“Yesterday, my pillion and I were riding back from the Oregon coast when we nearly crashed slipping on a large cluster of tar snakes. We’re riding a Triumph 900 GT, with good tires. The weather was hot, about 94°F, and sunny. I leaned into the turn, but the front wheel slipped, throwing my left leg off the bike and temporarily losing balance. The wheel found its traction immediately after the snakes. I wanted to put this out here for newer riders as a reminder to take it easy over these slippery asphalt lines, especially in hot weather.”
Here’s a breakdown of why this happens and what to do:
Why Tar Snakes are Dangerous in Hot Weather:
• Softening of Tar: The high temperature causes the tar to soften and become more pliable. This can feel like a “give” or a “slip” as your tire rolls over it, rather than a firm grip.
• Different Coefficient of Friction: Tar has a different friction coefficient than asphalt. Even when dry, it can be less grippy, and when it softens with heat, that difference becomes more pronounced.
• Uneven Surface: The application of tar snakes can create a slightly uneven or bumpy road surface, which can unsettle your bike’s suspension and reduce stability.
• Lack of Aggregate: Unlike asphalt, which has embedded aggregate (small stones/gravel) to provide grip, tar snakes are mostly smooth, further reducing traction.
What to Do When You Encounter Tar Snakes (especially on a hot day):
1. Scan the Road Ahead: Always be actively looking for tar snakes, especially on roads you’re unfamiliar with or known to have them.
2. Reduce Speed and Lean Angle: If you see a patch of tar snakes, slow down before you reach them. Try to minimize your lean angle as you cross them.
3. Cross at 90 Degrees (Perpendicular): If possible, aim to cross tar snakes at as close to a 90-degree angle as you can. This minimizes the time your tire is on the slippery surface. Avoid riding parallel to them.
4. Stay Loose on the Bars: Resist the urge to grip the handlebars tightly. A death grip can exacerbate the situation if your bike starts to wobble. Let your bike find its own traction.
5. Maintain a Neutral Throttle: Avoid sudden acceleration or braking while on tar snakes. This can further upset the bike’s stability and traction.
6. Coast if Necessary: For large patches of tar snakes where avoidance is impossible, some riders suggest pulling in the clutch and coasting through, treating it like a patch of ice. This helps maintain a consistent wheel speed and reduces the chances of slipping due to engine braking or acceleration.
7. Be Prepared for a Brief Slide: Understand that a brief, momentary loss of traction is possible. Stay calm, keep your line, and the tire will usually regain grip quickly. Avoid over-correcting.
8. Know Your Tires: While specific tire compounds aren’t solely designed for “tar snake resistance,” some tires offer better overall wet and dry grip. Sport touring tires often balance grip with longevity and can be a good choice for varied road conditions. However, even the best tires will be affected by hot tar snakes.”
