This guide will help you learn to drive safely in the rain and avoid aquaplaning on a motorcycle. Discover how aquaplaning occurs and take control.
We have all heard of the famous aquaplaning, which we generally associate with car driving, but in reality, we can also suffer while riding our motorcycle in the rain. Aquaplaning on a motorcycle is much more common than it may seem, especially when riding in heavy rain and the road is very wet.
Aquaplaning occurs when there is a large accumulation of water on the road, which causes the tires to lose grip and increases the risk of suffering a fall.
This is because when there is a lot of water on the road, the tire does not have enough time to dislodge all the accumulated water. This causes the tire pressure to increase enormously, until it leaks through the bottom of the wheel, causing a sensation that the motorcycle is floating, which leads to loss of traction control and also stability.
Therefore, to help you prevent possible falls, below we will tell you everything you need to know about aquaplaning on a motorcycle.
Aquaplaning on a motorcycle How can it occur?
As we have already mentioned, aquaplaning is the effect that occurs when we drive our vehicle on a road with a large accumulation of water, which means that the tire cannot evacuate the water accumulated in front of it, causing it to end up coming off the ground, with the consequent loss of traction and control, until it becomes completely uncontrollable. And yes, aquaplaning can occur on a motorcycle.
Keep in mind that the higher the speed at which you travel, the less time the tire has to dislodge the water in front of it. If this is not achieved, the water will gradually increase the pressure in the front part of the wheel, until it sneaks underneath, which does not allow it to be in contact with the ground.
How to avoid aquaplaning on a motorcycle
Once we know what aquaplaning is and we know that we can suffer it on a motorcycle, now we are going to give the keys to avoid aquaplaning on a motorcycle when we ride in heavy rain and the road is more slippery and unstable than normal.
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The most important thing to avoid aquaplaning on a motorcycle is to reduce speed, stay calm, and drive with all five senses on the road, but other small tricks and tips will be of great help to avoid on a motorcycle, Next we are going to tell you:
The first rains are the most dangerous
Keep in mind that the moment when it starts to rain and the first drops fall on the road is the most critical and dangerous, since until then the tire has not yet gotten used to the road conditions, and it is more difficult for it. difficult to expel accumulated water.
Furthermore, with the first drops, the dirt that accumulates on the asphalt produces a very dangerous mixture that increases the chances of suffering aquaplaning on a motorcycle. For all this, you must be attentive and take extreme precautions from the moment the first drops begin to fall.
Accelerate and brake smoothly
To avoid the risk of falling due to aquaplaning, you should accelerate and brake more smoothly, as this will reduce the chances of suffering from aquaplaning. Avoid using the front brake at all times, and always use the rear brake, as this will make it easier for you to maintain stability on the motorcycle.
And if your motorcycle does not have a built-in ABS braking system, you should still take extra precautions. Try to anticipate the road several meters ahead.
Good tire maintenance
Good maintenance of your tires is key to reducing the risk of aquaplaning since this will make it more difficult for them to lose grip.
The tires must be in good condition at all times, even if you are driving on a dry surface. They must maintain the appropriate tread depth, without exceeding the wear indicators, and comply at all times with the manufacturer's regulations.
You should also take special care with older tires since they generally have less tread and have a lower capacity to drain the water accumulated on the asphalt. Additionally, pay special attention to the pressure, which must be the one recommended by the manufacturer at all times.
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Beware of white road lines and slippery surfaces
Take extreme caution when passing over especially slippery surfaces such as zebra crossings, signs painted on the ground, metal plates, sewers, etc. When driving over these types of surfaces you will lose grip, so try to stay as far away as possible.
FAQ
What causes aquaplaning on a motorcycle? Answer: Aquaplaning happens when water on the road prevents tire grip, causing the motorcycle to lose traction.
When is aquaplaning most likely to occur on a motorcycle? Answer: It's most critical when it first starts to rain and the road is mixing with dirt.
How can you avoid aquaplaning on a motorcycle? Answer: Reduce speed, brake and accelerate smoothly, maintain good tire condition, and avoid slippery surfaces.