Don't Underestimate Rainwater: It Can Cause Motorbike Stalling and Breakdowns

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - The rainy season poses unique challenges for motorbike users. Besides slippery roads and reduced visibility, rainwater can trigger various technical issues in vehicles if not properly addressed.

In some cases, motorbikes can stall or break down after frequent exposure to rain or wading through puddles.

Wahyu Budhi, Technical Analyst at PT Wahana Makmur Sejati, explained that several motor components are vulnerable to disruption when frequently exposed to rainwater. The electrical system is one of the most common issues.

Besides the electrical system, the air filter also requires attention during the rainy season. According to Wahyu, a wet air filter due to water seeping through loose cover gaps can disrupt airflow to the combustion chamber.

“If the air filter is wet, combustion becomes suboptimal. The motorbike typically feels sluggish, has heavy pulling, and may even stall unexpectedly when in use,” Wahyu said.

Another frequent problem is the CVT area in automatic motorbikes. Water entering the CVT housing can affect the condition of the V-belt, rollers, and double clutch pads. If not cleaned promptly, performance may decline and components wear out faster.

Wahyu advised motorbike owners not to store their vehicles immediately after getting wet. The motorbike should be washed first to prevent residual rainwater and dirt from causing rust or corrosion on metal components.