​​​​​​​Some tips for Better Winter Motorcycle Riding

Outfit your Body

Winter riding can be a punishing experience if you don't wear the right gear. You're going to have to outfit yourself to resist frigid winds with a 50+ mph chill, so layers are an obvious must. Your base layer should be a good set of thin thermal underwear, synthetic materials will provide the best insulation when wet, so lean that direction when you buy. A second layer of warmer material like wool or fleece will help trap some extra heat. Your regular riding jacket and pants might be okay but you may also want to consider investing in a set of breathable riding gear if your normal setup is mostly leather. Regardless make sure you also keep a good rain suit on hand in case some wet weather manages to sneak up on you.

Your head feet and fingers will all appreciate some extra protection when the cold rolls in as well, so make sure you've got a good full face helmet with solid anti-fogging characteristics and a neck guard to keep yourself sealed up. Your fingers will appreciate a good set of water resistant gloves, and you'll want to make sure they extend up your arm far enough to seal with your jacket to protect against water intrusion. Finally, always wear waterproof boots, and keep gaiters on hand to augment the weather resistance of your feet.

Outfit your Bike

Outfitting your bike for cold weather riding starts with the windshield. If your bike doesn't have a windshield, then there are tons of aftermarket options that allow you to benefit from some serious wind resistance. A set of wind guards for your legs are a good choice as well so your legs don't freeze while the rest of your body is comfortable. Even with weatherproof gloves, you might find that the chill starts to sap the feeling from your digits, augment your bike with a set of heated grips, and you won't have to worry about a sluggish response time when you go to squeeze the brakes.

Safer Riding and Winter Hazards

Riding in the winter provides plenty of unique obstacles. First, and most obviously, wet pavement and the possibility of ice are more common. One of the most important steps you can take to deal icy roads is to simply maintain a high level of awareness, and stay the heck off of the ice. Metal road coverings and tar snakes are equally hazardous when wet, stealing critical traction when you need it most, so find a line around these obstacles and if you're forced to ride across them do so at low speed in a straight line. One often overlooked hazard for winter riders is sand and salt, which can lay you out if you try and take a corner too wide. Watch for signs of sand and salt, and carefully avoid these spots.

Ride Smart

Before you ever even consider riding in the winter, make sure you have all the information you need. Sure the weather is bright and sunny in the morning, but if the weatherman is crowing about a snowstorm moving in, don't take the bike just to prove you can tough it out. Always ride within your skill level, if you're not 100% confident that you can ride safely, leave the bike at home and grab the car keys instead.

Remember, layer up to protect against the wind and the cold, make sure your helmet is rated for the cold and your visor has anti-fogging characteristics. Also, perform regular maintenance on your bike and check your tires before you go riding over ice or wet road conditions. Above everything else, the best tool you have at your disposal is your own judgment. If you don't feel safe, don't ride. If you need to some help getting your motorcycle ready for cold weather conditions, set an appointment with the outstanding service department at Bellevue Suzuki Kawasaki!