How to Prepare for a Ride in the Rain
Here in the UK, we’re unfortunately quite experienced with rain, but for beginner motorcyclists, it can be quite daunting. If you’re new to two wheels, here’s a post by bike trader We Buy Any Bike on how you can prepare yourself and your bike for a ride in the rain!
The Gear
This is the most important bit. Let’s face it, if you don’t follow the right safety procedures in securing yourself, you might not be sat in the rider’s seat for much longer. A protective kit goes hand-in-hand with a waterproof one. Riders are often aware of the risk of accidents, but the chances of hypothermia are also quite high when you don’t have the right gear.
We recommend the Macna Hydra 2.0 Waterproof Rain Suit, you can pick one up here! Don’t forget to layer up underneath, though, and don’t forget your neck warmer! The Macna Hydra Rain Suit already has a reflective panel on the back, but it’s also advisable to crank up on the hi-vis on rainy days.
In the boot area, if you can fork out the £300, we recommend Sidi’s Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots. When riding in the rain, obviously we recommend buying some waterproof gloves. Your hands will probably be the first thing to get wet (if they’re not waterproof) and we all know how awful it is being unable to feel your fingers – on a bike, that ain’t too safe! Along with this, it’s also handy to get some gloves with a built-in visor wiper, like the Reusch Tour Gore-Tex Mixed Gloves.
The Accessories
The visor wiper on the gloves is just a little added extra. If you’re looking to upgrade your helmet, or add an upgrade to your existing one, don’t forget to add a Pinlock Insert to it! You can also get a little wiper for your helmet! We’ve not actually tried this one, but it looks pretty cool. If you get it, don’t forget to leave us a review down below!
*If you’re a biker on a budget try rubbing fairy liquid on your visor, leave it for 30 minutes, and then buff it in. There you have it; you’ve got a DIY anti-mist for your visor!
The Bike
When the weather is a little bit more extreme than your standard cloudy day, you want to prepare for the worst. This means performing an un-scheduled service and a quick check up of your bike, as well as the following:
- Does your bike have the option to modify the electronic aids such as ABS and Traction Control? Turn them up!
- Legend has it that you shouldn’t pump your tires up too much in the rain. Although we claim to be legends, we’re really not in theory. However, we recommend you pump them up to the max, as this reduces the risk of aquaplaning!
- Of course, check the light bulbs. It can sometimes be hard to see in the rain, so if you’re not sure, additional lighting can be added to the handlebars for ease of mind!
- Oil… check it! Also, whilst you’re there, its advisable to oil up the moving bits of your bike, including the twist grips – they’re often missed. You might as well go for the whole shebang whilst you’re at it with the mirrors, swing arm and everything else, if they need it of course.
- If you’re not afraid to make your bike look temporarily silly, grab a pair of these. We recently bought a bike with some waterproof hand muffs attached to them, and thought they were a great idea!
Do you have any tips to add to guide on how to prepare for a ride in the rain? Let us know in the comments!
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Helmut
14 Feb 2020
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