Motorcycling in the Winter

The arrival of winter doesn't need to mean the end of your motorcycle season! You can still ride your motorcycle in the winter as long as you take the proper precautions. We rounded up everything you need to know about riding in the winter. For all your motorcycle needs, visit America's Motor Sports Madison. You'll find us in Madison, Tennessee.

Layer Up

One of the biggest hazards of riding in the winter is the cold. There are already plummeting temperatures once you step outside. Then you hop aboard your motorcycle and face the beating of wind chill. The cold weather is more than a comfort issue - you can get frostbite or hypothermia if you aren't careful!

The key to battling the cold is layering. Your base layer (against your skin) should be light but protective. Next is a warmer mid-layer. Finally, your riding jacket serves as your outer layer. You'll want to use the same method for your legs and use waterproof riding pants as your outermost layer. 

For your accessories, you'll want to strap on a pair of waterproof boots to keep your feet warm. A neck warmer helps fight against the inevitable wind that hits the spot between your jacket and your helmet. Use thick, waterproof gloves to keep your hands warm.

If you usually wear a half helmet, you will want to consider switching to a full face helmet. Otherwise, you'll face the bitter cold on your cheeks and nose. A full-face helmet covers much more of your skin and can come with a visor to shield your skin from snow and wind.

Tires

Your motorcycle tires will be affected by the cold. The low temperatures hurt your tire pressure, which makes it harder for your motorcycle to maintain the necessary grip and traction with the road. Check your motorcycle tire air pressure before you hit the road. As you ride, you can try this trick to warm the tires back up: if the road conditions are safe, you can quickly accelerate and decelerate to build up heat.

Road Hazards

While you ride your motorcycle, you'll want to stay on high alert for hazards that crop up in the winter. Black ice is one of the biggest safety threats. Monitor the road constantly and adjust your route or speed if you think you see ice approaching. Salt and gravel can be just as slippery as ice if you turn too sharp on them. Ride smoothly and carefully over them. Tar snakes can be hazardous when wet from snow or rain. Look for long sealed cracks in the pavement and adjust accordingly.

Safety

You should always employ defensive driving strategies, but they are especially important in the winter. Leave plenty of space between you and other motorists. You never know when they might begin slipping on ice and you'll want plenty of time to react to avoid a collision. Engage your brake far before you reach stop signs and stop lights. If there is ice, you will appreciate the extra space when you slide forward. Stay alert and focused as you ride to ensure a fun, but safe, motorcycle winter ride.

For all your motorcycle needs, visit America's Motor Sports Madison. If you already own a motorcycle, check out our parts replacement and service department. We can get your motorcycle running like new so it can handle the harsh elements. If you are looking to buy, check out our selection of new and used motorcycles. We offer models for all budgets, riding levels, and riding lifestyles. We proudly serve those in Madison, Henderson, and Lebanon, Tennessee.