Learn essential tips to stay safe, comfortable, and confident while riding your bike in the rain during the monsoon season.
Ensure your bike is in top condition before the rains. Regular servicing is crucial, with special attention to brake pads, brake discs, oil seals on the front forks, and rear suspension. Well-maintained brakes and suspension improve control and safety on wet roads.
Visibility is often compromised during heavy rain. Make sure your headlight, tail light, brake light, and indicators are functioning properly. Replace any dim or faulty bulbs. Also, inspect exposed wiring, fuses, and connectors for water resistance and waterproof them if necessary to avoid electrical failures.
Wear a full-face helmet with an anti-fog visor or use anti-fog sprays to maintain clear visibility. Use waterproof riding boots, gloves with good grip, and a raincoat to stay dry and focused. Bright or reflective clothing enhances your visibility to other road users. Additionally, equip your bike with essential bike accessories for rainy season such as mudguards, fenders, and waterproof bags to protect both you and your bike from mud and water splashes.
Tyres with adequate tread depth and correct pressure provide better grip on wet surfaces, reducing the risk of skidding. Regularly inspect your tyres for wear and replace them if necessary to ensure optimal traction during your monsoon ride.
Puddles can conceal potholes, sewage caps, or debris that may cause loss of balance. If unavoidable, ride slowly and steadily through water while keeping your feet on the footpegs to maintain stability. Avoid unknown or poorly drained roads prone to flooding and potholes.
Wet roads reduce traction and increase braking distances. Avoid sudden acceleration, sharp turns, or hard braking. Maintain a larger following distance from vehicles ahead to allow extra time for reaction. Ride at a slower pace to enhance control and safety during biking in the rain.
Avoid riding over road markings, zebra crossings, manhole covers, and the center of lanes where oil and fluids accumulate. Instead, follow the wheel tracks of vehicles ahead, which tend to be drier and less slippery.
If heavy rainfall or fog reduces visibility significantly, find a safe place to stop and wait until conditions improve. Riding in poor visibility increases the risk of accidents.
Clean and Dry Your Bike: Remove mud and dirt to prevent rust and corrosion.
Lubricate the Chain and Hinges: Use anti-rust lubricants to protect moving parts, especially important after exposure during a monsoon ride.
Store Your Bike in a Covered Area: Protect it from continuous exposure to rain to extend its lifespan.
Riding safely during the monsoon requires careful preparation, the right gear, and attentive riding techniques. By servicing your bike, using quality rain gear, maintaining optimal tyre pressure and tread, and adding essential bike accessories for rainy season, you can significantly reduce risks and enjoy your rides even in challenging weather. Whether you are riding a bike in the rain for daily commute or leisure, following these tips will enhance your safety and confidence. For those planning to upgrade or maintain their bike for the rainy season, exploring a two-wheeler loan can provide financial flexibility to keep your rides worry-free.
Typically, third-party insurance does not cover damages to your own vehicle caused by weather. Comprehensive insurance policies are recommended to cover monsoon-related mishaps.
A comprehensive two-wheeler insurance policy with add-ons like flood and water damage cover is advisable for protection during the monsoon season.
Follow the below-mentioned steps to safeguard your bike with a two-wheeler insurance plan:
Visit the ‘Bike Insurance’ section on Bajaj Markets
Choose the type of coverage you prefer such as ‘comprehensive bike insurance’
Opt for the necessary add-on covers
Fill out the application form with the required details