Riding a Motorcycle in the Rain: Wet Roads and Storms

On every longer trip the rain catches you at some point. That's no reason to panic. If you know how the bike behaves on wet roads, you'll get there safely. Riding a motorcycle in the rain is mainly about looking ahead, smooth inputs and knowing the dangerous spots. Here are the key rules, including for thunderstorms and strong wind.

The first minutes are the most dangerous

When it starts to rain after a dry spell, the water mixes with dust, oil and rubber on the tarmac. The road then gets as slippery as soap. Only after a while does the rain wash this film away. Ride especially carefully in this phase or take a break until the first shower has passed.

These spots are especially slippery when wet

• Road markings, zebra crossings and painted arrows
• Manhole covers, metal plates and tram rails
• Bitumen strips, the tar-filled repair joints in the tarmac
• Cobblestones
• Wet leaves and diesel spills, often at petrol stations and roundabouts

Cross these spots as upright as possible, without braking, accelerating or steering. Cross rails and bitumen joints at as wide an angle as possible. A rainbow sheen on the road means oil or diesel.

Braking and cornering on wet roads

A good tyre still transmits a surprising amount of force on wet tarmac, as long as you're smooth. Anything abrupt becomes dangerous.

• Double your distance: the braking distance gets much longer.
• Brake earlier and more gently: build the pressure progressively, don't grab.
• Finish braking before the corner: slow down first, then turn in. In a lean the front tyre has hardly any reserves.
• Less lean: go into the corner slower, but rounder and smoother.
• Gentle on the throttle: a higher gear and a soft throttle response stop the rear wheel from spinning. If your bike has one, select the rain riding mode.
• Stay relaxed: arms loose, knees against the tank. Tensing up transfers every movement to the bars.

See and be seen

In the rain others see you even less than usual. Bright or reflective clothing helps. A Pinlock insert and a slightly open visor at low speed stop it fogging up. Keep away from the spray of big lorries. You can't see much there, and the ruts are often full of water. Watch for aquaplaning in deep puddles and ruts: the bike suddenly feels light. Don't brake then, keep it straight and ease off the throttle gently.

Thunderstorms: stop and seek shelter

In thunderstorms, hail, gales or very poor visibility you should interrupt your ride and only continue when conditions improve. That's also the advice of the German automobile club ADAC. On a motorcycle you are exposed to lightning, unlike in a car.

• Seek shelter in a building, a petrol station or, if necessary, in someone else's car.
• Avoid high ground, open spaces, single trees and the edges of woods.
• Get off and keep your distance from the motorcycle.
• If there's no shelter nearby, crouch down with your feet close together and make yourself as small as possible.

Crosswinds and gusts

Strong wind pushes the bike off its line, especially on bridges, at gaps in woods and when overtaking lorries. Slow down, keep your upper body relaxed and let the bike work underneath you. In a crosswind the bike leans slightly into the wind. That's normal. Allow more lateral distance and expect the next gust after gaps.

The right clothing

Wet and cold means tired and unfocused. A good rain suit or a waterproof membrane in your jacket and trousers is therefore safety equipment. Add waterproof gloves or covers and boots. What to look for when buying is in Rain suits for motorcyclists.

Summary

Rain is manageable. Increase your distance, brake earlier and more gently, ride rounder through corners and avoid the slippery spots, and you'll arrive safely. Only in thunderstorms: stop, seek shelter, wait.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

• Riding a motorcycle in wind, rain or thunderstorms (ADAC, German)
• Riding in rain and wet conditions (Motorrad Online, German)
• Riding in the wet (Tourenfahrer, German)

Last checked: September 2026.