Riding Conditions
Is Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain Bad? What Makes It Riskier, and When to Wait
Rain isn't a reason to stay home, but it adds risk: less grip, lower visibility, cold. See when to ride, slow down or wait out lightning and floods.
Riding a motorcycle in the rain isn't bad in itself, but it is riskier. Wet roads give less grip, especially just after the rain starts. Most of that extra risk you can manage by slowing down and leaving more room. Lightning and flood water you can't manage, so wait those out.
This answer is part of our riding in bad weather guide.
Why rain raises the risk
Riding starts from a higher baseline than driving. Per mile traveled in 2024, deaths on motorcycles were almost 27 times those in cars, according to a federal estimate cited by the IIHS. Motorcycles are less stable and harder for other drivers to see. We didn't find a rain-specific crash rate from a primary source, so we won't put a number on the extra risk from rain.
Rain adds three things on top of that baseline:
- Less traction. The California Motorcycle Handbook lists wet pavement among poor-traction surfaces, along with painted lines, steel plates and manhole covers when wet. Stopping takes more distance.
- Being seen. A motorcycle with its headlight on is twice as likely to be noticed, and bright or reflective clothing helps drivers pick you out.
- Cold. The CDC says hypothermia can happen above 40°F when rain has chilled you.
Ride, slow down, or wait it out
The decision column is our editorial reading of the sources. The thresholds come from the sources themselves, including the National Weather Service pages on lightning and flood water. For the riding technique, see riding in the rain on a motorcycle.
| Situation | Decision | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Light rain, daylight, you're warm | Ride, slowly and smoothly | Leave three seconds or more to the vehicle ahead |
| Rain has just started | Take extra care or pause | The road is slickest before oil washes off |
| Rain after dark | Slow down further or stop for the night | Night already calls for slower speeds and more distance |
| Thunder or lightning | Stop and get into a building | No place outdoors is safe; wait 30 minutes after the last thunder |
| Water across the road | Turn around | 6 inches (15 cm) of moving water can knock over an adult |
| Shivering, fumbling hands | Stop and warm up | Early signs of hypothermia |
Is it okay to ride after it rained?
Yes, with care. Roads dry unevenly. Shaded and low spots, bridges and overpasses stay wet or icy longer, and wet leaves are as slippery as wet pavement. Ride around puddles where you can, because you can't tell how deep they are.
Be seen on a wet day
Visibility is the part of rain risk your gear can help with. Leather Collection touring jackets include styles with reflective piping for low light. Leather won't keep you dry, though: the store's blog says it's water-resistant for a short time but not waterproof. Wear a rain layer over it.
margumi Editorial Team
margumi articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.