Winter Riding Tips

As much of the northern hemisphere goes into its motorcycle hibernation, there are those intrepid riders that continue to enjoy the motorcycling lifestyle. Through snow and ice and freezing temperatures they continue onward.

Some are older riders who simply can't imagine not riding their bikes to work, or not going on weekend rides. Then there are those new riders looking for another challenge, another conquest. Here is a list of things a winter time motorcyclist can do to help them ride safe and stay warm.

• Staying warm sounds fairly easy to do. It's not so easy when riding a bike with no fairing at 60 MPH in freezing tempretures. A key to staying warm is to wear many thin layers of clothing, rather that a single shirt, coat and riding jacket. Wearing layers traps air which is a great insulator.
• Do your hands get cold when riding? Consider getting a pair of motorcycle mittens. Since the fingers are not separated, the body loses less heat and your hands stay warm. Mittens can affect how you ride, so you should practice using them before you need them.
  
• Are your hands still cold in your mittens? Don't like wearing mittens? Try putting a small chemical warming pouch in each glove. Just be careful you don't get burned.
• Try wearing your full rain gear. The pants and jacket will help reduce wind chill and improve the insulation provided by your other gear.
• Use a full-face helmet. It will definitely help keep you warm. Other types of helmets will help, but full-face is the best.
• Use other head wear. One of the most common and effective winter head wear items is the balaclava. This great invention is like a snug hood that goes over your head and around your neck.
• If you don't have a balaclava, use some other form of tight fitting head wear.
• Put a bandanna or scarf around your neck.
• If your bike's electrical system can handle it, consider electrically heated clothes, like gloves, vest and socks. If your motorcycle's electrical system can't handle the load, or it has no electrical system, look into battery operated attire.
  
• Drink plenty of water. In most places, the air is drier in the winter months. The typical motorcyclist may not think of becoming dehydrated in the wither but it is really rather easy to do.
• Put extra emergency food in your saddle or tank bags. Don't have bags? Stash some in your jacket. Good emergency food should be high in protein and durable. Many riders carry Power Bars.
• Make sure you have an emergency Mylar blanket; those silver ones that typically cost less than $2 USD.
  
• Pack emergency chemical warmers. If you don't need them (and hopefully you won't) you can store them throughout the summer months and they should be ready for next winter.
• Make sure you have a good flash light with extra, fresh batteries.
• Keep your bike in peak condition. Do not skimp on maintenance.
• Consider getting tires specific for snowy travel.
• Look into getting, and using Snow Claws. They are a form of snow chain for motorcycles. Before buying, check your local laws.
  
• Can't afford Snow Claws? Toss some larger zip-ties in your bags. If the going gets tough, Just zip a few on your tires.

By taking the right precautions and riding very carefully, winter riding can be very enjoyable.