Scared of riding in the wet stuff? There’s no need; with a little know‑how and a little preparation, riding in the rain can be just as safe and just as fun as riding on a nice, sunny day. Relax. Pay attention. After all, it’s only water.
The heavens have opened and it’s pouring. You can’t see very far down the road thanks to the spray coming off other vehicles. Your visor is misting up and you’re not entirely sure how you and your bike are going to handle the rain. Slow down a bit. Here’s how to ride a motorcycle in the rain.
There are a lot of things to take into account when riding a motorcycle in the rain, but one of the most important ones is that you have to dress appropriately. Having your normal jacket and trousers might not be enough. If there’s a light drizzle, it probably will not be a problem, but when there’s consistent rain, water (usually cold) will seep through your clothes onto your body, and that is not fun! Getting wet, or at least humid, when riding is distracting and very uncomfortable.
So whatever you do, make sure the clothing (jacket, trousers and boot covers etc.) you use during a rain ride is rain proof. I recommend Frogg Toggs rain gear — they’re lightweight, breathable, and they have kept me dry in ALL conditions including absolute downpours. Also, I treat my riding boots with Mink Oil and I have never had water leak through. I keep my rain gear in my saddlebags at all times; more than once I’ve started my ride on a beautiful sunny day only to get rained on by the end of the day (better to have the gear and not need it, than to need it and not have it).
1) Wear proper rain gear
Preferably Frogg Toggs or equivalent. It needs to be able to breathe but still not allow water to creep in. Make sure your helmet covers your face, since rain above 30 mph is going to hurt you.
An alternative idea: I purchased an extra Frogg Togg jacket, and my wife cut out a bandana‑size piece of material out of it, folded it over diagonally and sewed a piece of fleece in the middle. It works absolutely perfect AND keeps my face warm and dry.
2) Make sure your tires are correct for riding in the rain
In other words, do not go out riding in the rain with slick tires.
3) Watch the road
What used to be kind‑of slippery is now very slippery. White lines on the roads will have become ice rinks, metal plates/manholes are super dangerous — avoid them like the plague.
4) Watch out for puddles
Yes, it can be fun riding through one, but since the water hides the surface you just don’t know what you are riding into. Can the puddle in fact be a 3‑feet‑deep hole? Do you want to find out the hard way?
5) When riding and you see a colored rainbow on the ground
Watch it — chances are it’s oil.
6) When rain first starts after many days of dry weather
This is when it’s the most dangerous since there’s a lot of oil and dirt on the road. Wait an hour or two for the rain to wash away the oil/dirt before riding since the road surfaces are at their slipperiest. If it’s just drizzle, then the road will remain slippery.
7) Railway crossings
Take them as straight as possible. Remember the railway tracks are metal, and wet metal is slippery. Straighten your bike.
8) When you need to brake
Apply more rear brake than normal. If your front wheel starts sliding you’re done for; if your rear wheel slides you can easily correct.
9) Do not brake strongly if possible
Brake gently. If you need to urgently apply your brakes, pump them so that you do not start aquaplaning.
10) Give yourself more space
Braking distances are much longer in the rain.
11) Relax when riding
Getting all cramped and bunched up is not good. You’ll get tired quickly and it’s dangerous. Relaxed riding is much better.
12) Be visible
Rain makes it difficult for cars to see you. If you have high‑visibility clothing, now is the time to put it on.
13) Reduce your speed
Reduce speed by some 10–20% when it rains — and there are good reasons for it.
14) Use something like Rain‑X on your visor
Since we don’t have wipers on our helmets, Rain‑X helps keep the rain off the visor.
15) When lightning starts up
Stop riding. Head for cover (don’t stop below a tree).
16) Ride behind one of the rear wheels of the car in front of you
Two benefits: • If the guy in front stops suddenly, you can swerve and gain a few more feet of braking distance. • The car’s wheel acts like a plow, pushing water aside and giving you slightly drier pavement.
17) While riding at a moderate speed on a straight, level surface
Feel for how much traction you have with your rear wheel (not your front!) by trying to lock it up briefly. You’re not doing a 50‑ft skid — just a quick test.
Riding in the rain will at times be necessary, and you should not stop riding just because it is raining. Relax and enjoy the ride. You are, after all, riding a motorcycle and that is fun. ENJOY IT.