What to Know Before You Ride Your Motorcycle in the Snow

Many riders consider winter to be the “off-season” for motorcycle riding, but there are those that do not! Winter riding offers a whole new experience that many riders enjoy. Riding your dual-sport or dirt bike in the snow is a completely different type of riding than your normal off-roading on dry land. This blog will only focus on riding your dirt bike or dual sport in the snow because we do not recommend to ride your sportbike. Dirt bike riding in the winter months requires a bit more preparation and some different equipment than normal. Here is what you need to know before you ride your motorcycle in the snow.

Wear Appropriate Motorcycle Snow Gear

Being able to ride your motorcycle comfortably in the snow begins with having the proper gear. Riding in the snow is all about layering! You will get warm as you ride, but it is better to take some layers off than to be freezing while riding. Here is a list of must-have items for riding in the snow:

A base layer of full leg and full sleeve under armor apparel to allow the skin to breathe and eliminate any sweat.
A zip-up fleece with a neck collar and a waterproof motorcycle jacket
A pair of overpants over jeans
Waterproof boots with soles that are durable enough to slide across rough ice all day long
Insulated gloves with a liner
A motorcycle helmet

Insider Tip: For extra protection, you can add knee and elbows guards, hip pads, and back and chest protector.

Prep your Bike:

Riding your motorcycle off-road in the snow is completely different than riding it on dry land so you need to make sure the bike is prepped for the cold temperatures. In the summer, you normally put coolant in your motorcycle to keep the engine from overheating, but during the winter you will want to out anti-freeze. Without anti-freeze, the colder, denser air will create more air than fuel causing your motorcycle to blow up. If you will be riding in the snow, your motorcycle also needs studded tires.

Slow Down:

Snow and ice can be extremely slippery so it is important that you be extra careful with high speeds. Try your best not to make sudden shifts like braking, accelerating, cornering, and swerving. Make sure you give yourself enough time and room to brake or swerve because snow can prevent you from stopping at a standstill. By going slow and steady, you will be able to control the motorcycle more efficiently while still having a great time riding.

Increase Visibility and Following Distance:

When riding in the snow with other people, it is recommended that you increase your visibility and space between you and the other riders. Increase your visibility by making sure to look further down the road than you’re normally used to. Traction is limited from the cold roads during the winter so increasing your visibility will help you recognize potential hazards ahead of time and you will have plenty of time to react accordingly. Also, make sure to increase the distance between you and another rider to prevent an accident. By being further back, you can react to any hazards.

If Snow Starts Falling, Go Home

Riding in the snow can be a lot of fun, but if snow starts to fall from the sky it is best to stop the ride and head home. Riding when the snow is falling is extremely dangerous because you will not be able to have clear visibility of the road. Also, the snow can accumulate very quickly leaving the floor super slippery for riding. Make sure to check the forecast before heading out for a snow ride. If there is a chance of snowfall, its best to keep the bike home.

Conclusion:

Riding your motorcycle in the snow can be a lot of fun if you know the tips and tricks to ride in the snow. Before you begin your ride, make sure you have the proper snow gear and you are alert of your surroundings. It is also important to keep your distance from any other rider so that you have time to react in case of an emergency. Winter should not be an “off-season” so go out and enjoy the winter rides!

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