For most of us, when winter arrives, it’s time to park the bike in a garage, tuck it under a weatherproof cover, or find a safe, weather-protected spot with occasional access to plug in a trickle charger once a month to keep the battery happy.
However, some brave souls keep riding through the winter, embracing the cold and potential misery—unless they know the right gear to wear for cold weather.
You might be wondering, “Wait, can you ride in winter?” If you’re in the northern half of the continent, you might be looking out at fresh snowfall or roads buried in slush and ice. In those conditions, technically, you can ride, but you’ll need specific tires and bikes designed for it, which is a topic for another day.
This article is for those who enjoy mostly clear roads year-round, face the occasional sleet, and deal with cold weather, cold pavement, and rain on the worst days.
There are some important things you will need to ride in those types of conditions, so in no particular order, those are:
Cold Weather Riding Gear
By wearing a moisture-wicking base layer or even a cooling shirt underneath, you can effectively manage sweat, making your ride not only more comfortable but also safer. During the warmer months, we appreciate the airflow and wind at speeds of 50+ MPH, but in colder months, that same airflow can strip away core heat faster than your body can replace it. Prolonged exposure to such airflow can potentially lead to hypothermia.
Essential Cold Weather Riding Gear
- Heated Gear
- Heated Jackets and Vests: Keep your core warm with battery-powered or plug-in heated jackets and vests.
- Heated Gloves: Prevent numb fingers with heated gloves, ensuring you maintain control and comfort.
- Heated Grips and Seats: Add-ons that provide additional warmth directly from your bike.
- Thermal Base Layers
- Base Layer Tops and Bottoms: Moisture-wicking and insulating base layers help retain body heat while keeping you dry.
- Socks: Thermal or heated socks can make a significant difference in keeping your feet warm.
- Insulated Outerwear
- Jackets and Pants: Look for gear with thermal insulation and waterproofing to shield against wind and rain.
- One-Piece Suits: Provide comprehensive protection from the elements and are great for extended rides.
- Weatherproof Boots and Gloves
- Boots: Insulated and waterproof boots keep your feet warm and dry.
- Gloves: In addition to heated options, look for insulated and waterproof gloves.
- Windproof and Waterproof Layers
- Overpants and Over Jackets: Windproof and waterproof layers can be worn over your regular gear to provide an extra barrier against the elements.
- Balaclavas and Neck Warmers
- Balaclavas: Cover your head and neck to prevent heat loss and protect against wind chill.
- Neck Warmers: Versatile and easy to adjust for varying conditions.
- Proper Helmets
- Full-Face Helmets: Offer the best protection against cold winds and precipitation.
- Pinlock Visors: Prevent fogging, ensuring clear visibility in all conditions.
Tips for Winter Riding
- Layer Up: Start with a thermal base layer, add insulating mid-layers, and finish with a windproof and waterproof outer layer.
- Stay Dry: Wetness can quickly lead to hypothermia, so ensure all your gear is waterproof or water-resistant.
- Check Your Bike: Regularly inspect your bike for winter readiness, including tires, battery, and fluids.
- Ride Smart: Adjust your riding style to account for potentially slippery or unpredictable road conditions.
2. Be Careful About Black Ice
When you ride your bike in cold weather and on icy roads, you must be careful about black ice. It’s a risky element for every rider. On mountain roads, black ice covers a lot of areas. When the sun comes out, the ice starts to melt, and we face black ice. So be careful about black ice.
Proper Motorcycle Maintenance & Preparation For Cold Weather
As the chill of winter approaches, motorcycle enthusiasts face the challenge of preparing their beloved machines for cold weather. Proper maintenance is essential not only for the longevity of the motorcycle but also for the rider’s safety. Here are some key steps to ensure your bike is ready to brave the cold:
- Battery Care
- Cold weather can be harsh on your motorcycle’s battery. To prevent it from losing charge or freezing, keep it fully charged. Using a battery tender or trickle charger can help maintain the battery’s health during periods of inactivity. If possible, store your bike in a garage to shield it from extreme temperatures.
- Oil and Fluids
- Switch to a winter-grade oil if you live in an area with severe cold, as it remains less viscous and provides better protection in low temperatures. Check all fluids, including coolant, brake fluid, and clutch fluid, ensuring they are at optimal levels and appropriate for winter conditions.
- Tires
- Cold weather affects tire pressure, often causing it to drop. Regularly check and maintain proper tire pressure to ensure optimal grip and performance. If you plan to ride on icy or snowy roads, consider investing in winter tires designed for better traction in such conditions.
- Chain and Sprocket
- Lubricate your chain more frequently during winter, as salt and moisture can cause rust and wear. Clean the chain thoroughly before applying lubricant to ensure maximum protection against the elements.
- Fuel System
- To prevent fuel from freezing or gumming up, consider using a fuel stabilizer if your bike will be stored for an extended period. Ensure your fuel tank is full to minimize condensation, which can lead to rust and fuel contamination.
- Electrical System
- Inspect your bike’s electrical components, including lights, signals, and the ignition system, to ensure they are functioning properly. Cold weather can exacerbate electrical issues, so it’s best to address any problems before they become serious.
- Protective Gear
- Invest in proper winter riding gear, including a thermal suit, gloves, and insulated boots. Layers are key; they provide warmth and can be adjusted to changing temperatures. Don’t forget a full-face helmet to protect against the wind chill.
- Storage
- If you decide not to ride during the winter months, prepare your bike for storage. Clean it thoroughly to remove dirt, salt, and grime. Apply a protective coat of wax to the paint and a rust inhibitor to metal parts. Store the bike on a stand to prevent flat spots on the tires.
Colder Weather Means Cold-Weather Tires
It’s straightforward: when the weather gets colder, so does the pavement. To maintain optimal grip, you need cold-weather tires. Those sticky summer tires that perform excellently in dry conditions will feel as ineffective as dull ice-skate blades when temperatures drop into the 20s, especially if you’re riding a supermoto or similar “sport” bike.
ADV and dual-sport bikes have an advantage here, as most of their tires are like all-season car tires, providing good traction in a wide range of temperatures, from over 100 degrees to below 30 degrees.
Additionally, it’s important to generate heat in your tires, even more so in colder months. Avoid swaying back and forth in your lane, as this only creates surface-level heat that can quickly dissipate with a brief stop.
Instead, accelerate purposefully but safely, and then brake firmly yet cautiously. Repeat this process in a safe area away from major roads. The heat from braking will transfer through the metal rims, warming the tires from the inside and helping them retain more heat.
Lastly, always check your tire pressures. In summer, a slight variation in tire pressure (2-5 PSI) might not significantly impact your ride. However, in winter and colder weather, when roads are often wet from condensation, dew, rain, and similar conditions, properly inflated cold-weather tires with rain/snow sipes need to be at the correct pressure to effectively channel water and slush away from the contact patch, ensuring good grip. Make tire pressure checks part of your routine bike inspection before every ride. Additionally, carry a battery-powered or hand pump in your backpack, tail bag, or pannier for adjustments on the go.
Do Not Be An Idiot: Essential Tips for Safe and Smart Winter Riding
Winter riding can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and risks. With colder temperatures, slippery roads, and reduced visibility, it’s crucial to approach winter riding with caution and common sense. Here are some essential tips to ensure you stay safe and make the most of your winter rides without making avoidable mistakes. In other words, don’t be an idiot—ride smart.
This means always using your common sense and exercising caution, especially when it comes to riding in dangerous conditions. If the weather is too hazardous for riding, opt for alternatives like a car, public transit, taxi, or Uber. If you’re out riding and encounter sleet or snow, cut your ride short and head home immediately.
If home is far away, find a safe place to park and wait for the weather to improve, or, if necessary, call your “buddy with a truck” to come with a ramp and straps to get your bike home safely.