Cold Weather Riding

As the cold weather draws near, some riders will pack their motorcycles away for the winter. There are those of us who choose to brave the dropping temperatures. In fact, cold weather riding on your touring bike or cruiser can be quite enjoyable. The crisp, cool air creates a calming environment as you roar down the street. Of course, it’s important to take certain precautions with this type of riding. 

Here at Holzhauer Pro Motorsports your safety is our priority. We’ve gathered some essential tips to help you prepare. For more information or if you need parts or service before you hit the road, stop by our dealership today! We’re conveniently located in Nashville, Illinois near St. Louis, Missouri. We also proudly serve Carbondale, Mount Vernon and Salem, Illinois.

Wear the Right Gear

While it is certainly comfortable to keep warm when you ride your motorcycle, it’s also a matter of safety. You need to be at the top of your game with the ability to operate your bike as needed. Whether you need to manipulate those smaller buttons or make a sudden decision, it can be difficult to do these things when your body is extremely cold. In addition to making you very uncomfortable, being too cold can also affect your focus and dexterity.

The best way to remain warm when you ride in the cold is to wear multiple layers. This is actually more effective than wearing one large, bulky coat. Plus, you’ll be able to easily remove layers as the temperature rises throughout the day. You can start with thermal underwear, then add a warmer layer like fleece or wool for trapping heat. Your standard riding jacket and pants might be fine, but it’s a good idea to invest in breathable riding gear if your normal outfit is mostly leather.

If you are really committed to staying warm and comfortable when you ride your motorcycle in the cold, you can add some accessories to the mix. You’d be surprised just how helpful a neck guard can be in freezing temperatures. Don’t forget a full face helmet with anti-fogging features. Other key items include waterproof boots to keep your toes warm and water-resistant gloves that extend up your arm.

Outfit Your Bike

Another important factor to consider when you ride in the cold is your motorcycle. There are certain features you’ll want to have for this type of ride. For example, if your bike isn’t equipped with a windshield, you might want to consider an aftermarket option to help with wind resistance. A set of wind guards for your legs is another wise choice, which will prevent your legs from freezing. Even with the right pair of gloves, the chill can affect your fingers. A seat of heated grips will prevent sluggish response time when you go to squeeze the brakes.

Prepare for Extreme Temperatures

You want to be prepared to handle the weather you’re about to face. For this reason, it’s critical to remember that while the thermometer says it’s 45 degrees outside, it’ll feel about 20 degrees colder thanks to wind chill at high speeds. You can never be too prepared for these extreme temperatures. You’ll also want to keep in mind that your body can become exhausted rather quickly when it’s fighting the cold. If you’re traveling a lengthy distance, consider making frequent stops to give your body a rest and to warm up as needed.

Watch for Hazards

Last but definitely not least, you need to be on high alert for road hazards. After all, it’s not uncommon to run into troublesome conditions on the road when the weather is colder than usual. When there is ice or snow on the road, you’ll lose traction on your motorcycle. As a result, you need to allow much more time for accelerating, turning, braking, and changing lanes. 

Keep an especially close eye on high-risk areas, like bridges, tunnels, valleys, and so on. If you fear you’re going to pass over ice and it’s unavoidable, simply maintain your speed and direction the best you can. Your momentum will carry you through it so long as you don’t make any sudden changes.

If you’d like to learn more about cold weather riding on your motorcycle, visit us at Holzhauer Pro Motorsports today! You’ll find us in Nashville, Illinois near St. Louis, Missouri. We also proudly serve Carbondale, Mount Vernon and Salem, Illinois.