Can Motorcycles be Left in the Rain?

Most of us live in apartments with no garage facilities around us, and it’s normal for our motorcycles to be left in the rain. Now the question arises, Can Motorcycles be Left in the Rain?

According to industry experts, no manufacturers make motorbikes with rain-sensitive material. It means there’s no harm if your motorcycle is left in the rain. However, long exposure of your motorbike to the rain may corrode and rust your motorbike engine, which may destroy your motorbike engine permanently. 

Let’s see what it means and what you can do about it. 

While writing this post, I leave no stone unturned so you can know everything about motorcycles in the rain. 

Can Motorcycles be Left in the Rain?

It’s a matter that we all don’t have personal space for our motorbikes, and sometimes our motorcycles are left in the rain. 

Now the question arises, can a motorcycle be left in the rain? 

Undoubtedly, our motorbikes come with waterproof electrical and sealed engines which water can destroy, but no manufacturers made motorbikes with rain-sensitive material which can be destroyed with just rain. 

So worry not, your motorbike is safe there even in the rain. 

What Could Possible Wrong if Your Motorbike is Left in Rain? 

So far you understand, can a motorcycle be left in the rain. Now the question arises, what could possibly go wrong if your motorbike is left in the rain? 

But before going further, I need you to understand that nothing will happen if your motorbike is left in the rain for a day or two. 

Here I’m taking a situation where you left your motorbike for months or a year in the open environment without covering your motorbike. 

Initially, there won’t be any visible effect on your motorbike under the rain, but after months or two, you’ll see some rusting on your motorbike iron. 

Since water finds its path down, the accumulating water will flow towards the gasoline tank and oil tank, and this causes your motorbike to rust internally, and you may require to change the oil after cleaning the motorbike internally. 

Once the water accumulates in your motorbike, there will be green or brown mold growth that is harder to clean and may require expensive maintenance, so make sure to not leave your motorbike in the rain.

Now let’s come to the engine part. 

If water goes into your motorbike engine, then it will be no less your nightmare. 

Since the motorbike engine is completely made from iron, the water will rust your motorbike engine, including your motorbike piston, from the inside.  And it could be possible that you’ll have to change some motorbike engine parts which can be expensive for you. 

Water will also break down chain lubrication causing your motorbike chain to break. That’s why it’s better to lube your motorbike chain if your motorbike chain is ever contacted with water and to protect your motorbike, just remember the thumb rule is to leave your motorbike in the garage only. 

Or not leave your motorbike in the rain for more than a day. 

How to Protect Your Motorbike from Water? 

So far, you understand what could possibly be wrong if water goes inside your motorbike. Now the question arises, how to protect your motorbike from water?

It’s pretty normal if you can’t afford a roof above your motorbike right now. 

And that’s why experts always recommend buying a waterproof cover for motorbikes, but if you can afford a roof for your motorbike, it would be best for your motorbike. 

Experts recommend always covering your motorbike, whether it’s sunny days or rainy seasons. Since the sun causes more destruction on the motorbike’s surface just like rainwater does. 

While buying the motorbike cover, you have to ensure there’s no leakage or a hole on the cover, since it will cause sun rays and water to pass through the cover. 

Is Storing a Motorcycle Outside Good? 

Many riders choose not to store their motorbike in the garage or storage facility to save some bucks. But have you ever wondered why storing a motorcycle outside isn’t good? 

Storing a motorcycle outside seems to be a money-saving option, still, in reality, it can harm your motorbike and its engine. Storing a motorbike outside in harsh rain can cause rusting and corrosion. Also, storing the motorbike outside under the sun causes paint oxidation which overall costs you several bucks. 

And that’s why experts always recommend storing the motorbike in your garage for several months. 

Is Storing a Motorcycle in a Storage Facility Good? 

Storing a motorbike in the storage facility is an excellent option if you don’t have a dedicated space or garage for storing the motorbike. But have you ever thought about whether storing the motorbike in a storage facility is good?

Choosing the storage unit for storing the motorbike is a great option, especially if you don’t have your own garage. Even some storage facilities have a temperature control system and video surveillance system, ensuring 24*7 security. However, a storage facility is a bit more expensive than storing a motorcycle outside.   

Storage motorbike facility protects your motorbike from harsh external weather and provides heat through external heaters. 

However, storing motorbikes in storage facilities is a bit expensive. Additionally, not all motorbike storage facilities have heaters and 24*7 surveillance systems making your motorbike at risk. 

Now the ball is in your court, how good a motorbike storage facility do you choose. 

I recommend researching the best motorbike facility around you and settling for the only facility that doesn’t hit your pocket the most.  

Is It Good for Your Motorbike to Ride in Rain? 

So far you understand what will happen if you leave your motorbike in the rain. The question arises: Is it good for your motorbike to ride in the rain? 

According to industry experts, there won’t be any significant damage to your motorbike if you ever ride your motorbike in the rainy season, it’s mainly because your motorbike is in momentum when riding, and water won’t find enough time to enter your motorbike. 

However, the above statement is highly influenced by your motorbike speed. 

It means if you’re riding your motorbike at high speed, then there won’t be any significant damage to your motorbike from the rain. 

Although, experts don’t recommend riding at high speed for your safety if it’s raining because of low friction between tire and road.

Don’t ever take your motorbike to the place where water accumulates since it will cause water to enter your motorbike exhaust and will require expensive maintenance. 

Why Your Motorbike Isn’t Starting After Long Rain Exposure? 

So far, you understand what will happen if your motorbike is exposed to rain for a long time. Now the question arises, why is your motorbike not starting after long rain exposure? 

If your motorbike isn’t starting after long rain exposure, then water may have entered your motorbike carburetor. And disturbing the air-fuel mixture, thus disturbing the combustion resistance in your motorbike engine. 

Additionally, water in your motorbike starter may also cause your motorbike to not start after long rain exposure. 

Also, read my previous post where I’ve discussed where you should store your motorbike, CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict: 

Can Motorcycles be Left in the Rain? According to industry experts, no manufacturers make motorbikes with rain-sensitive material, which means there’s no harm if your motorcycle is left in the rain. 

However, long exposure of your motorbike to the rain may corrode and rust your motorbike engine, which may destroy your motorbike permanently. 

I’ve also mentioned steps you can take if water is entered into your motorbike, yu just always remember that you shouldn’t leave your motorbike in the rain for a long time.