Staying Moto-Ready through Winter
Winter is a time that is often lacking when it comes to riding motorcycles (unless you live in a place that’s brutally hot in the summer, winter is your riding season). For most riders in the Northern hemisphere, cold temps and shorter daylight hours cut into being able to ride. Being off your motorcycle for weeks or months at a time can make you feel rusty when you do finally get to ride again. We’d like to help you stay moto-ready through the winter.
Fitness:
We know, we know, but it’s true. The more physically fit we are the better we feel, all around, including riding a motorcycle. It doesn’t matter what your exercise routine is, be it yoga, weight lifting, running, rowing, whatever, having your body in shape is great for motorcycling. This is especially true if you enjoy dirt riding. Winter is the time to get summer ready.
Balance:
We personally love this one, because it is the second pillar in our CLEAR Moto Five Foundational Skills. Balance is key to riding successfully. We enjoy practicing on a balance board (here is the one we use). There are so many exercises you can incorporate that will benefit your overall balance once you’re riding again.
Static Practice:
Based on our Motorcycle Familiarization, you can practice these skills in your garage, or other space, all with the engine off. The Balance Walk Around is a favorite of ours not only during the winter, but also whenever you need to reacquaintance yourself with a motorcycle.
You can also try out Static Balance. This will require more room for the occasional tip-over (yeah, it’s more likely to happen), especially if you are trying the standing version of this exercise. The Static Balance is a fantastic, and challenging on-motorcycle balance exercises that will translate to better balance and control while riding. This exercise requires a lot of practice and patience to get good at it. Note: the harder the ground/surface you practice this on, the more difficult it is to do.
Motorcycle Care:
When storing your motorcycle for an extended period of time, it’s not a bad idea to prepare it for winter storage. Please note there are a lot of opinions out there, so follow the one you like best and suits your needs. Here is what we suggest.
Trickle Charger - plugging your motorcycle’s battery into a constant and slow power source will help the longevity and health of the battery. Cold temperatures can be harsh on these small batteries and it is a bummer when you finally have a warm day to go for a ride and your motorcycle battery is dead. Not to mention now you need to buy and install a new battery. You can find a trickle charger that plugs into the “pigtail” or clamps down on the battery terminals.
Maintenance - Winter is a great time to do all the big projects or maintenance required that you didn’t want to do during the riding season because you didn’t want to be without your beloved motorcycle. It’s also a good idea to have your motorcycle serviced before riding season again if you feel it needs a tune up after sitting all winter. Check with your trusted mechanic shop.
Parking Outside - If you have to park your motorcycle outside, putting a cover over it is recommended. This is true for the warmer months as well. Weather of all kinds can be harsh on the seat, plastics, and paint. Not to mention, a cover helps keeps preying eyes off your beloved motorcycle. Throw a lock or two on them while you’re at it.
Winter Riding: Tire Pressures - If there is a break in the weather and you decide to go for a ride, be diligent to check the tire pressures. The shift in the air temperature will effect the tire pressures. Keep in mind the rubber will also act differently in cold weather.
Winter Riding: Warm Engine Properly - The fluids and oils in your motorcycle are going to be cold and will require more time to warm up properly. Don’t rush to get going. Start your motorcycle well in advance so it has ample warm up time. We recommend starting your motorcycle before you gear up. Then, once you’re rolling, be easy on those RPM’s until you feel the motorcycle is fully awake. The older the engine, the longer this may take.
Get Out and Ride When You Can
When the weather is nice, get out and ride when you can. Make good decisions of course. We would never advise riding in slick, very cold, or other dangerous conditions (although that is what ice riding is all about). Cash in on a PTO day when you get that delightful and unexpected warm day in the middle of February. Take advantage of it before the cold comes marching back in. Good, warm gear is helpful in providing you more cold weather riding days during the winter months. If you need any REV’IT! gear, please let us know. We’re happy to help you with your gear order.
Cold Weather Riding Gear:
If you live in a place that you can or want to ride year round, having the right gear is key to staying warm and toasty, as well as safe, during the winter months. This is especially true for your hands and feet, the parts of your body that control the clutch, shifter, and brakes.
Layers - We recommend wearing thin, yet effective layers. This is because becoming bulky as you layer can cause restriction in your movement (think mounting and dismounting). You’ll also want to be able to stow layers easily with less bulk as the temps warm up and you begin to shed layers. Micro fleece and wool, base layers or pull-overs, and puffy jackets are great. Some motorcycle suits also come with liners, although you may want or need more. Many motorcycle gear companies, such as REV’IT! have motorcycle specific layers. Designed to be thin, warm, without annoying seems in annoying places, and pair well with their jacket and pants.
Heated Gear - Take your layering a step further and get heated gear. You’ll have a choice between plug-in or battery operated gear (often rechargeable). Heated gear is a game changer, and can help reduce the bulkiness of having to layer with more clothes. Most heated gear will have a low, medium, and high heating setting. It’s like holding a warm cup of hot chocolate, mmm!
Winter Riding & Wind Chill:
Just because the sun is out, does not mean that the roads or riding conditions are safe. If the temperatures are near freezing, keep in mind the wind chill and shady places on the road.
Wind Chill - The air temperature is one thing, riding through it is another. As you gear up, you’ll likely feel too warm, yet once you’re at speed, you should be just right. Check out this wind chill chart by the National Weather Service.
Winter Road Conditions - Shady spots can be dangerous in the winter as they can harbor icy patches. The cold temperatures can also effect your tire pressures and the rubber of your tire. Check and adjust your tire pressures before you ride.
Go Somewhere Warm:
If you can, go and ride somewhere warm. Give yourself a winter motorcycle getaway. There are a ton of places a person can vacation to that is warm during the cold winter months. Find a motorcycle tour to join, or check out a rental company or community motorcycle rental options (such as Riders Share) and create your own itinerary. Oh, and don’t forget the sunscreen!
