When winter comes around, you can either park your motorbike and wait for spring or you can prepare to keep riding through the chilly months. The choice is entirely yours. But, if taking a break from riding is not your thing, there are safety measures you need to put in place to ensure that you are safe on the road.
Make no mistake, riding a motorbike in winter can be invigorating but prolonged exposure to cold can slow down your reaction times, cause exhaustion, confusion and possible medical complications. The importance of staying sharp while on your bike, especially when the roads are slippery and visibility is poor, cannot be overstated. Here are two tips that can help you ride safely during those chilly months.
Ensure that your bike is winter-ready
It is important that your bike is properly maintained at all times. That said, there are special precautions that you need to take when operating a motorbike during winter. First and foremost, you should ensure that you have the right tires for winter riding. A pair of all-season tires should suffice, but be sure to avoid summer tires. Additionally, ensure that your tires have the right pressure for enhanced grip on the road. Once you are through with your road trip, be sure to wash your motorbike as soon as possible to avoid corrosion. This is especially important if you live in areas where salt is used to prevent snow build-up on the roads.
Get the right gear for the season
Keeping warm while riding in winter should be your top priority. Towards this, you should consider investing in the following:
- A thermal shirt for a base layer
- An insulated jacket for a mid-layer
- A thicker jacket for an outer layer
You can go further and get a pair of winter gloves and a seat warmer. You may also invest in hand and seat warmers.
Riding a motorcycle during winter can be fun. But, it also comes with its share of risks. These tips can help you stay safe and ensure that you have a great time outdoors with your motorbike.
