Riding a bike can be one of the most entertaining things you can do. If you’re a bike enthusiast, you are probably aware of the fun and convenience a bike can bring to you. You can not only whiz past the peak-hour traffic and reach your destination quickly but also reduce your fuel expenses significantly by opting for a bike for your daily travel. Government has made motor insurance mandatory while driving on the Indian roads.

However, with monsoon gripping the country, the chances are that rain could come in any time, and you may encounter wet and slippery roads. Riding in bike in such conditions can be extremely challenging. Buy a bike insurance as it will secure you from any financial losses occurred due to road accidents. Here are a few bike riding tips for the rainy season to make this a little easier:

1. Check the condition of your bike’s tyres

During the rainy season, the roads become wet and slippery. Hence, it’s very important for every bike rider to get a firm grip on the road and the tyres of his/her bike help him/her with that. Therefore, the tyres of your bike need to be in a very good condition before you take your vehicle out during the rainy season.

Inspect your tyres properly for wear and tear. If you think they are not in a proper condition, it’s better to replace them than taking a risk. Check for the tyre treads. It’s essential to have adequate tread depth as it helps in dispersing water and ensures a firm grip on wet roads.

2. Wrap yourself in waterproof gear

Before you begin a ride on your bike during monsoon, it’s crucial to wrap yourself in a waterproof riding gear. Get a strong pair of waterproof riding boots, raincoat or waterproof jacket, rain proof pant, a pair of gloves, and of course, a sturdy ISI-marked helmet. Make sure there is no way for the water to enter and make you wet while you’re riding your bike.

Besides offering you a comfortable ride, this will also ensure your good health. However, make sure your gear isn’t too tight. You should be able to feel comfortable in it and it should not restrict your movement while you are riding.

3. Ensure maximum visibility

Rains can hamper visibility to a large extent while you are riding your bike. Hence, you should take extra precautions during this season. Avoid using dark or tinted glasses while riding during the rainy season. Also, make sure the visor of your helmet in clear and scratch-free to ensure maximum visibility.

If your visor seems to be damaged, it’s better to replace it before the monsoon sets in. Also, keep your headlights on all the time to make sure you can clearly see the road. If you are still experiencing hampered visibility, you can take a halt and wait till the weather clears a bit.

4. Get your bike serviced

The last thing you would want is getting stuck in the middle of the road amidst rains and thunderbolts. It can be a horrifying experience. Hence, it’s prudent to get your bike serviced before the rainy season to ensure that it doesn’t break down in the middle of a journey.

Also, you must follow proper bike maintenance tips to make sure your bike is in a smooth condition. For example, change its engine oil, oil filters, and air filters. Make sure that all the tyres are properly inflated, and all the lights are working.

5. Ride at slow speeds

Riding at high speeds is never recommended. During the rainy season, it becomes even more dangerous as the roads become wet and slippery. Therefore, always make sure to ride your bike within the permissible speed limit. If it starts to pour, slow down even further to prevent any chances of an accident.

Take extra precautions while making turns and slowing down at signals. Do not try to make any sudden movements on the bike. Also, never try any stunts when the roads are wet. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

6. Accelerate or decelerate slowly

While riding in the rain, it’s very important to accelerate or decelerate very slowly. Do not try to open your throttle at once or apply hard brakes. This could lead to misbalancing of your bike on slippery roads. Use your accelerator and brakes gently. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles moving on road so that you don’t have to apply sudden brakes.

Also, it’s important to follow the right technique for braking during wet conditions. It’s best to use both rear and front brakes in tandem to make sure any one tyre does not face overwhelmed friction and cause disbalance.

7. Avoid water puddles

Splashing through the puddles can seem to be funny and entertaining, but it isn’t. If the puddle or pothole is deeper than your expectation, you might lose control of your bike and fall. Moreover, sudden splashes of water may not be pleasant for a person walking by the side of the road or another bike riding beside you.

To conclude

These tips for riding a bike in rain can help you ensure pleasant and safe rides during the rainy season. To keep yourself and your bike financially protected against road accidents and other unforeseen mishaps, you can get a comprehensive bike insurance policy from ICICI Lombard. To know more about our bike insurance plans and their features.