Consider that the two patches of rubber connecting you to the road surface are about the same size as the palm of your hand. Make sure they can do their job. There are several things that will make it harder for them.
The risk of losing control of a bike can increase because of deterioration in the road surface, such as potholes, wheel ruts or grooves, slippery surfaces and loose gravel.
Just under half of bike casualty crashes involve loss of control.
adjust your riding technique and speed to suit the conditions.
Slippery roads
Many things can make the road surface slippery, and you need to keep these in mind. This will become automatic as you gather experience. Here are some common slippery situations you may find.
Sealed roads when they’re wet, especially just after it starts to rain and before the oil and muck on the road are washed away.
Painted lane and other markings, as well as steel and other naturally smooth surfaces including manhole covers, tram lines, bridge expansion joints and even smooth bitumen used to repair roads at any time, and even worse when they are wet. Unmade and gravel roads, and patches of sand or gravel that have collected on sealed roads. Mud, snow and ice, including black ice.
Grease deposited in the middle of lanes, and oil or diesel spills.
Try to avoid slippery patches. If you can’t, reduce speed before you get to them, ride as upright as you can once you reach them and try to avoid changing gear, turning or using the throttle or the brakes. If you need to brake, use both brakes evenly. The important thing is to be smooth.
Wet weather significantly reduces traction, increasing the risk of accidents. To ride safely in such conditions, consider the following tips:
Ease Off the Gas: Maintaining a steady speed is crucial on wet roads. Avoid sudden accelerations and deceleration. Keep your gear changes smooth, beware your tyres lose traction and lead to skidding.
- Increase Your Space – Keep a greater distance between your motorcycle and the vehicle ahead to allow for longer braking distances. This extra space gives you more time to react to sudden stops or changes in traffic.
- Avoid the Puddles: Puddles might conceal hazards or cause hydroplaning, where your tyres lose grip on the road. Steer clear of them to reduce the risk of losing control.
- Brake Smoothly: Apply both brakes gently and gradually. Abrupt braking can cause your wheels to lock up, resulting in a skid. Remember, smooth actions are key to maintaining control.
- Stay Bright: In rainy conditions, visibility is reduced. In addition to headlights being on, wear bright or reflective gear to enhance your visibility to other road users.
- Gear Up for Rain: Waterproof gear, including a jacket, pants, and gloves, is essential for staying dry and focused. Additionally, a high-visibility vest ensures you’re easily seen by others on the road.
- Maintain Your Ride: Regularly check your motorcycle’s tyres, brakes, and lights. Proper maintenance is crucial, especially in wet conditions, to ensure optimal performance. The bare minimum for your motorcycle to be roadworthy is except at the tread wear indicators, tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 1.5mm in all principal grooves.
- Keep Calm: If your motorcycle starts to slide, stay calm. Gradually reduce your speed without sudden movements. Look where you want to go and steer gently in that direction to regain control.
- Adapt Your Riding Style: In wet conditions, aggressive maneuvers are risky. Apply throttle, brakes, and lean gently to maintain control. Avoid sudden movements that could lead to a loss of traction.
- Plan Ahead: Check the weather forecast before heading out. If possible, avoid riding in heavy rain or storms. Plan your route to avoid areas prone to flooding or with poor drainage.
- See Clearly: Rain reduces visibility, so keep your visor clean and use anti-fog treatments. Slow down and scan the road ahead to anticipate hazards.
- Double Your Distance: Stopping distances double on wet roads, so increase your following distance to give yourself more time to react to sudden stops or obstacles.
- Watch for Oil Spills: After a dry spell, the first rain can make roads slick. Avoid puddles, painted lines, and metal surfaces, as these can be especially slippery.
- Master the Brakes: Adjust your braking technique for wet conditions. Apply both brakes progressively, with a slight emphasis on the rear brake for better control.
- Tame the Turns: Approach corners with caution on wet roads. Reduce your speed before entering the turn and maintain a more upright body position to maximize tyre contact with the road.
