Safe riding is every bikers responsibility learn the proper skills before its too late. Riding in foul weather requires proper planning and the right skills to be safe. RIDING IN THE RAIN

You are out for a ride when out of nowhere it starts raining. If you are caught in the rain you need to have the proper skills and the right clothing. We have all seen riders caught in the rain wearing regular street clothes.

Many will be caught with nowhere to get under cover. First lets talk about the gear you need so you don't end up like them, soaked. You need some good rain gear and I am not taking about a cheap poncho. You need a rain suit designed for riders, a good suit will keep you dry when riding. Using these motorcycle riding tips should help you the next time you are caught out in the rain.

Make sure you purchase riding boots that are waterproof, wet and cold feet are no fun. Another thing I find handy is a can of pledge furniture spray. OK you ask whats that for. If you spray it on your windshield the water will bead off and you see much better. You can also use it on your visor do not use rain-x on it because it will discolor over time leaving windshield hard to see out of.

The next thing you need to remember is when the road is wet you will have less traction so slow down. Other areas to be concerned with are painted lines on road, manholes, railroad tracks and the center of the lane. All of these will be very slick. I have seen riders fall when stopped at a light because the boot they were wearing slipped on a painted line on the road. Another thing to think about is tires make sure your tires have deep threads if not you could hydroplane and crash.

Its best to check your brakes to get a idea what kind of traction you have. Another thing is I hope you are wearing a full face helmet because rain can hurt. It is always best to try to ride close to home in rain to gain the skills you need before you are 200 miles from home and having to ride all the way in rain.

GOOD LUCK AND STAY SAFE

source: http://www.motorcycle-safety-first.com/index.html