Rainy and wet roads are the biggest enemy of motorcycle riders. With the rainy season approaching and recent days of strong winds and heavy rain, social media motorcycle groups are filled with videos of riders slipping on wet roads. In light of this, Helmet King is once again releasing its annual post with tips for riding motorcycles on wet roads. Especially for new riders, it is time to learn from the past and face the challenge of wet roads with confidence. They are not as scary as they seem!

Tips 1：The first 15 minutes of rain are the most dangerous

Roads commonly accumulate a large amount of dust, sand, and waste oil. When it starts to rain, these deposits mix with the rainwater and float on the road surface, and the rain is not heavy enough to wash them away. Experienced riders know that this is the most dangerous time to ride. If possible, Helmet King recommends that you park your motorcycle under a nearby shelter and wait for the rain to wash away the deposits before continuing your journey.

Tips 2：Choose the right gear

hanks to technology, many manufacturers now offer a wide range of high-performance, lightweight, and waterproof rain gear (available for purchase at Helmet King!). The prices are also very reasonable compared to ten years ago. Good waterproof clothing, such as raincoats, rain pants (one-piece or two-piece), waterproof boots, and gloves, are essential for riding in wet conditions (wearing wet underpants and socks is one of life's most painful experiences). However, even if you have all the gear, it is essential to wear it correctly!

1. When wearing a hooded raincoat, wear a rain hat first before putting the hood on your head to prevent rainwater from flowing into your shirt collar and "moistening" your whole body.

1. When wearing a two-piece rain suit, tuck the clothes into the rain pants before putting on the raincoat to reduce the risk of getting wet.

1. The waterproof effect of rain gear is measured by the water pressure resistance of "mmH2O." The average rainfall is about 3000 to 5000mmH2O, and rain gear with a water pressure resistance of 10,000mmH2O can handle most adverse weather conditions.

1. When it rains, the helmet visor may fog up. The simplest solution is to open the visor slightly to increase airflow. However, the most convenient and comfortable solution is to use an anti-fog spray and a rain repellent to ensure good visibility in the rain.

1. Choose rain gear with bright colors or reflective materials. Regardless of the gear you choose, the priority is to ensure that it does not interfere with your driving actions. When purchasing, make sure it fits well. Raincoats, gloves, and waterproof boots that are too large or too small will greatly reduce their waterproof performance. If you need to ride in the rain to work, it is best to carry multiple sets of dry clothes to change into.

Tips 3：Check your tires

If you've watched MotoGP, you'll notice that whenever it rains, riders will switch to tires with more tread, known as "wet tires." To increase traction, dry tires used by racers usually have no tread, but on wet roads, the surface is equivalent to having "an extra layer of water" on the road surface, and the tread's role is to "force out" this layer of water, allowing the tire to continue to grip the road. The same principle applies to old tires that have hardened or worn treads. When it rains, they can be very dangerous.

Tips 4：Potential hazards on the road

Road markings, manhole covers, and tram tracks on wet roads are the culprits of many accidents. This is a simple physical principle, where non-breathable surfaces become extremely slippery under the action of rainwater. Riders should try to avoid rolling over these surfaces. If it is unavoidable, remember to keep the body as straight as possible and avoid sudden braking or acceleration. Similarly, riders should also be careful of reflective garbage water and oil stains on the road.

Tips 5：Wet driving techniques

Braking: The key to wet braking is to brake smoothly and gradually, avoiding locking the tires, especially in emergency braking situations. Although most models now come equipped with ABS, it is still a good idea to practice wet braking in safe conditions to test your limits.

Turning: The rule for wet turning is the same as on dry roads. You need to adjust your body position to turn the motorcycle. Keeping the bike upright will not allow you to turn, so you need to slow down and enter and exit the turn smoothly. At the same time, be extra careful to avoid sudden braking or acceleration in the turn.

Relax your body: The more tense your muscles are, the harder it is to maintain stability and perform delicate movements. Don't sit too straight, as it will directly affect your driving performance and hinder your ability to control the motorcycle in wet conditions.