Love riding your bike, but dreading the cold? Winter riding can be challenging, with slippery roads and freezing temperatures, but with the right prep, you can still hit the road safely and enjoy those chilly rides.
Here’s how to keep your winter rides safe and enjoyable:
1. Get Your Bike Winter-Ready
Before you head out, give your motorcycle a quick checkup.
- Tires: Make sure they have enough tread to handle slick surfaces.
- Battery: Cold weather drains batteries much faster than normal, so keep it fully charged.
- Oil: Switching to winter-grade oil can help your engine perform better in the cold.
2. Gear Up for the Cold
Staying warm and dry is key to staying safe.
- Layers: Dress in warm, waterproof layers so you can adapt to rapidly changing temperatures.
- Protective Gear: Cover your head, hands and feet since those areas lose heat the quickest and are prone to frostbite.
- Visibility: Winter days are short and often gloomy, so make sure your gear includes reflective elements so that other drivers on the road can see you.
3. Stay Alert and Ride Smart
Winter roads can be unpredictable, so stay sharp.
- Watch the Weather: Avoid riding in blizzards or icy storms.
- Keep Your Distance: Slippery roads mean longer stopping distances, so give yourself enough room in between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Spot Hazards: Look out for ice, snow, wet leaves and debris. Also remember, bridges freeze faster than regular roads, so approach them cautiously.
- Focus: Keep free of any distractions and stay focused on the road.
4. Remain Ready for Emergencies
Anything can happen on a winter ride, so stay prepared.
- Backup: Due to rapidly changing conditions, have a backup plan in case things don’t go as planned.
- Phone: Keep it charged so you can contact authorities in case of any emergencies.
- Tell Someone: Share your route and estimated return time with a friend or family member.
- Emergency Kit: Carry essentials like a flashlight, basic tools and even a blanket, just in case.
5. Know When to Sit It Out
Not comfortable riding in winter weather? No problem. Your safety is more important.
- Store Your Bike: If winter riding isn’t your thing, keep your bike tucked away safely. Need tips? Check this out: How to Store Your Motorcycle in Winter.
- Other Options: Use a car, public transit or if it looks too risky, just stay home.
With the right mindset and preparation, winter rides can be an awesome adventure. Just make sure safety always comes first!
At Hupy and Abraham, S.C., we’ve been promoting motorcycle safety and awareness for decades. Our “Watch for Motorcycles” campaign promoted on TV, billboards, stickers and more spreads the word to keep riders safe. Check out our Rider Resource section on hupy.com for more tips and other motorcycle content.
If you ever find yourself in an accident, Hupy and Abraham has your back. Call us at 800-800-5678 or chat with us at hupy.com. With decades of experience and over $1 billion recovered for clients, we’re ready to fight for you.
