Cold Weather Riding Tips

Once the temperatures drop and the snow starts to fall, many people store their motorcycles away, convinced they can’t ride them when it’s cold outside. But it’s perfectly possible to make motorcycle riding in cold weather a safe and enjoyable activity! Pull on your thermal gloves and twist the throttle of your bike to ride past snowy landscapes and enjoy a unique riding experience. 

Your local motorcycle dealership is Crossroad Powersports, located in Upper Darby, PA, and we’ve compiled this list of cold weather riding tips to help you get fully equipped for your winter cruise!

Get The Right Gear

First, you’ll need to seriously upgrade your typical motorcycle riding gear to help you stay warm in frigid temperatures, particularly when you factor in windchill, which can make temperatures feel as much as 20° colder. Being too cold can reduce your focus and make it harder for your to manipulate your controls, and if you ride in the cold without warm enough clothing, you could suffer from frostbite or hypothermia.

Layering up will be your best strategy for staying warm in the cold. One big puffy coat might seem like the best idea, but it’s impractical as it may not warm you as much as you think and also could make you sweat, which will only make you colder with time. So instead, dress in layers, starting with thermal underwear and adding some lightweight but warm layers on top made of wool or fleece or synthetics. If your normal gear is leather, you may want to get a riding suit or jacket and pants that are made of a breathable material.

Other accessories you’ll need are insulated gloves, thick wool socks, waterproof riding boots and a thin cap or balaclava under your helmet. You’ll want to wear a snug neck guard to warm your neck, too. A helmet with anti-fogging characteristics will be beneficial, too!

Staying warm also means staying dry. Your outermost layer may also need to be waterproof to protect against this. Make sure it will if you’re heading out in rain or snow.

Check Road Conditions

In cold and wintery weather, road conditions are often severely compromised. You’ll want to stay aware of what your route will be like if you’re commuting. If conditions look too difficult, you may need to cancel your ride or find other transport to wherever you’re going.

Snow and ice will reduce traction, so you’ll need to slow down and take time turning, braking and changing lanes. You’ll have more trouble than a car driver will, and you'll also need to watch out for other drivers around you in case they skid or hydroplane. Give yourself more room between vehicles so you’re not too close to anyone and you have time to react to sudden changes. 

Make sure you’re particularly vigilant in risky places like tunnels, valleys and on bridges. If you see ice ahead, the best strategy is to maintain your speed and keep your wheels straight, as your momentum may carry you through the slick patch. Turn and shift slowly to prevent yourself from sliding around.

Take Care Of Yourself

Riding your motorcycle in the winter means you’ll need to take good care of yourself. You don’t want to ride on an empty stomach as your body will lose more heat, which burns calories. Eat a substantial meal before you head out so your metabolism is running and your body temperature remains steady.

Stay hydrated by carrying a thermos of water with you to sip from when you stop to rest. Dehydration can make you lose focus and make you tired, which is dangerous.

Your body will expend more energy in general when you’re cold, so make sure you’re taking enough breaks to rest up. If you need to head inside, do so! Don’t try to ride through cold or bad weather that’s unmanageable.

With a little preparation and the right gear, you can easily ride your motorcycle in cold weather safely. Ready to trade in your bike or in search of a new model? Visit our Upper Darby, PA, dealership today to check out our full inventory of new and used motorcycles for sale. Crossroad Powersports serves the entire Philadelphia, PA, metro area, as well as the nearby cities of Wilmington, DE, and Deptford Township, NJ.