Cold Weather Riding Tips

Now that summer’s gone and fall is underway, the temperatures are dropping steadily and winter precipitation is on the horizon. While for some riders, this may mean it’s time to put their bikes away for the season, others may choose to continue riding for as long as possible before the Midwestern blizzards make it impossible.

Those of you who wish to continue your daily motorcycle commute or brisk afternoon rides on the weekends will need to take some extra precautions in order to stay safe while riding in cold weather. Nielsen Enterprises in Lake Villa is proud to be your local motorcycle dealer. We’ve gathered up the following tips to help you ride your motorcycle safely even as the temperatures cool and precipitation begins.

Bundle Up Appropriately

You’ll still need to wear the gear that you’re accustomed to wearing the rest of the year: a well-fitting helmet, sturdy riding boots, gloves with good grip, a riding suit or jacket and pants. However, to better protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia, you’ll need to add some more insulation to your daily ensemble. Not only are the temperatures themselves going to put you at risk, but windchill can make things significantly colder, especially when you’re riding at high speeds. Precipitation will only make things worse.

 Layer up in thin, wicking layers made of wool or polyester underneath your riding jacket and pants. Thermal underwear is a practical choice for this. You can also get insulated versions of your usual gear, like a thicker riding jacket, lined gloves and boots with more padding. Wear thick wool socks, a scarf or cowl and maybe even a thin wool cap under your helmet. If you’re riding in an area prone to precipitation, you’ll want to invest in waterproof gear wherever possible.

Take Frequent Breaks

You’re just not going to be able to ride for as long as you may like when it’s cold outside. Don’t be afraid to take shorter rides in general and to intersperse more frequent breaks in those rides. Stop at a diner or gas station to walk around and warm up, or visit an indoor tourist attraction. Get a hot drink and have some food to give yourself energy; you’ll probably also need to eat more in order to keep your body temperature up. Staying hydrated in the cold is just as important as it is in the heat, so make sure you’re getting enough fluids before, during and after your ride.

Check The Weather

You may be able to ride on a chilly day if the conditions are clear enough, and a little drizzle may not stop you, either. However, you’ll need to be mindful of the forecast and avoid getting on your bike if conditions look particularly poor. Riding in freezing temperatures when it’s raining, sleeting or snowing means that the roads can ice over, and if it’s black ice, you might not be able to see it before you skid across it. You’ll need to watch for sand, salt or gravel on the roads after a snowplow has gone through, too, since these will be riskier on your bike than they are in a car. If the winds are high, the precipitation is heavy or temperatures are significantly below 32°F, you may want to delay or cancel your ride and take your car or public transport instead.

Seeking motorcycles for sale near Milwaukee, Wisconsin? Visit us at our Lake Villa, Illinois, location to check out our current stock of new and used motorcycles for sale by many leading brands. Nielsen Enterprises is happy to serve all of our customers in the greater Chicago, Illinois, metro area.