Monsoon Riding in India: What 15 Years of Riding Has Taught Me

The first rain is probably the most dangerous ride you'll take all year.

Not because of the rain.

Because of overconfidence.

Every year, I see riders getting excited after months of summer heat. The bike is cleaned, the tank is full, Instagram is flooded with waterfall reels, and everyone wants to ride to Mulshi, Tamhini, Lonavala, or Malshej the moment the clouds arrive.

Then reality hits.

The first rain mixes with months of oil, dust, and diesel deposits sitting on the road. That beautiful black tarmac suddenly feels like riding on soap.

I've seen experienced riders drop their bikes at 20 kmph in a parking lot while newcomers somehow survive a 300 km ride simply because they respected the conditions.

Monsoon riding is not about riding fast.

It's about riding smart.

And if you prepare properly, monsoon can easily become the most rewarding riding season in India.

Stop Looking at Your Motorcycle. Look at Your Tyres.

Most riders think about engine oil before a ride.

I think about tyres.

Because your motorcycle is connected to the road through a contact patch smaller than your palm.

If your tyre tread is nearing the wear indicator, don't convince yourself it will survive one more season.

It won't.

In monsoon, tyres decide:

• How confidently you corner
• How quickly you stop
• Whether you stay upright after hitting a painted road marking

My rule is simple. If I have doubts about my tyres before monsoon, I replace them.

Learn to Ride Smooth, Not Fast

One thing the rain teaches every rider is humility.

Your motorcycle still has power.

But the road has less grip.

Every input must become smoother:

• Roll on the throttle gently
• Brake progressively
• Avoid panic braking
• Look much farther ahead

If your riding style is aggressive, monsoon will expose every bad habit you have.

Waterproof Yourself Before Waterproofing the Bike

A wet rider becomes a tired rider.

A tired rider makes mistakes.

Most people spend ₹20,000 on accessories and ₹500 on a rain suit.

Wrong priority.

The best investment for monsoon touring:

1. Quality rain gear
2. Waterproof gloves
3. Waterproof boots
4. Pinlock visor

The Pinlock alone can completely transform a rainy ride.

If you've ever ridden through dense fog in Tamhini Ghat while continuously wiping your visor with one hand, you'll understand why.

The Most Important Monsoon Skill Nobody Talks About

Reading the road.

The road tells you everything.

Darker patch? Probably standing water.

Shiny patch? Possibly diesel spill.

White painted line? Reduced grip.

Metal bridge expansion joint? Reduce lean angle.

Monsoon riding is less about controlling the bike and more about reading what's ahead.

My Monsoon Packing List

• Chain lube
• Microfiber cloth
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Bungee cords
• Rain covers for luggage
• Portable tyre inflator
• Power bank
• Basic puncture kit
• Spare gloves

The goal is simple: prepare for the small problems before they become trip-ending problems.

Motorcycle Maintenance Before Monsoon

Before you start chasing waterfalls, spend an hour preparing your motorcycle.

Check the following:

• Brake pads and brake fluid
• Headlight and tail light operation
• Indicator lights
• Battery condition
• Chain tension and lubrication
• Coolant level
• Clutch free play
• Tyre pressure

A motorcycle that behaves perfectly in summer can develop issues very quickly in heavy rain.

Best Monsoon Routes Around Pune

Tamhini Ghat

If there is one ride every Pune rider should do during monsoon, it's Tamhini.

The road cuts through dense greenery, waterfalls appear around every corner, and the entire route feels like a scene from a movie.

Mulshi Backroads

Most riders stop at Mulshi Dam.

The real beauty starts after that.

Explore the smaller village roads around Mulshi and you'll discover some of the most scenic monsoon riding in Maharashtra.

Malshej Ghat

Clouds at eye level.

That's all I need to say.

Amboli Ghat

Probably one of India's most underrated monsoon motorcycle roads.

Less crowded than Lonavala. More rewarding for riders.

YouTube Resources Every Rider Should Watch Before Riding in the Rain

• Anurag Salgaonkar – Route planning and touring advice
• Deepak Kamath – Long-distance touring insights
• MotorInc (Shumi) – Motorcycle knowledge and riding technique
• FortNine – Advanced riding skills and safety concepts
• MotoJitsu – Motorcycle control drills and rider training

Spend one hour learning riding skills. It will improve your safety more than most motorcycle accessories ever will.

How MYTRA Makes Monsoon Rides Better

A few years ago, planning a ride meant checking multiple WhatsApp groups.

Today, riders can do much of that through www.mytra.club.

Find Riders and Clubs

Planning a ride to Tamhini or Malshej? Explore clubs and groups on MYTRA and connect with riders heading in the same direction.

Check Real Ride Conditions

Before leaving home, ask the community about road conditions, water crossings, landslides, traffic situations, and weather updates.

Create and Host Rides

Organising a monsoon breakfast ride? Use MYTRA Events to create rides, invite members, share routes, and manage participation.

Discover Rider-Friendly Businesses

Need a tyre shop, mechanic, detailing centre, or riding gear store? MYTRA Local helps riders discover businesses trusted by the riding community.

Buy and Sell Riding Gear

Thinking of upgrading your riding jacket or rain gear? Use MotoResell on MYTRA to buy and sell pre-owned riding gear and accessories within the motorcycle community.

Final Thoughts

The best monsoon riders aren't the fastest riders.

They're the riders who return home with stories.

Slow down. Stop for chai. Watch the clouds roll over the mountains. Take the longer route.

Because years later, you won't remember your average speed.

You'll remember the smell of rain in the ghats, the roadside tea stall, the friends who got drenched with you, and the ride that made you fall in love with motorcycling all over again.

And that's what monsoon riding in India is really about.

Ride safe. Ride smart. See you on the road.