How to Prepare for Winter Motorcycle Ride?

Winters are hitting hard and if you are one of those who are keen on riding irrespective of weather conditions, then read on to learn how to prepare for winter motorcycling.

5 Pro Tips to Prepare for a Winter Motorcycle Ride

1) Prepare your bike
Motorcycle riding during the winters is thrilling and adventurous. It is fun going through cold winds and whizzing past traffic. However, foggy weather and breezy conditions do make it equally challenging for bike riders to ride comfortably. So before riding do a quick bike check by checking the level of engine oil, chain lubrication and whether horn is in a good working condition or not. Are the tyres worn out or not and most important, the condition of the battery which is usually a problem during winters.
You can additionally pick heated grips for keeping your hands warm, install aux light for better visibility and also don’t forget anti-fog mirror protector, which will give clear vision even during foggy conditions.
 
2) Winter Prep Your Helmet
Winters call for riding in low visibility conditions and thus fitting an antifog can be a choice you’ll be thankful for. Find out whether your helmet visor can be fitted with a Pinlock antifog. Nowadays universal antifog inserts are readily available too. If you are picking a new helmet before heading out for the ride, make sure the helmet is comfortable and fits you well. You can refer to our Guide to buying a right size helmet to help you with it. Spend a lot of time trying on several helmets because different brands fit differently. It may seem absurd, but the way you arrange your hair might alter the fit of your helmet. It is also recommended to use a clear visor during winters for improved visibility during the dark. Even if you do not want to invest on antifog visors/inserts, you can go for antifog sprays available at all the optical shops. These work for a couple of hours depending on the quality of the spray, but can be a good choice for those who do not want to spend on picking an antifog insert.

3) Base Layers
Another line of protection for maintaining your core temperature is base layers. They're not only comfy and easy to wear beneath your existing clothing but they're also constructed of moisture-wicking fabrics. The thermoregulation property of base layers make them a must have gear amongst seasoned riders.

4) Pick Your Gloves Wisely
There is nothing known as ‘All Weather Riding Gloves.’ Summer gloves are highly ventilated and thus appropriate for hot conditions. However, winter gloves are constructed in leather or other such materials that offer insulation. Wearing winter gloves will keep your hands warm and dry, which will keep you feeling your best during the ride. If you are riding from hot conditions to cold places, make sure to carry an extra pair of winter gloves which can be used as the weather changes. In general, wearing winter gloves is a smart decision during winter rides. They don't just keep your hands warm throughout; they also help protect them and prevent injury!

5) Purchase An Appropriate Jacket
During the winter months, it is important that you are prepared with an appropriate jacket meant for riding in cold conditions. Ideally you can pick for an all-weather jacket that has separate winter liners, but if you are able to spare some extra bucks, then you can pick on a riding jacket that is dedicated to riding in cold conditions only. You might want to keep the rain liner too, since it can act as a wind cheater and might be useful if the weather wishes to surprise you with light showers.

Motorcycle journeys throughout the winter months are an extreme adventure. If you have your heart set on exploring during the winters, proceed with caution and attention. If you're well-prepared, the majority of your journey should go smoothly. Also, be aware that you will face difficulties while riding. However, if you are serious about achieving your riding goals, the only way to ease the journey is to be thoroughly prepared!