It is the time of year when temperatures start dropping around the country. For those of us not fortunate enough to live in Florida, it is time to get ready for another rough winter on the bike. All this really means is that you need to put your ego and bravado aside and take more caution when you hit the road. Here are a few tips that will have you safely riding your motorcycle through the winter.
Keep a “Weather Eye” Out
Riding your bike in snowy conditions should be done on a “want to” basis as opposed to a “have to” one. Watch out for those weather reports so that you will have the ability to know what type of weather to expect when you will be out on your cycle. We all know that the one disadvantage of riding a motorcycle is having to deal with the weather.
Steer Clear of Compacted Whiteness
We are all aware that there are basically two types of snow that we tend to see on the roads. One type is the fresh powder that is virgin – or it has yet to be driven over by other motorists. The other type is the one that we need to avoid. This is compacted snow that has essentially been transformed into ice. This is the stuff that is dangerous. It is unbelievably slippery and is a great way for someone on a motorcycle to quickly lose control.
Ease Up on the Brakes
You will need to change your controls a bit when you are riding your cycle in snowy conditions. One of the changes that you will need to make first is how hard you are with the brakes. Consider this – even when you are riding your motorcycle in the rain, how easy is it to lock up a tire if you are too rough with the brakes? This phenomenon is enhanced when you are riding your motorcycle in the snow.
Another Control Alteration
While we are being careful with the brakes, we also need to be careful with the throttle. When it is time for the throttle, we need to do it almost at a snail’s pace. This is because if you do it quickly, it will be akin to trying to speed up on an oily surface. You will lose traction in your back wheel and this can happen in an instant. You really need to remember this when you are rounding corners or you will find out just how easy it is to crash that bike if you put on the power before straightening the motorcycle up.
Steering Too?
Any type of steering that you need to do needs to be done with a light touch. This is because you will essentially be dancing on two wheels on ice. You also want to keep your speed at a manageable level when you aren’t counting on counter steering when you corner.
One Control at a Time
You can throttle, turn your bars, or use your brakes… but please only do one at a time. If you do more than one, there is a good possibility that you will lose control of the motorcycle on snowy roads.
Braking and Cornering
When it is time for you to corner, you will need to enter it at a speed that you will be comfortable at from the beginning of the corner to the end. If you try to brake partway through the turn, you run a good risk of locking up either the front or rear wheel.
Keeping these tips in mind while driving will allow you to safely ride your motorcycle through the winter months.
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