Monsoon Riding Tips

8 Monsoon Riding Tips to Keep you Safe This Rainy Season

Braving the elements on two wheels is especially fun in the monsoon but it can be dangerous if you are not careful. It is best to stay away from waterlogged areas in the rainy season and heed caution when it's pouring heavily.

But, are you planning for some invigorating bike rides this rainy season? Here are some insider monsoon riding tips to make it safe, fun and exhilarating. Before you press the throttle up, remember not to venture out without two-wheeler insurance. The monsoon season increases the risks of accidents and riding without bike insurance can be dangerous.

1. Check the Tyres of Your Bike

Before the monsoon season sets in, it is essential to check your tyres and ensure it has the right tyre tread and depth. The tread in your two-wheeler’s tyre is designed to maintain contact and grip with the road as well as disperse water. As the tread starts to decrease with wear and tear, it gradually becomes more slippery, a dangerous situation if you are riding on a wet road.

Apart from tread depth, you should also look for cracks on the sidewall, cuts, bulges and foreign objects on the tyre before riding out in the rain. For safety purposes, it is best to change the tyres of your vehicle even if you can manage without doing so for a couple of months.

 

2. Avoid Overspeeding During Monsoon

The traction between the road and your motorcycle tyres is low in the monsoon due to the rain. When you maintain a speed of over 60 km/hr during the rainy season, you run the risk of skidding while negotiating curves or due to sudden braking.

However, if you ride within a speed range of 30-50 km/hr, you can apply the brakes on time and it is easier for you to anticipate any sudden changes in your riding environment. For instance, if a person tries to cross the road suddenly or a vehicle unexpectedly slows down, you have enough time to react while riding at a steady speed.

3. Allow the Oils to Wash Away

Roads are at their slippery best during the first 20-30 minutes of rainfall. As oil and water don’t mix, the build-up of oil and road grime creates a slippery film over the road when it rains for the first time. Riding in such conditions can be risky. So, it is recommended to wait out the rain for the first 30-40 minutes before you step out to enjoy the monsoon showers on your bike.

4. Invest in Monsoon Gear

At the first sign of rain, it is advised to prepare your riding gear for the monsoon season. In case you haven’t purchased any monsoon riding gear, it is highly recommended to do so if you use your bike frequently.

You must have a full-face helmet that creates a seal and keeps the rainwater from leaking inside. A pair of waterproof riding trousers and jacket, and rainproof riding boots are a must while travelling on your two-wheeler. If you tend to travel late in the night, ensure that your jackets are reflective.

5. Clean Your Bike Chain Regularly

Considering the amount of mud, slime, and grime on the roads during monsoon, your bike’s chain certainly goes through a lot. All that dirt can interfere with the chain’s lubrication and its smooth functioning, severely reducing the mileage and performance. Your bike’s chain is also prone to rust in the rainy season. Therefore, it is advised to keep the chain clean and well-lubricated throughout the monsoon to avoid any issues.

6. Steer Clear of Waterlogged Areas

Another crucial monsoon bike ride tip is to avoid waterlogged areas that often get flooded due to rain. The water can damage the engine of your two-wheeler, which can be quite a hassle to repair. Furthermore, it can be difficult to spot potholes or open manholes in waterlogged roads. Thus, it is best to steer clear of such areas during monsoons to avoid any unfortunate mishaps and severe bike damage.

7. Turn on Your Headlights

During heavy rainfall, visibility on the road becomes an issue for bike riders as well. To be on the safer side and be visible to other motorists on the road, it is advised to keep your headlights on. Ensure to clean the headlights as well as the tail lamps from time to time in the rainy season. A build-up of mud or other debris can reduce the intensity of your headlights.

8. Get Your Bike Serviced

Monsoon can be quite a challenge due to the heavy rains, waterlogged areas, increased traffic, etc. To make sure your bike doesn’t face any mechanical problems while riding in the rainy season, it is recommended to get it serviced. Before monsoon sets in, you can check your vehicle for any issues and get them checked for a smooth ride.

Bottom Line

With these monsoon riding tips, you can be all set for the ride while it’s pouring outside. Apart from this, you must always maintain distance between vehicles to avoid sudden braking and wear your helmet as a safety measure. However, to ensure you have a backup in the event of road mishaps, you need the right comprehensive bike insurance policy!

Right from covering accidental damage, man-made and natural calamities to third-party liabilities and more, you shall have nothing to worry about. Browse through the bike insurance plans available on Bajaj Markets today to get the best coverage!