Here’s what has worked for us in the past years during inclement weather riding conditions
Here’s what has worked for us in the past years during inclement weather riding conditions
It is almost time to put away the sunglasses, sunscreen and other heat combating items and switch to rain protective gear as the monsoons are nearly here. The western part of the country has been enjoying a few breezy showers for the past couple of weeks and here’s what we would suggest you should do to get ready for when the heavens unleash their blessings upon us wholeheartedly.
Goes without saying but packing rain gear would be the first and most basic step in the get ready for monsoons process. Considering that you will be using it while on your rides as well, it makes sense to opt for stuff made by riding gear brands like Rynox, ViaTerra or even Royal Enfield. If nothing else, then something from Decathlon would also work. Make sure to factor in that the jacket or pants have to be worn over the riding gear. Also, nobody likes to roam around all day with soggy toes. So, get some waterproof socks for everyday commutes and maybe waterproof boots for long journeys.
I can’t stress just how effective pinlock visors go in helping keep your vision intact during a heavy downpour. Usually, your visor will fog up in intense rain, which will impair your vision and hence force you to open the visor and take on the elements. And believe you me, the smallest droplet might also feel like a stinging needle at relatively modest speeds. Hence, the pinlock attachment, thanks to its silicone edge, creates a small air ‘chamber’ of sorts that helps maintain the temperature difference between the outside of the visor and inside of the helmet. As a result, there’s no chance of the visor fogging up.
Again a simple and basic tip, carry a bag cover (usually found at Decathlon for less than ₹500) that encompasses the whole backpack. If you have a waterproof bag, then nothing like it. However, such bags are heavy and expensive, not to mention usually not motorcycling friendly. A similar small cover for your mobile phone and belongings helps secure them from water.
It is wise to have a thorough service of your ride a couple of weeks prior to the rainy season. This will ensure that your ride would function without any hassles in the inclement situations. Fluid top ups, lubrication, proper functioning mechanicals will just ease your stress when you are riding through some chaotic environments.
If you cannot get a service or have done one quite recently, then regular inspection is key to maintaining bike health. Pay attention to the tyre pressure and tread depth. Improper pressures will lead to traction losses and lack of tread depth would not dispel water in a neat manner.
Pay attention to the chain and keep it well lubricated. Dirt, muck and grime are bound to get stuck in and regular homely maintenance will be key for smooth operation. Speaking of which, even if it is raining quite a bit, give it a good wash every other week. You don’t want unwanted elements to clog up or stick on to your bike and ruin its look in the long run.
Finally and most importantly, be calm and aware of your surroundings on your ride. It is easy to get flustered, get carried away with emotions and lose your temper with the poor road surfaces that you will encounter in these few months. However, preparing well in advance, riding cautiously and smooth operations will make you far more settled while on the move. Observe other riders and road occupants more carefully and make well informed decisions. For instance, if you know that you have less ground clearance than an average commuter, then wading through a large puddle at its centre might not be the best thought.
Riding in the monsoons is a joy that everyone should embrace. So, if you follow these few tricks and tips, it would be a safe and rewarding experience.
