Motorcycle 101: Winter riding

October 25, 9:43 PMBaltimore Motorcycle Travel ExaminerTom Bachur

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Winter riding presents unique challenges.  (Photo: alivetoride.com)

In “Motorcycle 101: Preparing your motorcycle for winter lay-up” I mentioned how winter “divides” riders into two basic categories: those who ride, and those who winterize.

Those of us who ride year-round are also divided: those who wear traditional winter riding gear, and those who have made the transition to heated gear. 

I’m a traditionalist, I rely on layers for warmth.  Ken Bingenheimer, the National Motorcycle Examiner uses heated gear.  To provide a comprehensive guide to winter riding, we’ve teamed-up, each of us writing about what we know.  My article, “Motorcycle 101: Winter Riding” is written based on my traditionalist approach to winter riding.  Ken's article, "Product Review: Exo2 Heated Motorcycle Gear" discusses particular heated gear Ken has been testing.  It also addresses heated gear in general, of which Ken is a big fan.  Harley-Davidson Examiner T. Jaussaud recently wrote an article dedicated to Harley heated gear: “Time to get Outfitted for Fall Weather.”

Traditional Winter Gear
I use a variety of gear for winter riding.  By dressing in layers, I’m able to stay warm into temperatures as low as the lower 20’s.  I can ride through most of the Maryland winter.  My winter riding gear choices include:

• Under Armour¹ long underwear.  (Worn below 32º)
• Cruiserworks¹ riding socks.  (Comfortable and warm)
• Leather riding boots.
• Draggin’ Jeans¹ denim riding jeans.  (The Kevlar lining provides added warmth.)
• Leather chaps.  (I wear these below 40º.  They provide fantastic insulation from the cold and wind.)
• Long sleeve t-shirt.  (As a base layer, or first layer over the Under Armour.)
• A sweatshirt with the sleeves and collar cut out.  (Provides warmth to the torso, without being overly bulky in the sleeves or collar area.)
• A Fleece pullover sweatshirt with zip-up collar.  (Provides additional torso and neck warmth.)
• A Gortex type riding jacket with liner and impact padding.  (Worn above 40º.)
• A heavy weight leather “bomber” style jacket.  (Worn below 40º.)
• One of three different pairs of riding gloves.  (Temperature dependant.)
• A pull-over head warmer.  (Below 35º.)
• Full-face helmet.
• Chemical hand and feet warmer packets.  (Below 30º.)
• Motorcycle sunglasses with foam insulation around the frames.  (Frames can be cold on your skin!)
• Anti-fog spray treatment.

Experience has taught me the importance of wearing layers.  The colder the temperature, the more the wind cuts through clothing.  Multiple layers ensure sufficient insulation from the cold.  The lower the temperature, the more layers and the heavier the clothing.  As a general rule-of-thumb, it is better to overdress and be too warm than to wear too little clothing and risk hypothermia.

Another important point to remember is that temperatures that may feel warm while standing still can quickly becomes very cold at riding speeds!  Exposed skin quickly becomes susceptible to frost bite, even in moderate temperatures.  The colder the temperature, the more important it becomes to cover exposed skin.

Other Winter Riding Tips
In my article “Summer’s Almost Over, Not Riding Season” I gave a few hints for riding in the Fall.  Here are a few winter riding tips:

• Fallen leaves can be slippery!  Use caution around leaves, especially if they are wet.
• Be aware of changing conditions.  Dew, rain, snow, ice, freezing rain and black-ice are dangerous in a car; they are suicidal on a motorcycle!  If there is a chance of any type of freezing conditions, it is best to leave the motorcycle at home and take the car.
• Watch for freezing road conditions.  Remember that bridges, over-passes, tree-lined roads and roads through wooded areas are all susceptible to lower temperatures.  As you pass through these areas, you might actually feel the temperature change.  Be aware of the added risk of freezing roadways in these areas and adjust your riding accordingly.
• Pay attention to long shadows!  During the winter, the sun is lower in the sky in the mornings and evenings.  A motorcycle with the sun behind it and the headlight on can become almost invisible to drivers traveling in the opposite direction!  You can recognize this danger by noticing that your shadow is very long, directly in front of you.  If you’re seeing your own long shadow in front of you, you’ll probably note that oncoming drivers have their sun visor’s down and are squinting to see!  Be particularly careful of oncoming traffic that is turning in front of you in this type of light, there is a good chance that they don’t see you!
• Check your bike frequently.  Changing winter temperatures may cause tires to lose pressure, and light bulbs to burn out.  Frequent checks ensure a safer ride.
• Let your tires warm-up!  Rubber gets harder as it gets cold.  As this happens, the tires are able to provide less traction than they can in warmer temperatures.  Friction with the ground will cause the rubber to warm as you ride.  Until the tires are warm, it is a good idea to limit high-traction situations as much as possible.
• Consider installing a windshield.  Motorcycle windshields can be very effective for diverting the wind away from the rider.  Other types of wind deflectors divert wind around the hands and legs.

Winter riding brings unique pleasures.  The crisp feel of the air, the invigorating sense of the cold, the calming solitude of a “bundled-up” ride, and the wonderful smell of a wood fire along a country road are a few of my favorites.  I hope you’re able to enjoy some of the pleasures winter riding can bring!

To read Tom's other Motorcycle 101 articles, click here.

To read Tom's other "Riding Tips" articles, click here.

Click here to read another excellent winter riding article at www.alivetoride.com.

(¹ These name brands are referenced based on my use only.  These companies have not endorsed or supplied their products for this or any other article.)

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