Feature: Things to Keep in Mind for Safe Monsoon Riding

Riding on rainy days is different from riding on any other day.For many people, the idea of riding through a wall of rain can be daunting. However, for some, gliding with the pillows of heavy clouds blanketing the tar-black skies, waiting for the rain to soak into the skin, and listening to the sound of their machine blurring into the long whirring noise of the downpour can help breathe life into their souls. If you're amongst the people who love riding in the rain or are compelled to ride in the monsoons, you need to take the necessary precautions. With decreased visibility and slippery roads, motorcycles are more susceptible to the dangers of the road. So, if you are going to be riding in the downpour, these are the things you need to keep in mind.Maintain a Safe SpeedIf you're riding in the rain you need to significantly decrease your riding speed. The rain creates slippery portions on the road and the lack of traction is a very real problem. If you're riding at a slower speed you will be able to avoid hard braking and you will be able to anticipate dangers on the road better.PRO TIP: Avoid the first showers. The leaked oils and coolants on the roads (which can be extra slippery in the rain) is more likely to be washed away with the first rain.Brake More CarefullyDepending on the front discs alone is going to get into trouble. The chances of the front tyres washing out under hard braking are higher when it's raining. It is advisable to use both the front and rear brakes (as you always should). And always ensure that your brakes are in good working condition and the brake fluids are topped up.Keep Your Headlights OnDecreased visibility on the roads isn't only applicable from your perspective. Other drivers on the roads are also going to have a hard time seeing you. That is why you should do your part to make yourself more visible. Keeping your headlights on, even during the day, is the easiest way to make you more visible.PRO TIP: Wearing reflective gear will help you be seen more visibly.Focus on the RoadAs all riders already know, Nepali roads aren't the best. Uneven patches, muddy roads, potholes, waterlogged areas, stray dogs, pedestrians, and various other unpredictable factors need to be kept in mind when it's raining. Your focus needs to be on the road and what’s coming up. Keep a check for signs, especially in low visibility, and brake accordingly. If you have a pillion rider, ask him/her to be alert and look around for any possible issues.PRO TIP: Also avoid stopping or parking near trees, as they are more likely to be struck by lightning or a broken branch can fall directly on your bike.Maintain DistanceMost of us don't have a habit of maintaining a safe distance between the car in front of us. But during rainy conditions, you need to increase the distance between the vehicle in front of you. Due to loss of traction, stopping the bike takes longer on wet roads, than on dry roads.Avoid Waterclogged AreasAvoid water-clogged areas. You might have noticed the several massive potholes and the occasional open manholes on the roads of Nepal. Well, there are chances of these hurdles sneakily hiding under massive puddles. So, always tread carefully.Water can also severely damage your engine. If you do find yourself wading through high waters, make sure you maintain a consistent speed with steady throttle input so that water does not enter through your tailpipe. Do not stop unnecessarily in water-clogged areas. If your bike stalls, get off and push the bike out of the water.To sum it up, if you are riding in the monsoon, make sure you are extra cautious. Make sure you have the motorcycle checked and ready to face the monsoons. A healthy bike will perform better and will be reliable.