Category Archives: Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain

Videographer’s daily headache on the motorcycle lane

PETALING JAYA: A 20-minute ride to work from Puchong to their designated motorcycle lanes is a daily headache for motorcyclists like videographer Patrick Chin.

According to Chin, poorly-lit tunnels are a problem day and night. He also  cited poor signage and road maintenance as the reason why many would rather use the main Federal Highway.

Chin complained about the poor design of the lane. He added that when it rains, the potholes look like puddles and many motorcycles skid or fall over after hitting a pothole. Motorcyclists had to choose between risking riding a motorcycle in the rain or waiting beneath an underpass where they would be splashed and sometimes even hit by passing vehicles.

The Malaysian Institute of Road Safety Research (Miros) had revealed that fatalities could be reduced by 30% if motorcyclists were separated from the main road.

To improve security, frequent patrols and lights at strategic sections are recommended by many riders.

To read the original article, please CLICK HERE.

Riding a Motorcycle in Spring

Prepping your motorcycle for springtime riding

As soon as the snow starts to melt and the weather starts to warm up, get ready for the spring! A lot of people are excited about the end of winter and the start of spring because it only means one thing – you are free again to ride your motorcycle! It’s the perfect time to take out your bike from its winter storage and gear it up for its first ride of the year. But, before you get so excited about riding out, please remember that riding a motorcycle in spring can be dangerous. Why? The simple truth is that you’re not the only one itching for a ride. That means you will be sharing the road to a lot of motorcyclist.

Riding a motorcycle in spring does not require you to wear motorcycle rain suits but a complete riding gear is still advised. Another thing you need to remember is that, your bike has been stored for some time during the winter. Prepping your motorcycle for springtime riding will be quick and easy as long as you properly stored it. However, it is still very important to check its parts for some damage and to make sure they can still function.

To make sure your motorcycle is ready, check the following:

  1. Oil. The first thing that you need to check is the oil of your vehicle whether it is a car or a motorcycle. Oil that runs smoothly through the system will help your engine run at its best. But since you did not use your bike during the winter, it is best to perform a complete oil change just to be on the safe side.
  2. Lubricate some parts of your motorcycle to bring it to life again. It is important to check for dust and rust then lubricate the chains and brakes in order to have a smooth ride. This is also a perfect time to check if your brake pads need replacement.
  3. Charge your battery. After being stagnant the whole winter, it is best to check your battery charge.
  4. Clean your bike. Even though you did the necessary cleaning before storing your bike for the winter, it won’t hurt if you do a little cleaning now that you’re going to ride it for the first time again. Clean the tailpipes, the leather seat and shine up the chrome.
  5. Fill up. Before you ride, remember to fill up your gas or fuel.

This process is quick and easy and will help keep you safe.

10 Motorcycle Riding Tips for Beginners

motorcycle riding tips

Autoevolution released the final part of their long and instructive guide dedicated to those freshmen in the two-wheeled world.

After they  discussing the key elements which can help a new rider get used to what motorcycling is and how to keep him or her free from danger as much as possible, they released these quick final considerations:

8. Bike condition

One of the best ways to prevent accidents to happen or any unfortunate event is to make sure that the motorcycle is in good working condition. It is imperative to know the condition of the motorcycle before going out!

Motorcycle riding is already more dangerous than driving a car. Riding bikes in great working condition eliminates the potential hazards riders face every day.

9. Route planning

Getting away from the confinements of a car is one of the most exhilarating feelings for the new rider.  However, failing to properly asses the present situation and anticipate the potential future ones could lead to a less pleasant ride and in some extreme cases to very serious troubles.

Being prepared and aware will not only account for a truly glorious ride, but it offers more chances to make it safe home if the going gets tough.

10. Consider all of the above, show respect and ride well.

The final advice would be to run through all the previous chapters once more and try to understand some of the basic things about bikes and road usage.

Here’s the link to the complete list of motorcycle riding tips:

10 Riding Tips for Beginners: Part 1
10 Riding Tips for Beginners: Part 2
10 Riding Tips for Beginners: Part 3
10 Riding Tips for Beginners: Part 4.

To read the original article, click here.

Riding in the Rain – Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine

1212 Crup 01 O Shop Talk Lead Shot

Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain

In the December 2012 issue of “Motorcycle Cruiser” Magazine, Mark Zimmerman writes a great article with some solid tips for riding a motorcycle in the rain.

Mark’s take on riding in the rain is pretty fairly balanced, with a look back on youth and “invincibility” making riding in the rain less frightening and a look to today with more caution and care, but certainly no fear of riding in the rain.

Some of the funny comments from the article:

While I’d never suggest that riding in the rain is as pleasant as riding in the sunshine, I can tell you that it’s not particularly bad, at least not unless you’re riding through a real frog strangler, and under certain conditions, like when it’s 110 in the shade and you hit a cooling shower, it can be downright pleasant.

I’ve been caught in the rain on every motorcycle I’ve ever owned many more times than you can count, and I’ve yet to see one melt, or even suffer irreparable damage.

But he’s also got his good advice hidden in a few “tricks”:

Most importantly you need good rain gear. Riding in the rain takes some concentration, and that’s tough to come by when you’re wet and cold.

[Good rain gear . . .] provides an acceptable level of protection against road rash should the unfortunate occur, which is something that can’t be said for you average plastic rain suit.

During the first few minutes of rain, all the debris and gunk floats to the surface, making the pavement as slippery as a greased hog, so you have to tone it down some in the beginning, and be particularly cautious about riding in the middle of the lane, where all those leaky cars and trucks have been depositing their oil. It’ll take at least a half an hour of steady rain to wash it away, so treat the throttle with caution, especially if the roads have been dry for a while.

. . . adding a few extra pounds of air to the tire will help prevent aquaplaning, which occurs when the tire rides on top of the water, rather than push it aside. Increasing the tire pressure by 3-5 pounds narrows the tire’s foot print, and helps the tire’s rain sipes squeegee the water out from under the contact patch, enhancing traction.

This article is a great little read about riding in the rain.

Click Here to Go to Source and read the original article
Author: Mark Zimmerman

11 ‘must know’ tips for riding a motorcycle in the rain

Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain

Even if you try to dodge rainy days, most likely at some point in the rainy season, you won’t be able to avoid riding through the rain.

Chances are, you are more likely get into an accident when out riding through foul weather. There are many reasons why riding in the rain is dangerous both to your health and personal safety.

One reason is that, riding through the rain lessens your visibility and, as a result, you can’t either see other vehicles or road hazards, road signs or, most critically, other drivers can’t see you. Second, you are exposed to the element and your body will suffer from the cold wind and rain without proper motorcycle rain gear.

To stay safe throughout a storm, here are 11 tips on how to ride a motorcycle in the rain:

1. Before going out for a ride, check your headlights, tail lights and brake lights. Flip your signals to see if it’s all operating properly.

2.  Wear protective rain gear. Always bring with you your motorcycle rain gear which will include waterproof jackets, pants, gloves, boots and goggles. This gear will mean so much for your personal safety and comfort.

3. Wear clear lenses. Choose spectacles, face shield or any eye wear that will help you see clearly in the rain.

4. Ride slowly. Keep in mind that in rainy days your tires get less friction or traction from the road causing your bike to slide. Check your tires. Old tires will lessen your traction.

5. Maintain a secure distance between you and the next vehicle. Since the road is wet, braking will be troublesome. You’ll bump or crash to the next vehicle if you don’t give enough space to maneuver your bike.

6. Keep within the middle of the lane. This is one of the best ways to let other drivers notice you.

7. Drive in the tracks of the vehicle ahead of you.  Their tires will help clear water from the road.

8. Don’t forget to turn your head light on. This may assist you see the road clearly and at the same time, let other vehicles see you. Keep in mind that in gloomy or foggy atmospheric condition visibility is incredibly vital.

9.  Don’t drive over potholes, man-hole covers, and painted stripes on the road.  These can all be slippery and dangerous road hazards.

10. Stay alert and follow the road signs.

11.  Wear bright color garments. This may increase your visibility.

Take your personal safety seriously especially when riding in the rain. Follow all the ideas given above because riding in the rain is one of the most difficult riding conditions.

Tips and Suggestions When Riding in the Rain

How to Ride in the Rain?

Image source: bikerscafeblog.com

Many riders don’t want to go riding during rainy seasons or just fear riding in the rain in general. Being wet is not the best idea for some riders. But what if you just have places you want to go?

Some of us consider getting wet a fun and exciting experience.

For some, it seems like no amount of rain can stop them.  Rain is not a barrier for them to go out. Do you want to be just like them?

What should you consider when planning to ride a motorcycle in the rain. First, since the roads are wet, it can be more dangerous or more tricky to ride. It’s hard to control your bike on a slippery and wet road. Second, there is a threat to your health. How much rain and cold can you take before you totally get sick? If you don’t have a healthy and fit body, being exposed to the elements might turn out bad for you.

So what can you do if you want to be an active (or at least unafraid) motorcyclist in the rain?

Listed below are some tips that can help you ride safely in the rain.

Tips that will help you became more prepared in riding your bike on the rain:

  1. Dress Properly. During a rainy day, wear a waterproof suit.  A motorcycle rain suit can keep you dry, warm and comfortable all the time. A waterproof rain suit is one of the most important pieces of gear and you shouldn’t take if for granted. If possible, do not leave the house without bringing your motorcycle rain suit. Remember that you will never know when and where you will get caught by the rain.
  2. Wear glasses or goggles. It will be hard to see clearly during a rainy day therefore choose an eye wear that will protect your eyes against the wind, rain and insects but at the same time will help you see the road clearly.
  3. Check your motorcycle. Do not leave the house without inspecting your bike. Check of the brakes are functioning well, check your head and tail lights, your tires and see if all controls are functioning.
  4. Always make yourself more visible to others. As rain pour down the road became dark as the fog comes out. It is important that you have warning lights and brighter suits order to become visible to every driver on the road.
  5. Watch your speed and your distance. Ride slowly. You need to control your speed during a rainy day because the road is slippery and your tires have less traction on the surface of the road.
  6. Watch all the corners. If you plan to turn in the corner stay alert. In this you can see if there is another vehicle crossing and you don’t want to crash on them.

Always remember that rainy season is one of the dangerous seasons to ride a motorcycle. But it is not a barrier for you to enjoy a good ride. Just be prepared always and keep yourself protected.

 

The Best Protection Against Rain

How to be Protected when Riding in the Rain?

Image source: www.lazymotorbike.eu

Many riders fancy riding in the rain despite it not being a perfect riding condition. The challenge and risk of riding through foul weather gives some of us riders a special thrill.  But, yes, others may think riding in bad weather as a dangerous thing to do. Well, there is some extra danger when riding in the rain under these conditions which can be made worse without the right gear and the proper riding skills.

Despite the additional risk of riding in foul weather, which with education and caution are manageable, there are people who consider it refreshing and fortifying.  You can also a day of riding in the rain if you have the right gear to protect your body and keep your mind focused on the road and your own safety.

If you are going to ride and not let a little rain prevent you from an honest ride, it’s best to bring a complete set of motorcycle rain gear. Good gear will keep you warm throughout the ride.

Rain Jacket. If you don’t want to get wet and uncomfortable while riding wear a heavy duty or water proof jacket. Getting caught in a downpour with your regular motorcycle jacket isn’t ideal. When looking a motorcycle rain jacket, choose the one that with a high collar to stop rain from soaking your clothes. Choose also a jacket that has sleeves that sealed firmly on your wrist and waist to keep water from running through your hands and body.

Rain Pants. Other than a weather resistant jacket, strengthen your protection with water-proof pants to help shield the lower a part of your body. You must wear motorcycle rain pants in order to safeguard your legs in a crash and to keep you dry when riding through the rain. To make sure you’ll get dry, buy a motorcycle rain pants sealed around your waist and ankles, have elastic stirrup straps that may anchor your pant suspenders that may facilitate it on a secure position while you’re riding.

Rain suit. There are two kinds of motorcycle rain suits; one piece and two piece suits. This is really the max.  Nothing beats the protection that a full motorcycle rain suit can provide when riding in inclement weather

Helmet.  A motorcycle helmet is one of the MOST important pieces of gear a rider should wear with or without rain. However, since riding in the rain presents a lot of danger compared to riding in a sunny day, it is highly recommended.  Here you want a DOT and SNELL certified full-face helmet.

Waterproof boots. To keep your feet from getting wet, wear motorcycle rain boots. Your feet will simply get wet from the rain or from spatter of water from the road or other vehicles.  There is no point in wearing the other motorcycle rain gear if you are still cold because your feet are exposed.

Go ride.  And ensure you have the best protection against the rain – a good full set of motorcycle rain gear.  As a rider, you can’t really avoid riding in foul weather once in a while. However, with the help of the right gear, you will be protected, secure and comfortable.

 

 

How to Keep Dry When Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain?

Stay Dry Riding Your Motorcycle in the Rain

The reason why you bought a motorcycle is to enjoy a motorcycle ride as often as you want. Before purchasing your first bike, you probably had plans for touring, carving The Dragon, saving some money on your daily work commute, or maybe the Round The World Trip of a lifetime.  If you want to fully enjoy your bike, you’re going to ride it all the time and on all kinds of weather. With the help of motorcycle rain suits and riding gear, you can enjoy a ride – rain or shine.

Since weather is unpredictable, you don’t want to get wet or frozen when rain unexpectedly appears. There is motorcycle gear that will help keep you dry and warm as you travel. Here is some of what you need to bring or wear on a trip in order to stay dry when riding a motorcycle in the rain:

  1. Rain Suit—Rain suits come in two types. The most popular is the two piece motorcycle suit that consists of a pair of pants and jacket.  The other option is the one piece suit. Either will keep your body dry despite the rain and will protect you from the cold weather. Wearing a motorcycle rain suit will make your trip more comfortable.
  2. Helmet—wearing your helmet keeps your head protected from the sun, dusts, wind, insects, rocks, and elements of bad weather.  If you prefer to wear an open face helmet, make sure to wear eye glasses to protect your face and eyes from the wind, dusts, and insects while you’re riding your motorcycle.
  3. Layer your clothes—wearing a layer of clothing underneath your motorcycle rain suit will keep your body warm. Make sure you start wearing a moisture cloth, and then add some extra on your second layer. But it depends on how cold the weather is forecast.  You can always pack some extra clothes layers.
  4. Non-slip Gloves—wearing this kind of gloves will keep your hands protected and help you maintain control of the bike. Gloves with waterproof lining will keep your hands warm. The colder the weather, the faster your hands get cold. Make sure to stop in longer rides to check your hands in order to prevent your fingers from getting too cold.  Cold hands=less control and more risk while riding.
  5. Waterproof Boots—Aside from wearing a rain suit, you will be much comfortable and protected when you wear your waterproof boots. Your boots will not only keep you feet dry and warm but this will keep your feet safe from mud, oil, and heat from the engine.

In all your motorcycle adventure, it is best to have the correct gear in order to be prepared for the sudden change of the weather and to make your trips successful.

Good Things to Consider When Planning a Motorcycle Road Trip

Planning A Motorcycle Road Trip?

Are you planning for a long road trip? How do you prepare for it? Did you book your accommodations already? Have you mapped out all the spots you want to visit? What are the things you’ve packed? Cell phone, map, snacks, tent (or hotel money), flashlight, trash bags, extra clothes. . .

Planning plays a major role in the success of your motorcycle trip. If you are going for a long road trip, it is very possible to meet unexpected events along the way.

Of course you are ready for rain; right?  What if it suddenly rains? Do you have your motorcycle rain suit?

Really, you can’t expect rain to give way to your plans. In fact, it is something that most motorcycle riders dread –  the dark clouds ahead; the sudden drop in temperature. You know that despite the good weather forecast, you should prepare for rain. Actually, you should prepare for a bad day; anything can happen on the road.

What type of motorcycle gear?

When choosing a motorcycle rain suit, remember to consider safety over fashion. In other words, your motorcycle rain gear will not only keep you dry and warm but safe also. Riding in the rain presents a lot more problems. Aside from getting wet and feeling miserable, you have less traction from the road and less visibility. All of these will challenge your riding skills as well as your safety.

You want to be really efficient?

Choose a rain suit that will double as protective gear. A combo suit can protect your body from unexpected falls or accidents while keeping you warm and dry in tough weather.

Motorcycle rain suits are made from different materials. For protection against abrasion and other injures in case of unexpected fall, choose leather or synthetic rain suits. Although leather is the number one choice of most riders, rain suits made from synthetic materials can protect you just as well.

You are going to find a one piece or two piece rain suit but do not forget to choose one that have extra reinforcement in the knee and hip area. In a one piece rain suit, make sure that it can be connected to your jacket to avoid water from seeping through. Choose a motorcycle rain suit that fits perfectly but does not hinder your movement. The number one problem with riding in the rain is visibility. You must wear bright colored rain suit so that other riders can see you in the rain.

Rain Boots and Gloves

Expect that when the road is wet, your bike may slide and in order to protect the lower part of your body, wear quality motorcycle rain boots too. Good quality rain boots are made from high quality and waterproof material. It must be made from thick and flexible leather also. It should be resistant to water, oil and other petroleum products.

Aside from motorcycle rain boots and suit, you also need to protect your hands thus wearing leather gloves is a good  solution.  These will protect your hands from tearing and will give you extra grip of the controls when riding in the rain.

When choosing a motorcycle rain suit, remember to consider protection over fashion. One more thing, consider safety over fashion. In other words, your motorcycle rain gear will not only keep you dry and warm but safe also. Riding in the rain presents a lot more problems. Aside from getting wet and feeling miserable, you have less traction from the road and less visibility. All of these will challenge your riding skills as well as your safety.

Helmet

Now, the most important part of your body you must protect is your head. Wear a helmet to protect your head from head injuries. Now because it’s raining and it’s important to see the road clearly, you need to have a face shield.  A full-face helmet with face shield is recommended for maximum safety.

When going out for a motorcycle ride, whether it’s a short or long ride, you are advised to wear protective gear. There are lots of motorcycle clothes and gear available in the market today. Take some care and precaution when choosing the kind of gear to purchase.  It’s your own personal insurance on a bad day.