It is a well known fact how difficult it is to ride a motorcycle in winter. Some motorcyclists fear even short trips on their motorcycle during the season due to the fact that the cold intensifies on a motorcycle. As a result, keeping the throttle tight becomes nearly impossible, while the snow makes it difficult for the rider to navigate easily. This makes riding a motorcycle dangerous.
However, if you take some precautionary measures, you can protect yourself from the cold.
Precautionary measures to take
The steps below can help any motorcyclist who is planning to take a ride on their motorcycle in difficult cold weather.
1) Layer – The most obvious precautionary step every rider should take is to layer up like an onion. Wear a motorcycle suit with other clothing items, such as a leather jacket, to keep them warm. Many companies specialize in cold weather underwear, and all cyclists should invest in some, as they have the potential to keep you warm in cold weather.
2) Gloves: Keeping your hands warm is crucial as most of the body heat escapes from the hands. All riders must wear sturdy gloves that trap body heat. Wearing gloves will also protect your hands from freezing, which is extremely dangerous.
3) Visor: Another problem cyclists face during winters is the fact that due to humidity, the visor often fog up. This clouds visibility and makes driving extremely dangerous. Cyclists can invest in helmets that have a fog-proof visor or wear an in-helmet mask combined with a wind-proof balaclava.
4) Drive slowly – Cold tires have less traction, making it difficult to stop when the motorcycle begins to skid. A precautionary step that cyclists can take is to drive slowly and give themselves ample clearance from the vehicle in front of them.
5) Heated Gear – For cyclists planning to ride in extremely cold temperatures, it is recommended that they invest in heated clothing. There are electrically heated vests, jackets, pants, socks and gloves that are powered by the motorcycle’s electrical system to keep the rider warm no matter the weather. The only downside to this kit is that it is connected to the motorcycle and some riders tend to forget that fact and break the wiring as they drive away. The other option is battery-powered equipment. These items will produce heat comparable to electrical equipment, except that battery life is limited to 6 to 8 hours at maximum temperature. But really, who wants to ride more than 8 hours on a winter day? Another drawback of battery-powered equipment is that you must remember to recharge the device before using it again.
6) Other Clothing: Passengers can also invest in winter protective gear that helps provide protection against the intense cold, such as foot warmers, removable windshields, and hand protectors. These items are available at an attractive price and are readily available in the market.
Most importantly, if you find yourself on an icy road, don’t panic. Drive slowly and keep the throttle at a constant speed. Also, make sure your motorcycle is primed and ready to ride. Finally, invest in the essential clothing mentioned above. This equipment will help protect all motorcyclists from the cold by ensuring a comfortable ride.