Cold Weather Riding

While many riders choose to pack their motorcycles in and wait for warmer weather to return, there are plenty of enthusiasts who choose to continue riding during the winter season. If you’re a passionate biker who chooses to ride all year long, a little cold weather won’t stop you from enjoying the open road on your Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. However, it’s crucial that you’re properly prepared for cold weather riding. This involves a few extra steps as you prepare to hit the road.

Here at Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson®, we’re proud to be your local Harley® Dealer, We’ve gathered some key points for preparing for cold weather riding below. 

If you have questions or you’re in the market for a new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, be sure to stop by our dealership! We’re located just outside of Corvallis near Portland, Medford, and Salem, Oregon.

Essential Gear

If you’re an experienced rider, you know that your motorcycle gear is an important aspect of your ride. Your gear choices are even more critical when it comes to cold weather riding. If you don’t have the right gear, you’re not only going to be uncomfortable on the road but also unsafe.

After all, it’s much harder to operate the controls on your bike when your body is busy fighting against severe cold and harsh winds. In order to be at the top of your game, be sure to choose the right gear. Start by wearing thermal underwear and a couple layers of socks. Remember, your hands and feet get the coldest, so always wear a sturdy pair of boots and gloves. A waterproof pair would be ideal.

When cold weather riding is a regular occurrence, it might be worth investing in some heated clothing. In many cases, this type of clothing is battery-powered and it’ll keep your as warm as possible when you ride your Harley® motorcycle in the cold. A few of the options include heated leg liners and heated jackets. You’ll feel confident braving the cold when you know you’re going to be both safe and comfortable.

Outfit Your Bike

Now that you’ve properly protected your body from the cold, it’s time to take care of your bike. If you owned a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle that already has a built-in windshield, you’re in good shape. If not, don’t worry, because there are plenty of aftermarket options available that’ll help with wind resistance. You should also consider a set of wind guards for your legs. Even when you have waterproof gloves, the extreme chill can take a toll on your hands pretty quickly. You can invest in a pair of heated hand grips to provide you with the warmth you need to keep your hands comfortable and capable of quick response time.

Check The Tires

Don’t forget that cold temperatures have a knack for affecting tire pressure, too. For every 10-degree temperature drop, your tires experience a loss of air pressure. Believe it or not, this can cause your tires to lose up to two pounds of pressure. Always be sure to check the pressure in both tires before you hit the road. You should have a set of high-quality tires on your bike at all times, but this becomes even more important during winter. Some riders go as far as to invest in specialized tires that are designed to handle cold temperatures. If you ride in the cold quite often, this might be a worthwhile investment for you.

Beware of Road Hazards

Preparation for cold weather riding doesn’t stop there. Once you’re on the road, you need to be ready for any road hazards you might come across. This requires extra time for braking, turning, changing lanes, and accelerating. There are certain snow-clearing hazards that are dangerous for bikers, such as gravel and salt, so use caution as you approach. You’ll also want to be alert for black ice and ride as carefully as possible in these conditions.

You’re officially prepared for cold weather riding on your Harley® motorcycle!  If you need parts or service before you head out, visit your local Harley® dealer, Willamette Valley Harley-Davidson®. We’re located near Corvallis, Portland, Medford, and Salem, Oregon.