Even when you do your best to avoid it, it is almost guaranteed that at some point you will find yourself driving your motorcycle in less-than-desirable weather conditions. Whether you choose to take your motorcycle for a spin or you find yourself surprised by a sudden change in weather, the following are a number of tips you should keep in mind to ensure your safety as well as the safety of others on the road:
Wear Safety Gear
Along with the obvious helmet, other pieces of gear are also critical to driving safely particularly in poor weather. For example, if the weather is cold, gloves should be worn to keep your hands from becoming numb thereby impairing your ability to control and maneuver the bike.
Brake Responsibly
Motorcycles have two brakes, both of which should be evenly applied simultaneously. Keep in mind that the front brake is responsible for providing the vast majority of braking power so applying gradual pressure is crucial. If the brake is pressed too quickly, it could very well cause the front wheel to become locked leading to an accident.
In the event that the roads are icy or wet, staged braking should be used. This form of braking gradually increases the pressure put on the front brake in stages so that locking can be avoided. To ensure safety, the rider must be constantly aware of the reaction that the bike is having to the braking.
Make Gradual Changes While Driving
In poor weather conditions, it is even more essential to indicate any changes in your driving such as lane changes and braking. Provide other drivers with significant notice of when you are going to change lanes for your safety as well as theirs. Also keep in mind that accelerating too fast can be particularly dangerous during periods of bad weather so don't get carried away.
Accelerate Gradually
In poor weather, do not accelerate too fast. Make sure that you are accelerating only when the surface of the ground is completely flat and you are perpendicular to the surface. If the rear wheel is not completely on the surface during acceleration, slow down your acceleration and wait to increase your speed until you are 100% in contact with the road.
Increase Braking Distance
When the weather is bad, ensure that you are giving yourself adequate distance between the driver in front of you when you brake. It is a good idea to give yourself an additional 2 to 3 times more stopping distance when you are braking so that you make a safe stop. Do not apply too much pressure to the brakes at once. Instead, apply smooth and gradual pressure. In order to ensure that your bike is always able to break well, make sure that your rotors are kept clean and that your brakes stay dry.
In the Case of Ice:
Do not use the front brake. Instead of using the brake, use the clutch and wait until you are out of the icy patch to break or coast to stop in neutral. If you are able to find a clean patch of asphalt, practice staged breaking to come to a stop.
In the Case of Standing Water:
Keep an eye out for standing water and avoid if possible. Driving through standing water can make you lose control of your bike or can drench your bike including the brakes leading to eventual mechanical failure.
In the Case of Metal Surfaces:
Avoid all metal surfaces if possible. Surfaces such as railroad tracks, bridge gratings, and manhole covers can become very dangerous particularly during wet or icy conditions.
In the Case of Oil:
Oil can be identified on the road by looking for shiny or rainbow pools on wet pavement. This is particularly a danger when it has not been raining for a long time. Debris and oil accumulates on the road leading to a slick surface. The first rain mixes with the oil forming an even more slippery road.
Anytime you find yourself riding in less than perfect weather conditions, be sure to keep these things in mind to ensure your safety. A properly maintained motorcycle and the proper motorcycle riding gear should always be top priority. Always be aware of your surroundings and stay alert.
By Brad Hart
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