are motorcycles a lot more unstable in the rain. it would seem so.?

Question

im thinking of learning to ride one, but i'm not sure because of the danger factor.

Answer 1

Yes, they are. Only two small tires, so less rubber touching the road, which makes them more dangerous.

Answer 2

Yes a motorcycle is less stable in the rain, but no more so than a car or truck. The danger factor comes from people on the road that don't respect motorcycles as a motor vehicle. Some people get in a car or truck, and think they are the only one on the road. Look out for me dude or I will kill you. If you are considering riding a bike, go and take a riding class. Learn now to do it the right way, And no matter what your state law may say, always wear a helmet. My son and daughter in law have been riding for years. My son is the service manager for Honda motorcycles in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. But no matter if you are driving a car or truck, or riding a bike. There is a rule of the road that pays the highest in dividends. Always look out for the guy in front of the guy in front of you.

Answer 3

1. Don't ride in the rain until you are very comfortable in the dry

2. Because bikes have to lean, they do have the potential of breaking traction in the wet earlier than in the dry. Therefore, a good rider will minimize the lean angle of the bike itself by slowing down and hanging their body toward the inside on the turn to "cheat" the angle the bike needs to lean. This also puts you in a better position to recover if a slide does occur.

3. Don't coast through corners. Bikes, just like cars, depend on being "driven" through a corner - it actually increases traction. With that said, gentle throttle control is very important.

4. Use of mostly the front brake is best, with gentle "balancing" using the back brake - all braking should be done in a straight line.

5. Some bikes are better in the wet than others. Dual Sport bikes - those that are meant for both the road and light offroad use - have heavily treaded tires that do quite well in the wet. Some even have anti-lock brakes (mainly BMW). Relative to a sport bike with "Dry" sport tires, the wet is nearly a non-issue.

6. MotoGP (the highest form of road motorcycle racing) runs races rain or shine. In the wet they use a "cut" or "Grooved" tire versus the typical slick, and employ many of the techniques I previously mentioned. Tires with tread enable the water to disperse through the channels of the tread versus allowing the tire to "plane" across the surface, hence improving stopping and turning ability.

Again, get comfotable in the dry and move on to the wet.

Answer 4

I've been riding my own bike for a month, and every time I ride it rains...I'm fast becoming good at handling it whether I wanted to or not.

I know people with bikes however, who just won't go out if there's any threat of rain...and don't like riding in the cold...fair weather riders only.

Don't let rain discourage you from getting a bike if you want to ride...simply don't intentionally ride in the rain, but be sure you CAN if you are out riding and get caught unexpectedly.

Yes, there is danger...but then there is danger in so many things we do every day...if you are safe as you can be...take an MSF course and learn to ride properly...wear safety gear, and be aware of who and what is around you when you ride, you'll do fine...

Answer 5

Go take a MSF class before you do anything. There you will receive the training to operate a motorcycle.

Riding a motorcycle in the rain is just another part of riding. You have less traction in the rain and have to adjust your riding style accordingly. Longer braking distances, increased distances between other vehicles, and less lean angle in the turns are needed to ride safely.

Answer 6

No, they are not. As with any vehicle, you need to be aware of and react to changing road conditions. Visibility can be less, traction may be reduced, but these are the things that you compensate for. Learn in the good dry weather, and then get used to the rain if you still feel like it. Many people only ride when the sun is shining. I think they are missing something, but that's just opinion. I ride in any weather, except for ice.

Answer 7

riding a motorcycle is as dangerous as you make it really. but as far as your question about rain making it more unstable? that's not true. what is true is that in the rain it is harder to see and can be easier to loose focus and also if it is a good rain (don't know why your riding in it) you have a greater risk of your tires sliding out and that of course still goes with how safe you want to be. if you ride a little bit faster and lean a little farther than is safe for the road cond. then your asking for it but you can ride your bike down a street flooded up to your axles and make it to point B safely.

Answer 8

Motorcycles are not more unstable, but you do have to keep in mind braking distance and visibility. Remember...no seat belts or enclosed windshields on a motorcycle! Also, other motorists may not see you as well in a heavy downpour. When the rain first starts, you have to be mindful of the oil on the road, but this is a concern with any vehicle. Good luck...I hope you get one. :)

Answer 9

Just go take the motorcycle safety course and learn to ride, even if you don't get one you will have gotten the experience.

I have ridden for over 20 years, never dropped a bike and have ridden in the rain. Just remember not to use much front brake in the rain, more rear brake. Do not down shift to slow you down in the rain. Do all your braking in a straight line. Pull in the clutch around corners in the rain. Just coast.

Answer 10

Yes and no. Depends on the bike. My Road King is as stable in the rain as she is in sunshine, and that's solid as a rock. And I rarely use the rear brake because I have limited mobility in my right foot. 90% of stopping power is in the front. You have to be careful of certain things like oil being brought to the surface, idiots who can't drive and freeze up from the first rain drop, people who can't see you, etc. but if you have a heavy, stable bike you'll be fine; just be as aware as you are when it's dry because it's not you; it's the other guy.

Answer 11

Anything is dangerous if ya don't watch yourself. Riding in the rain takes some getting used to, thing that bothers me most if other drivers that don't slow down in bad weather.

As far as stable? mmmmm less braking, especially your rear brake, and less leaning into a curve. Other than that, I never have problems. Oh! long sleeves is nice too, rain stings when it hits you, a full face helmet is very, very useful to have in the rain.