Riding In the Rain
RIDING IN THE RAIN
IGNITION
RIDE SMART
WET SUITED
Don’t let a little water keep you from enjoying your bike
John L. Stein
Winter. It's cold, dark, and often wet. Any one of these elements will make you think twice about heading to your favorite booth at the local Bacon Hut on Sunday morning, but when all three factors are present it’s enough to spook many riders right out of winter riding entirely. However, it doesn’t have to be this way.
Happily, the compounds in modern radial tires are born and bred to work in the wet and cold, and their computerhoned tread patterns displace standing water brilliantly. But there’s a caveat: Years-old rubber, even if it looks new, can be terrible in dicey conditions. (Check the four-digit date code on the sidewall near the DOT label. For example, “2611” means the tire was manufactured in the 26th week of 2011.) The message here: It’s best to embrace rainy season with highquality new rubber.
Your bike’s standard headlight and taillight should make you reasonably visible to surrounding traffic through the dark season. But an outstanding second strategy is to wear riding gear incorporating reflective panels on the jacket, pants, and helmet.
Basically, most modern streetbikes, if well maintained, are plenty good to go in the wet and cold. But there are several additional steps you can take to increase confidence and competence in this strangely endearing season.
Here’s a four-pack of handy winter riding tips:
1) Read the road. Like Bondo covering dents in rippled bodywork, water can hide all sorts of road hazards, including
swales, potholes, and slick patches.
Look closely and learn the signs:
The presence of standing water means puddles; running water means off-camber surfaces.
2) Add candlepower. At night in the rain, even stretches of pavement you know well lose precious visual detail. Adding accessory LED lights will enhance visibility (see our Clearwater review on page 30), while a brake-light modulator can help traffic see and distinguish you as a motorcycle.
3) Maximize vision. Treat your windscreen and helmet visor with Rain-X. Apply antifog to the inside of your visor. Also, have your eyesight checked and get corrective lenses if needed. Good vision is essential.
4) Dress for success. Choose breathable textiles, and use a backpack or saddlebags to carry additional layers, such as a thermal liner. Electric vests and grips work wonders. Finally, store a small towel in a Ziploc to dry your seat before riding.
