10 Safety Tips For Riding A Motorcycle In The Rain

Rainfall is unavoidable. No matter how careful you are with checking out the projection before your ride, you're bound to run into rainfall during a trip. Rather than attempting to prevent it, it is better to get prepared. By just mastering a couple of useful methods, you can make it less unpleasant by being prepared both physically and mentally.

Here are 10 essential tips for riding a motorcycle in the rain.

1. Avoid Riding Immediately After It Rains

Roads are slickest when the rain first begins, particularly if it hasn't drizzled in a while. The initial 15 minutes of rain are the worst.

That's because oil, fluid, fuel, and muck are deposited on a roadway's surface with the rain.

When it rains, these deposits mix with the water and rest on the road surface, making riding more dangerous.

But don't worry, these deposits are usually distributed and leave with the water after 15 minutes.

So, if you are on the roadway when it begins belting down, consider pulling over and waiting for about 15 minutes.

If you can not put your ride off, at least be vigilant that roadway surface areas will be especially slick during this time.

2. Prepare Your Motorcycle

After two decades of riding, one truth stands: in the rain, any mechanical problem can bite you.

Before riding in the rain, I will follow the T-CLOCS pre-ride inspection religiously.

I will check the tires, controls, lights, oil, chassis, and stands every ride.

If the road ahead is wet, I will double-check them.

• Tires

Evaluate the PSI and tread of your tires before riding. Make sure that their pressure is suitable for your motorbike. A heavy rainstorm is not the moment to attempt your luck with a low-air or punctured tire.

Your tires need to be ready to direct water. When water remains in the means, tire walk disperses it. Usually, the more tread, the less water in the means, as well as the more traction.

• Brakes

Your brake pads need to have plenty of brake material to stop as needed throughout wet weather.

• Gas level

Ensure you have lots of gas in your storage tank before starting your ride in the rainfall and make certain that there is no leakage. Running out of gas during a tornado or downpour is not suitable. An oil leakage might create a significant security problem. When oil is mixed with water, it ends up being a dish for unsafe, risky problems that can end your ride early.

• Lights and reflectors

Make sure all front lights, taillights, and blinker lights are functioning properly and that no light bulbs are out. Check that all reflectors are intact-- they will certainly contribute throughout periods of low visibility.

3. Choosing The Right Gear

A made-for-motorcycling rain suit is a rider's "essential". A rain-suit or all-weather riding jacket and trousers, waterproof gloves, and waterproof boots are necessary if you're most likely to be riding distances or even traveling.

As for garments, there are a lot of waterproof alternatives readily available. One of the most essential aspects of motorcycle garments is to ensure that they all fit effectively.

A layer that is too big will enable water in. Baggy gloves will permit water that flows down your sleeves into them. Boots that are too big will certainly have the same problem, too.

Feel dry and be seen!

This is a lesson I learned from 20 years of rain rides

All these indicate that you'll feel uncomfortable in the wet. If you're wet, you'll get chilly. It's the wind chill we're revealed to.

When you're chilly, you won't assume straight, and this will certainly end up interfering with your functional skills and awareness. Cold is a distraction.

Therefore, your garments must be waterproof and fit well.

Rainfall conditions are infamously dark as well as depressing, and it's easy to mix right into the road. It makes it harder for other vehicles to see you.

Put on intense gear for better exposure. Make yourself seen with intense shades and reflective surfaces.

Use a waterproof bag or pocket to store anything that could get damaged by the rain, like your mobile phone or electronic devices. Even phone cases that are advertised as water-resistant can result in a loss if water infiltrates the case. Much better to be risk-free than sorry.

Fodsports Waterproof Bluetooth Intercom

4. Anti-Fogging Treatments

Fogging occurs when there is humidity and a temperature difference on either side of the things.

Consequently, Rainfall, as well as moisture airborne, can trigger your safety glasses, helmet visor, and your windscreen to fog up throughout a rainstorm.

While using your helmet, consider keeping your visor open for airflow and also to avoid it from misting up.

Never ever attempt to ride with a fogged-up helmet. Use fog preventives is the best option.

If you experience a scenario where fogging is inescapable, pull over until the problem is solved.

5. Slow Down And Leave Extra Braking Distance

Slow down. If you are riding in the rain, you need to slow down. Leave extra braking distance between you and others when driving.

Quitting distances increase in damp weather, so increase the buffer area between your bike and other vehicles. That is, increase your following distance to at least four seconds.

If you are riding behind big vehicles, watch for water spray. It may smear your vision and soak your gear.

When you need leaning & turning, keep your bike as upright as possible. Leaning reduces the tire contact patch and increases slipping risk.

Additionally, remember that you will require additional range to stop when coming close to an exit. Only once you're pointing toward the exit can you begin to roll on the throttle smoothly.

Dry pavement is ideal for stopping, but damp roads enhance braking distances dramatically.

So slow down to stay risk-free and offer yourself and others sufficient time to make decisions.

6. Braking

Following on from being observant is braking-- the earlier you see hazards and edges, the earlier and more efficiently you can use your brakes.

Remember: Abrupt braking is your enemy in the rain!

The key to effective stopping in the damp is to brake efficiently and progressively. This will certainly stop your tires from slipping out, which is integral to risk-free riding in the damp.

Apply both brakes gently and progressively. Trail them in smoothly into corners—this is the essence of trail braking.

If you need to apply your brakes suddenly, pump both of them to stop hydroplaning. Do not apply simply your front brakes as it can trigger you to blow up the front wheel.

Apply more back brake than typical. If your front wheel starts skidding, you are in trouble. If your back wheel does, you can always remedy it.

7. Keep Calm

Keep a calm, kicked-back stance.

Tightening your muscular tissues will strain your mind and body, and also could make you panic about changing scenarios.

If you're tense and rigid on your bike, you'll hard to ride efficiently.

So, keeping calm is just one of the secrets to riding securely in the rain.

Try to maintain your muscular tissues relaxed and keep a typical riding position. Do not sit upright and loosen up.

In this way, any loss of grip will not result in a violent full-body movement that could severely affect your handlebar and bike control.

Like the suspension, if you're loose, any kind of unexpected slips, slides, and jerks will certainly be taken in.

8. Beware Of Hazards On The Road

• First Rain Hazard

The first 10–15 minutes when the rain starts are treacherous. There might be oil, fuel, and dirt on the pavement mixed into a slick soup. If you can, pull over briefly and let the rain wash off them.

• Shiny-smooth Surfaces

Roadway markings, sealer snakers, manhole covers, and smooth road surface areas will certainly be more treacherous to ride on in the wet.

What's more, pay attention to the paint, metal plates, and even wet leaves on the road. All these items will become a slick hazard when wet.

It's a simple physics-- any type of surface that is not porous will certainly be slippery to ride across. Because the water that falls on them has no place to go, and it also rests on the surface.

Attempt to avoid riding over them. If slippery surfaces are unavoidable, try to ride through them in a straight line. Avoid braking on them and maintain the bike as upright as possible.

• Pits And Puddles

Keep an eye out for puddles and avoid riding through them.

Riding through pools can cause mud and rocks to hit your visor, making it hard to see clearly.

It may also soak your brakes or cause hydroplaning.

In addition, puddles can mask pits and damage the surface area of the roadway.  You never know how deep a split or pool is under the water.

So, leave them far and avoid them from damaging or wrecking your motorbike.

• Oil residue

Look for the rainbow sheen on road surfaces.

This is where cars idle and drippings accumulate. It's often more identifiable on the road, especially during rainy days.

And, it is truly slick in city-street danger zones. Never drive on a road that has oil spills.

If a spill is inevitable, safely minimize your speed to pass it and avoid sliding.

Be observant. The earlier you see puddles, unsafe roadway markings, and oil spills, the more time you have to change and reduce their impact.

9. Seek Dry Lines

While riding, stay on the driest lane possible. A dry sidewalk offers premium traction and the ability to move. So, make sure you always place yourself in the driest area of the lane.

Riding in the tracks of the vehicle ahead gives you the driest surface available.

Search for parts of the road that lorries have actually currently taken a trip on, try riding in the tire tracks of automobiles before you.

Watch the adjacent lanes near your lane. There might be one lane offering a drier patch with better grip.

While searching for completely dry lanes, keep in mind that you still need to prevent blockages and other dangers. Huge semi-trucks are specifically worth staying clear of, as they can spray your visor or windscreen with dust as well as particles.

10. Never ride in a thunderstorm

Look out for lightning and stay away from it.

Lightning might just seek out tall items, but that electrical power has to go somewhere on the ground.

If every little thing is wet, including yourself, your tires aren't likely to shield you from power traveling along the ground.

Find a sanctuary, but not under a tree! Now it is the right time to have a rest and enjoy a cup of coffee.

Summary – Key Rain-Riding Checklist:

Here are some key checklists for riding in the rain:

• T-CLOCS check before every ride.
• High-viz, waterproof gear, anti-fog visor, wiper gloves.
• Tire tread & pressure, ride in vehicle tracks.
• Smooth throttle, braking, and minimal lean.
• Watch out for oil, paint, metal, leaves, and puddles on the road.
• Longer following distance, avoid spray, ride dry lines.
• Slow the speed, plan well, don’t fight against the weather.
• Post-ride clean and inspect, chain maintenance.

Is it hard to ride a motorcycle in the rain?

Yes — riding a motorcycle in the rain is harder than riding in dry weather. But with care, it’s definitely manageable. Here’s how it changes things and what makes it tougher:

⚠️ What makes it harder

• Wet roads reduce traction, so tires grip worse. Braking takes longer and turns are less stable.

• Surfaces like road paint, metal covers/manhole lids, railroad tracks, and puddles become extra slippery.

• Visibility drops — rain, spray from other vehicles, fogging of visor — everything becomes harder to see.

✅ What helps make it safer

• Go slower. Ride at a slow speed so you have more time to steer, brake, or react to surprises.

• Use smooth inputs: accelerate, brake, and turn gently. No jerky moves.

• Leave extra space between you and the vehicle ahead. More distance gives more stopping time.

• Wear good rain gear and make sure your visor stays clear. Good waterproof clothing + anti-fog helps.

What To Do When Riding a Motorcycle in Heavy Rain? — From One Rider to Another

Sometimes, we may encounter heavy rain on our cycling routes.

Here’s my seasoned, no-nonsense take:

1. Slow down, increase your following distance, and be smooth. This is the first thing you should do. Slow on both throttle, brakes, and steering—so you don’t lose traction.
2. Keep your bike upright through turns and avoid sudden moves. This is especially important while you are riding through painted lines, metal plates, and other slick surfaces.
3. Gear up with waterproof, high-visibility clothing, boots, and anti-fog visor or spray. This makes sure you stay seen and stay warm.
4. If the downpour’s too heavy, pull over and wait it out. No shame in letting the worst pass.

Is riding a motorcycle in the rain dangerous?

Riding a motorcycle in the rain is definitely more dangerous than riding in dry weather. But with the right precautions, you can be safe.

Why it's risky:

• Wet roads drastically reduce traction. Rain brings oil and other items to the road surface, making the road nearly as slick as ice.
• Visibility is a serious issue. Your and other road participants' view is blurred. So you may find it hard to see each other clearly.
• Stopping distances go up, hydroplaning becomes a threat. And puddles can hide hazards like debris or potholes.

My seasoned tips:

1. Slow your motorcycle down: Ride smoothly and stay upright in turns.
2. Gear up wisely: Wear bright, waterproof riding gear so that other road participants can easily notice you. Apply anti-fog treatments to your motorcycle helmet visor.
3. Keep your distance: Leave enough following distance with other vehicles. Brake gently using both brakes and avoid sudden inputs.
4. Choose the right lane: Pick dryer road lanes when possible.
5. Watch out when the rain comes: Be extra cautious in the first few minutes of rain. That’s when roads are slipperiest.
6. Know when to wait it out: If visibility or road grip gets truly bad, the best call is to pull over until things improve.

Can you leave a motorcycle in the rain?

Yes — you can leave a motorcycle in the rain, but there are risks if you leave it exposed often or for a long time.

Here’s what you need to know:

✅ What usually survives okay

• Manufacturers seal many electrical components and protect engines from occasional exposure.
• A short rain won’t immediately ruin the bike.

⚠️ What might go wrong (especially over time)

• Rust & corrosion on metal parts: chain, sprockets, bolts, exhausts.
• Electrical issues if wires, connectors, or switches are not well sealed. Moisture can creep in.
• Seat damage: foam inside seats can soak up water, becoming soggy or moldy.
• Paint, finish deterioration: frequent wet/dry cycles can wear on finishes.

🛡 Ways to protect it

• Use a waterproof cover when parked outdoors.
• Park under cover (garage, awning, etc.) when possible.
• After exposure, dry it off, especially parts that trap water (chain, bolts, under seat). Lubricate exposed metal.

What to do after riding motorcycle in the rain?

Finish a rainy ride? Don’t just toss your keys and leave the motorcycle so quick! Follow these steps, and your motorcycle will last longer:

• Wipe it down: Use a clean, dry cloth to remove water, grit on your motorcycle. Pay attention to clean the areas around the engine, frame, and electrical bits to prevent corrosion.
• Quick inspection: Check chain, brakes, tires, and electrical components. Rain often washes off grease and invites rust or moisture issues.
• Lubricate moving parts: Make sure the chain and linkages get fresh lube. Wet weather and environment speed washout.
• Dry properly: Store in a dry spot, cover if needed. This can avoid moisture from settling and triggering rust.

These tasks are simple and only take 5-10 minutes.

Why it matters:

• Rain brings grit, salt, and moisture that strip lubrication and start rust instantly.
• A fast wipe-inspect-lube routine keeps your ride reliable and tantrum-free long-term.

Learn More Safety Riding Tips

▪️Safety Tips For Riding A Motorcycle In Wind

▪️Tips For Riding Motorcycles In Hot Weather

▪️Safety Tips For Riding A Motorcycle In The Fog

▪️Top 11 Tips For Riding Safely In Heavy Traffic

Stephen

Motorcycle mechanic, writer. Interested in motorcycle gear for years. Like to stay up to date with the newest products and techniques of the motorcycle.