The cold is your number one enemy when riding a motorcycle in winter,
but it is still possible to enjoy a winter stroll in your motorcycle. There are
surely ways that you can do to protect yourself from cold and have a fun and
safe ride whatever time of the day. Some of these tips are similar to the tips I wrote for running in winter.
There are few things you have to remember when riding a motorcycle in
winter. Here are the top five tips:
#1 Wear Proper Motorcycle
Clothing And Gear
This is the most obvious and most necessary on this list. A comfortable
ride starts with wearing proper gear. It is important that you layer what you
wear to make sure that you stay comfortable throughout the entire ride.
·
Winter clothing – Start with a baselayer, which
is a long sleeve. You can check out your favorite motorcycle apparel stores and
find the best one of your choice. A baselayer will allow your skin to breathe
and helps draw away moisture. You can also have a mid-layer like a fleece,
which would help in insulating.
Your outer gear has to be waterproof and
breathable. Stay warm with a waterproof outer gear so even when it snows, you
stay dry in the inside and avoid hypothermia. It has to be breathable for added
comfort in the inside.
·
Neck Warmer – A neck warmer is a nice finishing touch
to keep your whole upper body warm.
·
Footwear – For boots, choose a pair that is
breathable and waterproof.
·
Gloves – Gloves are important to keep your
fingers and hands warm. There are different lengths of cuffs for gloves, so you
have to choose which one is more comfortable for you to use. Remember, though
you need coverage to keep your body warm, you are also looking for
comfort.
·
Helmet – You can save your life when you choose
the right helmet. A full helmet will protect you from wind and road debris.
Another gear that will keep your head and face warm is a balaclava. This will
keep the cold from penetrating your jacket.
·
Reflector – Another thing, it’s not really usual
for bikers to be out during winter, but if you really can’t resist the fun in
driving, just make sure that you wear a reflector so you are still visible even
if it’s foggy outside.
#2 Gear Up Your Motorcycle
It is vital to check the condition of your motorcycle before your drive
to make sure that everything works perfectly fine and it’s in condition to run
in a cold weather with all the road distractions. Check the brakes, light
signals and tires. Go to your local motorcycle garage to get a full winter check.
·
Tires – The changes in temperature from autumn
to winter can affect your tire to lose pressure. So have it checked by a
mechanic, if you’re not an expert, to ensure safety. Let your tires warm up
because the cold weather can get the rubber harder when it gets cold. There
will be less traction provided when this happens so make sure that warm it up
before the drive.
·
Windshield – Have a windshield installed in your
bike. With this, you’ll go a long way. This is simple but helps a lot in keeping
your body warm as you drive as it diverts the wind rather than landing on your
body. You can also use an anti-misting spray to make sure that you can see
clearly in your mirrors.
·
Heated Motorcycle Parts – There are gears you
can install in your motorcycle to give you more warmth. There are heated seats,
jackets, grips and inserts. These are options which will help you keep warm
while driving in a cold condition; you just have to choose what is comfortable
for you.
·
Oil – Properly oil your motorcycle, this is a
priority. Consult a mechanic if you’re not familiar about this.
#3 Check The Weather Forecast
Before Leaving
The weather is ever changing even in winter, so you better tune in for
weather forecast. Know when it is going to snow, and if it does, you know you
have to better stay at home and postpone your road trip for some time.
#4 Be Aware Of The Road Hazards
You should be familiar with the road you are driving. Be aware of
signage, wet roads and ice. You need to anticipate what hazards could be
present in the road when driving. Remember to prioritize your safety when
riding.
#5 Be Sensitive To Your Body
If your body is feeling really cold, you can stop in a nearby store and
heat up to make sure that you survive the winter drive and actually enjoy it.
Winter doesn’t have to keep you from enjoying a motorcycle ride. There
are a lot of ways to keep warm while driving. Remember, to wear proper clothing
and gear up your motorcycle, be aware of the weather and road hazards and
listen to your body when taking a ride in your motorcycle in winter. You can
surely get to where you want if you keep these things in mind and of course
enjoy the ride.
