Don't Just Park It Away: How to Look After Your Motorcycle After Getting Caught in the Rain

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Recently, heavy rain has been hitting many regions, including Jabodetabek. For motorcyclists, riding a motorcycle in the rain is often unavoidable, especially for those who go about daily activities on the road. However, after a motorcycle has been exposed to rain, many owners park it straight away without basic maintenance. Rainwater mixed with dust and road dirt can affect several motorcycle components if left for too long. ‘If you’ve just been caught in the rain, it’s best to wipe the motorcycle down, particularly metal parts such as bolts or the brake discs. Rainwater is usually mixed with road dirt and can cause rust if left,’ Agung told Kompas.com on Saturday 7 March 2026. Agung explained that one area needing attention is the braking components. Water and dirt sticking to the disc area or the brake caliper can affect braking performance if left for too long. Additionally, motorcycle owners are advised to rinse the vehicle with clean water if they have been subjected to heavy rain or have passed muddy roads. This step aims to remove remaining mud and dirt that cling to the body and undercarriage of the motorcycle. ‘If the dirt is left attached for a long time, it can accelerate rust in some metal parts and cause components to wear more quickly,’ said Agung. After cleaning, the motorcycle should be dried with a cloth, especially in damp areas such as crevices in the body, the brake discs, and the area around the engine. This simple method can help keep the condition of the components in good order.