HOW-TO GUIDES

How to Ride a Motorcycle in the Rain

Let's face it, sometimes the open road throws you a curveball. And no curveball stings quite like a sudden downpour. But fear not: with the right preparation and attitude, conquering rain-soaked asphalt can be a thrilling and confidence-boosting experience.

So, pull on your motorcycle rain gear, grab your handlebars and let's dive into the essential tips on how to ride your motorcycle in the rain like a seasoned pro.

7 TIPS FOR RIDING A MOTORCYCLE IN THE RAIN

1. Start by Taking a Break

Once the rain starts falling, whether it’s where you’re riding or just up ahead, the best thing to do is take a break. We recommend waiting out the rain for at least 15 minutes so you can give the road time to be washed free of oil or any other slippery substances that will only be made worse by the initial rainfall. It will also give you time to throw on your rain gear and get ready to continue riding.

2. Dress Appropriately and Stay Dry

Naturally, our next tip for riding a motorcycle in the rain is to throw on some quality rain gear. Without the right motorcycle rain gear, you’re going to get wet—and you’re probably going to be miserable. Nothing’s worse than wet clothes and being exposed to high winds, right?

So, what's the best motorcycle rain gear that every rider needs in their wardrobe? It all starts with a proper rainsuit that keeps you covered from (almost) head to toe. Look for one made from breathable, reflective materials and hi-vis colors for added comfort and visibility. Supplement your rainsuit with waterproof riding boots, gaiters and gloves to keep your hands and feet dry, too, and don a full-face helmet to make it easier to focus on the road in the meantime.

3. Slow It Down

It’s important to lower your speed in rainy conditions. Not only will it be a bit harder to see things develop on the road ahead, but it may also be harder to maneuver on the wet roads. So, in addition to keeping your speed down, you should also increase your following distance. By giving yourself more room between your motorcycle and the vehicle in front of you, you will give yourself more time to react and make any evasive maneuvers.

4. No Sudden Moves

Because of the potential decreased maneuverability and lower traction you’ll have, it’s important to avoid sudden movements. Make all throttle, steering and brake inputs gradually, and ease off the throttle and brakes gently throughout your ride.

5. Take It Easy on Turns

To improve your traction in inclement weather, slow down on curves and keep the motorcycle more upright than you usually might.

6. Go Back to Basics

Ultimately, during rainy rides, it’s all about paying more attention to the fundamentals of motorcycle riding. Take a proactive approach to your ride and stick closely to the “SEE” strategy, which is short for “search, evaluate, and execute:”

Search for any potential hazards
Evaluate the road ahead, giving yourself as much time as possible to react
Execute any necessary maneuvers. Remember, surfaces such as manhole covers, bridge decks, painted crosswalks, and railroad crossings may be more slippery in wet conditions.

7. Know Your Limits

Finally, remember that waiting out the weather is always an option. Understand your own personal comfort level and limits and judge the situation accordingly. If you feel better taking a break, there’s never anything wrong with doing so.

Watch more tips to learn how to ride a motorcycle in the rain:

Learning how to ride a motorcycle in the rain takes practice, patience and experience. Keep improving your knowledge of the road and review these tips in the video above. Or, better yet, get guidance in person when you sign up for the course of your choice at the Harley-Davidson® Riding Academy. Explore classes and training for riders of all levels and improve your riding skills with the help of our experts.