Will Leaving Your Motorcycle in the Rain Damage Your Saddle?

Summary:

• While motorcycles are built tough, prolonged exposure to rain can cause damage—especially to the saddle.
• Continuous rain exposure can cause saddle foam to deteriorate. You might experience soggy and deformed foam, mold, and mildew growth, and corrosion of internal components underneath the seat.
• Luimoto's marine-grade vinyl gives our seat covers superior protection against water, outperforming most OEM materials.
• Keep your saddle safe from water by investing in a quality seat cover and waterproof motorcycle covers, ensuring proper drainage, using water-repellent sprays, and storing the bike indoors when possible.
• In case your saddle gets soaked, quick actions like drying it off, airing it out, and applying protectants can minimize damage.

A lot of folks baby their bikes, but motorcycles are pretty tough. They’re meant to be ridden hard, and that means they’ve got to function in a variety of different environments and conditions—including dirt, wind, and (of course) rain.

But while you should have no problem riding through the occasional shower, leaving your bike exposed to rain for long periods of time carries the risk of certain parts deteriorating. And your saddle can be particularly vulnerable if you don’t take proper steps to protect it.

At Luimoto, we design motorcycle seat covers that offer better protection from the elements than most OEM options—along with sturdy weather protectors and other accessories. Let us explain why rain can be a saddle-killer over time and how to prevent that damage.

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• Rider Seat Covers
• Passenger Seat Covers
• Weather Protectors & Accessories

How Rain Affects Motorcycle Seat Foam

Just like your bike, your saddle’s tough—but it’s not invincible, especially when it comes to rain. Here’s what happens when you let your saddle 

• Soaking Up Trouble: When water gets into your seat foam, it becomes soggy and spongy. This doesn’t just make for an uncomfortable, squishy ride—over time, it can also break down the foam itself. You might get less support or feel weird lumps (and it can look pretty ugly as well).
• Mold and Mildew: Moist foam is an easy breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can cause a musty smell that’s hard to get rid of and increase the rate at which your seat foam deteriorates.
• Rust: Water that soaks all the way through your seat foam and reaches the metal underneath can cause corrosion over time—and unless you remove your seat frequently, you might not notice until it’s too late. This can affect your bike’s resale value and may even cause damage to mechanical components under the seat (not to mention sensitive electronics).

Materials Matter: Luimoto’s Marine-Grade Vinyl vs. OEM Options

Given the above, you want to make sure the materials protecting your motorcycle seat are up to the challenge of keeping water away. This is especially important if you street park your bike (we’re based in rainy Vancouver, BC, and the number of weather-beaten bikes we see on the side of the road every year is enough to bring tears to our eyes).

To that end, Luimoto uses marine-grade vinyl in all of our rider and passenger seat covers. This material offers better water resistance than most OEM seat cover materials, providing an extra layer of protection for your motorcycle saddle if you ride or park it in rainy areas.

See Also: What Is the Best Material to Cover a Motorcycle Seat?

Tips for Protecting Your Saddle From the Elements

We strongly recommend a seat cover upgrade if you want to mitigate the risks of water damage to your saddle—but there are other steps you can take as well. Here’s what we recommend:

• Use a Motorcycle Cover: When not in use, cover your entire bike with a waterproof motorcycle cover. This not only protects your saddle but also shields the rest of your bike from the elements.
• Buy a Dedicated Weather Protector: Even a good cover won’t necessarily stop rain from getting through in a downpour. For total protection, consider a Luimoto Weather Protector made from waterproof PU material that fits snugly over your saddle and seals it off from the elements when you’re not riding.

• Regular Maintenance: Wipe down your seat regularly, especially after it gets wet. This prevents water from seeping in and wards off mold and mildew growth.
• Check for Drainage: Make sure any water that does get onto your saddle can drain away easily. Most bikes have drainage channels meant to funnel water away from the area around your seat before it can pool—but blocked drainage allows water to seep into the foam.
• Apply a Water Repellent: Consider using a water-repellent spray on your saddle. This adds an extra layer of protection against moisture—just check any spray you buy to make sure it’s safe to use on your seat cover materials first!
• Inspect for Damage: Regularly check your saddle for signs of wear, such as cracking or sagging. Early detection can save you from bigger repair costs down the line.
• Store Indoors When Possible: If you have the option, store your bike in a garage or shed. This is the best way to protect it from all types of weather.

Emergency Saddle Care (For When You’ve Been Drenched)

Sometimes, rain is unavoidable—and if you’re ever soaked to the bone while you’re riding, chances are good that your bike saddle is just as wet. Here are some tips for mitigating water damage in these situations:

• Act Fast: As soon as you’re somewhere safe and dry, get to work on your saddle. Use a clean, dry towel to blot and soak up as much water as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this could damage the material.
• Use a Hairdryer on a Cool Setting: If you have access to a hairdryer, use it on a cool setting to gently dry the seat. Keep it moving and don’t focus on one spot for too long to avoid overheating and damaging the material.
• Air It Out: Once you’ve blotted and lightly dried your saddle, let it air out in a well-ventilated area. This helps prevent mold and mildew from setting in.
• Check and Clear Drainage: Make sure your bike’s drainage system isn’t clogged. If there’s standing water in or around your saddle, clearing the drainage paths can help prevent long-term damage.
• Apply Leather Conditioner or Vinyl Protectant: After drying, apply an appropriate conditioner or protectant to the saddle material. This helps keep leather supple and prevents vinyl from cracking.
• Evaluate for Damage: After the saddle is completely dry, give it a thorough inspection. Look for signs of water seepage into the foam or any changes in the texture or shape of the saddle.
• Consider a Professional Checkup: If your bike was exposed to a lot of water, it might be worth having a professional look over it. They can check for hidden damage, especially in the internal components underneath the saddle.

Give Your Saddle the Care It Deserves

The better care you take of your motorcycle seat, the more support it will give you over the years and the more you’ll enjoy riding. Investing in one of our high-quality seat covers is a great starting point. Follow up with a weather protector and follow the tips we’ve listed above, and a little rain should be no match for you.

Explore our whole product catalog here and find the right cover for your bike—or browse the FAQ below to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions about Luimoto Seat Covers & Rain

What makes Luimoto’s marine-grade vinyl better than OEM seat cover materials?

Marine-grade vinyl is the same material used on commercial fishing boats to safeguard equipment from the harsh conditions found in the open ocean. It is far more effective than most textiles at preventing water ingress and requires far less maintenance than leather to remain effective over time.

Can I get a custom Luimoto seat cover for my motorcycle?

Yes—we offer custom stitching and materials, embroidery services, and one-of-a-kind bespoke seat covers made to your specifications. Explore our custom services here.

How do I install a Luimoto weather protector for my bike?

Installing our weather protectors is easy and takes just a few minutes. You can either remove the seat first or simply wrap the cover around it while it’s still on the bike. See our full instructions here.