Riding a motorcycle in the rain is something few people would deliberately want to do, but it's an inevitable part of motorcycling. If caught in the rain while riding, there are several things that you can do that will help ensure your safety.

1. Keep vertical. This is not the time to be leaning heavily into corners or leaning for any other reason. Keep yourself and the bike as vertical as possible. Slow down as safely and as much as legally possible.

2. Stay away from the black sludge line that's located in the center of your lane. This line is comprised of various waste products (mostly oil based) from engines that have traveled this way before.

3. Stay away from painted surfaces on the road. In rain, these things become very slippery.

4. Avoid rain grooves if possible, especially ones that run in the direction you're traveling.

5. Avoid puddles as much as possible.

6. Do not apply the brakes quickly. Use the rear brake only when stopping and then, use it lightly, allowing a much greater stopping or slowing distance.

7. Slow down in increments if traffic permits. Drop the speed by about 5 miles per hour, then ride at that speed for just enough time (usually only a few seconds) to assure yourself that the bike is stable. Then, drop the speed again by 5 miles per hour. Repeat this procedure, allowing time for the bike to recover each time.

8. Do not down shift quickly.

9. Increase the distance between you and traffic around you.

10. And always, whether in rain or not, plan yourself an escape path.

Learn more about this author, Wilson Jay.
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