But it’s not a reason to stop riding
After a long break from motorcycling, I found myself back in the saddle in a church parking lot in Saanich, B.C. My ride: a borrowed 2006 BMW GS. My instructor: Larry, a straight-talking no-nonsense police motorcycle officer. For hours, he had me starting, stopping, turning, and swerving – re-teaching me the basics – all on slick asphalt in the pouring rain. It could have been one of those days where I wondered exactly why I was coming back to riding. But I came to realize it was the best reintroduction I could have asked for.
A couple of weeks later, I left Victoria on my new V-Strom and pointed it towards Toronto. I knew B.C. had a reputation for rain, but when it rained nine out of ten days on the road home, that wasn’t in the plan. And yet, as the days wore on, I realized how grateful I was. Each rain-soaked mile felt like an opportunity to sharpen those skills that had been drilled into me, and by the time I made it home, I was a better rider because of it.
Shortly after, I planned a ride with some acquaintances to a motorcycle show a couple of hours north of Toronto. The weather looked iffy, and out of eight riders who had committed, only one showed up. The two of us had a brilliant day—mostly sun with just a few sprinkles. The others missed out – big time.
Later, I signed up for an advanced riding course. Of course, it rained the first morning, right on cue for the tight cone-pattern drills. Even though I was riding increasingly difficult patterns on wet asphalt, not once did I feel like I was losing traction. All that practice in the rain had paid off.
Here’s the thing about rain riding: it’s not something to dread, it’s an opportunity. It teaches you to be smooth on and off the throttle. It forces you to be smooth with your braking. And it rewards smooth shifting. Nail those skills and not only will you stay upright in the rain, but your dry-weather riding will improve, too. And don’t forget to relax—gripping the bars like you’re hanging on for dear life won’t do you any favors.
I always tell new riders who come into the shop to hope for rain during their licensing course. They give me weird looks, but I explain that rain is the perfect teacher. It forces you to smooth out your inputs from the start. Dry pavement hides mistakes. Wet pavement shines a spotlight on them. Master your controls in the rain, and you’re already ahead of riders who learned on sunny, dry days.
These days, a little rain is an invitation to ride, not a reason to bail. When most riders pack it in, I gear up, knowing I’ll likely have the roads to myself. There’s a kind of magic to it—riding in and out of rain, and when the clouds break, everything looks sharper, clearer. The air feels cleaner. So why do I embrace bad weather while others shy away? Simple: I’ve learned to ride confidently, no matter what the forecast.
Safely riding in the rain boils down to four things: 1. traction awareness, 2. weather awareness, 3. personal awareness, and 4. being seen.
Traction. Wet roads present all sorts of hazards, especially in the first 20 minutes of rain when oil and grime rise to the surface. After that, things settle. Some riders pull over, but I’ve learned I can keep going as long as I stay alert for slick surfaces—metal grates, painted lines, wet leaves, you name it. I also make sure my tires are up to the task. On a wet road, you’re still getting around 80 percent of your usual traction (if you steer clear of the obvious hazards). That’s plenty.
Weather awareness. One rainy day last year, I stopped for gas, and as I rolled down the incline from the pump, my front tire slipped out. Somehow, I saved it, but it was a wake-up call. I hadn’t adjusted my riding for the rain that had just started. Now, I make a mental note when the weather shifts—more following distance, a touch less speed, and I keep my bike more upright in the turns.
Personal awareness. Knowing my limits. Rain riding demands more focus, which can wear you out faster. Hypothermia’s a real risk, too—especially on cold, wet rides. I always have rain gear packed, and I make sure I’m warm, dry, and prepared for whatever comes my way. My rule? Ride to live another day. It’s not about being macho. If the conditions push past my comfort zone, I get off the road. Simple as that.
Being Seen. Lastly, when it’s raining and the skies are dark, it is not as easy for drivers to see my bike. AdMore’s rear light bar optimizes my visibility, especially while I am braking and slowing down. Although I may leave more space when it’s raining, the drivers behind me don’t always do the same. Making sure they know what I’m doing and that they see me is especially important in inclement weather. Also, the days are shorter, so there is a better chance that I may be returning home in the dark. When I got home from B.C., the first thing I did was install an AdMore rear light bar on my bike. I’m glad I did.
Sure, rain riding takes more attention, but it’s worth it. The nine days of rain on my ride home from Victoria? They were a blessing. I learned that rain doesn’t have to ruin a ride—it can make you a better rider, as long as you’re prepared and willing to adapt. So, the next time the forecast calls for rain, don’t let it keep you inside. Get out there. You might just enjoy the ride of your life.
Ride safe and be seen. I hope to see you out on the road sometime soon. Remember, becoming a skilled and confident rider is a marathon, not a sprint. Take it slow, enjoy the ride, and never stop learning. As I’ve discovered, motorcycling is more than just a hobby—it’s a lifestyle and a lifelong adventure.
– John Lewis
John is a passionate moto-traveller and motorcycle enthusiast who enjoys sharing stories that inform, inspire, and entertain. Specialising in motorcycle touring, safety, travel, or just about anything motorcycle-related, John’s insights, travels, and experiences have been featured in national magazines such as Motorcycle Mojo and The Motorcycle Times, as well as on various blogs and websites. When he is not riding or writing, he works as the service manager at a boutique motorcycle shop where he’s always ready to share a story or helpful tip.