For some of us, riding motorcycles is a lifestyle choice that we can forego when conditions are not conducive, like when there is an ongoing typhoon. For others, being in the saddle is a daily necessity, regardless of the weather.

For those riders, donning proper rain gear could understandably be very cumbersome, and that’s why I see a lot of them on the road these days practically riding in their swimwear (I am exaggerating a bit).

But if you really have to ride in the rain, here are some questionable monsoon riding practices that may appear practical but could potentially expose you to preventable injury.

Riding with bare hands

I know nobody likes to get their riding gloves wet, but riding in the rain without gloves is a quick way to get blisters on your hands. Also, you have reduced traction when riding in wet conditions and I’d hate to imagine using bare palms as sliders in case of a spill.

The throttle grip and clutch lever also become slippery when wet and motorcycle gloves are designed to be grippy even in such conditions.

Wearing a poncho-style raincoat

Easy on, easy off, the poncho raincoat is actually very effective in keeping you dry when riding in the rain. However, it does present some safety issues. Because it is loose-fitting, it could act as a sail when there is a strong gush of wind, adversely affecting motorcycle handling. Its edges that flap in the wind could also get caught in the drive chain or make contact with hot surfaces on your bike.

The better option is still rainwear with a separate top and pants.

Pro tip: Opt for adventure riding gear, they offer weather protection, and they also come with protective padding.

Wearing clogs vs. shoes

This practice is quite common among scooter riders because they don’t have to use their feet for shifting gears or even braking. Again, wearing Crocs when riding in the rain seems practical because you could easily wipe them dry but bear in mind that they offer very little protection in case of an accident.

If you wouldn’t want to get your precious riding shoes/boots muddy, then I suggest getting a pair of those affordable steel-toe safety shoes from the hardware store. Those usually come waterproof and slip-resistant, plus you get additional protection for your toes.  

Riding with an open-face shield

The clear lens on your helmet protects your eyes from debris and other projectiles that could cause debilitating injury. Yes, helmets don’t come with lens wipers, but you could use water-repellent spray on the outer side to keep them clear. There are also anti-fog films that you can stick on the inner side of your lens.

Do you regularly ride in the rain? Which of these less-than-ideal practices are you guilty of?