Winterizing Motorcycles Riding Bikes Winter Riding in Winter
There are myriad suggestions, articles and advice about how one should "winterize" their bike. How to clean it, what type of oil to use, whether gas should be left in or cyphoned out is enough to make a rider go in circles.
I will now reveal the single best way to winterize your ride.
Don't. For the majority of the country, winter months are not made up of days of steady subfreezing temperatures or yards of blinding snow piled higher than the roof of a minivan. Many days see temperatures above freezing and roads, even in the snowier parts of the country, are often cleared of all ice and snow. Instead of winterizing your bike, then looking forlornly at it as it sits under a tarp in the garage waiting for the first signs of spring, winterize yourself and get out there doing what you love.
Many online sites offer insulated riding gear, but the best place to start stocking up on warm clothing is your local ski shop or sporting goods store. Starting at the feet and working upward, look for long socks made of natural materials, preferrably wool and cotton blends. Electric socks are available; plugging them into the bike guarantees you won't feel winter's sting at all while out and about. Look for boots that are waterproof and insulated; soles should have good tread for grip as well.
Flannel jeans are a terrific way to protect against wind, but they will work even better with a good pair of longjohns under them. Over the flannel jeans would then go your leather chaps. With this trio of protection, your legs will think you're still at home, but there's an even better and easier way to keep out the wind and that is a ski suit. A good one piece ski suit is insulated, usually with down and Thinsulate(r) and will cover you from neck to ankle with no gaps. I have met bikers who swear by them. They're not cumbersome either, as opposed to wearing three or four layers, but they can be quite expensive. Look for a suit with reflective material so that you can be seen.
Your hands need to be warm, but they need to be able to work the clutch and brake without losing too much feeling. For this, I would recommend plug in leather gloves. If those are not possible, find the best leather riding gloves you can afford. Never ever buy mittens, even if the maker claims they are good for motorcycles. For extra warmth, many sporting goods stores sell hamd warmers that fit into the palm of your hand and work with your own body heat. They can last up to 12 hours, but are good for one use only.
Before donning the leather jacket, layering is the best way to keep wind off your chest. Start with a cotton tshirt or tanktop, followed by a well made turtleneck longsleeved shirt, preferrably one labelled as insulating. Over that wear a good quality sweatshirt and finally, the jacket. The best leather jackets have zipout insulated liners and belts to keep them close to your body.
Under your full faced helmet should be a balaclava. There are many styles and materials to choose from, with some covering your head plus your neck and shoulders. The material should not be so thick as to alter the fit of your helmet and it should fit you snugly.
If there is any winterizing to be done to the bike, having a good windshield and rainguards would be it. These will deflect wind and any moisture coming your way. Rainguards also hold back some of the heat generated by the bike's motor, further warming the feet and legs.
As a final note to self-winterizing for cold weather riding, be sure you can be seen. Drivers don't always look for bikes, especially during winter months and it is paramount they know you are there. Loud pipes can only be heard once you have passed, not when you are in front of or coming up onto a car. Keep one finger near the horn button and always use your signals.
There is no need to wait for that first robin of spring to get on, twist the throttle and go. A clear day, some clear roads and some good winter layers ensures that your bike won't be sitting all alone waiting for its best friend to pay it some attention.
