Why Can’t You Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain?

Indeed rain is the most wonderful thing which God ever created. With wonderfulness, rain brings some danger for motorcyclists riding in the rain. But have you ever wondered why can’t you ride a motorcycle in the rain?

Experts recommend avoiding riding motorcycles on extreme rainy days because of the low friction between motorbike tires and road surface, making the motorbike slip. Also, the extreme rain makes your motorbike less visible to other riders, which may lead to life-threatening accidents. 

Let’s look at 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 the possible circumstances of riding a motorbike in the rain. 

Why Can’t You Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain? 

Indeed, the rainy season is the wonderful season that God made, but it’s not more than a dangerous season; why did I say so? 

The rainy season causes low friction between your motorbike tires and the road surface, making your motorbike stop slowly and riding uncomfortable. 

Also, rain may cause water accumulation in the motorbike exhaust if you get stuck in a muddy area. 

Another reason rain is not so good for motorcyclists is that they make you less visible to other riders on the road, which may lead to life-threatening accidents. 

And that’s why experts never recommend riding on the highway when it’s extreme rain. 

Is It Good for Your Motorbike to Ride in Rain? 

Many wonder about the effects of riding a motorbike in rainy conditions. Is it beneficial for your motorbike? Let’s delve into this topic.

Industry experts suggest that riding your motorbike in the rain typically won’t cause significant damage. This is due to the forward momentum of your motorbike, which prevents water from infiltrating crucial components.

However, it’s important to consider the speed at which you ride. Riding at higher speeds reduces the likelihood of rain-related damage. Nevertheless, experts advise against high-speed riding in rainy conditions due to decreased tire-road friction, which compromises safety.

Avoid areas with standing water, as it can enter your motorbike’s exhaust system, necessitating costly repairs. Taking precautions to prevent water intrusion is crucial.

Addressing Motorbike Startup Issues After Prolonged Rain Exposure

If your motorbike fails to start after prolonged exposure to rain, water may have entered the carburetor. This can disrupt the air-fuel mixture, leading to combustion difficulties in your motorbike’s engine. Additionally, water in the starter mechanism can contribute to startup problems.

To ensure smooth motorbike operation, it is recommended to take appropriate measures to address these issues after extended exposure to rain.

How Can You Make Yourself More Visible in the Rain? 

So far you understand why you shouldn’t ride a motorbike when it’s raining. Now the question arises, how can you make yourself more visible in the rain? 

According to industry experts, no matter how bright your motorbike headlight is, other riders are likely to not see you on the highway in the extreme rain. 

To tackle this condition, you can wear a light-reflective motorbike jacket through which other riders can see you clearly. You can also install reflective decals on your motorbike through which everyone can see you clearly in the extreme rain. 

Experts also claim to ride only inside lanes and not change lanes more frequently; they also claim not to ride in the opposite direction as it can cause severe accidents. 

How Can You Make Yourself Safer in the Rain? 

So far, you understand why you shouldn’t ride a motorbike in the rain and how you can make yourself more visible in the rain. Now the question arises, how can you make yourself safer in the rain? 

Although experts never recommend riding a motorbike in the extreme rainy seasons, if you still want to ride a motorbike in the rainy season, you should wear a reflective motorcycle jacket. 

You can also install reflective motorbike decals while riding in extreme rain, by wearing them, you can make yourself more visible on the highway and reduce the risk of severe accidents. 

The second thing you can do is choose motorbike tires that come with maximum traction to maximize the friction between road and tires.

Why Should You Accelerate Slow in the Rain? 

So far, I understand some ways through which you can make yourself more visible in the extreme rain. Now the question arises, why does an expert recommend slowing down your motorbike? 

According to experts, if you accelerate more in the rain, you’re providing room to skid on your motorbike, which can be extremely dangerous. 

Thus you should always accelerate slowly while riding in the extreme rain situation. 

How to Protect Your Motorbike from Water? 

So far, you understand what could possibly be wrong if you ride a motorbike in extreme rain. 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 on sunny days or rainy seasons since it causes more destruction on the motorbike surface just like rainwater does. 

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

Also, read my previous post where I discussed whether you can leave your motorbike in rain or not, CLICK HERE to read.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Final Verdict:

Why can’t you ride a motorcycle in the rain? Experts recommend avoiding riding motorcycles on extreme rainy days because of low friction between motorbike tires and road surface, making the motorbike slip. 

Also, the extreme rain makes your motorbike less visible to other riders, which may lead to life-threatening accidents. I’ve also mentioned ways to make yourself more visible on the highway, which is more crucial if you’re riding in extreme rain.