5 TIPS FOR MOTORCYCLING IN WINTER

Worried about riding your bike in the cold weather? Check out these 5 tips to get you geared up for the riding in cold weather!

Keep Your Core Warm

When it’s chilly in the morning and the temperature rises in the afternoon, you don’t want to be stuck with a heavy insulated jacket that will make you sweaty and uncomfortable during your ride.

A good vest or lightweight softshell jacket will protect against the chill without weighing you down or inhibiting your movement. Lightweight jackets and vests are convenient for pairing with other winter motorcycle gear and are easily removed or stored away for later use.

Guard Against Wind and Wet Weather

Colder temperatures may call for more adaptable cold weather motorcycle gear like a 3-in-1 jacket. A versatile 3-in-1 jacket with a removable inner layer can withstand nearly any kind of weather without having to be layered over other bulky garments.

Look for an option that protects you from the rain and that has an inner lining that can be worn alone to give you lightweight protection from cooler temps.

Wind-proof insulated softshell jackets that protect down to -20 degrees are perfect for riding in the cold because they provide freedom movement yet are water-repellent and protect you from rough weather on the road. After all, if you intend to ride your motorcycle in the winter, you are going to need an insulated jacket that is suitable for much colder temperatures due to wind chill.

Insulate Against the Cold

Intense cold calls for tougher and warmer motorcycle gear. Sitting still for long periods in cold wind chills can be especially harsh, so it is necessary to calculate how much colder the ride will feel once you get moving. Jackets like Extreme Softshell (-60-degree comfort rating, water repellent) and ErgoForce (-30-degree comfort rating, 100% waterproof) protect against cold and wind.

It’s important to also have functionality in cold weather motorcycle apparel, so keep an eye out for things like adjustable cuffs to seal out cold drafts and waterproof pockets for sensitive items. You will also want a functional stand-up collar so you can zip all the way up and keep the cold from creeping down your neck.

Stay Seen, Stay Safe

Safety is of the utmost importance when choosing motorcycle gear. Even on a sunny day, a curving mountain road can lead to limited visibility for other riders and cars, so you may need to add a HiVis jacket or vest for safety.

A high-visibility softshell jacket, for example, combines insulation and functionality for warmth with orange or yellow HiVis colors, as well as reflective piping and tape to help you get noticed on the road.

Grip the Throttle

The right riding glove gives you a good grip on the throttle, but cold weather riding calls for extra insulation, abrasion resistance and grip.

Insulated performance gloves with impact protection, grip-enhanced palms and insulation make a perfection solution. When selecting your next gloves for fall or winter riding, pay attention to the insulation provided and make sure your gloves are warm enough to keep your hands from going stiff with cold.

With the right cold weather motorcycling gear you’ll be ready to ride, even in cold weather!