Winter makes riding a motorcycle tough at the best of times. Your riding gear is there to protect you against falls, but it also has to be enough to protect you against cold, chills and the exhaustion that comes with freezing rides.
It is essential that you choose the right gear and are prepared for the weather before you head out. You can ride your motorcycle all year, but you should also adjust how you prepare based on the changes in the seasons.
Get the right riding gear
Before you ride, the first thing to do is to get the right riding gear. Many jackets and coats will be rated for specific temperatures. You’ll want to be sure that your gear is designed for the temperatures outside plus the wind chill.
Once you know you have the right riding gear to protect you against hypothermia and frostbite, you can take a few more steps to stay safe.
Before you ride: Check your local weather conditions
Before you go out, the first thing to do is to check your local weather conditions. Bad weather, like an incoming blizzard, means that you should avoid going out on your motorcycle (or with any vehicle, when possible). You want to be sure that you’re confident that you can ride safely in the conditions that are expected.
Stop for maintenance
Before your first ride of the winter season, get maintenance for your motorcycle. If you need to change to all-weather or winter tires, now is the time to do it. Check your oils, gasoline and other fluids that may also benefit from being changed to winter-safe alternatives.
During the winter, drivers may not expect to see motorcyclists on the roads. Be prepared for that, and always watch your surroundings carefully. If you are hit by another driver, seek medical attention right away. Once the immediate danger to your health has passed, speak with an experienced attorney about your right to compensation for your injuries.
