Motorcycling in the Rain
Riding your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle in the rain presents some unique challenges. It’s totally possible to have a lot of fun riding your bike in the rain, and to do so safely and comfortably. There are a few key things to remember: make sure your bike is in good condition, make sure you’re geared up in protective, waterproof gear, ride safely and slowly, and make sure you keep your head on a swivel because other riders or drivers might not be great at navigating slick streets. Read on below to find out more about how to keep yourself safe and comfortable while riding in the rain. And if you need new gear for your bike, please come see us at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson in Oconomowoc, Wisconsin. We also serve customers in Milwaukee and Madison.
Your Bike
Before you head out in the rain, you need to be sure your bike is up to the challenge. Performing basic maintenance tasks on the regular is the best way to keep your bike at its best. Check your tires: make sure they’re inflated to the proper pressure and that they have plenty of tread. Balding tires are terrible on slick roads - you need as much traction as possible when the weather’s wet. Also check your fluids: oil, antifreeze, etcetera. Give your bike a once over and look for any small problems that could become larger problems. Also check your brakes and your transmission.
You
You need to be properly suited up if you’re going to be riding in the rain. You should be protected from head to toe with waterproof, armored, retro-reflective gear. Not only will a full kit of armored gear increase your safety on wet roads, it’ll also keep you warm and toasty. More specifically, look for these types of gear.
Head
Get a good, full-face helmet that is DOT-certified. You’ll find that on a sticker on the back of the helmet. A full-face or modular helmet will keep the rain off your face and keep your head warm. Consider adding a balaclava under your helmet for extra warmth, especially on your neck. You might even add a warm neck gaiter to really keep the cold and wet off.
Body
Riding in the rain without waterproof gear on is miserable. You get wet, you stay wet, you shiver, and you just won’t have a good time. Start with a warm base layer, add something warm on top of it, and then wear a waterproof, armored jacket with retro-reflective striping to increase visibility. Get some waterproof gloves to keep your hands toasty - and look for gloves that have a built-in rain wipe in the thumb. Being able to wipe the rain off your helmet’s face shield quickly and easily can really increase your safety.
Legs
You also don’t want to be riding with wet legs. A pair of long underwear can be helpful on long rides, but the key to keeping your legs safe and warm is to buy armored, waterproof overpants. Some of these pants come with waterproof zippered pockets, so you can keep your phone and wallet from getting soaked on the ride. When you arrive at your destination, you can zip off the overpants, and your jeans or slacks should be dry as a bone.
Feet
Keep your feet warm, dry, and safe by investing in some good quality insulated, waterproof armored boots. Add a pair of wool socks underneath for extra warmth. Waterproof boots should also be breathable and have moisture-wicking insoles, so not only are you keeping the water out, you’re keeping your feet from getting sweaty inside the boots.
Once you’re sure that your bike is in good shape, and you’re all kitted up in your gear, then you’ll be ready to ride. Be careful, ride slowly, leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you, and keep your head on a swivel at all times. Cars don’t see motorcycles in the best weather; they certainly don’t see them when it’s raining.
If you’d like help getting yourself geared up to ride in the rain, or you’re looking for parts or accessories for your bike, please come see us at Wisconsin Harley-Davidson. We’ve got a crack team of expert salespeople who will be happy to get you properly kitted out for wet weather riding and so much more. We look forward to seeing you!