Winter Motorcycle Riding

While others pack away their motorcycles in the winter, you gear up to go hit the road! You aren't deterred by plummeting temperatures. As long as you take the proper precautions, it's possible to enjoy a comfortable and safe ride in the winter. 

Here at Altus Motorsports, we strive to make your life simpler and safer. That's why we created the following guide to winter motorcycle riding below. If you have any questions or need anything for your motorcycle, visit our dealership. We proudly serve those in Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas as well as North Dallas.

The Impact of the Cold

The first thing you should know about winter riding is that you need to prepare for the cold. The temperature you see on the forecast is not the temperature that you'll be experiencing. This is due to wind chill. Riding your motorcycle at high speeds will cause the temperature to feel about 20 degrees colder than its forecast. You'll want to be sure to dress warm enough taking this into consideration.

It's also important to consider how the cold affects your energy levels. It takes more exertion from your body to ride in the cold because your body is working overtime to keep you warm. As a result, you'll likely need to take more breaks than normal as you'll probably get more exhausted than normal.

Dressing Warm

To stay warm while riding your motorcycle, you'll want to wear plenty of layers. This is advantageous for two reasons. First, it keeps you warmer than one large coat would. Second, it allows you the flexibility to remove layers if the temperatures heat up.

For your base layer, use thin thermal underwear. For your second layer, use a warm material such as wool or fleece. It serves to trap extra heat. For your outer layer, use something waterproof if it might rain or snow. Leather riding jacket and pants could be okay if there isn't any forecasted snow or rain, but you'll be more comfortable in more breathable fabrics. 

You can use accessories to help stay warm as well. A neck guard will keep you toasty warm. Water resistant gloves that seal into your jacket help your hands stay warm and dry. Ideally, you'll be wearing waterproof boots as well in case it rains or snows. You'd be amazed at how chilly you can feel with just a little bit of moisture.

Motorcycle Tires

The extreme cold takes a toll on motorcycle tires. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, you can expect to lose about one to two pounds of air pressure. Before you hit the road, be sure to measure your air pressure and ensure it matches the manufacturer's recommendation.

Road Conditions

Snow and snow-clearing materials can cause motorcycles to lose traction. This will increase the time and distance you need to accelerate, turn, brake, and lane change. You'll also want to leave more room between you and other motorists, especially since car drivers often drive overly-confident in the winter and slam on their brakes more. Be on the lookout for high-risk areas, such as tunnels, shaded spots, and bridges. Drive defensively and you'll be able to stay safe on the road.

The arrival of winter weather, fortunately, doesn't mean you need to pack away your motorcycle. Use these tips to enjoy a warm and safe motorcycle ride. For all your motorcycle needs, visit Altus Motorsports. Our friendly staff is ready to help you with whatever you need, from answering questions to providing advice on our motorcycles for sale. We proudly serve those in Amarillo and Lubbock, Texas as well as North Dallas.