How to Ride a Motorcycle in Inclement Weather

Riding a motorcycle is a decent enough challenge as it is, and adverse weather conditions will only make things tougher. The open-air seat of a motorcycle provides little to no protection against hail, rain, snow, and other adverse conditions. Even a windshield can only do so much to keep you comfortable. That’s why the experts at Steel City Harley-Davidson® have created this guide to riding a motorcycle in inclement weather. 

Don’t Ride If It's Not Safe

If the inclement weather conditions aren’t too severe, it may be possible to continue your ride, provided you take extra precautions. However, if you can’t ride safely, you shouldn’t ride at all. If you have a new bike that you’re still getting used to or you don’t have much riding experience, you might not be able to handle the difficult conditions that come with riding in inclement weather. There are also situations where your motorcycle itself might not be up to the challenge. If things don’t look safe, consider delaying the ride. 

Invite a Friend

One way to help mitigate the risks of riding in bad weather is to have a friend go along with you. Should one of you be injured or experience a mechanical malfunction, the other will be right there to provide help and support. Not only is riding with a friend more fun regardless of the weather, but it also provides a much needed safety net against worst-case scenarios. 

Gear Yourself Up

Motorcycle gear is designed to help protect you. Unfortunately, your normal riding ensemble might not be enough to handle inclement weather. In these kinds of situations, some waterproof gear can be extremely helpful. Some bikers choose to use a one-piece riding suit as well to provide additional protection and warmth. You also might want to swap out your normal riding boots for ones that offer better tread and are waterproof. 

Exercise Caution

A good motorcycle rider knows the importance of remaining vigilant and staying aware of traffic while biking, and these practices become even more important when the weather gets bad. Besides being more cautious and aware, you should also try to stick to the center of the road where water won’t pool as much. If things start to get worse or you think you need a break, it might be best to cut your ride short. 

Shop new and pre-owned motorcycles at Steel City Harley-Davidson® in Washington, Pennsylvania. We also offer financing, maintenance, parts ordering, and other services. We hope to see you soon!