Riding a motorcycle in cold weather can be exhilarating but also dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. As temperatures drop, riders need to be prepared to handle the additional road hazards and protect themselves from the elements. This article examines at what temperatures it is safe to ride, how to dress properly, tips for keeping your motorcycle ready for cold weather, and other factors to consider before hitting the road when the mercury plummets.
How Cold is Too Cold to Ride a Motorcycle?
There is no definitive or exact temperature that is universally considered too cold to ride a motorcycle. Riding in cold conditions comes down to your personal comfort level, tolerance for cold weather, the type of motorcycle you ride, and the protective gear you wear.
Most riders can comfortably ride in temperatures as low as 40 degrees Fahrenheit if properly dressed for the conditions. Once temperatures drop into the 30s, extra preparations need to be made. Riding below freezing brings its own set of hazards that require heightened focus and vigilance.
Wind chill can dramatically reduce the real feel temperature when riding a motorcycle. Even when the ambient temperature is 40 degrees, wind chill at highway speeds can make it feel much colder. The faster you ride, the colder the wind chill becomes.
Precipitation also changes the equation on safe motorcycle operating temperatures. Riding in cold rain or snow is exponentially more dangerous than dry conditions. Roads become slick, visibility decreases, and maneuvering becomes more difficult.
While some hardy riders do venture out in temperatures below freezing and even in the snow, the risks are very high. Hypothermia, frostbite, and loss of traction become real dangers as temperatures plummet. Unless you have extensive cold weather riding experience, it is best to put the motorcycle away once temps drop near or below freezing.
Key Factors in Riding in Cold Weather
There are several key factors to keep in mind when determining if it is safe to ride in cold conditions:
- Ambient air temperature
- Wind chill
- Precipitation
- Your cold weather riding experience
- The type of motorcycle you ride
- Your cold weather protective gear
By evaluating all these factors, you can make an informed decision on when riding in colder temperatures crosses over from exhilarating to hazardous.
Dressing Properly for Cold Weather Motorcycle Riding
Having the proper protective gear is essential for safe and comfortable cold weather riding. The right gear helps regulate body temperature, cuts down on wind chill, and protects you in the event of a spill.
Base Layers
Proper base layer clothing helps insulate you from the cold and wick moisture away from your body. Synthetic base layer shirts and pants specifically designed for cold weather activities help trap heat while preventing body sweat from making you cold.
Insulating Mid Layers
Mid layers provide extra insulation and warmth. Fleece tops, hoodies, pants, and other synthetic insulating garments help retain body heat in cold conditions. Wind resistant outer shells can go over mid-layers for added protection.
Heated Gear
For extreme cold weather riding, investing in heated gear helps keep your core body temp from dropping too low. Heated vests, jackets, gloves, socks, and grips help sustain safe operating temperatures down to frigid extremes.
Leather and Textile Suits
Leather and synthetic textile riding suits specially designed for colder weather provide insulation and cut down on wind. Look for suits with thermal or insulated liners for the best cold weather protection. Aerodynamic humps on the back minimize air flowing down your jacket.
Winter Motorcycle Gloves
Thick, insulated, and preferably waterproof winter motorcycle gloves maintain good grip and dexterity in cold conditions. Make sure they have long cuffs that seal out air and moisture where they meet your jacket.
Winter Motorcycle Boots
Insulated and waterproof boots with deep traction tread patterns provide warmth and stability in cold, wet conditions. Boots designed specifically for snow and ice provide the best traction if riding in winter precipitation.
Balaclavas and Neck Warmers
These accessories protect your head, neck, and face from direct wind exposure. Full face helmets paired with balaclavas and neck warmers seal in body heat around your most vulnerable areas.
Helmets and Goggles
Use helmets and goggles designed for cold weather and snowsports. They seal out drafts while preventing visor and shield fogging issues common in temperature extremes.
Following the layered approach with cold weather specific gear keeps you safely comfortable in cold riding conditions. Stay away from cotton, as it retains moisture and accelerates heat loss when wet.
Tips for Preparing Your Motorcycle for Cold Weather
Your motorcycle itself requires special preparation and maintenance to operate safely in cold conditions.
Check Antifreeze Strength
Make sure the antifreeze coolant concentration in your radiator is formulated to handle freezing temps. Coolant should be a mix of 50% antifreeze to 50% water for coldest weather riding.
Install Windshield and Hand Guards
Adding a tall windscreen helps divert cold airflow away from your torso. Hand guards block wind and precipitation from your hand controls.
Use Lighter Weight Oil
Switch to lighter viscosity engine oil and transmission fluid to aid cold starting and smooth operation in cold temperatures.
Check Your Tires
Make sure tires are suited to cold conditions with adequate tread depth. Soft compound tires lose traction easier at freezing temperatures. Have winter tires installed for the best snow and ice traction.
Lubricate Cables and Controls
Cold and moisture can make throttle and clutch cables sticky. Lubricate controls and cables so they continue to operate smoothly.
Check Battery Strength
Batteries lose cranking power as temperatures drop. Make sure yours is strong enough to easily cold start your motorcycle, or consider getting a battery warmer.
Adjust Suspension for Weight Changes
Evaluate whether cold weather riding gear requires changes to suspension preload or damping rates. Extra gear weight affects handling.
Preparing your motorcycle along with having the right gear makes hitting the road in colder weather safer and more enjoyable.
Operating Safely in Cold Weather
When riding in cold conditions, some adjustments need to be made to your normal operating procedures.
Ride More Cautiously
Cold temps affect traction, braking, and handling. Reduce speed, increase following distance, and be extra vigilant when riding in the cold.
Avoid Sudden Throttle Changes
Roll on and off the throttle smoothly. Sudden acceleration or deceleration can cause skidding on cold tires and slippery surfaces.
Use Gentle Braking
Brake early, progressively, and gently to avoid locking up wheels. Don’t rely on ABS in cold conditions.
Shift Gears Smoother
Clutch and transmission operation is affected by the cold. Smooth gear changes prevent upsetting chassis stability.
Dress in Layers
Layer clothing for warmth while maintaining flexibility. Outer wind/waterproof layer prevents convection heat loss.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration accelerates heat loss and hypothermia. Consume warm fluids and energy bars frequently when riding in sub-freezing temps.
Take More Frequent Breaks
Stop often to get off the bike and promote circulation. Cold causes fatigue and reduced mental acuity more rapidly.
Have a Plan for Extreme Cold
If facing bitter temperatures, have contingency plans for taking breaks indoors to warm up as needed.
Exercising additional care in your riding approach, tactics, and preparedness enhances safety in cold riding conditions.
Visibility and Traction Challenges
Two of the biggest hazards faced when riding in cold conditions are reduced visibility and loss of traction.
Visibility Challenges
Precipitation, ice fog, and low sun angles present visibility obstacles in cold weather. To compensate:
- Equip your motorcycle with auxiliary lights for low light conditions.
- Optimize your helmet visor and goggle options for changing conditions.
- Exercise additional caution in areas prone to fog, mist, or frost.
- Reduce speed when visibility becomes obscured.
Traction Issues
Cold temps reduce tire grip, while precipitation creates slippery road surfaces. To maintain traction:
- Install winter tires with adequate tread depths.
- Equip tires with studs for maximum ice/snow grip.
- Carry tire chains as added insurance in snowy regions.
- Avoid paint stripes, manhole covers, and other slippery surfaces.
Proper preparation, vigilance, and operating practices help overcome visibility and traction problems when riding in the cold.
Hypothermia and Frostbite Risk
Two of the most dangerous physical threats associated with cold weather riding are hypothermia and frostbite.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce it. To avoid hypothermia when riding:
- Maintain proper nutrition and hydration.
- Take frequent breaks to increase circulation.
- Minimize wind exposure using fairings, shields, and protective gear.
- Dress in closed cell, insulating cold weather gear.
- Use heated clothing for coldest conditions.
Frostbite
Extremities like fingers, toes, cheeks, and ears are prone to frostbite injuries. To prevent frostbite:
- Wear insulated and windproof gloves and boots.
- Cover your head, neck, and face fully.
- Use multiple layers of socks.
- Choose gear with adequate ventilation to prevent sweating.
- Keep moving fingers and toes to maintain circulation.
- Take breaks out of the cold before numbness sets in.
Paying attention to conditions that could lead to hypothermia and frostbite helps avoid these dangerous cold weather threats.
Special Challenges of Riding in the Snow
Riding a motorcycle in snow brings its own set of unique hazards to consider.
Risk of Skids
Braking, accelerating, and turning present high risk of skids and loss of control on snow covered roads. To stay safe:
- Reduce speed substantially below normal conditions.
- Avoid sudden throttle or brake inputs.
- Lean the motorcycle very little when cornering.
- Equip your bike with snow tires and chains for maximum traction.
Limited Visibility
Falling and blowing snow obscure roadways and road edges. To improve visibility:
- Use low beam headlights even during daylight.
- Consider helmet visors designed for foggy conditions.
- Pack goggles to protect eyes should your visor ice up.
- Pull over immediately if whiteout conditions occur.
Sudden Hazards
Snowfall creates random traction variables that require heightened focus. Watch for:
- Black ice under fresh snowfall.
- Slippery bridge decks.
- Packed snow melting and refreezing into ice.
- Rutted tracks that grab your tires.
By being conservative in speed, smooth in control inputs, and vigilant for hazards, motorcyclists can manage the amplified risks of snowfall.
Knowing When to Park It
Riding in the cold brings joy to many riders when done safely, but it is also important to recognize your own limits. There comes a point for every rider when the snow, ice, and frigid temperatures make the risks greater than the rewards. Using good judgment on when to park it for the season helps ensure you live to ride again when the weather improves.
No one can define an exact temperature when riding a motorcycle stops being safe for every person and every bike. Ultimately, you must weigh factors like road conditions, your riding skills, your protective gear capabilities, and your bike’s cold weather preparedness when making the decision on when it is just too cold to ride safely.
Conclusion
Riding motorcycles in cold weather can extend the riding season to enjoy your bike year-round. But colder temps also demand heightened focus, specialized gear, bike preparation, and prudent judgment. Know your own limits, respect Mother Nature, dress properly, and employ smart strategies to maximize your opportunities for safe cold weather motorcycle riding this winter.