O2W’s top tips for wet weather riding in partnership with

Very few motorcyclists actually enjoy riding in the rain, but most have been caught out in a downpour at some point. So, to help make your wet weather riding as enjoyable as possible and keep you safe out on two wheels, here’s some advice from Mark Lewis,

Begin with your pre-ride checks. Focus on the tyres, lights and lubricant. Too little tread, low pressure and sidewall damage could contribute to sudden loss of grip or tyre failure.

Don’t forget to switch your lights on if you feel you might not be seen, especially in poor conditions or at dusk.

It might sound obvious – but make sure you stay as dry as possible. Rain seeping through old leaky clothing will drain your heat, strength and concentration.

Keep your visor clean, and if you don’t have a Pinlock system, ensure it is treated with a fog-resistant product.

All inputs; whether steering, braking or acceleration, should be as smooth as possible.

Visibility will be seriously reduced on busy roads due to spray from other vehicles. Anticipate that you may not have been seen by other road users and plan accordingly, paying particular attention to your positioning.

Be extra careful at roundabouts, near petrol station forecourts and on newly laid tarmac as there may be oil on the road. Oil will sit above the water and is not always visible, so ride with an appropriate level of caution.

Finally, take extreme care when riding over standing water. You have no idea how deep it may be or what may be below the surface. Grip the bars firmly and keep the machine as upright as possible. Remember to try your brakes after exiting deep water and periodically in wet conditions, to get rid of excess water and ensure they’re working correctly.

Mark is a former advanced police motorcyclist with over 37 years of biking know-how. He rode police bikes operationally in London, and clocked 18,000 miles on ‘blue lights’ and siren duty in a single year. He’s also been a trainer and examiner for police motorcycle students in the past – so you can rest assured that he knows what he’s talking about.