What should motorcyclists do when it rains?

Answer 1

Here's the answer given in Timberwoof's Motorcycle FAQ: When it rains, slow down a bit. Be aware that the first rains in the season will cause all the accumulate oil and spooge to float up to the surface and make the roads really slick for the first hour or three. Keep practicing your panic stops. Be aware that since there is less traction, your rear wheel will even more readily lock up, so be gentle with it until you get a feel for its traction in the wet. To deal with rain on your visor: On the freeway, alternate between turning your head to the right and to the left. (Keep your eyes looking ahead!) The wind blast will blow the water off your face shield, just like it does from the side of your car. A great rule of thumb to remember when your driving in a dangerous condition is "following distance." If you read the book you should know that you should be at least 3 car distances if you are going 30 to 40 mph. If you increase that by 1 or 2 more cars you can save you own life. note: driving in the rain. you can drive at high speeds can seem like normal, but take off is dangerous, and stopping also. joe hojas Apply power/acceleration smoothly and evenly. Avoid being to heavy handed with the accelerator as the rear wheel will spin more freely in the wet. Ride with your lights on (smart riders will have their lights on at all times) as this will make you more visible to other motorists. Increase your stopping distances. All the answers above are very good advice when it comes to all-day rain, but I think the best advice, according to MOST motorcycle training courses is as follows. Pull off the road at the soonest possible safe time and have a refreshment/lunch break and a circle check of your scoot. Most storms pass within a few minutes, you (and your scoot) get a rest, and you stay dry. (wink-wink) The best thing to do is to wait 1/2 hr after the first rain hits. this gives enough time for the oil and dirt to wash off the road. After 1/2 hour of decent rain fall (not a mist), you have over 80% of the traction of dry road. Other than that, be careful, go slow, increase following distance and slow down slower.