How do you ride a motorcycle in the winter?
There are always riders who feel they are tough enough to ride in the winter by just wearing extra
clothing. There may be some intrepid enough to get away with this but the majority of riders need to
take precautions both for their bikes and themselves.
* Prepare Your Motorcycle
* Prepare Yourself
* Get a windshield
Many think a windshield spoils the beauty of the bike and gets in the way of enjoying the wind in
your hair. However, riding in 20 degree temperatures with severe wind chill factors may make you
change your mind about getting that windshield.
* Make sure your battery is up to the task
Many motorcycle batteries won't last more than two years. Winter riding puts even more strain on
a battery. Use a product like Battery Tender to keep it charged.
* Use proper oil
Usually 10W - 40 weight oil designed for motorcycles is sufficient.
* Check your coolant
If you have a liquid-cooled bike, be sure that the reading on the anti-freeze is sufficient for the
temperatures you expect.
* Inspect your bike mechanically
Make sure the bike has been thoroughly inspected for any mechanical problems. There is nothing
more frustrating than being stranded in the middle of nowhere in 20 degree temperatures because of
a breakdown.
Prepare Yourself
* Attitude
Riding a motorcycle in the winter can be a great experience. You are covered up much more than
in the summer and better protected. Your overall movement is somewhat more restricted especially if
you wear a full-face helmet. Turning one's neck to see traffic on crossroads can be a bit of a
challenge. People do not expect to see motorcycles in the winter so you have to be more careful to
make sure that you are seen. If you do any skiing, you'll be familiar with dressing to keep warm and
wearing somewhat constricting clothing. It's much the same getting yourself ready to ride in the
winter. I have even seen motorcyclists arrive on their bikes at ski resorts.
* Weather and road conditions
Making a decision to ride in the winter requires that you understand the increased risks over
summer riding. If you plan to travel any distance from home, check out the weather forecasts over the
route you'll be taking. It may be clear at home but icy and snowy elsewhere on your route.
* Clothing
You need to cover your body and eliminate places where the cold air can easily enter. Some
riders have been known to wear heavy clothing and seal up openings with duct tape. It's better to use
modern fabrics designed to seal out the cold and retain body heat. You can wear ski pants but there
are products made specifically for motorcyclists.
* Electrics
Many riders just dress in layers much as a skier does. There comes a time when most will get tired
of being so cold and opt for some electric clothing. There are many products out there. The sidebar
lists Gerbing and Widder. One usually uses an electric vest and electric gloves. The vest is worn
under your jacket. The vest and gloves are interconnected with wires that connect to a thermostat
that you usually place in your pocket. One end of the thermostat goes to a dedicated connector that
leads to the battery. You do look a bit like the Frankenstein monster with all those cables attached
but the upside is that you are toasty warm. Also, there are homeland security issues sometimes when
officials see wires leaving your sleeves.
You'll find that you start out with full equipment and then gradually start shutting down the electrics
as the outside temperature rises. At the end of the day when the temperatures start dropping again,
the thermostat is turned up.
What Do I Wear for Riding a Motorcycle in the Winter?
Full-face helmet, either leather chaps or bib overalls, jacket by First Gear, full length leather boots,
one or two pair of full length tube socks, (There are also some special riding socks you can buy for
the winter.), and an electric vest and gloves by Widder with an optional pair of electric socks. A
T-shirt covered with a turtleneck sweatshirt and Jacket has a zip-in liner. In extreme low temperatures,
I would suggest long underwear.
Winter riding can be fun and safe. Just make sure that both you and your motorcycle are prepared.
There are always riders who feel they are tough enough to ride in the winter by just wearing extra
clothing. There may be some intrepid enough to get away with this but the majority of riders need to
take precautions both for their bikes and themselves.
* Prepare Your Motorcycle
* Prepare Yourself
* Get a windshield
Many think a windshield spoils the beauty of the bike and gets in the way of enjoying the wind in
your hair. However, riding in 20 degree temperatures with severe wind chill factors may make you
change your mind about getting that windshield.
* Make sure your battery is up to the task
Many motorcycle batteries won't last more than two years. Winter riding puts even more strain on
a battery. Use a product like Battery Tender to keep it charged.
* Use proper oil
Usually 10W - 40 weight oil designed for motorcycles is sufficient.
* Check your coolant
If you have a liquid-cooled bike, be sure that the reading on the anti-freeze is sufficient for the
temperatures you expect.
* Inspect your bike mechanically
Make sure the bike has been thoroughly inspected for any mechanical problems. There is nothing
more frustrating than being stranded in the middle of nowhere in 20 degree temperatures because of
a breakdown.
Prepare Yourself
* Attitude
Riding a motorcycle in the winter can be a great experience. You are covered up much more than
in the summer and better protected. Your overall movement is somewhat more restricted especially if
you wear a full-face helmet. Turning one's neck to see traffic on crossroads can be a bit of a
challenge. People do not expect to see motorcycles in the winter so you have to be more careful to
make sure that you are seen. If you do any skiing, you'll be familiar with dressing to keep warm and
wearing somewhat constricting clothing. It's much the same getting yourself ready to ride in the
winter. I have even seen motorcyclists arrive on their bikes at ski resorts.
* Weather and road conditions
Making a decision to ride in the winter requires that you understand the increased risks over
summer riding. If you plan to travel any distance from home, check out the weather forecasts over the
route you'll be taking. It may be clear at home but icy and snowy elsewhere on your route.
* Clothing
You need to cover your body and eliminate places where the cold air can easily enter. Some
riders have been known to wear heavy clothing and seal up openings with duct tape. It's better to use
modern fabrics designed to seal out the cold and retain body heat. You can wear ski pants but there
are products made specifically for motorcyclists.
* Electrics
Many riders just dress in layers much as a skier does. There comes a time when most will get tired
of being so cold and opt for some electric clothing. There are many products out there. The sidebar
lists Gerbing and Widder. One usually uses an electric vest and electric gloves. The vest is worn
under your jacket. The vest and gloves are interconnected with wires that connect to a thermostat
that you usually place in your pocket. One end of the thermostat goes to a dedicated connector that
leads to the battery. You do look a bit like the Frankenstein monster with all those cables attached
but the upside is that you are toasty warm. Also, there are homeland security issues sometimes when
officials see wires leaving your sleeves.
You'll find that you start out with full equipment and then gradually start shutting down the electrics
as the outside temperature rises. At the end of the day when the temperatures start dropping again,
the thermostat is turned up.
What Do I Wear for Riding a Motorcycle in the Winter?
Full-face helmet, either leather chaps or bib overalls, jacket by First Gear, full length leather boots,
one or two pair of full length tube socks, (There are also some special riding socks you can buy for
the winter.), and an electric vest and gloves by Widder with an optional pair of electric socks. A
T-shirt covered with a turtleneck sweatshirt and Jacket has a zip-in liner. In extreme low temperatures,
I would suggest long underwear.
Winter riding can be fun and safe. Just make sure that both you and your motorcycle are prepared.
