Cold Weather Riding

 When the weather takes a dip, most people pack in their motorcycles. But you’re not most people. You know that cold weather riding on your cruiser or touring bike can be great! The crisp air creates a serene scene...until the roar of your engine pierces through of course. When you take the necessary precautions, you can ride all year round. Here at Starved Rock Harley-Davidson®, we care about your safety. That’s why we rounded up tips so you can stay safe in cold weather. Before you head out, bring your motorcycle to our location in Ottawa, Illinois. You can get a tune-up or any supplies you need to venture out on that cold open road.

Wearing the Right Gear

Staying warm in the winter is more than an issue of comfort - it’s an issue of safety. It’s difficult to safely operate your bike, whether you are hitting small buttons or making snap judgment decisions, when you are cold. One of the best ways to stay warm is to wear layers, such as thermal underwear and multiple pairs of socks. Your hands and feet will get coldest the fastest, so wear gloves and boots.

If you don’t mind spending more money, you can invest in heated clothing. These are powered by batteries or your bike to keep you very warm and range from jackets to leg liners. You’ll stay cozy all ride long.

Part of staying warm also means staying dry. Once you get even a little wet, it can feel bitterly cold when the wind picks up. If it’s going to rain or snow, make sure your outer layer of clothing is waterproof. Also be sure to wear waterproof gloves since wet gloves make it difficult to manipulate those small buttons.

Check Your Tires

Cold temperatures can affect your tire pressure. One general rule is for every 10-degree drop in pressure, you can expect to lose one to two pounds of air pressure. Always check your tires’ air pressure before you head out on a cold day and adjust them as needed.

Cold tires can get warmed up by accelerating and decelerating abruptly to cause friction. But only do this in a safe and contained area where there are no obstacles. An empty street or large parking lot can work well.

You should always be riding with high-quality tires, especially in the winter. Some riders choose to invest in tires designed to handle the colder temperatures. These are a great option if you plan to ride often in the cold.

Road Conditions

During cold weather, you will often encounter compromised road conditions. When there’s snow or ice on the road, you will lose traction. As a result, you need more time to accelerate, turn, brake, and lane change. There may also be snow-clearing hazards, like salt or gravel, sprinkled across the road’s surface. These reduce your traction, so you can treat them like you would riding over ice. Always scan for black ice.

As you ride, be aware of other motorists. Leave more room between you and those on the road. You may be driving defensively, but they might not be. Be on high alert for anyone driving in an overconfident or aggressive fashion and stay far from them.

Hydrate and Eat Well

Winter riding requires more than your bike being ready to endure the harsh conditions. Your body needs to be ready too! Food is fuel and you’ll need a lot of it. You should eat a large meal before you head out to keep your metabolism running and keep your body temperature where it needs to be. A warm meal can also give you a little heat boost when you head out. You also need to drink lots of water before your trip. Riding can make you dehydrated, which in turn makes you feel fatigued. Keep yourself sharp by drinking enough water.

When you plan accordingly, a cold weather ride can still be fun! Of course, before you venture out into compromised weather conditions you should make sure your cruiser or touring motorcycle is running smoothly. Bring it to Starved Rock Harley-Davidson®. We serve those in the areas of Ottawa, Bloomington, and Davenport, Illinois. Whether you need supplies, repairs, or even a new bike, we can help you out.