How to Keep Riding in the Winter
For
some bikers, winter riding is simply not an option. For them, the bike
goes into hibernation in the garage, protected by a thick layer of
grease and covered by a tarp until the spring shoots appear.
But it doesn't have to be that way. With the right kit, a little common
sense, and some minor changes in your riding style, you can carry on
riding safely through all but the worst of the winter weather.
Riding anytime of the year demands caution, however winter in
particular can be treacherous. Whether you’re a winter riding newbie or a
frost-hardened veteran, there’s always new bits of gear coming out to
make life easier, and as riders, we’re always learning new tricks – so
we’ve put together this short guide to help you enjoy riding in the cold
months ahead.
Wrap up against the winter
It may sound obvious, but investing in specialist winter riding gear
can make a massive difference to your winter warmth and comfort.
One-piece leathers are clearly the best as they offer less opportunity
for the icy wind to find a way in. If you can't afford these, make sure
your layers overlap well.
Keeping your hands and head warm is crucial - most body heat escapes
there. If you can only invest in one piece of winter gear, then make it a
quality pair of gloves. Modern technology has created a range of
waterproof, thermally efficient gloves that will keep your hands warm
and dry as you ride. To seal the gap between jacket and gloves, invest
in gauntlet-style gloves. Failing that, make sure you keep a spare pair
of inner gloves in your pocket so you can change them if they get wet.
The wet pair can then dry in your pocket from your body heat ready to be
changed again. In addition, invest in a neck warmer or balaclava to
prevent cold air from entering your helmet.
Riding in the correct gear is not just a comfort issue either. If
you're wet and cold, you will tire more easily and will not respond as
sharply to events around you. This is particularly true of cold fingers.
Combine these slower reactions with the more hazardous roads of winter,
and you've got more potential problems.
Layering will keep you insulated and warm. Start with a light base
layer that's breathable - microfiber is a good choice. Your base layer
should trap warm air next to your skin and wick away sweat. Make sure
your top layer is made of tough, windproof material, such as leather or
nylon. Be sure layering clothing hasn't restricted the movement you need
to ride safely.
Central Heating
Longer trips often require additional protection, such as electric
vests and gloves. These accessories use your bike's electrical system to
provide heat. A vest, electric or regular, is essential to keeping the
torso warm. A warm torso prevents frostbite by allowing the heart to
focus on pumping blood to the hands and feet. Or, spring for the heated
grip option available on many touring bikes. Heated grips will make a
big difference to the amount of fun you have on your bike in winter!
Cold hands are useless when you’re trying to manipulate your brakes or
other controls – so applying some heat through the grips will make
things much easier when the weather turns grim.
Be sure your alternator can handle the addition of electric
accessories, such as heated vests and gloves. Check your owner's manual
to find out how much wattage your alternator generates and how much of
that wattage is used to run lights and other electrical components.
Then, subtract the wattage the electric gear needs to be sure you have
the power necessary, and some to spare, when running the accessories.
Respect the winter roads
From the autumn storms, when rain falls on roads which have accumulated
grease and oil all summer, to the treacherous black ice of winter
frosts, the riding conditions in winter demand your utmost respect.
The simple advice is to take it easy. Save your carefree open-road
riding for those glorious summer mornings. In winter the conditions need
as much care as you can muster. Not only will there be much less grip
on wet and icy roads, you will also be challenged by the wind and the
rain as you ride along. So use your lane, and give yourself space to
adapt, adjust, and slow down. And if you have a long ride ahead, plan to
stop and warm up along the way.
Before you hit the open road, check the weather forecast and road
condition reports so you can prepare accordingly. Be aware of changing
conditions such as rain, snow, ice, freezing rain and black-ice are very
dangerous on a motorcycle. If there is a chance of any type of freezing
conditions, it is best to leave the motorcycle at home and take the
car.
Stop, revive, and survive
It's worth remembering that poor conditions affect everyone else around
you too. Motorists, who struggle to see bikes at the best of times, are
even less likely to see you when their windows are misted up. Even
pedestrians become a real hazard, as they bow their heads to the rain or
hunch up against the cold, leaving them prone to walk out in front of
you without looking properly.
Wet Roads
Increase the breaking distance between you and other vehicles to
account for wet and greasy road conditions. By increasing your distance
you will get minimal spray of other vehicles and will be able to judge
and anticipate other road users driving much easier. Watch out for wet
leaves on the road. These can make the surface slippery and could make
you lose control.
There is an illusion created by pot holes. Appearing like puddles, they
conceal their depth...that is until you ride over them. Never assume a
puddle is just a puddle.
Vision
Bad weather such as fog or even low winter sun can restrict your view.
Be aware of the hazards; ride to suit the road conditions.
Check your lights regularly to make sure they are working. Also ensure your lights are visible and clear of dirt.
Rider Visibility
Bikers need to be as visible as possible to other road users. By
wearing reflective clothing it helps other road users to see you,
especially on dark mornings and early evenings. By making contact with
drivers using their mirrors, this also makes you visible to the driver.
Signal earlier to give as much notice as possible to other road users of your intentions.
Tires
Check your tire pressure to ensure it's suitable for winter riding. Let
your tires warm-up. Rubber gets harder as it gets cold. As this
happens, the tires are able to provide less traction than they can in
warmer temperatures. Friction with the ground will cause the rubber to
warm as you ride. Until the tires are warm, it is a good idea to limit
high-traction situations as much as possible.
Mirrors
In winter months, use anti-misting spray on your visor and mirrors.
Visor fogging can cause hazardous visibility problems during cold
weather. Wear a half-mask inside your helmet over a wind-proof
balaclava. This combo allows your breath to escape without causing
condensation inside the visor.
Strong winds
Try to avoid riding in strong winds, however if it is absolutely
necessary then be aware of hazardous objects being swept onto the roads
such as bags, boxes, branches of trees, cones etc. Consider installing a
windshield. Motorcycle windshields can be very effective for diverting
the wind away from the rider. Other types of wind deflectors divert wind
around the hands and legs.
Direct chilly air away from your body by adding a functional, not just
cosmetic, fairing. Your height and torso length will dictate the proper
height of the fairing - if a stock product doesn't dispel the airflow
correctly, have a fairing custom cut.
Maintain your bike
Make sure to have a qualified mechanic inspect your bike before winter
riding. Check your bike frequently yourself. Changing winter
temperatures may cause tires to lose pressure, and light bulbs to burn
out. Corrosion during winter can be avoided by washing off the salt and
road dirt causing oxidisation. Wax your alloy rims with a nice hard wax
to prevent the outboard motor effect. Try putting a little grease or
Vaseline in areas you think should stay dry. Frequent checks ensure a
safer ride.
Using the proper oil for your motorcycle is also top priority. The 10w -
40w oil is sufficient enough. Using thinner oil during the cold months
will improve your bike's performance, especially during start-up, but
check your owner's manual for recommendations. Some manufacturers
recommend only one weight of oil, no matter what the temperature. For
those with liquid-cooled bikes, make sure that the reading on the
anti-freeze is sufficient for the temperatures you'll be expecting.
Your winter riding can be a great adventure. Just make sure that while
you're having fun, you and your motorcycle are also safe and sound. If
you do have to go out this winter on your bike, stay alert and ride well
within your limit.
But For all the problems of winter riding, it still beats standing at a
bus stop in the rain, or struggling to de-ice your frozen car every
morning. With a little planning and a little care, you'll be enjoying
the sunshine of spring before you know it.
