Cold Weather Motorcycling Tricks and Tips
How to Stay Warm When Riding a Motorcycle in Winter
Nov 14, 2009
For many, winter is a time to hang up helmets, drain tanks and pack the motorcycle away for the season. But in areas where there is little to no snow, the motorcycle can be ridden year-round. Use these tips to keep warm while riding a motorcycle in cold weather.
The Effect of Cold Weather on Motorcyclists
In some parts of the world, motorcyclists can, with care, ride year-round. However, the relatively fixed position of riding coupled with exposure to the elements can make the rider too cold to think effectively. It's easy to get caught out while riding in the cold.
Not only is the weather naturally capricious, but cold tends to gradually creep up on a rider until it is too late. Cold toes and hands become numb and cannot manipulate the controls; the mind becomes fixated on getting to a warmer destination. Reaction times are slower and riding may actually be painful. There are of course ways around this, but to ride safely in winter it's important to first understand the risks.
Understanding Wind Chill for Winter Motorcycling
One of the reasons riders can get caught out by cold is wind chill. Wind on a moving motorcycle causes moisture to evaporate more quickly, taking body heat with it. Any motorcyclist usually has some exposed skin; the faster the rider travels, the colder his body feels.
A few moments with a wind chill calculator highlights the issue. On a relatively balmy 50°F/10°C day, the rider traveling at 30mph may experience chilling down to 42°F/5°C. At 55mph that drops to 40°F/4°C – enough to be uncomfortable. But when the air temperature is 40°F/4°C, which might be manageable with normal riding gear, a 30mph ride drops the effective temperature down to 28°F/-2°C – below freezing. At 55mph, that's down to 25°F/-4°C. Either way, it's too cold, and the rider is at risk. Riders should always consider the effects of wind chill while riding in winter.
Additional Tips For Staying Warm on a Motorcycle
The best way to stay warm in winter is to wear suitable protective gear at all times. Unfortunately, some winter days start off mild and end up chilly, luring the rider into a false sense of security. Or a rider may be delayed until after dark.
For such occasions, there are makeshift techniques that any motorcyclist can practice to get himself home safely. Newspaper stuffed inside the jacket creates an insulating layer. Placed carefully near the engine or exhaust pipes, a pair of gloves heat up for a hand-warming boost. Be careful not to melt plastic or leather, however.
The cold-weather rider can visit a gas station bathroom and use the hot air dryer to defrost chilly hands. Warm water has the same effect, but the hands must be dried thoroughly before continuing. If the journey is short, these tricks can mean the difference between arriving safely and not arriving at all. On truly severe days, it may be a life-saver to simply stop in a restaurant and have a hot drink. It also helps to keep a few hand-warmers tucked into the saddlebags or first aid kit against such contingencies.
With preparation and common sense, a rider can withstand cold weather and keep riding all through the winter.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
