Cold Weather Riding

Don't put your motorcycle in winter storage just yet. If the temperature dips but the roads are still safe to drive, you can keep on riding! Cold weather riding takes a little proactivity, but you can still enjoy a comfortable and safe ride. Here at Maxey's Motorsports, we strive to make your life as easy as possible. That's why we rounded up everything you need to know about cold weather motorcycle riding below. If you have any questions or if your motorcycle needs a tune-up before hitting the streets, come to our motorcycle dealership. You'll find us in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Staying Warm

Your biggest concern about riding in the cold is, of course, how to not get too cold! It's not just a matter of comfort (though that is important). It's a safety issue. When you get cold, you struggle to safely operate your motorcycle. Your brain gets foggy, so it's harder to make snap judgments. Your hands shiver and shake, so it's harder to manipulate your controls.

Your best defense against the cold is layering up. It'll keep you warmer than wearing one massive coat. You'll want to wear multiple layers of socks, thermal underwear, and so on.

Some riders choose to invest in heated clothing. These pieces of attire are heated by batteries or your motorcycle to keep you toasty warm. They come in a number of options from jackets to leg liners.

A key part of staying warm is staying dry. Even the littlest bit of moisture can get you bitterly cold when combined with the wind. If the forecast shows possible rain or snow, make sure you are wearing waterproof outerwear (gloves included).

Your Tires

The cold temperatures will affect your tires. A rule of thumb is that for every 10-degree drop in temperature, you could lose a pound or two or air pressure. Measure your tires before you hit the road (and adjust them if needed).

You can use friction to warm up cold tires. Simply accelerate and decelerate quickly. Of course, only do this in a no-traffic and contained area. Look for an empty parking lot or residential street.

Road Conditions

The cold weather will often bring compromised road conditions. Motorcycles will suffer from lost traction if there is any snow or ice on the road. To compensate, give yourself more time to accelerate, turn, lane change, and so on. Keep an eye out for snow-clearing hazards like salt or gravel. These also reduce traction, so treat them as you would treat ice. 

Stay Hydrated

Riding motorcycles is an athletic activity on a perfect weather day. Throw in plummeting temperatures and your body has to work harder to accomplish the same tasks. This means more sweating, which means it's easier to get dehydrated. Bring along plenty of water and take plenty of breaks to drink up. If you get dehydrated, you will lose your focus and struggle to ride safely. It's important to drink water to stay safe!

We hope you found our tips helpful! Of course, a key part of safe riding is ensuring your motorcycle is up for the trip. If your motorcycle is experiencing any performance issues, bring it on into Maxey's Motorsports. We operate a parts replacement and service department that can get your bike running like new. If you are looking to buy, check out our range of new and used motorcycles for sale. It's easy to find the perfect one for your budget, riding ability, and riding lifestyle. We are a motorcycle dealership proudly serving those in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, Edmond, and Shawnee, Oklahoma.