by riseadmin
8. December 2011 10:00
These cold weather motorcycle riding tips can help you extend the riding season safely and enjoyably. Be sure to take a look at this list before you embark on a wintry journey!
There are two main aspects to keeping yourself safe on your bike when the temperature plummets: looking out for #1, and watching the road.
Looking Out for #1
You’ve got to take care of your body properly when exposing yourself to high speeds (hard wind) when the air is cold (hard arctic wind).
- Avoid frostbite. This can’t be stressed enough. Keep your mid-mass thoroughly warm to enable better blood flow to your extremities, which are most vulnerable to frostbite.
- Once your torso is nice and toasty, the next step is to find high quality gloves and boots to keep your hands and feet dry, warm, and well-insulated. Try Thinsulate gloves to provide maximum protection without losing agility to a bulky glove so you can drive properly.
- Insulation is key everywhere – wind is sneaky and will find its way under your clothes so be sure to wear scarves, tuck in your shirts, and don’t allow the cold air in with your skin.
- Wind-proof your ensemble. There’s not point covering your skin if the wind can blow right through the fabric, so be sure to choose pants and jackets that will block the wind whipping over you.
- Keep your head and face covered. Wear a full-coverage helmet with a face shield and pull your scarf up over your nose and mouth so you don’t fog it up when you breath.
- Lastly, consider adding a wind shield to the front of your bike, if you can. A wind buffer will certainly help protect you from the chilly onslaught!
Watching the Road
- Try to find routes to wherever you’re headed that aren’t shaded, as these areas can develop and harbor ice patches. Since recovering from skidding on ice while turning is nearly impossible, choose straight routes whenever you can.
- If you find yourself caught in snow, drive slowly, use smooth movements and give yourself much more room to brake. Be especially wary of the drivers behind you as they may not understand the situation for a motorcyclist. Pull over somewhere warm until the snow stops falling or find another way home.
- Avoid patches of leaves that are shedding from trees in the fall. They retain moisture and can reduce traction on the road. If you find yourself slipping, look for sand on the road to try to correct it.
- Some bridges have signs and other don’t – always be aware that they ice over first. Without soil below it to help insulate the surface, bridges ice over faster than roads do.
Driving your motorcycle in cold weather can definitely be a unique and beautiful experience but don’t underestimate the elements and don’t overestimate your body. Ice can be hard to see on pavement and lowered body temperatures cause sluggishness and a lack of dexterity that can be deadly on wheels. Take these winter motorcycle safety tips to heart and enjoy the season!
If you want additional motorcycle safety tips and travel ideas, be sure to spend some time looking through the Gilbert RV Insurance blog. For the ultimate in motorcycle safety, get a quote for Gilbert’s motorcycle insurance to protect your bike whatever the weather conditions.
Image by Chuck Coker. The photographer does not endorse Gilbert RV Insurance, Inc.