Riding in Adverse Conditions
As a future motorcycle rider, you must be aware that you are much more vulnerable to bad weather than a car driver. Rain, wind, or lack of light do not only affect visibility but, above all, the stability and grip of your vehicle.
Below, we break down the techniques and rules to handle these situations safely and pass your exam.
1. Rain
Rain is the most common adverse phenomenon. Before starting a journey, it is advisable to check the road conditions.
Rain Equipment
A helmet is not enough. To ride safely and dry, you need specific equipment, usually a waterproof rain suit.
| Garment | Key Features for the Exam |
|---|---|
| Rain suit | Must be worn over the leather suit. It should have bright/loud colors. |
| Fasteners | Zippers must have a double flap to be completely waterproof. |
| Neck | Airtight fit to prevent water entry; use a neck warmer or balaclava. |
| Gloves | Preferably made of rubber or latex. They must go under the sleeve (so water doesn't drain inside). |
| Boots | Waterproof and made of rubber. The trousers must cover the boot on the outside. |
Pro Tip: If rubber boots or gloves are hard to put on, you can use talcum powder inside them.
Motorcycle and Road Behavior
- Most dangerous moment: When it starts to rain. Water mixes with dust and oil on the road, creating a very slippery film (sludge). It is also dangerous when the road is drying (damp patches).
- Aquaplaning (Hydroplaning): The tire cannot evacuate the water and loses contact with the ground. Solution: Reduce speed and hold the handlebars firmly without braking sharply.
- Zones to avoid: Manhole covers, road markings (white paint), and tram rails. If you must cross rails, do so as perpendicularly as possible.
- Wet brakes: They lose effectiveness. Dry them by lightly touching the brake from time to time.
2. Night Riding
At night, the risk increases because "seeing and being seen" is more difficult.
Visibility and Lights
- Making yourself seen: It is vital to use clothing with reflective elements (vest, strips on helmet or boots).
- Maintenance: Check the battery, clean the headlights, and carry spare bulbs/fuses.
- Helmet visor: It must be clean and scratch-free to avoid annoying glare.
Specific Night Hazards
- Glare (Dazzle): If you are dazzled by another vehicle, reduce your speed (even stop if necessary) and direct your gaze to the right-hand edge line of the road.
- Curves: On a motorcycle, the headlight shines straight ahead. When leaning, we illuminate the outside of the curve, leaving the inside dark. Caution: Reduce speed before entering because you won't see the curve exit until you straighten the bike.
- Animals: Higher risk at dawn and dusk.
3. Fog
Fog drastically reduces visibility and dampens the asphalt.
- Golden Rule: Adapt your speed so you can stop within the illuminated or visible space. If visibility is 50 meters, do not exceed 50 km/h.
- Visor: It fogs up and gets wet on the outside. Use anti-fog products or open it slightly.
- Lighting: Use fog lights if available. Make yourself visible with bright clothing.
4. Snow and Ice
Grip is critical.
Riding in Snow
- Tires: Deep-tread tires or chains are recommended (though rare for motorcycles).
- Technique: Relaxed riding, using your feet as "skates" to maintain balance if necessary.
- Getting stuck: If the wheel sinks, pull the handlebars upward to assist traction.
Ice
This is the most dangerous surface (zero grip).
- Where it appears: Shaded areas, bridges, and forested areas.
- Braking distance: Increases up to 10 times more than in dry conditions.
- Recommendation: Avoid riding. If unavoidable, be extremely smooth and anticipate all movements.
5. Wind
Wind is the invisible enemy, capable of pushing the motorcycle off its path.
| Type of Wind | Risk and Action |
|---|---|
| Constant Crosswind | Changes your trajectory. You must lean the motorcycle towards the side the wind is coming from to counteract it. |
| Gusts | Very dangerous because they are unpredictable. Reduce speed. |
| Overtaking (Trucks) | When overtaking a large vehicle, it "covers" the wind for us (screen effect) and sucks us toward it. Upon passing it, the wind will hit us again suddenly. Hold the handlebars firmly. |
Position: Squeeze your knees against the tank to become "one" with the bike and crouch down to be more aerodynamic.
6. Other Factors
- Mud and Dry Leaves: Wet leaves are as slippery as ice. Avoid braking on them.
- Thunderstorms: The motorcycle has metal parts. Seek shelter away from the bike and isolated trees.
- Sun:
- Sun in front: Dazzles you. Use sunglasses or a smoked visor.
- Sun behind: Be careful; your shadow is projected in front, and other drivers may not see you (you are invisible to those coming from the opposite direction).