed to safely rounding turns at a relatively high speed, but when roads are wet, your tire’s ability to hug the road will diminish. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to make turns and to come to a stop, and generally keep your speed down in the wet weather.

Make sure you have the right gear: If you get extremely cold while you’re riding, you might not be as able to focus on the road and on all the bad drivers poorly navigating the wet weather in front of you. Consider investing in some winter riding gear:

Look into getting a pair of gloves with Gore-Tex or eVent that will keep your hands warm without reducing the amount of dexterity in your fingers.

Make sure your jacket has rain flaps that will keep water from seeping through zippers, as well as cuffs that cinch tight.

Since visibility is reduced for everyone on the road, consider wearing brighter colors than you might normally wear.

If you’ve been injured by a negligent or careless driver in a motorcycle accident in the Antelope Valley, find out if you may have a claim for money damages for your injuries by contacting the skilled and effective Palmdale motorcycle lawyers at the Kistler Law Firm for a consultation on your case, at 661-206-6990.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn
Schedule your Free Consultation
Stop by for a free consultation. We are conveniently located on 11th Street West, just off the Avenue N exit on the 14 freeway.
Kistler Law
Required Field
protected by reCAPTCHA Privacy - Terms