You can drive a motorcycle in rain, many experienced riders do it all the time, but it comes with a set of problems and precautions of its own. Whether you are commuting, commercial riding, or cruising, wet conditions require special considerations. Here, we talk about the essentials concerning rain riding: real hazards, practices for safety, equipment, waterproofing, post-ride maintenance, and how businesses can equip their riders for wet conditions.
While there are some riders who would prefer to simply avoid the rain, others will have no alternative but to confront it. This begs the question of whether or not it is safe to ride under such conditions. Let’s take a few minutes now to identify some of the hazards involved in riding motorcycle in rain and consider the facts behind wet-weather riding.
The road changes in ways unfavourable to the safety of motorcyclists as soon as it begins to pour. The wet surface diminishes traction instantly, causing a longer distance for braking or sharp turns. Painted markings become hazardous, manhole covers glazed with water, and metal grates become deathtraps in themselves. Hydroplaning, when tires float on a thin layer of water rather than biting into the road, becomes a real risk at speed.
Typically, rain diminishes visibility. Rain splatter on visors, fogged lenses, and grey-out conditions generally lower a rider’s ability to see the road far ahead. On top of this, additional vehicles sharing the same roads render the motorcycle that much harder to spot due to subjective evaluations by similarly impaired drivers.
Yet another serious consideration is exposure. Whether wet riding causes discomfort is subjective, but too much cold can potentially lead to hypothermia. Even more so, soaking the gloves and clothes has the effect of diminishing dexterity and reaction time, causing a greater risk of injury.
According to the NHTSA, around 10% of motorcycle accidents occur during wet weather. In these circumstances, the IIHS warns that a motorcycle’s stopping distance may be doubled or even tripled in the rain. Therefore, these numbers serve as an indication that riding in the rain poses an enormous risk, while it remains quite possible.
Now, what is the trick to being safe? Well, the preparation! With the right equipment, skills, and state of mind are in order, motorcyclists can ride with confidence in the face of rain challenges on the road.
A quality waterproof riding jacket and pants serve as your best start. These should be breathable enough to avoid sweat build-up and have the seams sealed to prevent water entry.
Gloves become especially crucial for that good feel. The grip and tactile feedback become weak under wet conditions. If you ride in colder rainfall, look for waterproof gloves with insulation. Likewise, waterproof boots keep your feet dry and warm while securing your footing while standing.
The helmet must have an anti-fog visor or Pinlock insert. A foggy visor can seriously obstruct visibility and pose a danger. Some full-face helmets allow the user to install a breath guard, while other designs have ventilation systems to prevent fogging.
Protecting the motorcycle is equally important as protecting the rider. Rain protections for seats and handlebar controls keep sensitive components from long-term moisture damage. Waterproof tank bags, saddlebags, and tail packs protect personal belongings and electronics from pouring rain and water while riding.
A few riders use bike covers, even for short stops, to keep water from getting into sensitive parts. However, good-quality bags with waterproof zippers and flaps can be an investment worth it on long rides in unexpected weather.
| Tire Type | Grip on Wet Roads | Water Dispersion | Recommended Use |
| Sport Tires | Moderate | Low–Moderate | Dry roads, occasional rain |
| Touring Tires | Good | Good | Long-distance, varied weather |
| All-Weather Tires | Very Good | Very Good | Daily commuting, rain-safe |
| Off-Road Tires | Poor | Poor | Not recommended for rain |
| Rain Tires | Excellent | Excellent | Wet conditions, racing use |
Braking and stopping become distinctly different from cornering and navigating, and there are many adjustments to be reacquainted with in your techniques. Below is the nutshell breakdown of skills:
Braking distances are increased in wet conditions. Therefore, always maintain a greater following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Smooth throttle control and braking are critical:
● Don’t brake quickly; rather, apply them slowly and steadily.
● Gradually slow down using engine braking by letting off the throttle. That results in preserving traction better than using the brakes aggressively.
● Throttle changes should be unnoticeable and gradual to avoid wheel slip.
● There are also ABS-equipped motorcycles, giving you extra safety as the cycles prevent wheel lockup on slippery roads.
Rainy roads introduce peculiar hazards and unavoidable segments with poorer traction, especially in turns:
● Stay away from painted lines, metal bridge joints, and sewer covers; these are very slippery when wet, and especially so as a rider turns into those places.
● Ride in the car tire tracks left ahead of you. These areas will provide slightly better traction due to the displaced water.
● Cornering needs an upright standing posture due to the lean -maximum angle reduction.
Utilise a late apex cornering technique: enter the turn a bit wider and cut in later, so you have a better view of the turn and a safer, more gradual entry into the turn on low traction.
The rain not only starts affecting your ride, but it also gets under the skin of your bike afterwards. As soon as you are back home or at your destination, undertake a few activities aiming at its protection from long-term wear or damage.
After a long ride in the rain, give your bike some drying time. With a microfiber towel, you can wipe some crucial areas like brakes, chain, engine casing, and dashboard. However, this way prevents water pooling, which would otherwise result in rusting and electrical problems.
Some riders may use air compressors to blow out moisture from those hidden ones. Others would rather be more efficient and go for drying agents or even use a leaf blower. And don’t forget to check for water stuck in between the brake callipers or spokes.
After drying, reapply chain lube since rain usually washes it off, leaving the chain open to rust. If you’re in a coastal area or somewhere with high humidity, spray anti-corrosion on any exposed areas on the metal surface.
Make sure you don’t have any moisture on the battery terminals. Wipe off and put on some dielectric grease if necessary. Water could also sit on the brake pads and discs, limiting your braking efficiency next time on the road.
For many motorcycle-reliant businesses, riding in the rain just belongs to the job. This part will present the realities of actual use cases of business and methods through which organisations prepare their teams for wet-weather riding.
In most industries, usually the fleet services, courier business, and private security, even an inconsistent rain isn’t an option. Business riders must pull through rain conditions, and inactivity due to rain affects productivity.
Fleet managers should provide riders with adequate rain gear, a training program on how to ride in wet conditions, and well-maintained motorcycles. The safety of rain riders ensures customer satisfaction and employee wellness.
Some big businesses have taken the lead in this area. Rainy-season delivery platforms and courier services have invested in waterproof kits and run rider training on rain-specific conditions. These minimal investments pay dividends by avoiding accidents, delays, and damaged gears.
Apollino manufactures waterproof motorcycle gear kits that are business-friendly. Included in this are plastic covering saddlebags, water-repellent uniforms, and anti-fog visor protections for helmets. Our solutions are intended not just for safety but also for brand prominence through customised logos and company colours.
Paired fleet partner programs provide bulk rates, training modules, and continual post-sales support to ensure your crew rides comfortably in any weather. From food delivery riders to training instructors for mobile security teams, our solutions allow minimal interruption from the weather and maximise uptime.
Want to weather-proof your business fleet? Contact us today for our options for wholesale gear for your crew.
It is technically possible, but it is generally not advised to ride without waterproof gear. Rain can soak you, lower your body temperature, and can even reduce your grip and visibility. Just a little ride can make the entire experience dangerous and miserable. The right raingear keeps you warm, visible, and focused on the road.
If it rains overnight and while you are riding, you should reduce your speed and observe your surroundings. Look for a gas station or underpass-you will be waiting for the rain to stop. When you want to ride rain-soaked, take additional caution: increase your distance from the car in front of you, avoid any jerky manoeuvres and keep your eyes open for slippery patches or puddles.
It is perfectly legal for a person to ride a motorcycle in the rain in several parts of the world. Meanwhile, governments can give meteorological warnings or announcements limiting movements during flooding or extreme storm conditions. Always check the local traffic and the forecast before driving out in stormy conditions.
Motorcycle riding in the rain can easily be accomplished. It is just something that a true rider must learn. Preparation is the key! The right gear must be worn, riding methods changed, and pampering of the bike after riding is critical. Bad weather should not hold back riding alone or for towing several delivery riders.
Interested in more?
Check out our complete maintenance guide post rain rides or browse our Business Solutions Page for Apollino’s fleet-ready gear.
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