According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF), a huge chunk of motorcycle accidents happen because riders simply aren’t prepped for wet conditions. Like showing up to a white party in a mud-covered Hummer, being unprepared on a motorcycle in the rain is just bad form—and way more dangerous. This list cuts through the noise, spotlighting gear and habits that actually work when the skies open up. Think of it as the “don’t be that guy” guide to staying upright and arriving alive.
1. Riding Too Fast
Physics doesn’t give a damn about the need for speed.
Do you think you can maintain the same speed in the rain as you do on a sunny day? News flash: Physics doesn’t give a damn about the need for speed. Riding too fast drastically reduces tire traction on pavement, which is like trying to ice skate uphill—challenging, to say the least.
Imagine rounding a corner at 50 kilometers per hour (31 mph), feeling like Maverick. Suddenly, it starts to drizzle. To avoid ending up as a hood ornament on a minivan, halve that speed. Slow down to 25 kilometers per hour (16 mph) and give yourself some wiggle room, because traction is about to ghost you faster than someone dodging a Venmo request.
2. Braking Too Hard or Late
Smoothness is the name of the game; apply even pressure to both brakes.
Guess what? Skidding isn’t just for penguins on an ice rink. Brake too hard, especially when the road’s wetter than a dating app excuse, and you’re toast. Smoothness is the name of the game; apply even pressure to both brakes. Think of it as coaxing, not yanking, or you’ll be sliding faster than DMs after a thirst trap.
Ever panic-grabbed the front brake like it’s the last beer at a party? Don’t. It’s a one-way ticket to wipeout city. Smooth braking keeps you upright, and your dental bill will thank you for this nugget of wisdom.
3. Entering Corners Aggressively
Treat those turns as if you’re tap-dancing on an ice rink.
Riding into a turn too hot in the rain is like trying to make a soufflé during an earthquake—disaster is imminent. Instead of carving corners like Valentino Rossi, decelerate early. Treat those turns as if you’re tap-dancing on an ice rink, because traction is suddenly your fickle friend.
You might think leaning into a turn makes you look cool, but minimizing lean angle and keeping the bike upright will save your ass, especially on slick surfaces. Easy does it when the pavement turns into a slip-n-slide.
4. Poor Visibility
Beat the odds by rocking bright or reflective gear; think neon highlighter, not stealth ninja.
Drivers often miss gray bikes in downpours, as if motorcycles suddenly have Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak. You can thank low contrast for that delightful disappearing act. Beat the odds by rocking bright or reflective gear; think neon highlighter, not stealth ninja.
The next time rain’s coming down harder than Pete Davidson’s dating choices, ditch the tinted shield. Make sure your sightlines are clearer than your ex’s excuses. Hoping for a miracle is not a safety strategy.
5. Wrong Lane Positioning
Think of it as following the yellow brick road, minus the wicked witch and plus a whole lot more grip.
Your grandma had a point about following the leader, especially after a rain shower. New riders often pick a lane and stick to it, which is about as smart as wearing flip-flops to a knife fight. Instead of cruising down the lane’s center—now slick with oil—or hugging the edges near surprise gravel parties, aim for where the car tires roll.
Sticking to those tire tracks means less chance of becoming a hood ornament. Avoid slippery painted lines and surprise oil slicks. Pros? Fewer involuntary dance-offs with the pavement.
6. Following Too Closely
The risk of a crash heightens when wet roads extend stopping distances.
Remember chariot races from Ben-Hur? That’s what tailgating in the rain feels like, except instead of glory, you get a face full of someone else’s bumper. The risk of a crash heightens when wet roads extend stopping distances. You aren’t Vin Diesel; maintain greater separation and check your ego.
Anyone who’s hydroplaned knows even a light drizzle turns pavement into an ice rink. Instead of riding someone’s ass like you’re auditioning for Fast and Furious, double the distance. So, you thought you were close at two seconds? Now it’s four. Consider it an awkward social distance experiment, but with less small talk and more survival.
7. Incorrect Tire Pressure
Proper inflation is more than just following a number; it’s about keeping your rubber happy.
“Tire pressure is the dark magic of motorcycle handling,” quips some MSF instructor. “Get it wrong, and you’re basically riding a greased watermelon.” Manufacturers often suggest a slight decrease for rainy conditions, but don’t even think about underinflating—unless you enjoy rim shots and the thrill of unplanned dismounts.
Picture this: A newbie speeds into a turn on a slick road, blames the bike, but surprise, their tires are pumped up like basketballs. Think of it as Goldilocks and the Three Bears—not too hard, not too soft, but juuuuust right to prevent sliding into the nearest ditch.
8. Overlooking Puddles, Grates, or Shiny Surfaces
Slow the hell down; it’s not a race against the rain.
A whopping zero percent of riders enjoy hydroplaning. When you hit water, grates, or suspiciously shiny patches—which are basically the motorcycle equivalent of a middle finger from the road—your tires might as well be ice skates. Slow the hell down; it’s not a race against the rain.
Straddle or avoid those slick spots like you’re dodging your ex at a bar. Remember, that split-second loss of traction can turn a scenic ride into an unscheduled date with the pavement. When in doubt, steer clear, because showing off is for TikTok, not wet roads.
