[xBhp Universal Thread]: Riding in Rain

[L.P.]

I was riding around in the rain we had in Delhi. I thought when it had been difficult for me to ride, it would have been the same for many more Rider's.
Also i saw a person just getting Skid in front of me and i had to Dodge him and save my own skin..

For riding in the rain here are some thoughts that can help:

Lights: Keep your Parking lights ON or on Low Beam.

Ride slow : After or In the rain, when usually road gets wet, the Firction, Traction diminishes.. So it is advisable to ride slow and steady to get a better control on it and if anything happens you get time to correct it!

Braking: It is advisable to use Engine braking during rains, and ifyou are to use the brakes ,Be Gentle on Brakes,as harsh braking may lock up the wheels,and cause them to skid.

Road grip : If your tyre is old, or you are facing big issues with road grip, a temporary solution is to lower the tyre pressure slightly (5-6 psi will do) to get better grip till you can replace the tyre.

Clear vision : If your helmet visor does not have anti-fog capabilities, then you should keep it open slightly to maintain the best vision possible. If you still have issues, wear a balaclava and open the visor fully. The balaclava will ease the pain caused by rain drops while riding at high speeds.
If you have got any kind of Wax polish, Apply a very thin Coat of it!

Take off the glasses : Specs can also cause vision problems. In most cases, you vision will improve if you take them off.

Wear Rain Protective Stuffs : Covering up your arms and legs is a good idea as it prevents the rain drops from hitting the body directly. High speed raindrops are painful. You can use rain Coat's etc..
Also, keep some polythenes with you,keep your valuables in that polythene along with a DRY Handkercheif!

Wear gloves : You wet hands can lose grip on the handlebars. Wear gloves to make sure you retain control of the bike.

Watch out for hail-storms : Look for shelter at the first sign of a hail-storm, and not a tree on the side of the road. For hail-storms, you need a strong structure to protect you and your bike. It should be wide enough to prevent any harm from any direction. Petrol pumps are a good place or any concrete structure will probably be fine.

Maintain distance from the vehicle in front : Not only will it help you brake effectively, it will also minimize the dirt spray on your helmet and clothes.

Toll : If you are riding on way that has got a toll booth,instead of Currency note,use COINS.

Rain protectors : I've seen people riding air-cooled bikes with a large cardboard just in front of the engine to prevent their trousers from getting dirty. This can harm the engine. Carry the 'work bag' if arriving clean is important.

IF you are riding to WORK in Rain:

Rain Coats: The best option to save you.

Carry a bag : You rode to work, you can't roam around wet and dirty all day. So keep some Clothes, A pair of undergarments,and a COMB, by which you can get dressed back into a human being,bychanging in the washroom!

Leave early : Try to start early from home if it raining,because the traffic gets slow..


I know this is not complete, But please feel free to input more to complete it!
Happy Riding !!
Cheers
LP

[ken cool]

Topic Approved

[bhavnish_kamboj]

Originally Posted by L.P.

Toll : If you are riding on way that has got a toll booth,instead of Currency note,use COINS.

Thanks for the nice info L.P. But I didn't get the meaning why to use coins not the currency note

[moeed]

Nice tips there buddy!

Originally Posted by bhavnish_kamboj

Thanks for the nice info L.P. But I didn't get the meaning why to use coins not the currency note

Because the currency notes will get wet in the rain.

[L.P.]

Originally Posted by ken cool

Topic Approved

Thanks Ken Da, for the Fast Approval..
I wasn't expecting it that Fast.

Originally Posted by bhavnish_kamboj

Thanks for the nice info L.P. But I didn't get the meaning why to use coins not the currency note

Originally Posted by moeed

Nice tips there buddy!

Because the currency notes will get wet in the rain.

...

[kaynmantis]

Nice info, though kind of late in the season as monsoon is over at least in Mumbai.

I always reach my destination completly dry in pouring rain as I have a good rain wear and rain boots. Ironically I sometimes reach my destination quiet wet when I misread rain and the weather is dry, I get wet due to sweat . My rain wear does not have breathing apparatus .

The most irritating condition I find are light intermittent showers where the roads is wet mixed with dirt. Not only the road is slippery in these condition but also these dirty water vapours thrown out by other vehicles really mess up with the visor. So I always keep a piece of cloth handy to wipe my visor. Once it showers steadly, the condition becomes better as the road becomes cleaner even though its wet and the visor is constantly cleaned with fresh rainfall.

I don't know about proper riding rain wear you get abroad. But the one I get here are certainly not designed for riding. Especially the pants. When you sit astride the bike, the bottom of the pant will ride up higher than my ankle length boots. Even though my boots are full water proof, water seeps inside from this exposed part so....I made myself a water proof..'something'.. to cover this up using my spare rain jacket's arms. I cut the arms, put elastics on both ends, and hey presto..I got a leg warmer..or sort of . Its crude, but I always reach my destination dry and happy.

Anyone interested can try this next monsoon.

[mithun]

Originally Posted by L.P.

Take off the glasses : Specs can also cause vision problems. In most cases, you vision will improve if you take them off.

How can one remove the spectacles if the person is having vision problem like myopia ?

[L.P.]

Originally Posted by mithun

How can one remove the spectacles if the person is having vision problem like myopia ?

Only If in case the power isn't too much!

[pali]

Originally Posted by L.P.

Thanks Ken Da, for the Fast Approval..
I wasn't expecting it that Fast.

rofl literally!!

[athulbenoy]

Hey guys i dont like driving when it sraining because i am afraid that my bike gets skid