When riding a motorcycle in the UK, it is inevitable the weather is going to be less than ideal with rain being a strong possibility all year round.

Resultantly, motorbike riders must be ready to tackle such conditions and with that there are a number of preparations and considerations to be made. To make matters easier, here are some tips to help conquer wet weather riding.

Ride Smarter

Extra care should be taken when riding a motorcycle in the rain in order to avoid any mishaps when the risk is already heightened due to the conditions.

As there is a greater chance of falling victim to a slide on wet roads, the main advisories are to avoid last minute or harsh braking and increase the following distance between you and your motorbike and other road users.

Corners and bends should be approached with caution, decelerating in advance, while any use of the throttle should be gentle to avoid sudden changes in speed.

Choose Appropriate Gear

As the saying goes: fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Well, failure may be a harsh description of not having weather appropriate motorcycle gear, but it will certainly lead to a less enjoyable riding experience.

Staying warm and dry maintains concentration and leads to an increase in safety as a result. For that reason, waterproof clothing is an absolute given and it would not hurt to have spares, especially on lengthier trips when you do not want to sit around cold and wet.

Scooter riders may want to consider acquiring a set of SHAD hand muffs. They fit over the handlebars and combine a waterproof exterior with fur lined interior to keep your hands warm and protected against the elements.

Keep An Eye On Surroundings

Concentration is key when riding a motorcycle at the best of times and its importance cannot be overstated. You are going to want to have your wits about you and remain aware of your surroundings.

Where possible, avoid puddles and other hazards, such as piles of fallen leaves. The chances of hydroplaning is greater in wet weather and it would be worth keeping an eye on the water spray of vehicles in front to identify high risk areas.

Use Waterproof Luggage

As well as protecting yourself against the impact of wet weather, you are going to want to ensure your belongings remain dry and that is precisely why waterproof motorcycle luggage exists.

Cheap, unbranded luggage cases often are not waterproof and those from manufacturers like Givi only offer a degree of water resistance, so it is vital to ensure a waterproof structure is present before committing to a purchase.

SHAD’s motorcycle top boxes, panniers and tank bags, for the most part, are either fully waterproof or come with waterproof inner bags or rain covers.