Tips for Good Winter Motorcycle Riding
Content
All tips for proper equipment, preparation and winter riding on two wheels
Good tips to get through the cold season without worry
For many bikers and scooters, the use of motorized two-wheelers remains a seasonal activity. This can be seen very clearly from the first sunny days of spring, when bikers begin to flock to small winding roads, or vice versa in the fall, when two-wheeled vehicles gradually disappear as the wind and rain intensify.
And we can understand them, riding a motorcycle in winter can quickly turn into an ordeal, between falling temperatures, worsening weather and shrinking days, the elements don't necessarily play out for us.
Despite everything, cold and winter harshness is also an integral part of the motorcycle universe. Just look at the success of the winter gatherings that have been sustained for decades across Europe, from Milvas to Crystal Rally, Elephants and Penguins.
Without going to these extremes of cold and snow, it is entirely possible to continue to ride without worrying about these conditions, taking the necessary precautions, starting with good equipment adapted against the cold, rain and wind, both for yourself and for your motorcycle. There are excellent quality thermal pads in motorcycle equipment nowadays, but also simple and sometimes cheaper in outdoor stores. It is important to be dry and therefore have waterproof but breathable equipment.
Also, while many are accustomed to overhauling and maintaining their mount in the early spring, it's more than wise to perform the operation when the weather gets worse. There is nothing worse than a flat battery when it starts to freeze. Special attention will also have to be paid to the tire, because the grip is less good this season, so we have to be very vigilant in this regard and give preference to suitable and well-maintained tires over GT than Racing. And of course they take longer to rise in temperature, so feel free to give them time to turn up the temperature.
Weather plays a huge role in winter, and more than ever we need to learn about the coming weather conditions, rains, of course, but especially about snow, ice or fog, then about road conditions and simply possible closures of mountain passes.
And how should you react when it is snowing or when the ice starts to settle? Are you coming back on foot? Not necessary, but the best way out is still knowing how to do it when the road gets slippery. There is a backrest for riding in the cold, but the main thing is to remain more collapsed, to be softer on the controls and to anticipate even more than usual, increasing the safety distances.
Finally, since you don't have to ride in bad weather, you also have the right to leave your bike in the garage for the winter, but certain precautions are necessary to ensure a good restart in the spring, especially for older cars.
