Riding Your Motorcycle in the Rain

The ideal weather for motorcycle riding is a sunny, temperate day with dry roads. But as an avid motorcyclist, you’re likely aware that that’s not always the weather you’ll get. With springtime arriving in the Midwest, it’s important to prepare yourself for riding in the rain. Here are our tips so that you can stay safe out there, no matter what the forecast shows.

Make Yourself Visible

Bright white or colorful motorcycle gear that’s reflective is best for riding in the rain. You can also add reflective tape to your standard riding gear. An orange safety vest can be worn over black gear to make you stand out from the crowd. You may also want to get bright LED bulbs for your motorcycle so that other riders can more easily see it.

Check the Weather

It’s important to look at the forecast before you ride in the rain to make sure that the weather won’t turn too severe. High winds and heavy rains with hail or thunder on the forecast are conditions that you’ll want to avoid. If the rain seems light and the temperature isn’t going to be too cold, you’ll probably be okay, but you should always use your best judgment and take your skill level in mind.

Keep Your Guard Up

When you’re out on the road with other motorists in the rain, you’ll need to be more vigilant than usual because cars and trucks could easily hydroplane into your lane. Drivers may also be more careless and they could invade your space without realizing it. Watch for ways you can get out of the way, whether that’s riding on the shoulder or into a grass median if necessary.

When you’re ready to check out our inventory of new and used motorcycles for sale, you can visit one of our dealerships located in southern Wisconsin or northern Illinois. Windy City Motorcycle Company serves the metropolitan areas of Milwaukee, WI; Detroit, MI; and Chicago, IL.