Navigating Bad Weather During A Motorcycle Ride
In the perfect world, every motorcycle ride would happen in favorable weather conditions. But that's not realistic. Maybe you are commuting to work and can't let rain stop you. Maybe you hit the road when the weather was fine, but then an unexpected change occurred. Whatever the situation, it's important to know the techniques for safely handling bad weather. Keep reading for safe riding tips. If you have any questions or want to shop motorcycles for sale, visit Doc's Harley-Davidson® . Our dealership is based in Kirkwood, Missouri, and we proudly serve those in St. Louis and St. Charles as well.
Prepare For Bad Weather
As the old saying goes, failing to prepare is preparing to fail. Consider preparing for the motorcycle ride as if the weather is going to shift. That way, if the weather takes a turn, you will have the supplies needed to safely and comfortably keep riding. Granted, you don't need to take this preparation for every ride. But it's wise to do on those fall and winter days where things can change in the blink of an eye.
Gather The Supplies
Pack for a rainy day. Remember that even a little bit of rain can feel brutally cold once you factor in wind child.
You will need:
- A full-face helmet to keep rain from hitting your face
- Waterproof outerwear
- Waterproof riding boots
- Waterproof riding gloves
- Layers in case the temperature drops
Prepare Your Motorcycle
A small motorcycle issue can become a bigger problem when bad weather enters the picture. Make sure your motorcycle is in good condition before the ride. Do a pre-trip inspection, looking over everything from the brakes to the tire tread. If you uncover any problems, get them fixed as soon as possible.
It's also helpful to fill up with more gas than you think you will need. If the bad weather forces you to use a long detour, you will have enough gas to get home or get to a gas station.
Adjust Your Riding Style
Bad weather can affect road conditions. Roads may be extra slick, so it's wise to slow down and stay alert for obstacles. Leaves and oil spills, for example, can become more treacherous when they become wet. Approach them as you would approach black ice.
Know When To Call It
If the weather continues to get worse, you may need to decide to pull over and wait it out. There are a few key factors to consider when making this decision.
Your Experience Level
The worse the weather becomes, the more riding experience you need in order to safely continue riding. Beginners simply lack the skills and muscle memory for more extreme conditions.
Your Motorcycle
Some motorcycles can handle worse conditions than others. Be realistic about what your motorcycle can, and cannot, handle.
Your Riding Buddies
If you are riding with others, check in with them. See what they think. The group may decide to split up, which is fine as long as no one is left alone. You don't want one person stuck waiting out the storm or one person stuck continuing on alone. It's best to have at least two people together. If something happens, someone else will be there to help.
The Dealbreakers
We recommend never riding your motorcycle in weather that you would not walk or drive your car in. Even the most experienced riders will want to wait out a bad storm. It's important to put safety first, even if it causes a big inconvenience. You can save yourself a broken motorcycle or even a broken bone!
We hope you found this guide helpful! For more trip advice or to shop motorcycles for sale, visit Doc's Harley-Davidson® . Our friendly staff strives to make your life easier. Let us help you find your perfect motorcycle, answer your questions, and assist with whatever you need. You'll find our dealership in Kirkwood, Missouri. We also serve those in St. Louis and St. Charles.