Riding your motorcycle
can take some effort and lots of precaution during the monsoons to keep you
safe and dry. Motorcycle riders are more susceptible to accidents, and the
overall poor visibility, slippery roads just add to the misery. As a rider you
are exposed to extreme weather conditions as well and that’s why you need to
keep few tips in mind while riding to keep yourself safe during the monsoons
and enjoy the ride too.
1.
No Speeding
You lose traction on wet
roads leading to less control on your motorcycle. This enables to ride
comfortably while avoiding hard braking. You also have more control on the
motorcycle. It is best to ride at 30 – 50 km/hr, where you are in control of
the motorcycle. If the visibility is even lower due to foggy weather, it is
better to further lower the speed until you feel confident and safe. You also
anticipate any mishaps earlier and control them at lower speeds. It is
advisable to not ride for the first showers, as the leaked oil and coolant over
a period are washed in the first showers and it is best to start riding after
that.
2.
Maintain Distance
You need to increase the
distance between your bike and the vehicle in front. Due to loss of traction,
stopping the bike takes longer on wet roads, than on dry roads. Moreover, do
not follow a car closely. The potholes missed by the car may catch up with you.
Also the water splashed by the car’s rear wheels can reduce your visibility
even further.
3.
Brake Gently
It is best to use both
the disc and drum brakes on your bike for braking. Using the front disc brakes
could be hazardous causing a nasty slip, while the drum brakes may not provide
the needed stopping power. Press the drum brakes and gently tap the disc brakes
to lower the speed of your bike and bring it in control. Get your brakes
checked before the monsoons and top off the brake fluid if needed.
4.
Focus on The Road
Riding during monsoons
is a lot about focusing on the road then on the speed. Uneven patches, muddy
roads, potholes, waterlogged areas, stray dogs, pedestrians, foggy weather,
other cars are all hurdles that the average biker needs to face on every ride.
Your focus needs to be on the road and what’s coming up. Keep a check for
signs, especially in low visibility and brake accordingly. If you have a
pillion rider, ask him to be alert and look around for any possible issues.
Also avoid stopping or parking near trees, as they more likely to be struck by
lightning or a broken branch can fall directly on your bike.
5.
Avoid Riding in Waterlogged Roads
Just like cars, the
principle remains the same for motorcycles. Water can heavily damage your
engine, that’s why it is best to avoid waterlogged roads. Make sure you give
gentle throttle while riding, so that there is no water entering through the
exhaust pipe. Do not stop unnecessarily in a water logged area. Waterlogged
roads could be hiding open manholes or potholes that you are unaware of.
Maintain consistent speed and ride through that patch. If your bike stalls,
just get down and push the bike out of the waterlogged road.
6.
Switch on Headlights
The issue of visibility
is not only for riders but for other motorists too. The best thing to do is be
as visible as possible on road. Switch on the headlights even during the day so
that the oncoming traffic knows of your presence. Make sure you clean the
headlamps and tail lamps which could be covered with mud in the rains. If you
live in areas that have very low visibility, it would be best to add aftermarket
blinkers or hazard lights to your bike. Make sure your headlights are on low
beam, as to not hamper the vision of the oncoming vehicles. You can use high
beams where ever necessary, but stick to low beams as much as possible. Do a
pre-monsoon check to make sure all electrical components are in working order.
Replace the ones necessary.
7.
Ride with Monsoon Gear
Riders are most
vulnerable to accidents and that’s why it is important to wear the right
monsoon gear while riding. Get a full faced helmet that seals well, so that
water does not creep inside the helmet. You can also get a waterproof riding
jacket and trousers that will keep you dry while riding. You also get high
reflective jackets that make you more visible on roads. Most riding jackets
come with safety pads that will absorb the main impact in case of a fall. If
the visor has too many scratches, make sure you replace before the monsoon. You
can also opt for riding boots, knee and elbow pads, riding gloves in case you
are looking long distance riding.
Make sure you have the
motorcycle checked and ready to face the monsoons. A healthy bike will perform
better; moreover will be reliable on roads. Remember to wash your bike after
every ride to get rid of all the mud and dirt, especially on the chain which
will be higher during the monsoons.
REMEMBER - WASTING FIVE MINUTES OF YOUR TIME ON ROAD WILL INCREASE YEARS OF TIME IN LIFE. WISH YOU A HAPPY AND SAFE RIDING.
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