Riding in the Rain: Managing Reduced Grip

Wet weather does not automatically mean that motorcycling must stop, but it does require a different approach.

Rain can reduce available tyre grip and increase stopping distances. It can also make road markings, drain covers, metal surfaces and other contaminants more slippery.

The first adjustment should usually be speed. Reducing speed gives you more time to identify hazards and reduces the demands placed on the tyres.

Smoothness is equally important. Sudden braking, acceleration or steering inputs can be more difficult for the tyres to accommodate when grip is reduced.

Visibility can also deteriorate. Rain can obscure your vision, create spray from other vehicles and make it more difficult for other road users to see you.

Following distances should therefore increase.

Pay particular attention to standing water. Even modern motorcycles can become unsettled when travelling through significant amounts of water, especially at inappropriate speeds.

Road surfaces may also become particularly slippery when rain follows a period of dry weather, as accumulated contaminants can mix with water.

Good wet-weather riding is about recognising the changed conditions and adjusting accordingly.

Your motorcycle may still have excellent capability, but your available grip is determined by the interaction between tyres, road surface and conditions.

Advanced riding means respecting those limitations.

Smooth inputs, sensible speed, increased observation and additional space can make wet-weather riding considerably safer.