Rain on a motorcycle: BMW accessories and advice to protect yourself

If with autumn comes more frequent rain, it is not necessary to put the motorcycle away. However, some motorcyclists may not be comfortable in the rain or even represent a danger, due to lack of know-how and habit. Driving in the rain can be common for some, rare for others and it is important to have the right equipment and reflexes.

Our team of bikers and BMW Motorrad experts have come together to bring together different BMW equipment and accessories that may be useful to you as well as advice. Find out how to ride a motorcycle in the rain with maximum safety now.

How to adapt your motorcycle equipment to the rain?

As soon as the rains arrive, you can keep your current motorcycle equipment without worries if it is waterproof. If it is not waterproof, keeping it on will require adjustments. Don't worry, BMW Motorrad has a range of functional clothing dedicated to adapting your equipment to the rain.

BMW Motorrad rain protection equipment

More effective than a fabric waterproofer to apply and which will be quickly penetrated by the rain, motorcycle rainproof equipment is equipment made to be adapted to your motorcycle equipment, therefore will resist better than a classic waterproof outfit and will have better fitted shapes and cuts.

There are different options for BMW rain equipment:

• The RainLock set: made up of separate pants and a jacket, it can be worn over your motorcycle outfit and ensures waterproofing and visibility;
• The ProRain suit: this is a complete suit that can be worn over your motorcycle outfit, it also has reflective strips;
• The Ride inner jacket: this is worn under your motorcycle jacket and waterproofs your upper body, without waterproofing your jacket;
• The Barcelona GTX set: a motorcycle set that aims to be waterproof and protective, worn over your everyday outfit.

You can therefore select a solution that suits you from these options, according to your needs and your current motorcycle equipment.

Waterproof BMW motorcycle equipment

If your current equipment is not waterproof and you do not want to adapt it, you can also simply switch to waterproof motorcycle clothing. There is a very large choice of waterproof BMW equipment, for example you can filter according to your practice to exclude styles that do not suit you. Some waterproof equipment is made up of several layers including a raincoat which can be worn over the jacket or pants.

We advise you to favor equipment with the GTX mention because they contain a layer of Gore-Tex which guarantees waterproofing as well as wind resistance.

Waterproof BMW motorcycle glovesu

While it is common to have a waterproof jacket and pants or to make them waterproof with simple solutions, this is not necessarily the case for motorcycle gloves. Sometimes forgotten, it is nevertheless very important to have perfectly waterproof gloves for riding in the rain, otherwise your hands can become painful, tense and make your movements less precise.

Just like with outfits, you can select GTX gloves with your eyes closed. There are also multi-purpose gloves which have two compartments: one waterproof and one breathable, these are gloves with 2 in 1 technology, the 2-In-1:

• The Tenda GTX 2-In-1 gloves: extremely versatile gloves compatible with sport, touring and enduro driving;
• The BMW GS Namib GTX 2-In-1 gloves: enduro and touring gloves that complete the GS Namib GTX outfit;
• The PaceGuard GTX 2-In-1 gloves: shorter than the last two, these gloves are suitable for enduro and touring;
• The Two in One Tech gloves:versatile gloves, suitable for touring as well as sporty roadster driving.

There are of course other types of waterproof motorcycle gloves, even from BMW, but the 2-In-1 offers superior versatility which can be appreciated during the changing seasons.

Waterproof BMW motorcycle boots

Just like your hands, your feet need to be kept dry when riding in the rain. The extremities tend to cool more quickly and become numb, so take extra care. There are different types of BMW waterproof boots, with or without a Gore-Tex layer and in different styles.

Among the most popular models, we find:

• BMW VentureGrip GTX boots: enduro boots available in brown and black;
• Kawir GS sneakers: more discreet sneakers with a layer of Gore-Tex and a reinforced sole;
• CruiseComfort GTX boots: perfectly waterproof all-season touring boots.

Once again, the boots you need will depend on your needs and your activity, do not hesitate to ask our customer service for advice.

How to prepare your motorcycle for riding in the rain?

Once you have adapted your equipment, you need to move on to the motorbike. It is very important to carry out checks and adaptations before driving in the rain, whether light or heavy.

• Check the condition of your brakes: check your brakes because they will undoubtedly be used more than in good weather.
• Check your visibility elements: check the proper functioning of your lights and indicators, as well as the reflective strips on your equipment.
• If necessary and possible, adapt your tires to tires more suited to rain and water.
• If necessary, adapt your storage: to keep your belongings dry, opt for waterproof storage.

Finally, a little bonus tip: if you park your motorcycle outside, remember to cover it with a protective cover.

Our tips for riding in the rain

To conclude, the team of experts came together to list the most useful tips for riding in the rain with maximum safety, here is our list:

• Adapt your safety distances: in the event of braking or slipping, you may need more distance to stop.
• Adapt your speed: whether for turns or in the presence of other users, drive slower than usual.
• Brake gently: if you brake too quickly, too hard, you increase the risk of slipping.
• Keep your lights on so you remain visible at all times.
• Wear visible gear: Highly visible colors and reflective strips may be preferred.
• Avoid slippery floors (floor markings, manhole covers) as well as puddles.
• Increase your concentration and anticipate other users who may see you less clearly than normal.
• In the event of a downpour or heavy rain, wait until the weather calms down before hitting the road.

Finally, if you are not used to driving in the rain and do not feel confident, do not hesitate to opt for another means of transport. You can also sign up for courses dedicated to driving in the rain.

We wish everyone a good journey, let us not forget that our behavior protects ourselves as well as others. If you have any doubts about your equipment, do not hesitate to contact our team who will be able to advise you on all BMW Motorrad rain accessories available on our site.