Can Motorcycles Get Wet? Will Rain Damage A Motorcycle? Things You Should Know!

In most circumstances, motorcycle riders are advised not to ride in the rain. Why? because wet roads put the driver at risk of accidents. There’s no way to avoid showering while you are riding a motorcycle.

Many people are concerned about can motorcycles get wet and if the rain is damaging the motorcycle. You may be relieved to know that rain does not damage the exterior of a motorcycle. Motorcycles are designed for use in the rain and other adverse weather conditions.

The electrical devices mounted on the motorcycle are sealed in order to protection them against rain. This protection lasts long-term exposure to water and prevents rusting and corroding and damaging the motorcycle parts.

Usually, the manufacturer makes sure the wiring is sealed enough to stay dry Riding through the rain doesn’t damage your bike but longer exposure to the rain and sunlight can cause deterioration of the wheels and body of the bike.

Will Leaving A Motorcycle In The Rain Damage It?

Long-term exposure to rain and sunlight can be a great enemy for motorcycles. Even though the occasional shower will no longer hurt your motorcycle, an extended exposure to a storm could wreck your bike.

Leaving your bike in the rain occasionally wont cause any damage to the exterior.

On the contrary, it becomes a serious problem when a motorbike remains outside for many months to soak in the rain and dry. Your motorcycle will stop accumulating moisture in the parts which in turn can cause corrosive damage.

What Should I Do If I Have To Leave My Motorcycle In The Rain?

When it rains, you have only two alternatives. One, you park your bike outdoors under a shade or two you can have protective cover over the motorcycle. Good motorcycle covers are durable enough to protect the bike from wind and rain including even snow!

Also, it’s crucial to find the best cover as the mistake of choosing the wrong cover can result in more problems than solutions.

A good cover should fit the bike and should be snug. Its best to secure the cover with a strap so that the winds could easily sweep over your motorcycles without blowing the cover away.

When A Motorcycle Should Be Covered And When It Shouldn’t During Inclement Weather

Unlike the traditional ones, motorcycles today are built for extreme weather conditions. Bike components which remain wet for longer periods can easily be damaged by moisture. You can prevent this damage by making sure that these parts are kept dry!

Actually, the issue isn’t if a bike will sustain through the rain. Its the placement that matters, placing the wet motorcycles under a roof after they have been in rain would lock in moisture.

On the contrary, if placed outside, the wind will evict any moisture left behind in small holes in the bike when left for several hours outside to dry.

Below are a few tips that can help prevent motorcycle damage from the rain.

1.     Use ACF50 or Boeshield

AFC50 and Boeshield sealers have always worked well in helping prevent corrosion and are super effective in motorcycle vehicles. Basically, its an insulating material used to protect bicycle surfaces from adverse weather conditions.

Also, it is super easy to use, just spray the product onto the electrical components of the motorcycle and you are good to go.

2.     Spray Cleaner

Using a spray cleaner for bike parts that cannot be waxed is a suitable alternative. Spray cleaners aid in water removal from the motorcycle and the helmet visor. The products are extremely effective in leaving films on motorcycles to avoid water from corroding the parts and wiring.

Spray cleaning products may also be used on most motor vehicle components to help prevent corrosion that may occur due to distinctive weather conditions and not only rain.

3.     Heat Resistance

Heat-tolerant materials are required when you cover the bike immediately following your ride. If appropriate resistance material is not used, the instant closure of heat under the cover melts other materials and is dangerous.

This heat resistance material usually lies inside the motorcycle cover. An ideal choice for a motorcycle cover is a metal cover, which is heat resistant, it’s white with a black tan.

4.     Use A Shammy Cloth

When cleaning your motorcycle with a damp cloth, use a towel to dry it afterwards. Before using the motorcycle for a ride, make sure that you let the exterior and interior of the bike properly.

Once dry, you can comfortably cover it knowing that there wont be any damage to the motorcycle.

5.     Use A Leaf Blower

Many motorcycle owners are using leaf blowers or air compressors for the quick drying of motorcycles.

Its a super convenient way to prevent damage to the bike.

6.     UV Protection

The anti-UV material helps protect your motorcycles from sun damage, especially when parked outside. Check whether your motorcycle cover has the feature where it is protected from the sun as it is a great way to protect the paint of your motorcycle.

7.     Anti-Corrosive Paint

Paint those areas where corrosion is most rapid such as bolts, hose ends, and banjo fittings with anti corrosive paint. This act can prolong the life of the motorcycle.

Some sections may be painted with anti-corrosive coatings which help reduce corrosion suiting the riders’ preference or style.

8.     Waxing

Waxing a part of a motorcycle targets protection from corrosion and prevents moisture damage in some areas. Wheels are covered with wax. Make sure to always apply wax that suits your motorcycle type perfectly.

9.     Use A Professional Bike Dryer

Proper airflow on the bike it can dry it up quickly, especially before wiping them dry. Most recommended choices include buying a professional bike dryer designed for drying a bike without causing any damage.

10. Waterproofing

Always get waterproof cover to park your bike outdoors. Polyesters or polyurethane motorcycle covers provide great waterproof properties. A double stitch at the seam also keeps water away.

11. Size Of The Cover

Sizes are very important, so make sure your bike covers fit your bike perfectly. The motorcycle cover should easily cover your bike from all sides.

12. Inner Lining

A soft interior lining will keep your bike’s paint and leather from getting damaged. These inner lining covers are usually priced high.

Rusting Of Bikes When Driving In Rain

Motorcycles are designed for inclement weather conditions but motorcycle parts are not completely weather resistant. Ideally, the bike will function normally in the rainy season.

Like most other forms of steel, bikes have a possibility of rusting when they are constantly exposed to rain water with little maintenance or no protection.

Consider getting the protective covers if you frequently park your bike outside and make sure to dry them up properly after washing them.

Risks Of A Wet Motorcycle

Covering a wet bike will cause major damage to the electrical system. If you cover the damp bike, the engine heat would provide moisture to the vehicle which encourages corrosion.

Water enters the vehicle in uninviting places. Without sunlight or winds to dry out motorcycle parts, the bikes can remain wet for hours, causing rusting and resulting in broken connections or other parts.

Necessary Steps To Take After Riding Your Motorcycle In The Rain

Riding in the rain can be messy. Sure, rain drops from the sky are “clean,” but roads and even pavements that are in good condition have traces of dirt residue and other unattractive things when it rains.

Once you get back from driving in the rain, it is possible that the bike has unwelcomed dirt and debris from the highway. If you try cleaning it with a damp cloth you may scratch the bike’s surfaces , instead use a hose to wipe out the grime using only water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is It Okay To Leave Motorcycle In Rain?

Yes, mostly. But leaving your motorcycle in the sunlight hardens the rubber making it prone to break down.

Tires, hoses, and rubber-mounted engines may degrade and be a hazard for motorcycle owners.

Therefore, you should protect your bikes from sunlight than from rain. Long-term exposure to the sun is more hazardous for vehicles than rain. It corrodes the gear of the bike.

Is It Ok To Leave Motorcycle Outside?

In colder months your motorcycle should have a motorcycle cover that is in accordance to the desired temperature and insulated to keep any water out.

Long-term exposure to sunlight does more damage to vehicles than rain. Therefore, precautionary measures should be taken to protect your bike from adverse outdoor weather.

Is It Okay For A Motorcycle To Get Rained On While Riding?

Yes, motorcycles have weatherproof functionality from the factory. These devices are geared for various situations and weather. This scenario can include hot or cold temperatures, clean and dirty environments, and even smog.

Critical electrical parts can be protected with protective coatings on vulnerable areas. This will aid your motorcycle’s survival in slick conditions.

Is It Okay Ride A Bike During The Rain?

It is very dangerous to ride a bike on a wet road. it can cause injurious accidents. Therefore, motorcycle riders are advised to avoid riding during wet weather.

Right gear should be worn for a safe riding experience in wet weather conditions. Taking adequate precautions can ensure your safety along with the safety of other motorcyclists.

The Final Word

The motorcycles are manufactured to stand through inclement weather. Their metal parts are waterproofed for adverse weather conditions. However, prolonged exposure to rain and sunlight is not good for the rubber parts.

Long-term exposure to sunlight makes rubber parts break down and it can hazardous for riders to ride the vehicle as it can cause motorcycle accidents and is a risk to other drivers as well. However, proper maintenance and protection can eradicate damage to vehicles.

You may wonder can motorcycles get wet? If the motorcycle has been rained on, a few tips can be followed to dry the motorcycle. Covers and protective gear can be utilized to ensure protection for most motorcycles.

The last thing, it is hazardous for riders to ride on a wet road since it can cause motorcycle accidents which is why it is advised not to ride during inclement weather conditions. For more information, please visit to find out about how wet your bike can get.