The snow hitting the ground isn’t a sign that your motorcycle adventures are over. Riding your motorcycle in the winter can be equal parts exhilarating and frightening. However, you shouldn’t give up riding your bike out of fear. Motorcycle riding during the winter provides you with some of the best views that you don’t get to see year-round. It’s possible to ride on the icy roads if you prepare yourself and your bike ahead of time.
When preparing for winter rides, expect harsh conditions. It’s better to be overprepared than underprepared. Here are a few tips to help you safely ride your motorcycle during the cold months.
Take Your Time
Bikers are typically in a hurry when they’re on the road; it’s all part of the fun of being a motorcyclist. While riding your bike at accelerating speeds is a blast, you need to slow down in the winter. Winter is not the time to try to impress your friends, and you need to be extra careful. Be extra-easy with your accelerator, and refrain from making sudden movements. Do not suddenly break, accelerate, corner, or swerve. Remember, it’s easy to speed up your bike, but it’s far more challenging to slow down. A great motorcyclist can slow down to almost a standstill while still being able to control their motorcycle. Skills that you pick up while driving in the winter will come in handy during the other seasons. If you can safely drive in the winter, you’ll be able to take on any season and any terrain.
Invest in Winter Gear
It’s far too risky to not invest in winter motorcycle gear, especially if you intend to use your motorcycle frequently during those months. Now is the time to buy heavy-duty gear such as boots, pants, insulated jackets, and gloves. If you live in an area where it snows, then you probably already own winter clothes—but you should look into gear that’s specific to motorcycle riding. Dress in layers and invest in wool sweaters and windbreaker jackets.
Cold Weather Means Cold Tires
When you ride your motorcycle in warm weather, your tires heat up from use after riding for a few minutes. Heated tires result in tighter traction and enabling, so you can easily control your motorcycle. This is not the case when it’s snowing. If the weather is freezing, you can safely assume that any tire heat that your tires generated is gone after a few seconds. It’s as if your tires are starting from scratch each minute. Check your pressure frequently during the winter, and use a gauge, not your eyes.
Consider a Winter Motorcycle
You may have to use another motorcycle that is strong enough to take on the snow. If you’re going to ride on ice, don’t do it using a big, heavy bike. Any dual sport bike is ideal for winter riding.
Riding your motorcycle in the winter is a rewarding experience. If you are involved in an unfortunate situation that results in injuries, you should consider working with a personal injury lawyer. Contact Flickinger • Boulton • Robson • Weeks today to work with experienced injury lawyers.
