How to Ride in the Rain: A guide to wet weather motorcycling
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- Опубліковано 2 лип 2024
- A guide to riding in rain and wet weather.
For wet weather motorcycle clothing and gear, please see my other upload:
• What do I wear when Ri...
Time stamps:
00:00 Is the road slippery?
00:42 Bends, turns and roundabouts and bad surface
01:10 Ride at the speed limit, stopping distances
01:52 Filtering
02:55 Fresh rain makes roads slippery
03:44 How to spot diesel or fuel spillages and hidden lane markings
04:22 How do I change my riding when it's raining?
04:39 Be smooth, plan ahead
05:02 When will I skid?
05:20 General approach to riding in the rain or wet weather
06:38 Demo ride
07:20 Forward planning
07:45 Which surfaces are slippery in the rain?
08:32 How to avoid manhole covers or debris in the road
09:00 Positive target fixation
09:19 Riding positively in the rain
09:35 Roundabout in the wet
09:52 Filtering
11:07 Vision and visors in the rain, pinlock inserts
12:05 Gloves
12:19 Allow extra time to warm up and dry outh
12:36 Heated clothing
13:15 Debris and floods
13:28 Don't be afraid to lean
13:52 Aquaplaning on a motorcycle
14:23 Look for large bodies of water or shiny surfaces
14:49 Be aware of floods and other vehicles
15:33 Motorway riding in the rain
16:00 Braking in the rain
16:38 What to wear in the rain
16:46 Roundabouts and road surfaces
18:01 A bit of light-hearted banter
Thanks for watching. Please comment, like, subscribe and share.
See you soon.
Leanna
![Most Common Mod 2 Mistakes [11. Pulling Over & Moving Off Safely]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/X7LaN1dSmJs/mqdefault.jpg)
I remember back in November, i had a early evening doctor's appointment, it was really cold going there, but when i came out from the doctor's, all the roads had iced up, first time riding in those conditions, just took it nice and easy getting home.
Ooof yes that's not much fun is it? Ice is not a good thing to be riding in! Well done for making it back though 👍
My biggest issue with having ridden in the rain for all my riding career and surprisingly enjoying it (especially at advanced and especially especially at the Masters level I'm training to be at, because you can be surprised at the progress you can make when you understand how to moderate all inputs) is your average car driver. You can generally tell who learnt to drive in the wet winter and who learnt in the dry summer, they do not drive to the conditions. I find that as soon as there's rain, the driving standards somehow drop even further than they already are. Aggressive overtakes, tailgating, slamming gears to slow, list goes on. Genuinely the only part of wet riding I don't enjoy, I think it's the best time to learn to ride because you HAVE to master smooth inputs, especially countersteering to change position, keeping the bike upright over road furniture like lines will majorly reduce risks when other options aren't favourable
You're not wrong! I once saw a middle-aged lady in a Corsa do a 180 degree spin on a multi-lane roundabout, about 2 seconds before my lead student entered the roundabout. I wish I'd kept the video! Too much speed on the way in, it's tight and she rammed the brakes on as she turned.... Voila, car now facing us in the middle of the 3 lanes 🤦🏻♀️. Luckily no one else was involved. It just goes to show how little awareness some people have when conditions change. Oblivion, ignorance, arrogance, impatience... I could go on...
I quite enjoy riding in the rain too, for the same reasons as you 😊 Thanks for your comments, I appreciate you taking the time 😊
You know that is a really great tip "covering the horn whilst filtering" and even after 30 years riding I have to admit something I've never done but should've so thankyou for that.
Hi Matt, I didn't used to either, but it definitely helps to be prepared before there's an issue rather than too late 😊
"Just be smooth and gentle" - sound advice in all areas of life I have found - great video - I passed my test 6 months ago and now doing the IAMs advance pathway - Hope you are well Leanne
😂 Yes I suppose I could apply it to other areas of life too actually! Great to hear you're onto the advanced training, it's such a rewarding journey. I'm ok thank you, looking forward to spring which the birds outside this morning tell me is just around the corner.... 😊 Thank as always for your comments.
You sound like really nice instructor. I AM ENJOYING yours videos so much
Awww thanks, I'm glad it's enjoyable for you 😊
Great advice. Thanks! And our tyres are so important as well 👍
Yes, good tread and good quality tyres can make a world of difference. Thanks 😊
The rain is the only thing I've ever gone over in when I was a very new rider, someone cut Infront of me and I panicked and grabbed too much front break.
Can definitely agree with you on heated clothing! I only have heated gloves for my commute but it's changed a rainy day trip to work into something a little more pleasant. Definitely recommend folks is get waterproof over-trousers at minimum. I've got some ones with a little strap that goes under my foot and it means I don't get wet socks because the trousers don't ride up. Works great.
Well the good news is you know why it happened!
You're right, heated gloves make the world of difference on a cold wet day 😊. Good point on the over trousers too, thank you.
Just passed my test that is great advice how to ride in the rain 🌧
Keep the videos coming
Watching your videos doing my mod 1 and mod 2 helped me alot THANKYOU VERY MUCH BOUGHT MY FIRST BIG BIKE VFR 800 V TEC ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT ❤️
Hi Lee, well done on getting your licence! I'm glad you're finding the videos useful. There's more coming soon on riding in the rain, so stay tuned 😊👍 Thanks for your comments.
Wet roads are fine, its the oil and diesel on the roads, keeps you on your toes.great video.
I agree. Thanks for the comment 😊
I passed my CBT about a year ago now and i've been riding pretty much ever day to and from work since June, its not a long commute, only around 25 minutes or so on A and B roads, so far i've actually been really enjoying the rain, i bought a good pair of waterproof pants and jacket that go over my gear and so far i've not found it to leak at all. I also use a pair of Richa Carbon Winter gloves. I've road to and from work in very heavy rain with a lot of strong wind and so far it's all kept me bone dry.
I have to say i actually reallly enjoy riding in the rain so far, its not as bad or scary as all the videos i was watching before getting a bike make it out to be, i really love the sound of the water hitting off of the helmet visor, i find it really relaxing.
Really great video
Hi Nathan, well you've certainly had a changeable winter since your CBT! Well done on getting the right gear and giving it a go - I'm glad you've found it's not as bad as the tales suggest. I like it too, and I'm with you on the rain on the visor, to me it's like being in a nice dry tent with a cup of tea!
Stay safe and enjoy the better weather to come too 😊 Thank you for your comments.
@@motorcyclelessonsuk it's definitely been challenging, I got my first bike in October 21, a Yamaha YBR125, having ridden the bike for less than a week I had a accident and came off at about 45mph. It was 100% my own fault, I grabbed to much front break going round a small bend and came straight off. The gear I bought has been fantastic, the jacket stopped my shoulder and arm from getting messed up, my pants saved my hip and boots stopped a broken toe. Unfortunately I broke my wrist but aside from that and a little bit of damage to the bike I got off extremely lucky.
I started riding again in June once I was fully healed, the bike was fixed and the weather was much better.
My lack of experience and bad riding conditions made learning pretty difficult and dangerous.
I'm glad I got back on the bike though as its been the best decision of my life. Now I want a cb500f for when I pass my test. I've also checked your video on the bike out and it seems great. Thanks for making such good videos and helping people get into such a great hobby, and hopefully help them be smart and safe
@@nathanlawson5652 Goodness me. Sometimes learning the hard way is a good lesson, if a touch painful! Glad you're back on it and with a good attitude too. The CB500F is certainly a good choice 😊 Thank you for your kind comments.
Another cracking helpful video. Many thanks.
Thanks Paul and your welcome 😊👍
Hi Leanna, hope you are well. Thanks for this good video and your advice. 👍
Hi Ian, not too bad thank you, I hope you are too 😊 Glad you enjoyed the video 👍
Heated gear is pricey, but worth every single penny. But it's designed to work with other things like hand deflectors, windshield, heated grips, etc. Wearing waterproofs is also a big help, keeps the wind away from breathable leathers.
Yes, it's been a staple part of my riding wardrobe for a number of years. I agree about the waterproofs acting as a windproof layer, but only if they're actually windproof! I've had some that let the air through and blow up around me 😂
@@motorcyclelessonsuk I recall once not doing up the sleeve straps on mine, ended up looking like the Michelin man :P
Yea heated clothing 12.50 mins.. Only taken me 48 biking yrs to realise how lovely it is.. Some good advice in this video. 👍
Haha yes, it took me about 4 years to discover it too! Never looked back. Insoles have been my most recent addition for the coldest of days - like riding along with your feet in a warm bath 😂😂 Thanks for your comments Graham 😊
Only some? 😉 😂
@@RoadcraftNottingham 🤣 "B+"
@@motorcyclelessonsuk "see me" 😂
@@RoadcraftNottingham Haha yea, Leanne forgot to say... In the rain, sod the bike take the car...im old and soft now.
Another great video. Thanks for all the help and advice to getting my mod2. These are great for continuing the riding learning experience.
Best wishes!
Thanks Julian and you're very welcome. We've had enough lessons out in the rain for you to be a pro at this already ☔😉 Fingers crossed for better weather soon 😊
Aaaaand I've only just heard you passed today! Congratulations! Fabulous news. Now off to buy that lovely bike 🏍️👌🎉👏👏👏👏👏
@@motorcyclelessonsuk Just off there now to browse!
@@JulianOnions Enjoy! We love the CB660R and the Hornet 750. Amazing bikes but there's so many to choose from! 😂
@@motorcyclelessonsuk Hornet on order 😍
Hi Leanna, 🙂
Love the video, typical English weather🤣
riding in the rain is a great way to learn 😂
I now have heated grips heated gloves and heated vest hmmm never thought about heated socks. 🤭
look forward to the next video
stay healthy and stay safe
Kev
Thanks Kev 😊 Ha! You've nearly caught up with me... Heated insoles actually, not socks (thought they'd get less smelly!). It's lovely to be toasty isn't it?! Glad you're still enjoying your bike 👍
@@motorcyclelessonsuk 😂yes i meant to say insoles but socks came to mind 🤣 yes being warm is important. as i am working nights at the moment so cold nights and cold mornings 🤣
oh yes i am loving the bike thanks.
@@kgba17580 Soon be springtime 😊
Nice video, as always. By the way, what camera are you using in your videos?
Thank you. For this one I used the Drift Ghost XL Pro. For some of the others I use the Go Pro Hero 8 for picture combined with the Ghost XL Pro for sound.
Hi again, 10 minutes in you filtering on the left of the line. Is there a point when filtering becomes undertaking?
Hello, thanks for your comment. It doesn't matter which side of the line we are when filtering, filtering is simply passing a vehicle on either side that is in slow moving traffic. Undertaking is different, usually not at such slow speeds, and generally not passing as many vehicles in a queue at slow speeds. Speed is the biggest differentiating factor, as filtering is considered safe and legal by the highway code, whereas passing vehicles at higher speeds and/or intentionally moving totally into the left lane to do so is not recommended. I hope this helps. Thanks again.
I find the DCT tricky when cornering. It's not so bad in the dry, but when it's wet the gearbox shifts down when I'm leaned over. This is a real problem for me. Once I've set my speed for the bend, I go straight to the acceleration phase (no gears = no influence over the gear phase), but the DCT often shifts mid bend which destabilises the bike.
Even when I switch to 'manual' it always overrides. Sport mode is better than D, but all modes offer less stability than a manual transmission...
I've only ridden 2 DCT bikes, my current NC700X, and an NC750.
How does yours fare in bends?
Hello, in my experience it doesn't make any difference whether it is wet or dry, however I suspect the reason you feel it more in the wet is that you will be slowing down in the bend, thus causing the bike to drop into the lower gear. The key to avoiding this is setting the speed for the bend before the bend and not decelerating around the bend or IN the bend. That way the bike will stay in the gear it is in. However if the bend speed crosses over the exact speed that the bike wants to change gear (you'll notice they want to change gear at specific speeds, mine changes from 1st to 2nd or vice versa around 12-13mph), it is difficult to stop it from changing gear in the bend. I do experience this on two separate tight turns, but I expect it to happen and just relax my arms rather than fight the bike or feel unnerved by it, then be ready for the upshift which usually follows. It's a case of working around it sometimes, or expecting it to happen and not feeling surprised by it or annoyed by it! Thanks for your comments 😊
Hi Leanna, hope you’re doing well. I know it’s a rain video here, but wanted to ask have you done a video a riding fast twisty country roads? Reason for me asking, I took my 125 out today from Sheffield to Chatsworth House and Bakewell. Leaving Sheffield heading towards Baslow the roads (as you may know) get very twisty and fast. I thought about you as I was riding and thought you’d probably enjoy that trip.
Hi Ian, Oh yes there's some lovely roads out in that direction. I sometimes use them on the advanced lessons actually. I haven't done an upload specifically on those roads, but I do cover some fast and twisty roads on the advanced demonstration rides, in terms of how to approach them (position, speed gear etc).
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Thanks for reminding me though. I haven't been out that way for a little while, so time to plan another ride in that direction with my advanced students 😊
@@motorcyclelessonsuk maybe once I’ve passed the DAS I might be lucky enough to ride out that way with you. Let me know if you do go out that way and how it goes 😊
@@iansheff Watch this space, there's probably an upload in there somewhere! Come and do your ERS certificate with us, you'd be most welcome 😊
@@motorcyclelessonsuk if I’m honest, I am looking for a new training school. I’ve got the CBT, and I’ve done the Theory and Hazard Perception (50/50 & 70/75 respectively).
@@iansheff Well, we have had people travel to us from Sheffield, Mansfield, Loughborough and further afield (even Scotland!) It just depends on how far you want to travel. Recent Google reviews should be a fairly good guide as to how good any school is. Well done on your theory!
Does having experience riding a bicycle translate at all to being a competent motorbike user? Hope to do my CBT soon, have been driving for 8 years.
Haha, not necessarily, but it does mean you'll have good balance. The car driving will probably be more of an advantage in the sense of decision-making at junctions etc. Enjoy your CBT 😊