Winter Riding Tips for Motorcyclists
Winter in northern California might not be the icy fist of doom that it is elsewhere but it still throws its fair share of obstacles at motorcyclists. Shorter days, chilly temps and slick roads can make riding a tricky tango—but with the right prep, you can keep the rubber side down and the butt-puckering to a minimum.
Here’s how to tackle winter’s top three challenges while staying safe, confident, and smiling under your helmet.
1. Riding in Darkness
The Challenges:
Limited visibility slows everyone’s reaction time.
Drivers are even less likely to notice you than usual.
Night riding turns potholes and lane dividers into invisible booby traps.
The low-setting sun can turn commutes into a game of "dodge the glare."
Manage It:
Slow Your Roll: Ease up on the throttle at night to give yourself time to notice obstacles and not get popped by other drivers' bad decisions.
Shine Bright: Reflective tape, clean lights, and strategic flicks of high beams help you stay visible.
Make Some Noise: Use your throttle and horn to effectively (and hopefully politely) announce yourself.
Eye Protection: Rain-proof your visor, keep it squeaky clean, and carry sunglasses to battle the blinding setting sun.
Dance Smart in Traffic: Stay out of blind spots and shimmy within your lane for extra breathing room.
2. Combatting the Cold
The Challenge:
Frozen fingers make the brake lever feel like a hand-strengthening device.
Bundling up indoors can leave you sweating like an eskimo in Miami.
Manage It:
Layer Like a Pro: Use lightweight, breathable layers that are easy to peel off or pack.
Gear Up for Battle: Invest in heated vests, insulated gloves, balaclavas and thermal socks. Keep spares for soggy days. Heated grips for your bike are a pretty dreamy addition.
Stop the Drafts: Tuck in shirts to block cold air, and ditch bulky hoodies that act like wet sponges and take up a ton of room in your bag.
Stay Relaxed in Gusts: Cross-winds can feel sketchy! On windy highways, grip the tank with your knees and keep your arms loose. If you can flap your arms like a chicken, you’re doing it right!
3. Wet Roads and Rain
The Challenge:
Wet roads can feel like skating rinks.
Stopping distances grow longer than a CVS receipt.
Soggy gear sucks!
Manage It:
Be Smooth, Never Abrupt: Gentle throttle and brake inputs, controlled clutch releases and early speed adjustments will keep you upright.
Tire TLC: Lower tire pressures slightly (about 10%) for better grip, and keep an eye on tread wear.
Rain-Ready Gear: Treat your wearables with waterproofing spray and carry compact rain shells for those “maybe it’ll rain” days.
Dress for a Slide: Slippery roads mean higher spill risks, so armor up to avoid turning a slide into a skin-removal situation.
Winter Gear Must-Haves
Helmet Love: Carry rain-resistant visor cleaner to keep your view crystal clear.
Waterproof Layers: Rain suits or one-piece wonders like Aerostitch keep you dry if not dapper.
Quick Dry Solutions: A portable heater or hair dryer can rescue wet gloves and boots fast.
Bag Check: Protect electronics and essentials in dry bags or plastic bags at least—or risk finding out your phone doesn't swim.
Quick Pro Tips
Check Weather Reports: Don’t be lulled to sleep by some nice days. Watch the weather predictions weekly so you’re not surprised by storms and Arctic-like dips in temperature.
De-Gear Smart: Avoid overheating by getting well-designed layers that are easy to un-zip or peel off.
Ride Smooth Like Butter: Wet roads demand smooth moves—no jerky braking or sudden turns.
Fix It Before It Fails: Inspect gear and bike regularly so you're ready to roll when the weather gets ornery.
With the right prep, winter riding doesn’t need to feel like an arctic obstacle course. Sharpen your skills, layer up smart, and don’t let the dark, cold, and wet keep you from the joy of getting where you want to go way faster than everyone in cars.
Ride safe, stay smooth, and leave the butt-puckering to the amateurs!
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