Riding tips - how to ride a motorcycle in the rain or on wet roads.

[CrookedKlown]

Most informative and excellent mindset. ^.^ Dare I call you Sensei?

[TaoriUTS]

thanks for this video

[MrGaryh1963]

Where can i get some lessons? (once i get my CBT)

[Helladius666]

Great advices, I would like to add that for some high horsepower bikes it is better to put them in higher gear than what you would use for dry asphalt, to have a buffer zone for throttle mistakes and very slippery white lines and/or oil spills...When coming to a stop at traffic lights I try to get in front (if there is space) or in between stopped cars so as to avoid potential collisions from the back, if I'm the first to stop I always keep close to the curb and never in the middle of the lane..

[zilam98]

how do you ride in a heavy downpour, even after you've waited a while to let oil slick run off the roads? my biggest concern is the visibility as there's no wipers on a helmet. i have no choice but to ride in the rain since i dont have the standard drivers license yet. i only have the motorcycle license.

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@zilam98 The riding principles are the same in a downpour but, as you say, the visibility is greatly affected. If it is, you have no choice but to really slow down and raise your visor as blinking will keep the vision clearer than a soaked visor or stop completely until it subsides a little. Cheers

[zilam98]

@RoadcraftNottingham well, it would still be the same since i cant ride without glasses. would it be better to raise the visor and have the glasses get wet or have the visor on and maybe have rain-x treatment on it to somehow bead up the rain on it?

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@zilam98 I use furniture polish like Mr. Sheen, that works well. Make sure your visor seals well and look for something called a "V wipe" which is a windscreen wiper that fits over the glove finger.

[Helladius666]

@zilam98 there are products you can spray on the visor to make water "bead up" and run down easier than without the treatment....

[JustAnOrdinarySimmer]

I find that wherever we look when riding, we naturally end up going that direction...without thinking about it.

I only ride a 50CC Trials bike, top speed about 35MPH...pretty slow. Also, I have a bad habbit of using the front brake only, I just don't find it comfortable for my ankle or feet to get on the rear brake lever

[subtrefuge28]

Good topic, I appreciate the post yet your audion is somewhat "garbled" , your difficult to understand.

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@subtrefuge28 Apologies for that, the mic gain was set wrong. It's sorted now. Thanks

[ddazzler64]

Tx Mate will do

[boxxybate]

I just watched a couple of your vids... and I have to say, if you're teaching good driving habits, passing cars while still in the same lane in 2 way traffic is really stupid (@7:13 ish). Lane splitting is one thing on highways at low speeds, but at traffic speeds, overtaking a car in the same lane is very risky. Just my .02

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@boxxybate Not "stupid" at all in that situation, wide lanes and plenty of clearance and bear in mind my wheels were over the lane line because the bike is banking, camera on helmet. .I always aoid making 3 vehicles abreast when overtaking. I disagree with your point totally but respect it. There was no danger there. If you personally don't want to do it, don't do it. Thanks for your comment though.

[bbllaakkee5460]

@boxxybate he's not teach good driving habits in this video! This is a video on how to RIDE in the rain/wet roads!

[ddazzler64]

Morning and a cold one at that! Quick question about scala rider, how do u find it? Good range, switches easily from call to intercom? Etc. I'm thinking of investing and wondered how it faired / against the other g4, name escapes me... Stay safe

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@ddazzler64 Morning, brrrrr. Funnily enough, that's my next review! If you're in a rush to buy one, buy the scala G4! Otherwise, watch this space. :-)

[TheBrokenBMW]

To all those who are afraid to ride in the wet...don't be! There's always more grip than you realize. Just keep everything smooth...throttle....brake early. Those who ride in the wet enjoy dry summer even more :)

[toddneva]

i have a question. what are the zigzag lines used for??? im from a different country so ive alway been curious seeing those in videos from your country.

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@toddneva Zig zag lines are placed near hazards where you need a view so it means no parking or no overtaking the vehicle nearest the hazard or crossing as it may be hiding a pedestrian.

[toddneva]

these videos are amazing. its kinda funny cause i have a dirt bike and i plan on getting a street bike and ive been able to put some of these tips to use on the trails.

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@toddneva I learned the relax rule whilst off-roading in Spain. Makes sense, the bike NEEDS to move about to find it's grip.

[roshen234]

Thanks man. I have been only riding for the past 6years and on the wet, not even more then 10times. I have a question... How do i make deep corners on the highway in wet conditions. Coz your video shows just slight bends. If u don't mind would you share?

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@roshen234 No worries, the rules are exactly the same, slow in, GENTLY drive out.

[roshen234]

@RoadcraftNottingham Thank you again..

[roshen234]

I never had the courage to ride in the wet before, but after watching your video i decided to sack up and give it a go. It turned out to be a really smooth ride but still don't have much confidence with my 09 zx6r. Any advice?

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@roshen234 You're doing it right at the moment, sort of "dipping your toe in" which is the way to go. I'm still a coward in the wet and that's the way to be, work your confidence up slowly but always be aware of the surface. Hope this helps.

[TheCrazymook]

Thank you! subbed, I've got my 2 mods' this month and I'm bricking the swerve test and emergo braking in case the weather is bad!

[iankingston94]

@RoadcraftNottingham

you mentiond about ABS.

what's your opinion on the driving/riders makes worse riders/drivers argument

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@iankingston94 I feel any rider aid should be treated as a last resort, not an everyday thing. Like airbags in cars, they should only be there when all else has failed and not relied upon. I've got traction control on my Aprilia and it hasn't kicked in on the road yet....good, shows I'm riding right.. lol What do you think?

[iankingston94]

@RoadcraftNottingham

though ive only passed my test 3 months ago my 1991 zzr 250 has no aids. which for me is good as i live in the middle of now where surrounded by bad roads which means im constantly watching the road and i would probably devolp bad riding habits with aids

[dynamicfire99]

Interesting Video, riding in the rain is the same as riding when it's dry. The only real hazards are cars or other road hazards. It's almost a everyday thing riding, only gets bad when I have to ride in snow flurries. Yeah I took your part about following other cars at the end. I take my turns at a pace I feel comfortable with its trying to keep my lines in and out of turns and watching for people braking. Some drivers brake or speed intentionally to endanger other riders.

[spadxiii1919]

Thank you, most helpful.

[iplayrealguitar8]

nice video man, i ride a 125 and im bricking it for nexth month when i get my bandit 600 and i hate driving in the rain at the moment.. gonna go out tomorow in the rain and try to enjoy it so when i get a "big bike" its not quite so scary haha ><

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@iplayrealguitar8 That's a great idea! Remember to relax and be smooth with all your controls. Good luck with the 600, you'll love it! :-D

[woolengrappler]

Great videos! Thank you!

[johnslowhandhanson]

great video not enought trainning in wet weather  condition about (lets face it we don,t have too many heat waves) just starting IAM training thanks for the tips

[thatmanfromyorkshire]

Think! I had one day of sunshine when i was learning as the rest of the time it was chucking it down. Thing is i cannot remember anything being said about precautions to take whilst riding in the rain. The only time was while practising the emergency stop and that was about panic grabbing the front brake. Now when i ride i always keep an eye out for diesel n oil and idiots up my backside as you just have to think what "if"

Good vid ;-)

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@thatmanfromyorkshire ..I think the best time to learn is in the crap weather, anything after that is a bonus. Thinking what if is the way to survive. Thanks for your comment. :-)

[elkfazer1]

Excellent video as always, I think you've practically covered everything about riding in the wet there, the main points trying to stay relaxed and being smooth with all the controls.

[Deauvillerider1]

Excellent video, keep them coming.

[peebass]

your vids are great mate and really give a lot of valuable help to riders..this inspired me to go for a ride in the wet this morning and i had a great time ive only been riding a couple of years but my mind is made up, the vfr's gonna get dirty this winter (good job its not a spanking new tuono!) i wont be deprived of a ride and my skills will sharpen. keep up the good work fella!

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@peebass Thanks for the great feedback. So pleased you've got the inspiration to practise another part of your riding. Be safe and enjoy. :-)

[joshdudeha]

How is Nottingham to ride in? I may be going there for university.

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@joshdudeha There are some fantasic roads around Nottingham. Good call!

[K2shadowfax]

good vid...common sense...good job! Thanks for sharing.

[Blahdeblah52]

This is great. Many thanks!

I am a new rider and if I'm honest I avoid the rain if I can. I tend to either put off my journey or take the car.

I will practice a bit but I really don't like it.

One thing I need to ask specifically though is about my tires. I ride a Varadero 125. Still shopping after passing test ;)

Heavy bike, not much power but it has 'adventure' tires. A sort of cross between trail and road tires.Lots of good tread still.

These are still good for wet riding though?

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@Blahdeblah52 ..Tyres DO make a massive difference, look at Fragmasterkarl's comment, cheap tyres and trail type/adventure tyres don't offer the grip more expensive ones do so you need to be even more careful with your leaning, braking and acceleration. Thanks

[cowtipper84]

Bit of a random question here, If I was to film about 15 mins of my riding would you be able to give me some tips on how I am doing and if I am ready for a bigger bike?

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@cowtipper84 .. Due to the time involved in editing etc, I charge for this service on my website.

advancedbikecourses.co.uk/pric­ing.html

It may be cheaper to pop to your local school and get assessed. Thanks for asking.

[MysteriousVlogger]

i learnt with my scooter that you cant lean over alot when its wet is it the same with a motorcycle? ( when I say alot I mean not as much and you have to go much slower)

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@MysteriousVlogger ..It's exactly the same, you can't lean as much on either bike.

[StuntMonkeyUK]

I remember my dad always telling me on my little 125cc about 5 years ago, "Don't rely on other people to brake for you". I see a lot of people that only brake after they've seen the brake light from the vehicle in directly in front, and not particularly the vehicles 4 or 5 car lengths ahead.

Great vid, and advice.

Ride all seasons, keeps our skills at their peak.

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@StuntMonkeyUK Wise words from your dad, looking that far ahead really helps with your decisions and riding in the wet certainly improves your experience. 

[fragmasterkarl]

But that don't stop me riding in the rain..

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@fragmasterkarl ..I used to have a DT175mx, that was a pig in the wet (but fun in the snow) lol

[fragmasterkarl]

Having the right tyres helps a lot to.. Me running 95% slicks are really not good if there is any water on the road.. Butt

[R5P205]

thanks for this, just recently passed mod 2, so some very good info, cheers.

[NZbird]

Videos like this have been wonderful in supporting my IAM membership journey in NZ. (Documented in my blog "Confessions of an Ageing Motorcyclist")

Thank you again,

Geoff

[ddazzler64]

Good point about watching and giving way to cars behind you.

I live in London and there have been several times it has been prudent to give the nice person behind an opportunity to overtake.

For one gentleman, of questionable parentage, i had to move to the centre line to allow him to "safely" undercut me at speed - he needed to jump the red light i was slowing down for.

Do keep the advice coming and thanks for the tips :)

[perfectlyawesome]

Great video, thanks for your useful advice.

[NZbird]

Superb video! Funnily enough, I've just reviewed a book by a German author and he believes that the British are the best wet weather riders around.

Thanks again from NZ!

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@NZbird Thanks for the kind words, I suppose we don't have much choice due to the amount of rain we have lol.

[baccas66]

Another informative and entertaining video. Living in a rural area, there is often mud on the road deposited by farm vehicles. Although the law says they are supposed to be cleaned by the offending farmers, invariably, it is left for the rain to wash away .I never take the road condition for granted, anticipate that the road surface may be slippery. Often you cannot avoid the mud, so I anticipate and slow down before I find myself travelling on a slippery surface at an inappropriate speed.

[BIKERMETOO]

Excellent ...!!

[jajajacol]

Fantastic video. Thanks. I have one question though. Would you be able to describe the feeling of tyre loosing grip? How to know it's happening, etc? I don't know if it ever happened to me, if it did I didn't recognize it.

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@jajajacol ..Great question, the engine revs could start to rise without noticable speed increase or you'll feel the rear end starting to step out and/or shimmy and shake. This is why I recommend a SLOW, SMOOTH increase in the revs so you get an early warning of any problem.

[BreezyRider118]

thanks for the tips, made had a bad accident today, slipped on a man hole, broke his arm in four places, apart from that he's alright, quite scary to hear about things like that

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@BreezyRider118.. The most important thing is to be aware of the dangers, then you can do something about it. Sorry to hear about your friend. Hope he gets well soon.

[gfdsaorg]

Sorry if you did and I've missed, It would be nice to mention the glares too which are harder to ignore in wet conditions especially when riding in dark times.

[RoadcraftNottingham]

@gfdsaorg Very good point, I'm sure there'll be bits I missed so feel free to post on here. Thanks