10 - Winter Riding for Those Lucky enough to Ride
As winter approaches, falling temperatures will ground a lot of motorcycles till spring. But plummeting mercury doesn't have to confine you to four wheels. When we ride we're exposed to the elements. When it's colder or rain threatens, we can't switch on the heater or turn on the windshield wipers. Jumping into the car or truck is an easy solution, but there goes our chance to ride. Some of the best rides have been in cooler weather when there is less traffic on the road, the air is crisp and clean and there are fewer bugs.
Riding in cooler weather means recognizing first and foremost it is the wind that causes your body to become chilled. It is the flow of wind or "wind chill factor" that removes the heat from the body, so a rider's first line of defense is a layer of warm clothing underneath an outer layer that does a good job at blocking the wind. Keep in mind that our bodies are all different, so what works for one person may not work the same for you. Holding onto your body heat is difficult if you can't block the wind. A windshield greatly reduces the airflow to your torso, so you stay warmer longer.
The next essential is proper-fitting riding gear, protective garments that are neither too tight nor too loose. Leather is one of the better choices, but not just any leather will do. True riding garments are tightly stitched for riding, unlike fashion leather which may allow heat loss through stitching holes. Along with your leather riding boots and jacket, consider leather chaps or pants to keep cold away from your legs. Always dress in layers so as the day warms up you don't overheat.
Next, keeping the hands warm can be challenging. When we ride we place our hands in the full force of the wind and keeping them warm is not easy. But it's a lot easier today than, say twenty years ago. There are excellent riding gloves and gauntleted models which keep wind out of the sleeves and are recommended for cooler and winter riding. Another solution to keeping hands warm during winter rides is installing heated grips. There's no doubt that correct gear can enjoyably extend your riding season.
Riding in colder temperatures means being constantly aware of how your body is handling changing temperatures. Let the cold weather get the better of you, and your ability to handle your motorcycle can be seriously impaired. When out on a late season group ride, it's a good idea to keep in mind how much protective winter gear your fellow riders have. When cold becomes intolerable due to lack of proper protection, reaction times will be seriously compromised. Talk to members of your group about cold weather riding gear that will enhance their experiences as well.
Winter safety does not end with personal gear. Any discussion of cold weather riding must include amps and viscosity. Cold weather impairs a battery's ability to turn over an engine. Most internal motorcycle charging systems are marginal at best-and usually will not fully charge a drained battery very well. Some charging systems can't recharge a battery once it falls below the 70% charge level.
When caring for your battery, double check all the connections to be sure they are corrosion-free and tight. And for preventive maintenance, clean each connection and place a dab of electro-static grease on each one to help prevent corrosion and oxidation.
The next consideration is oil viscosity or "weight". Engine oil comes in different weights and the rating system of oil viscosity measures how it flows at ambient or running temperatures. Take a look at your owner's manual and you'll find which viscosity to use at which operating temperature. An oil that is formulated for the higher temperatures of summer cruising may run like refrigerated honey in winter thereby denying your moving internal parts the lubrication they need when you start your bike.
Still not interested in extending your riding season? That's perfectly OK. Just don't forget to hook up your battery to a Battery Tender and pour some fuel stabilizer in the gas tank before you cover your bike for the winter. These two simple steps will help insure that your bike will be ready to go next spring when you are.
So if you are one of those who prefer your car in the winter, please keep an eye out for those of us who enjoy a little cold-weather riding.
Ride Safe … and remember never mind who’s right,
ride so you will be left
