How to Ride a Motorcycle in Unexpected Weather

Motorcycle riding is enough of a challenge under normal conditions, but inclement weather can make things tough. Whether it’s hail, snow, howling winds, or whatever else, bad weather is something you need to be prepared to handle. That’s why the experts at Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Crossroads have created this guide to riding your motorcycle in inclement weather. 

Figure Out If It’s Safe

Before you even attempt to ride your motorcycle in inclement weather, you need to figure out if attempting to do so is even safe. Think about your current skill level. If you’re a new or inexperienced rider, overcoming the added challenges that come with inclement weather will be that much harder. Take a look at your motorcycle, and ask yourself if it’s even equipped to handle the kind of conditions you are facing. If things are looking unsafe, there’s no shame in delaying the ride until conditions improve. 

Invite a Friend

When the weather starts getting bad, one thing you can do is utilize the buddy system. Should something bad happen like sudden injury or malfunction, you’ll have someone to offer their help and support. Having someone to watch your back is an extra safety net against the worst-case scenario. On top of that, riding with a friend is just more fun, bad weather or not!

Gear Yourself Up

Motorcycle gear is meant to protect you from the elements. Of course, inclement weather adds something new to the equation, and your standard gear might not be enough. That’s why you might want to invest in some waterproof rain gear to help keep you dry. A one-piece riding suit is another good thing to have on hand, as it will provide additional warmth. Finally, look for motorcycle riding boots that have good tread and are waterproofed. 

Exercise Caution

As always, you should remain vigilant while riding and keep an eye on traffic. These strategies become doubly important during inclement weather, where conditions can make things even more challenging. In general, you’ll want to stick to the center of the road to avoid pooling water. If you feel like you need a break or think that conditions are about to get even worse, consider cutting your ride short. 

Shop motorcycles at Mancuso Harley-Davidson® Crossroads in Houston, Texas. We’re proud to serve communities like Sugar Land and College Station, Texas. We also offer servicing, financing, test rides, and parts ordering.