Riding a motorcycle is very adventurous because you need to adjust your balance according to the terrain, weather, and other conditions. For most people, the favorite time of the year to ride the motorcycle is winter because you can stuff all your safety gear under the thick motorcycle jacket. On the other hand, some people like the idea of a summer motorcycle ride because this will help them enjoy the summer weather. For each weather, there are different tires that you need and the luggage options also differ. However, if we rank one of the most dangerous seasons for riding a motorcycle we will definitely list the monsoon or rainy season at the top. For the monsoon season, the terrain gets dangerous because of the water. Water has a very different effect on the train, if it is an urban road, water will make it slippery. On the contrary, if it is an off-road terrain with mud and rocks, this will become very murky and marshy. In both conditions, you need completely different tires and you need a lot more than just changing the tires of your motorcycle. On urban slippery roads, due to lack of friction, the accidents become very dangerous. However, the rider doesn’t suffer much because of road conditions. On the other hand, if you slip on off-road terrain, the injury is worse due to rocks and mud.
With the help of this article, we will discuss the monsoon and riding the motorcycle in the rainy season. We will also suggest some of the basic tips that will help you ride your motorcycle safely in monsoon season without getting into an accident. These tips will not only help you ensure safety but will also help you minimize the chance of injury in case of an accident.
Top 7 Tips for Riding a Motorcycle during Monsoon Season
Riding a motorcycle in monsoon is an art that most beginners cannot master unless they invest some time. However, for someone who is going on a road trip in monsoon season, it is better to stay safe. With the help of these riding tips, even a beginner can ride his motorcycle safely during monsoon season.
Select the Weather Appropriate Gear
Weather-appropriate gear doesn’t mean you need to adjust just your vehicle. There is much more that you will need to ensure that you and your vehicle can pass the test of this monsoon adventure. Starting from the person gears that will include your helmet with ventilators that will help you avoid fogging, gripping gloves, weatherproof jacket, trousers, and thick chunky shoes. You will also need weather-appropriate tires for your motorcycle that will help you increase the friction. Also, get a good windshield and some powerful headlights so that you don’t have to worry about the limited visibility.
Adjust Your Riding Style
Riding style adjustment is very important because the road is slippery. You need to slow down to increase the friction in between the tires and the road. This doesn’t mean you have to go slow or lose your balance. This means that while you are on a road where you see water, try to decrease your spread or look for a dry patch. The main idea is that there are so many different tires with thick grippers that will help you avoid slipping on the road but you will need much more than that. This is the reason individual riding style matters. Apart from increasing the friction, slowing down the speed will also help you balance the motorcycle much easier.
Eyes on the Road
During the rainy season, you will notice a lot of holes, rocks, water, and slippery areas. This means that you need to stay much more cautious than you usually are. This also means that with the help of keeping track of everything that is happening on the road you will be able to minimize the risk of any possible accident or injury. For this reason, make sure to use a windshield along with vipers so that there is nothing foggy and you have clear visibility.
Nevertheless, poor visibility and slippery roads can cause other drivers to make mistakes, which might lead to an accident involving you. No need to fret though, as long as you are taking all possible precautions to stay safe. In any case, you might want to speak to some reputed Milwaukee personal injury lawyers to be aware of your options if such an event does occur; better not to be foolhardy when it comes to your own life!
Maintenance
Your motorcycle maintenance plays a very important role in all kinds of situations. Before you head out for the trip, take your motorcycle to a mechanic and see what are the changes that you need. Starting from the seat, luggage adjustment, tires, oil change, and the quality of clutches you need to go through everything because once you hit the road finding a reasonable mechanic will get very difficult. For most people, this is not an issue, however, if you are not a pro and you have no experience of fixing a motorcycle before, a simple toolkit will no longer be helpful. Apart from this, with saddlebags and luggage adjustment you will need your motorcycle to be a better person. A simple maintenance trip to the nearest garage will save you a lot of time and money.
Safe Distance from the Vehicle In Front
No matter where you are driving and what conditions you are facing, traffic rules will save you. In case of rain, you need to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle that is just in front of you. The main reason is that when the road is slippery and the conditions are unpredictable you might lose control over the motorcycle. To make sure that you have enough reaction time, in case the vehicle in front of you is unable to maintain the balance, distance will help you buy some time. In most cases, there is a chain accident just because the vehicles do not maintain ample distance between them.
Headlights Will Help
Headlights are very important because you want to make sure you are keeping an eye on the road. In case of off-roading in limited visibility, you might have to adjust your headlights as well. Most people go for high beam headlights because this helps you light up the road. However, high beam headlights can blind the person coming from the opposite side. Even in the limited visibility, you need to get some headlights that will help you spread the light rather than make it laser focus.
Secure Motorcycle Insurance & Lawyer’s Contact for Riding
Maintaining sufficient motorcycle insurance is paramount, especially while navigating the unpredictable terrain of monsoon seasons. The heightened risks posed by slippery roads and reduced visibility underscore the need for comprehensive coverage that encompasses potential damage, theft, and third-party liabilities.
Equally essential is the foresight to have legal representation’s contact readily available. Riding during monsoons heightens the chances of a motorcycle injury case, often due to adverse weather conditions or other drivers’ negligence. In such events, having a lawyer’s number at hand can offer timely guidance on navigating legal intricacies and ensuring your rights are safeguarded. Put simply, in a season marked by increased vulnerability, coupling thorough insurance with legal preparation provides a holistic safety net.
Bonus Tip: No Puddles or Holes
While riding your motorcycle avoid puddles and holes. There is no doubt people like to splash the other motorcyclist sometimes and this can be fun. However, this can cause an accident as well. When a puddle is filled with water you cannot tell how deep it is. So, you might end up damaging your tires which can cause accidents. Overall, it can be a security hazard not just for you but also for the other riders.
Bottom Line
In short, monsoon season or rain itself is not the issue. It is all about the terrain conditions and how the rain impacts the terrain that adds to the chance of accidents. With the above-mentioned precaution and tips, you will ensure that your experience or next trip gets safer and better. Although there are so many different brands offering complete adjustment options starting from tires to windshields, however, you need a better understanding of your vehicle and the adjustment you will require according to the chosen destination and the conditions of the terrain, if you want to make sure you are not wasting your money or time.