Safety TipS
COLD WEATHER RIDING
weather riding can be
safe and comfortable
by following a few simple sugges-
tions. The countryside is amazing
to see when there are no leaves on
the trees to block your view, or
when there is a blanket of snow on
the ground. Here are three areas
of concern when riding in cold
weather.
The first area of concern is the
bike. Make sure all fluid levels are
full and flowing properly. Water
cooled bikes must have the correct
amount and type of antifreeze.
Antifreeze should be changed
once a year to keep it fresh. Brake
fluids should be full to prevent
moisture in the fluid, possibly
freezing the brake lines. Check the
tire and suspension air pressure
often in cold weather. Cold can
change air pressure by several
pounds. Warm the motor before
riding by letting the motor idle for
several minutes before taking off.
Chokes provide an enriched fuel
mixture to help start cold engines.
The choke should be turned off as
soon as it is no longer needed.
Riding very far with the choke on
can cause damage to the engine.
Fuel injected bikes do not have a
choke. Warm up the tires. Cold
tires do not have much grip. It
may take a couple miles of cau-
tious riding before the tires have
the proper grip. Braking and turn-
ing on cold tires should be slow
and easy.
The next area of concern is the
rider. Cold riders become stiff
making use of the controls harder.
C OLD
Stiff fingers are slower going from
handlebars to brake and clutch
controls. Cold riders drop their
heads lower into their chest and
hunch their shoulders limiting
head movement and visibility.
Insulation is the key to staying
warm. Wear multiple layers of
clothing in cold weather. The first
layer is thermal or fleece long
underwear. A long sleeve shirt,
sweatshirt, and jacket complete
the upper body. Leather riding
pants or chaps can help keep your
legs warm. Wind is the worst
enemy in cold weather. Leather is
an excellent wind breaker. A rain
suit is also a good wind breaker.
Rain suits can be worn as an outer
layer over most riding clothes.
Neck gators or balaclavas are a
great way to keep cold air from
going down your back.
Wear something to protect your
head and face. A full face helmet is
the warmest and offers the most
protection from cold wind. Hats
with ear muffs and a mask for
your face are other options. Feet
and hands may be the most
exposed part of your body. Wear
heavy water resistant boots with a
wool polyester blend type of socks
to keep feet warm and dry. Water
resistant gloves with a warm liner
are good for your hands. Thin latex
gloves under riding gloves can help
keep hands warm in really cold
weather. Electric riding gear is
great as long as it works. Riders
should stop more often in the cold.
Warm up by going inside or having
a hot drink. Simply getting out of
the wind will warm you up.
The road is the third concern.
Ice and snow are very dangerous
for a bike. Icy patches can be hard
to see. Ice may be on the road,
even on a very dry day due to bro-
ken water pipes, spills, and water
runoff. Elevated roadways will
freeze first. Avoid riding over ice by
going around it, riding on the
grass shoulder if necessary. When
you have to cross over a slick spot,
slow down. Let the bike coast
across the area. Take power away
from the rear wheel by pulling in
the clutch. Avoid quick stops and
starts. Riding the bike in a higher
gear than normal for your speed
will help to keep the rear tire from
spinning during throttle roll on.
Increase your following distance
from vehicles. Increase your sight
distance by looking even farther
ahead for problems. Watch for
chat and road salt put down on
the roads. This material is slippery
for bikes and can stay on the road
for several weeks after it is put
down. Salt can be corrosive to
your bike so wash it off after you
ride.
Cold temperatures do not mean
you have to stop riding. Cold riding
does mean there are different
things to be concerned about. Do
not ride if you are too cold to
operate the bike or if road condi-
tions are not safe. If you are think-
ing about how cold you are, you
will not ride as safe. Riding is a fun
activity. Plan and prepare so the
cold does not take the fun away.
CMA
Mike Phillips is a certified Motorcycle Safety
Foundation (MSF) instructor in Arkansas.
By MIKE Phillips