Winter Riding Safety Tips

Winters can be severe and cold. Snow and ice help you become a better rider, but being on your motorcycle in winter can be dangerous.

Aside from checking the weather forecasts to avoid being on your bike when it snows, these safety tips from RC Components in Bowling Green, a trusted wheel company for custom wheels and parts, should help you stay safer on winter roads.

Park When It Snows

Snow and ice can be dangerous even with a winter-ready bike. Winter riding is fun when the roads are dry. But if it starts to snow, try to keep your bike off the road and find another means of transport, or stay home.

Black ice, potholes, and road cracks are just some winter hazards that could make riding dangerous.

Be Slow But Alert

You need to be extra vigilant in winter and go a bit slower.

Cruising at lower speeds gives you more time to react and adjust if you suddenly lose traction. By taking it slow, you're exposed to less windchill, which also keeps you warmer. And if it happens to snow while you're riding, stay away from anything that resembles a crack, black ice, or salt.

Do Routine Checks at Every Stop

Riding your bike means skipping storage preparation. But going out in cold weather could be challenging for your ride. Check your bike before leaving home to make sure everything is in great shape.

Make it a habit to check your bike between each stop. It's also handy to have the contact information of a motorcycling towing service. You'll need this if you run into problems when you're miles away from home.

Keep a Safe Distance

When riding in winter expect slipping, a lot of it. During the cold season, distracted drivers and other road hazards could be fatal. In winter, always check your mirror for tailgaters and look further down the road. As much as possible, increase the following distance to a few car lengths.

Having open space gives you time to react to road hazards. It also helps you avoid road spray.

New Bikers May Want to Stay Off the Road

Even some expert riders park their bikes when the snow starts to fall. Keeping yourself warm is challenging, and it's easy to lose traction in cold weather.

If you're a beginner, don't be antsy to ride on snow. Wait for warmer weather or at least until you're more familiar with your ride. You could also use this time to shop for motorsport wheels or plan your build with friends.

Cold weather and snow could mean more work for you and your bike. Even in winter, hitting the open road is possible, but you need to prepare for every trip.

If you're big on builds, the colder season gives you an excuse to try new winter motorcycle wheels. Custom motorcycle tires can make winter riding safer as long as you use premium manufacturers like RC Components in Bowling Green. Check out our selection today.