The Personal Blog Of
Boston Motorcycle Lawyer

Make Riding in the Rain Less of a Pain
September 28, 2009

Riding in the rain for most bikers is not a good thing. Most bikers do not prepare for rain in advance and generally have to find a dry place to hang out until the rain passes. In areas like Southern California where rain fall is minimal, preparing for a rainy ride may not be a top priority. For bikers in states with heavy rainfall, having a strategy for rainy rides is absolutely mandatory.

If you want to be ready for a rainy day, there are three things to consider; gear, traction, and visibility.

Motorcycle Rain Gear comes in a very large assortment to accommodate January rain in Washington State to the summer rain of South Florida. Rain suits, waterproof boots, and gloves will keep you stay bone dry as you power through the rain storm on your sport bike or Harley Davidson. Make sure to pick gear that has reflective material so other motorist can see you in the rain. If you have storage on your bike, a rain suit should be among its contents.

Traction is a major concern in the rain. Not only does the water pose a threat but the fluids from vehicles also make the road very slick. Well maintained motorcycle tires with good wet traction will help you stay in control. Make sure that you research tires best suited for your needs based on your riding style and the climate. Also make sure your tires are properly inflated. Poorly inflated tires can cause a loss of traction.

Visibility in the rain is probably the most important issue because without clear sight, a biker cannot anticipate potential hazards in the road with enough time to avoid them. Whether you wear a DOT helmet or biker goggles, treating the lens with Rain-X will help the water run off the surface quickly. This will allow the biker’s sight to be impaired the least. Make sure all the lights on your bike are working properly and consider using brighter lights like HID motorcycle headlights. These lights can be seen at greater distances and will help motorists see you.

When riding in the rain, make sure to adjust your speed and maintain as much space as possible. Even with the best gear, traction, and visibility possible, having more time to react is lifesaver.

If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver while riding your bike in Massachusetts, motorcycle enthusiast and personal injury lawyer, Tom Kiley, can help. Contact Tom Kiley’s law office for a free consultation.