Monsoon riding tips: Essential rain gear

While road trips and commutes aren’t the most comfortable during the monsoon, a lot of us don’t have an alternative mode of transport. For those who are stuck on two wheels or wish to explore new roads on their motorcycle, here are a few ways to make those trips a lot more bearable.

Waterproofing

This can be achieved with a waterproof jacket or an additional liner

The best idea is to get yourself some waterproof gear. But that can be prohibitively expensive. If you’re on a tight budget, get some rain covers that fit over your regular riding gear. Your rainwear should be loose enough not to hamper movement on the bike, yet snug enough that it doesn’t flap in the wind or snag on any part. That becomes especially critical when it comes to rain pants. The more comfortable you are on the bike (read: dry and warm), the better you can concentrate on riding in the tricky conditions posed by inclement weather and our road network.

Get booted

A good pair of waterproof boots can make a huge difference to your riding

Boots are an often-overlooked aspect of riding in the rain. Dry feet go a long way in keeping you comfortable on the bike, so buying a good pair of waterproof boots, though they’re quite pricey, is well worth the initial investment. If price is a major concern, waterproof shoe covers are the next best thing and are relatively affordable.

Lighten up

Better visibility means fellow drivers/riders can easily spot you

Rain means poor lighting and hampered visibility, even during the day. While you might prefer darker colours, it might be a good idea to invest in some brightly coloured rain gear, as it makes you more visible in poor conditions. If that’s not your cup of tea, at least ensure your gear has enough reflective strips.

Visibility

Having a clear vision of the road and better illumination is a must on our roads

Due to poor lighting, avoid using dark or tinted visors on your helmet during the rain. Clear visors give you a much better view, especially in gloomy monsoon conditions. Also, make sure your visor is clean before you start riding. If it seems worse for wear, it might be a good idea to invest in a replacement before the monsoon sets in. Avoid using substances like wax to make the visor repel water, as it can damage the visor and hamper visibility, unless it is a product specially designed to work with motorcycle helmets.

Helmet fogging

A natural occurrence that can be avoided

This is a common issue, especially with full-face helmets. It occurs when warm, moist air inside the helmet, or your breath, fogs up the visor due to a difference in temperature inside and outside the helmet. While an easy fix is to open the visor slightly, it isn’t an ideal solution since it lets water into the helmet. An easy way to combat this is to opt for a helmet that comes with a Pinlock visor insert.

A Pinlock insert fits on the inside of the visor and traps a layer of air between itself and the visor, making sure there is no fogging. While Pinlock visors aren’t an affordable option, a pocket-friendly alternative would be an anti-fog solution that can be applied on the inside of the visor. However, the longevity of this solution may vary depending on the brand, and we’d recommend trying products designed for helmet usage, as those that aren’t can damage your visor. 

Visor maintenance

Carrying a cleaning cloth can make things a lot more hassle-free

It’s always advisable to carry a clean, dry microfibre cloth to clean your visor if it gets wet or dirty. If it’s muddy, pour some water on it to clear the muck before wiping it with the cloth; if you don’t, you run the risk of scratching your visor.

Also see: Monsoon riding tips you need to know