Many bikers - above those who think they are top bikers - believe that riding a motorcycle in foul weather is like a walk in the park.
Personally, I don't think so.
You cannot avoid it, whether on a long motorcycle tour or just getting caught in a downpour.
The important thing is to be prepared and follow some simple safety rules.
Even on a sunny day, space between you and the vehicles around you is important when riding a motorcycle.
When riding a motorcycle on a wet road or in a downpour, that space is of utmost importance.
This is because the braking distance increases, sometimes dramatically, under wet conditions.
When it is wet or icy, antilock braking systems can really make the difference.
Unfortunately, many bikes still come without such a system so you have to be particularly careful.
Don't brake too hard.
However, the lighter you brake on a wet surface the longer the stopping distance gets.
Driving around objects or vehicles becomes more dangerous too.
So leave yourself plenty of room, not just in front and behind you, but also to each side.
Stay away from the middle of the lane.
It tends to be more slippery than the rest of the road.
To be prepared means having the motorcycle gear you need with you at all times.
Most bikers have a rain suit and waterproof gloves in their top case or tank bag.
Though a full face helmet is best to protect you against the rain some bikers prefer an open face helmet.
If you belong to the second category, you will need a good pair of goggles or glasses that will keep the rain out of your eyes.
Anything painted on the surface of the road is slippery; all the more so if there are many layers of paint.
These areas are not only slippery for the tyres of your bike but also for yourself when you stop and place your foot down on one of them.
Therefore, it pays to wear a good pair of riding boots or shoes that have an aggressive tread on the soles.
Plan your stops; watch the traffic lights as you approach them.
Foul weather is not an ideal time to be forced into braking all of a sudden because you weren't watching the traffic lights! While riding in the rain may not be one of your favourite pastimes, it can be done if you are prepared.
Personally, I don't think so.
You cannot avoid it, whether on a long motorcycle tour or just getting caught in a downpour.
The important thing is to be prepared and follow some simple safety rules.
Even on a sunny day, space between you and the vehicles around you is important when riding a motorcycle.
When riding a motorcycle on a wet road or in a downpour, that space is of utmost importance.
This is because the braking distance increases, sometimes dramatically, under wet conditions.
When it is wet or icy, antilock braking systems can really make the difference.
Unfortunately, many bikes still come without such a system so you have to be particularly careful.
Don't brake too hard.
However, the lighter you brake on a wet surface the longer the stopping distance gets.
Driving around objects or vehicles becomes more dangerous too.
So leave yourself plenty of room, not just in front and behind you, but also to each side.
Stay away from the middle of the lane.
It tends to be more slippery than the rest of the road.
To be prepared means having the motorcycle gear you need with you at all times.
Most bikers have a rain suit and waterproof gloves in their top case or tank bag.
Though a full face helmet is best to protect you against the rain some bikers prefer an open face helmet.
If you belong to the second category, you will need a good pair of goggles or glasses that will keep the rain out of your eyes.
Anything painted on the surface of the road is slippery; all the more so if there are many layers of paint.
These areas are not only slippery for the tyres of your bike but also for yourself when you stop and place your foot down on one of them.
Therefore, it pays to wear a good pair of riding boots or shoes that have an aggressive tread on the soles.
Plan your stops; watch the traffic lights as you approach them.
Foul weather is not an ideal time to be forced into braking all of a sudden because you weren't watching the traffic lights! While riding in the rain may not be one of your favourite pastimes, it can be done if you are prepared.