Handling Inclement Weather While Riding
The summer is over, fall is upon us and winter isn’t far behind. For those of us here in the Midwest, winter weather can be pretty intense, and we even get icy roads during the fall. If you’re an avid motorcyclist, then colder temperatures and higher levels of precipitation will significantly interfere with your regular riding. That’s why it’s important to be knowledgeable about inclement weather conditions in your area and how you can cope with them when you’re on your bike.
Your Illinois motorcycle dealer is Holzhauer Pro Motorsports, located in Nashville. We’ve drawn up this brief guide to handling inclement weather while riding your motorcycle so that you can stay safe the whole season long.
Deciding Whether To Ride
First, when you look out the window in the morning, you’re going to have to assess whether or not conditions are even remotely favorable for riding your bike. Several factors come into play when making this call, including your riding ability, the weather itself and the type of bike you have.
If you are riding alone, then you won’t have anyone to help you if you slip out or need assistance. This can make riding in bad weather inherently riskier. When riding with a group, you’ll all need to come to a decision together. Factor in every rider’s comfort levels, abilities and make sure that everyone is happy with the choice to push through weather or abandon the ride for the day.
When you look at the forecast or what’s going on outside, think about if you would feel comfortable walking or driving in that weather. If the answer is no, then don’t ride your motorcycle in it! Certain types of weather present different challenges:
High winds can buffer you around on the road and blow debris everywhere.
Severe storms may take down trees, branches and power lines.
Cold temperatures and rain can result in black ice formation.
Heavy snow or rain will reduce traction and visibility significantly.
Below-freezing temperatures combined with high windchills can induce frostbite or hypothermia.
Make sure that you fully understand the risks of any weather conditions and what you’re getting into if you choose to head out for a ride.
Prepare Yourself Accordingly
You’ll want to wear layers of clothing to keep yourself warm in bad weather. Waterproof outerwear and boots will be necessary for heavy precipitation. Reflective tape or a reflective vest will ensure that you’re visible even if it’s foggy or rainy out. Gloves with good grip and insulation will keep your hands warm and ensure that you can manipulate your throttle and controls without issue. Your full-face motorcycle helmet should shield you from a lot of precipitation, but make sure you’re wearing a knit cap and a snug cowl or scarf to keep your head and neck warm.
Adjust Your Riding Style
You might like to coast at the speed limit on a sunny day, weaving your way around traffic nimbly and taking whatever roads you come across at will. But that cavalier spirit is not going to work for you when conditions are compromised.
Look up road conditions in advance and rearrange your route if things look dicey. You’ll want to avoid detours and traffic snarls in addition to any fallen debris or particularly slick areas.
Slow down and be more vigilant, scanning the road ahead for braking cars, ice, debris and other issues. You’ll need to ride defensively and be wary of surrounding traffic, since other vehicles are equally vulnerable to these hazards.
Your stamina will be affected by cold temperatures or precipitation, so make sure that you’re taking more breaks than you might when it’s nice out. Head inside for a hot cup of coffee and warm yourself up with an indoor stroll, or relax at a diner for a bit. Don’t be afraid to hole up at a restaurant or gas station if conditions get particularly bad; plenty of other drivers and riders are going to do the same!
We hope this guide helps you to stay safe for all of your fall and winter riding. Ready to check out some motorcycles for sale near St. Louis? Come see us at our location in Nashville, Illinois, to tour our current inventory of new and used bikes for sale. Holzhauer Pro Motorsports welcomes those of you coming from Carbondale, Illinois.
