Stay Upright - Stay safe on wet roads

In this issue, Stay Upright's Tasmanian State Manager, Brendon Thompson, goes over the specifics of riding on wet roads.

The most obvious difference between riding a motorcycle on a wet road compared with a dry road is the reduction in traction, but there are also a number of other potential problems to watch out for. Fuel and oil spills, road markings, manhole covers, grids, plus frost and ice in the winter can all result in a crash, but there are a few hints and tips to avoiding these hazards.

Fuel and oil spills are common on just about every road in the country, and most regular riders will have encountered a patch at oil at some stage. On a wet road you should look for the tell-tale rainbow colours caused by the sun reflecting on the oil-coated water. Fuel and oil will float on top of the surface water in small droplets rather than spread out and it is best not to ride on this area as tyre grip can be reduced to virtually zero.

Road markings are frequently made with materials which offer almost no traction when wet and, over a long dry spell, become coated with rubber and oil. Rain compounds the traction problem so try to avoid braking or turning on road markings in the wet. The problem is usually worse around intersections where traffic brakes stops and accelerates leaving oil and rubber behind on the road surface.

Several riders may have 'spun-up' on painted road markings when taking off from the lights. If following traffic isn't paying attention, you can be hit from behind. The solution? Roll the throttle on gently to accelerate slowly and smoothly from the intersection. The more power you put down, the more likely you are to spin up. Man hole covers and inspection grids become polished in the dry weather and like glass to ride on in the wet- again avoid crossing directly over them - turning or braking on them can result in a fall!.

Our body posture also has a large bearing on motorcycle control in the wet. The aim is to keep the bike as upright as possible while turning, so lean the top half of your body into the turn more than the bike. Doing this will enhance stability and make you feel more comfortable, but remember to set up your body before the turn - doing it part way through can destabilise the bike.

Use the throttle and brakes with care to avoid a possible skid. Roll the throttle on and off and don't forget to set up and squeeze the brake lever and pedal. Allow for the reduced traction in the wet by giving yourself more time and space to brake either for corners or stops. This is pretty obvious, but it's surprising the number of riders who ride at the same speeds in the wet as they would in dry conditions, despite the reduced traction and longer braking distances involved in the wet.

Good observation is important, as it is in any condition, but visibility can be reduced by fogged visors, heavy rain, spray from other vehicles, etc. Respond accordingly and slow down. Reduce the spray of leading vehicles by following at a greater distance. Where safe and practical to do so, change lanes to avoid riding in another vehicle's spray.

Many riders have a phobia about riding on a wet day, but if you slow things down and give the bike and yourself extra time to deal with the less than ideal conditions it can be a surprisingly enjoyable experience.

Until next time- Stay Upright in the wet!.

Brendon Thompson
State Manager Tasmania
Stay Upright Motorcycle Techniques

Source: JUST BIKES, June 2009