It’s that time of year, again. The snow is falling, and the temperatures are dropping, so typically, motorcycles are tucked safely away in storage until springtime. But what if you want to ride yours in winter—even in the snow?
You can ride a motorcycle in the snow as long as your motorcycle is equipped with all-season tires and you’re adequately prepared. Using the appropriate riding gear and remembering a few tips for winter driving will help you get to your destination safely.
In this article, we’ll explore some of the issues surrounding riding motorcycles in the snow, along with what you can do to prepare your motorcycle for winter weather.
Is It Safe To Ride a Motorcycle in the Snow?
For starters, if you aren’t experienced at riding a motorcycle in the snow (and even if you are), it’s highly recommended that you opt for a four-season or all-weather motorcycle tire if you plan on riding your motorcycle in the snow.
Riding a motorcycle in the snow can be safe as long as you’re prepared, like having winter tires. Winter tires provide better traction than summer or all-purpose tires, making them an invaluable piece of your motorcycle’s equipment during cold weather months.
In general, if you can find other transportation, you should. If not, you need to be careful and prepared if you choose to ride your motorcycle during winter weather.
Check the Road and Weather Conditions Before You Head Out
It’s good practice to check road conditions before riding your motorcycle that day. In addition to checking local weather forecasts, use websites like Google Maps or Waze to look at current traffic and weather patterns.
Avoid roads that are unusually slick with snow or ice; these areas can cause serious accidents and put drivers and riders in danger of sliding off course and into walls, guard rails, trees, and other obstacles.
Driving over black ice is dangerous—instead of skidding when traction is lost (which allows time for the rider/driver to correct their mistake), the tire itself slides out from underneath the rider. Such an instance can be avoided by slowing down and, if possible, avoiding roads where black ice is prevalent.
Wear an Insulated Jacket Meant for Winter Motorcycle Riding
Preparation is key when riding a motorcycle in the snow, including wearing the right gear. However, you don’t need to purchase all new cold-weather clothes and accessories; winter motorcycle gloves and thick socks will make a big difference in your comfort.
Many cold-weather jackets also have insulation in the arms and elbows to provide extra warmth during colder months. The best thing about these types of apparel is that you can use them well into early spring, making them an investment that pays off through three seasons instead of one.
What Precautions Can Motorcycle Riders Take in the Winter?
Don’t go out for a ride unless you have ridden in the snow before or the conditions are right for practicing on a closed course. Inexperienced riders must never attempt to ride in hazardous winter weather until they have had practice on a closed course.
Some of the best precautions motorcycle riders can take include carrying the necessary tools and equipment in case of an emergency. Additionally, take winter driving slowly and have the appropriate tires on your bike.
If it’s possible to avoid riding in the snow, it’s best to do so. However, if you must ride in the snow, be sure to take note of the tips below to stay safe.
Have All-Season Tires for Motorcycles
The best way to make it through snowy conditions is with proper tires. Be sure your tires are appropriate for the weather and have plenty of treads left on them. When it snows, you should slow down and allow extra stopping distance between you and other vehicles.
You should also avoid using cruise control in winter conditions because it won’t allow you to slow effectively on slick or icy roads.
Tire companies such as Heidenau and Mitas provide all-season motorcycle tires for riders who plan on riding on cold, wet roads and in muddy, slushy conditions. Though there aren’t specific “snow tires” available for motorcycles, these all-season tires are tested in extreme conditions and offer the best grip on wet and cold roads.
Acquire Important Riding Techniques for Snowy Weather
Snowy weather conditions may be challenging to drive a regular car through, but motorcyclists have an advantage over other motorized vehicles because they can maneuver more easily.
Motorbikes are equipped with front and rear brakes, which is an important feature when most people can stop faster on a motorcycle than any other vehicle.
One of the biggest problems riders encounter in snowy weather is controlling skids and slides, but it’s easier to regain control of a motorcycle if you’re prepared for the slide before it happens. It only takes about four-tenths of a second for a bike to go from full lean to full skid, so if your reflexes aren’t quick enough, your life could hang in the balance.
Thankfully, there are some simple practices you can follow to avoid sliding situations:
- Allow yourself extra time to get to your destination. Ice patches might make roads more hazardous than they seem.
- Slow down before you encounter slick spots. A fast reaction time is not enough when roads are wet or icy. Plan so that you can react safely in case your traction is compromised.
- Lean your motorcycle only as far into a turn as it takes to keep the rubber on the ground. Never lean more than you need to compensate for the lean angle created by centrifugal force.
When sliding, most riders say that angling their bodies away from the slide seems to help them regain control of their motorcycles. Still, there’s no consensus about whether this indeed works because everyone reacts differently when their tires lose grip on wet or icy pavement.
When approaching an ice patch, some experienced riders recommend reducing the speed as far as possible and following a line along the side of the road
Conclusion
Riding a motorcycle in the snow is possible but not recommended without proper preparation, training, and equipment. Be sure to prepare with all-season tires and proper riding gear.
When the road begins to accumulate snow/ice during your travels, slow down until visibility improves; icy roads are more likely to lead to skidding accidents than wet pavement would (because slippery areas resist grip changes).