When the weather outside is frightful, many motorcycle riders hang up their keys for the winter. But for some of us, the thought of putting the bike away for months is unbearable. So we bundle up, fire up the bike, and go for a ride.
Sure, it’s not always comfortable. The cold can numbs your fingers and toes, and the wind can whip through your clothes. But there’s something about riding in the winter that just can’t be beaten.
Also Read: Best Motorcycle Amplifiers: Detailed Overview of Top Systems 2022
With a little preparation, winter riding can be a great experience. So don’t let the cold weather keep you off your bike – get out there and enjoy the ride motorcycle in winter. In this article, we’ll look at a few important factors for riding a motorcycle in the winter.
The Difference Between Riding in the Winter vs. The Warmer Months
The biggest difference is the clothing you’ll need to wear. In winter, you’ll need to dress much warmer than you would in warm weather. You’ll need a good, warm jacket, gloves, and boots to keep your extremities from getting cold. It’s also a good idea to wear layers so you can adjust if you start to get too warm.
Another difference is the way you need to ride. In winter, you can’t just go full throttle as you might in the summer. The cold weather makes the tires harder, so you need to take corners slower and be more careful in general.
Finally, you need to be aware of the road conditions. In winter, there is often ice and snow, which can make riding dangerous. You need to be extra careful and watch out for slippery spots.
Overall, riding a motorcycle in winter is different than riding in warm weather, but it’s still possible and can be fun. Just be prepared and take it slow.
How to Prepare to Ride in Winter?
Assuming you live in a colder climate, there are a few things you can do to help make winter motorcycle riding more enjoyable. Below we will look at the most important points.
Wear the Correct Motorcycle Gear
When it comes to motorcyclist clothing for winter riding, there are a few key items that are essential to staying warm and comfortable. A good motorcycle jacket is a must-have, as it will help to protect you from the elements while you’re riding. Motorcycle boots are also important, as they will help to keep your feet warm and dry. Other items to consider include motorcycle gloves, a face mask, and a neck warmer.
A motorcycle jacket is one of the most important pieces of clothing for winter riding. A good jacket will be made from a waterproof and windproof material, such as Gore-Tex. It should also be insulated to keep you warm, without being too bulky. Look for a jacket with a comfortable fit that allows you to move freely, and be sure to choose one that includes reflective strips or other visibility enhancements.
Motorcycle boots are another essential piece of gear for riding a motorcycle in winter. They should be made from waterproof material and should be insulated to keep your feet warm. Look for boots with a comfortable fit that allows you to move freely, and be sure to choose a pair that won’t slip on wet or icy surfaces.
When choosing motorcyclist clothing for winter riding, be sure to select items that are made from waterproof and windproof materials. Insulated clothing will also help to keep you warm. Look for items that fit well and allow you to move freely, and be sure to choose items that are visible in low-light conditions.
Other Winter Riding Gear
Motorcycle gloves are another important item to consider for winter riding. Look for gloves that are made from a waterproof and windproof material, and that are insulated to keep your hands warm. Be sure to choose a pair that fits well and allows you to move freely.
A face mask is another great option for riding a motorcycle on snow, as it will help to keep your face warm and dry. Look for a face mask that covers your nose and mouth, and that is made from a breathable material.
Thermal underwear is a must for any motorcyclist in winter. It helps to keep you warm by trapping your body heat close to your skin. And, because it’s typically made from moisture-wicking material, it helps to keep you dry as well.
When choosing thermal underwear, look for a snug fit that will trap your body heat without being too constricting. And, be sure to choose a moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable on your ride.
A neck warmer is another great option for winter riding. A neck warmer will help to keep your neck warm and dry, and will also help to prevent chafing from your motorcycle helmet.
Proper Motorcycle Prep for Winter Riding
It’s important to prepare for riding a motorcycle in the cold, as the cold weather can cause serious damage to your bike. Here are a few tips on how to winterize your motorcycle:
- Protect your engine. Cold weather can cause your engine to seize up, so it’s important to protect it from the cold. You can do this by adding thicker oil to your engine, which will help to lubricate it and keep it running smoothly.
- Keep your battery charged. Cold weather can drain your battery faster, so it’s important to keep it charged. You can do this by plugging it into a charger overnight or using a tender.
- Inspect your chain. The cold weather can cause your chain to become stiff and break. Inspect it regularly and lubricate it to keep it in good condition.
- Cover your bike. When you’re not riding your bike, make sure to cover it to protect it from the cold weather. A tarp or a motorcycle cover will do the trick.
The Right Tires
Just like any other vehicle, your motorcycle’s tires need special care and attention when the weather turns cold. Here are a few tips to help you get your motorcycle tires ready for winter:
- Check the Tire Pressure. One of the most important things you can do to prepare your motorcycle tires for winter is to check the tire pressure. Cold weather can cause the air in your tires to contract, which can lead to lower tire pressure. Not only is low tire pressure unsafe, but it can also negatively affect your motorcycle’s handling.
- Inspect the Tread. Another important step in preparing your motorcycle tires for winter is to inspect the tread. Even if your tires have plenty of treads left, the cold weather can make the tread harder, which can cause your tires to slip on icy roads. If you have any doubt about the condition of your tires, it’s best to replace them before winter riding.
- Choose the Right Tires. Not all motorcycle tires are created equal. If you’re planning on doing any serious winter riding, you’ll need to choose tires that are specifically designed for cold weather conditions. These tires typically have deeper treads and are made from materials that remain pliable in the cold.
- Store Your Motorcycle Properly. If you won’t be riding your motorcycle during the winter months, it’s important to store it properly. This means keeping it in a warm, dry place where the tires won’t be exposed to the cold. If possible, raise your motorcycle off the ground to prevent the tires from flattening.
Tips for Winter Motorcycle Riding
With the onset of cold weather, many motorcyclists put their bikes away for the winter. But if you can’t accept the lack of two-wheeled transport, there are a few things you need to do to ensure safety on the roads.
What we already know:
- you need to make sure your bike is in good condition. This means checking the tires, chain, and other moving parts to make sure they are lubricated and inflated. You should also check the battery and charging system to make sure they are in working order;
- you should dress for the weather. This means putting on warm clothes that will protect you from the weather. You should also wear a good pair of motorcycle boots that will keep your feet dry and warm;
- use accessories designed for cold weather, such as motorcycle heated grips.
But how to ride properly? Let’s find out!
Watch for Salt, Fresh Cracks due to Plows and Black Ice
When the weather outside is cold and wet, it’s important to take extra care of your motorcycle to make sure it doesn’t get damaged. One potential hazard is salt, which can be found on roads and sidewalks in the winter.
If salt gets on your motorcycle, it can cause corrosion and rust. This is especially true if it gets into the engine, where it can cause serious damage. It’s important to clean your motorcycle regularly in the winter, and pay special attention to any salt that may have gotten on it.
If you live in an area where salt is used on the roads, be extra careful when riding in the winter. Try to avoid puddles and potholes, and if you do get salt on your motorcycle, clean it off as soon as possible.
Increase Visibility and Following Distance
When it comes to motorcycle safety, two of the most important factors are visibility and distance. In the winter, these become even more important.
With shorter days and longer nights, it’s harder for drivers to see motorcycles on the road. That’s why it’s important for motorcyclists to make themselves as visible as possible. Wear bright colors and reflective gear. Use your headlights, even during the day. And be extra cautious when passing through intersections or making turns.
It’s also important to give yourself plenty of space when riding in the winter. Ice and snow can make roads slick and dangerous. And if you do happen to slip, it’s important to have enough space to react and avoid a collision. So take your time and don’t take any unnecessary risks.
No Riding in the Snow
When most people think of snow, they think of Christmas, hot cocoa, and cozy fires. What they don’t think of is how dangerous it can be to ride a motorcycle in the snow.
Even if you’re an experienced rider, it’s important to be aware of the dangers that come with riding in the snow. The first danger is the obvious one: it’s slippery. You have less traction on a motorcycle, which means it’s easier to lose control and slide.
The second danger is the cold. Snow and ice can numb your hands and feet, making it difficult to operate the motorcycle. You could also get hypothermia if you’re not dressed properly.
The third danger is hidden ice. You might not be able to see it, but black ice can be deadly. It’s a thin layer of ice that forms on the road, and it’s almost impossible to see. If you hit black ice, you could easily lose control of your motorcycle.
Riding a motorcycle is dangerous enough, but add in the factor of snow and ice and it becomes even more dangerous. If you must ride in the snow, be sure to take extra caution and be prepared for the worst.
FAQ
How cold is too cold to ride a motorcycle?
There is no definitive answer to this question as everyone has different tolerance levels for cold weather. Some people may be able to ride their motorcycle in cold weather without any issues, while others may find it too uncomfortable and prefer to wait for warmer weather. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide whether or not they are comfortable riding in cold weather.
Does cold weather affect motorcycles?
Cold weather affects motorcycles in a few ways. It can make the tires harder, which can impact traction. It can also make the engine and other parts of the bike slower to respond.
Is it OK to ride a motorcycle in winter?
It is not recommended to ride a motorcycle in winter due to the increased risk of accidents. The roads are more slippery and the visibility is reduced, making it more difficult to see other vehicles.
Conclusion
Overall, although most people think of motorcycles as a warm-weather activity, there are plenty of people who enjoy riding year-round. If you live in an area with cold winters, you can still enjoy riding your motorcycle – you just need to take some extra precautions.
Bruce was born in Atlanta. He started riding motorcycles when he was 10 and has been passionate about them since. Bruce says he feels absolute freedom when he’s on two wheels. He prefers riding his bike slowly and smoothly along a country road and hardly ever enjoys wildly speedy rides. With a strong Ducati Multistrada 1200 in the current stable, Bruce enjoys his super powerful, comfortable and easy rides. Ducati Diavel is the beast he’s currently dreaming about…
