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Winter motorcycling tips

Whilst winter motorcycling certainly presents a unique set of challenges and considerations, the right preparation and precautions will allow you to continue enjoying the thrill of riding even in the colder, icier months. In today’s blog post, we’ll explore some of our essential tips concerning safety, keeping your motorcycle in tip-top condition, and making the most of your winter adventures!

Staying safe in winter conditions

Don’t go anywhere without your high-visibility gear

Daylight is limited throughout the winter months, and visibility is often compromised by inclement weather such as snow, rain, and fog, all-in-all creating hazardous conditions for even the most skilled motorcyclists. To ensure you’re visible to other road users, it’s essential to invest in high visibility gear, such as brightly coloured jackets and helmets with reflective details. LED lights and reflective strips on your motorcycle will also vastly increase your visibility on the road. Never forget that being seen is crucial to your safety, especially when road conditions are less than ideal.

Easy, rider!

Winter can wreak havoc on road surfaces, with the likes of black ice and slushy snow creating dangerous conditions. As such, it’s essential to ride with caution during winter months, and we recommend slowing down when approaching shaded areas, bridges, and overpasses, as these spots tend to freeze first. It’s also important to increase your braking distance to better maintain control on slippery surfaces.

Keep tabs on your vision and visibility

Foggy visors and misty glasses can hinder your vision during winter rides. To combat this, we recommend using an anti-fog treatment on your helmet visor and investing in a good-quality pin-lock system. It’s also a good idea to carry a microfiber cloth with you to wipe away condensation on the go. For maintenance of your helmet and visor, consider investing in this kit. To enhance your ability to see and be seen in low-light conditions, you should also ensure that your headlights are clean and properly aligned.

Remember to layer up

Cold temperatures demand plenty of layering if you want to keep yourself warm and comfortable during your ride. Here at Bike Auto, we recommend starting with a moisture-wicking base layer to keep sweat away from your skin, before adding an insulating layer to retain body heat and finishing with a waterproof and windproof outer layer to shield against the elements. Don’t forget thermal socks, gloves, and a neck gaiter to protect your extremities from the biting cold.

Cleaning your motorcycle

Removing corrosive grit and salt

When conditions get icy, the gritters roll out. Whilst this type of road treatment is essential for safety, it can be corrosive to your motorcycle’s metal parts. As such, after each winter ride, it’s important to take the time to wash your bike thoroughly, paying particular attention to areas exposed to road salt and grit. Our preferred product for this at Bike Auto is our very own Extreme Snow Foam, a deep-cleaning, high-foaming solution that is specially formulated for the safe and effective removal of corrosive grit and salt. Remember, regular cleaning not only preserves the aesthetics of your bike but also protects its vital components from the harsh winter elements.

Cleaning the chain

The salt and grit used to treat winter roads can wreak havoc on your motorcycle’s chain, so regularly cleaning and lubricating the chain will help to prevent any potential corrosion, maintain optimal performance and extend the life of your motorcycle’s drivetrain. To clean your chain, remove grease using a Solvent Degreaser and use a mild detergent such as Wash. Remember to apply a lubricant to keep the chain in good condition.

All systems go!

Start with a thorough inspection

Before embarking on a winter ride, it’s crucial to conduct a comprehensive systems check on your motorcycle. Start with a thorough inspection of the brakes, lights, and indicators, checking for any loose or damaged parts, and tightening or replacing them as necessary, before inspecting the suspension and ensuring that all bolts and fasteners are secure. Cold temperatures can exacerbate mechanical issues, so identifying and addressing potential problems before you hit the road is essential for a safe journey.

Regularly check your tyre condition

Winter roads can be very unpredictable, so having well-maintained tyres that you can rely on is paramount for stability and traction. In order to keep your tyres in check, take a look at the tyre pressure regularly as cold temperatures can cause it to drop, and ensure that the tyres have sufficient tread depth to provide adequate grip on wet and slippery surfaces. When winter rolls around, you may wish to consider switching to tyres that are designed for colder conditions, as they offer better traction and control in low temperatures.

Inspect your battery health

Cold weather can be particularly harsh on motorcycle batteries, and lead to reduced performance or even failure. Before heading out, it’s a good idea to inspect the battery for signs of corrosion or damage, ensuring that the terminals are clean and securely connected. If your motorcycle has been in storage, consider using a battery tender to keep it charged and ready for winter rides.

Check fluid levels

Before you head out for a ride, it’s important to check all fluid levels, including oil, brake fluid, and coolant, to ensure that they are at the recommended levels. Cold weather can affect the viscosity of fluids, so it’s essential to use the correct grades for winter riding. Additionally, we recommend inspecting for any leaks or signs of contamination, as addressing fluid-related issues proactively will help you maintain the overall health and performance of your motorcycle.

Take a look at your lights and signals

With reduced daylight during winter, functional lights and signals are crucial for visibility on the road. Make sure to regularly check and clean all lights, including headlights, taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, replace any burnt-out bulbs promptly, and ensure that all indicators are working correctly.

Hit the road, Jack!

With all of the necessary checks and precautions in place, you’re all set to hit the road for a bracing winter ride. Don’t forget that here at Bike Auto we have a fantastic range of products specially designed to help you maintain your motorcycle effectively throughout the inclement conditions of winter. Happy riding!

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