Riding a motorcycle in the winter is definitely not for everybody. The possibility of ice is always there, even if the roads are well treated. But if the conditions are right and you have no other option to get to work or to school, here are some tips for winter riding.
Fight the cold
1. Correct gear with many layers
The first and most important thing is the correct gear: you will need many layers. It may sound obvious but investing in the right winter gear can make a huge difference. Hence wind is your enemy, one-peace leathers are the best as they don’t offer opportunity for the wind to find a way in. The number of layers you’ll need to wear is based both on personal preference and the temperature outside. But you have to remember one thing: don’t wear so many layers that you lose your mobility. You have to exercise your muscles, keep moving on the bike, one leg after the other, one arm after another. Use the heat of your engine. When you stop, keep your hands where the heat is, bot not in direct contact!
Riding in the correct gear is not just a matter of comfort. If you are wet and cold, you will tire more easily and you may not notice a film of ice. If you underestimate the weather and get minor.
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2.Heated grips, heated seat and heated gear
Many manufacturers offer heated grips. If you don’t have it, you still can google after third party products. A heated seat is even more important: it adds an upward channeling of heat to your body core and they warm the blood that’s making its way to your legs. Since legs are the farthest extremities, they’ll be the first to get cold. These two together with a heated jacket are going to make you feel very comfortable. Heated jackets heat from the sides and the seat is heating your core and your legs. But keep in mind: these devices can drain your battery. Do the math on what your alternator puts out to find out if it can keep up with all these warming devices.
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3.Prep your motorcycle
If you want to ride in the cold winter, you most definitely need a huge windscreen, handguards and maybe even windguards. If you have a water-cooled machine, make sure the antifreeze is fresh and it’s mixed properly. Check if you have adequate tread on your tires for winter riding! Tire pressure is also important because traction is crucial in the winter.
4.Watch for salt and black ice
Salt is an enemy to traction so if you see crystalized appearances on the side of the road, stay away. Save your open-road riding to the sunny days: in winter, road conditions need as much care as you can muster.
Photo Credit: Motorcycleculture
5. Visibility
You also have to increase your visibility: you have to look further down the road and try to recognize hazards before they occur. Open the following distance. You need to be as visible as possible to other road users – wear reflective clothing, it helps other drivers to see you.
6. Have a Motorcycle-Specific Towing Service
Before you ride, make sure you have a motorcycle-specific towing service that is readily available.
7.Leave some essentials at work
Will you be riding to work in the winter month? Here’s some good advice: leave a kit in your office because if you wear dress shoes or suit jacket on your motorcycle, at some point you’re going to get soaked. Of course this depends on the type of job you do, but it’s something worth considering all the same.
8. If it begins snowing, get home. Try to avoid riding in strong winds and keep an eye on the weather forecasts.
Whether you’re a winter riding newbie or a veteran, there’s always new bits of kit coming out to make life easier and you can always learn new tricks. Keep in mind: with the correct equipment, the cold and wet can easily be defeated.
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