We’re right smack in the middle of the rainy season. Out with the hot and humid, and in with the cold and comfortable. It’s not all sunshine and rainbows though, not really, because with the rainy season comes a whole new set of challenges for us riders, and this article will be tackling a few of them.
Traction
You can’t treat driving in the rain as if you’re driving normally. Even with the improvements in the quality of motorcycle tires over the years, it will always be more slippery on a wet road than on a dry one. In turn, you have to be more careful than usual. Keep your eyes open and slow down, but still have enough speed so you won’t be a liability to the people behind you on the road. Also, be extra cautious of where you’re going because surfaces like painted lines and manhole covers that are already slippery when it’s dry are going to be ten times more slippery during the rain.
Improvements on motorcycle technology, as well, has minimized this danger, but nothing replaces rider skill and good old common sense.
Visibility
Arguably the biggest factor for anyone on the road is visibility. Depending on the weather, the distance you’re able to see varies. The heavier the rain, the more visibility is reduced. On top of that, raindrops falling onto your visors can affect how much you can see if the rain was not enough. Be extra cautious and pay even more attention to your surroundings when riding in less than desirable conditions. You should also make the effort to make sure that you yourself are easily visible to others while riding in the rain.
Hi visibility rain gear is readily available in the market, and the LS2 Commuter Man Jacket Membrane is a good example of one. Portable and comfortable, the Commuter Man is equally at home on your bike as well as on your motorcycle.
This lightweight hi-viz jacket is sufficiently waterproof for light rain, for heavier precipitation you may want a fully waterproof jacket. But for your everyday commute the LS2 Commuter Man Jacket Membrane is unbeatable.
Cold & Comfort
It may not seem like it, but comfort is one of the most important things to consider while riding, especially in the rain. Being too cold and having water trickle down under your rain gear. These are things that may sound minute but can impact your riding. Anything that takes your attention away from the road, even for a second, is worth considering. Because of this, it is worth considering getting yourself quality riding gear that is appropriate for the rainy season as your regular riding gear just may not be cut out for the rain.
Waterproof jackets are, fortunately, a staple of manufacturer’s lineups. Several years back your only option was to buy an over jacket liner to waterproof. Now the designs of these jackets make it cool to actually wear one. The best one we’ve tried so far is the Macna Refuge Waterproof Jacket.
Don’t let it’s looks deceive you. This jacket is truly 100% waterproof. Travel tested by our team. It does get a bit cold due to the lack of a liner but the Macna Refuge Jacket WP will keep you dry, while looking good as well.
Riding in a country which basically has 2 seasons, make sure you’re ready for both of them. Don’t let the rain intimidate you. With a little bit of knowledge, common sense as well as the proper equipment, riding in the rain can become fun.
Both the LS2 Commuter Man Jacket Membrane and the Macna Refuge Jacket WP are available on the Motoworld Online Store.
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