How to Prepare Your Motorcycle for Rainy Journeys

Rain is the sworn enemy of all those who travel on two wheels, transforming both long journeys and short trips across the city into nightmare scenarios. Roads become slippery and the risk of falling increases, not to mention the damage caused to luggage by water and humidity, as well as the discomfort of finding yourself utterly drenched after just a few minutes. However, with the right equipment, it’s possible to make it through the rain by motorcycle in complete safety and comfort.

While it’s always important to be prepared for the possibility of precipitation, it becomes absolutely essential to have all the proper equipment when travelling in areas where you’re particularly likely to encounter bad weather and strong winds, like the countries of Northern Europe. This is when waterproof clothing and accessories become genuine lifesavers.

Remember that there is a significant difference between the terms waterproof and water-resistant: the first indicates an ability to prevent water intrusion 100%, while the second only guarantees insulation in cases of high moisture or drizzle.

Waterproof Bags and Cases

Whether you’re dealing with a light but relentless shower or an unexpected downpour, it’s essential to make sure that the contents of your luggage are well insulated from water, especially if you’re carrying books, clothing, or electronic devices like computers or cameras. Hard cases are particularly resistant and offer a high level of protection against impacts.

If you opt for a set of soft bags either as your main solution or as the finishing touch to a “hard” set-up, heat-sealed models are available to guarantee complete impermeability. Other fabric bags have a waterproof inner bag, while non-waterproof fabric models may feature a waterproof external covering.

Essential Rain Accessories

There are lots of smaller accessories which can prove useful when travelling through the rain by motorcycle. First of all, it’s important to protect yourself from the downpour as much as possible and maintain clear visibility of the road. For this, you might find it useful to have an additional spoiler, a windscreen which is adjustable or at least larger than the standard size, or even hand guards and foot guards.

Your smartphone holder or navigator holder should also be water resistant, while various models of motorcycle covers exist to protect your vehicle while it’s parked, outside your hotel overnight for example.

Finally, it’s also important not to overlook mechanical part protection for motorcycles, indispensable in the event of a fall. However, this is a topic to which we will dedicate an editorial of its own.

Motorcycle Clothing

In addition to dedicated motorcycle equipment, it’s crucial to have appropriate technical clothing that protects you from water and humidity, without compromising on breathability and overheating prevention, particularly in summer.

If you don’t have a four-season motorcycle suit (waterproof and layered), you can protect yourself by picking out accessories as needed. Here are a few:

• A waterproof suit or poncho to wear over your clothes. These come in a variety of types, from one-piece suits with a zip to separate jacket-and-trousers combinations, and even poncho-style capes which are quicker to get on but probably less water-resistant.
• Waterproof gloves or glove covers, ideal during the summer months when perforated gloves can be made waterproof when needed.
• Waterproof footwear or shoe-covers, especially in summer when highly breathable shoes are preferred.
• Helmets with anti-fog visors, like models featuring the Pinlock system, are worth considering.

With the right preparations, your motorcycle journeys can remain safe and enjoyable, no matter how bad the weather gets.