Motorbike: 5 precautions to ride safely in the rain

NGK expert lists recommendations for the motorcyclist
NGK expert lists recommendations for the motorcyclist

Sao Paulo, March 2022 – If driving a motorcycle already requires a lot of attention and physical conditioning, riding in heavy rain conditions requires even more skill from the rider and vehicle performance, which needs to be maintained in order. To help the motorcyclist reach his destination more safely, NGK – a Japanese multinational specializing in spark plugs and suppressive terminals – has listed some recommendations.

According to Hiromori Mori, Technical Assistance consultant at NGK, the main risks of riding on rainy days are:

• Lack of visibility on the part of the motorcyclist, with the accumulation of water or fogging of the helmet's visor, as well as lack of visibility of him by other vehicles and pedestrians on the road.
• Loss of control when passing through a film of water, oil residue or metallic cover, usually placed on the maintenance track, which usually slips a lot when it is wet.
• Difficulty driving on tracks that have gone through a process of resurfacing and milling the old asphalt, whose marks make driving difficult by "driving" the tire in a certain direction.
• When driving on the road, pain in the body caused by the impact of raindrops, due to the speed of the vehicle.
• Increased feeling of cold, which can impair the rider's reflexes.

Difficulty driving on tracks that have gone through the process of resurfacing and milling the old asphalt

• Difficulty driving on tracks that have gone through the process of resurfacing and milling the old asphalt

According to NGK, to avoid risks on rainy days, motorcycle maintenance needs to be in order because the engine is exposed, in most two-wheel vehicles, and subject to the action of the weather. “In this context, maintenance must be careful and observe the sealing against moisture of its components to avoid malfunctions and mechanical breakdowns”, he guides.

In the ignition system, it is important to evaluate the sealing of the suppressive terminals, known as spark plugs. Other key items are the tires and brake, lighting, suspension and transmission systems. “The correct maintenance of the motorcycle, which is directly linked to the physical integrity of the motorcyclist, involves revision plans with shorter deadlines, compared to the car, and also reduced parts exchange intervals”, he points out.

• “The correct maintenance of the motorcycle

The motorcyclist should always wear gloves and carry a specific raincoat for motorcycle use, which has better sealing, in addition to having reflective strips for better visibility. “It is also important to wear a helmet that has a ventilation system, to avoid fogging up during the rain, and boots with a more adherent and waterproof sole”, he recommends.

• to prevent fogging during rain

If it is not possible to avoid riding in the rain, the NGK's guideline is that the motorcyclist wait at least 15 minutes before leaving with the vehicle so that the rain "washes" the asphalt, removing the first layer of impurities, which is quite slippery. . “After this period, the asphalt is cleaner and the grip increases, which reduces the risk of accidents”, comments Mori.

• Take extra care while riding

During the rain, the motorcyclist must also adopt extra care, such as reducing the motorcycle's speed and always using the low beam, an item that is already mandatory for the motorcyclist, even during the day, to improve his visibility. “Sudden acceleration and braking should also be avoided, due to the risk of falls. The tires must still be in proper condition, as they are the only points of contact between the motorcycle and the ground”, he warns.

• Avoid areas with mud or heavy traffic

Another recommendation is to avoid muddy areas as much as possible because in this type of terrain there is a greater risk of falling due to the low friction with the ground. “Also avoid roads and lanes where buses and trucks travel, as heavy vehicles tend to have leaks and the lanes can accumulate oil on the asphalt. Avoid areas with mud or heavy traffic”, concludes Hiromori Mori, NGK Technical Assistance consultant.