No escaping that winter is difficult for motorcycles, but that shouldn’t prevent you from taking a ride. Without the cold weather influencing safety and performance, you and your bike can handle everything winter throws your way with the proper care and maintenance Winter tips for Motorcycle.
We provide nine tips for riding a Motorcycle in winter to help you take care of and maintain your bike during the winter. To explore, read below:
Read Also: Accessories for Riding in the Mountains
Tips for Care Your Motorcycle in Winter
Check The Health of the Battery
We advise routine battery health checks because the winter puts a lot of stress on the battery due to cold starts, thick engine oil, and extra electrics (lights, bar warmers, etc.). Check the voltage first; a good bike battery should be more excellent than 12.6 volts. After that, oil the terminals and check to see that nothing is dirty or loose. If the battery has to be recharged, do it before riding a Motorcycle in snow and ice and check the voltage. Consider changing it if it’s emptying fast.
Check the Tyres
You should develop the habit of regularly inspecting your tires for damage, wear, and pressure before and after each motorcycle ride in winter. You should check this before leaving since, during the winter, the air can drop by as much as two psi for every ten °C drop in temperature.
Additionally, you may want to consider replacing your bike’s tires with season tires, which can improve traction and handling in snowy and wet weather.
Use Quality Coolant/Antifreeze
If your bike has a primary cooling system, top it with premium coolant or antifreeze suitable for winter. Use antifreeze with a low freezing point (ideally below -30°C) to prevent it from freezing in the system when the vehicle is left parked outside. Never swap coolant or antifreeze with water; keep it filled off all winter long by checking it frequently.
Keep the Chain Lubricated
Without routine cleaning and lubrication, salt from damp roads will quickly cause the chain to rust. In the winter, begin lubricating and cleaning the chain after each ride to eliminate salt and debris and shield it from moisture and freezing.
Change the Oil and Filter Before Winter
You need high-quality engine oil to lubricate and preserve moving parts since riding your bike on a cold morning puts a massive strain on the engine. We advise replacing the oil and filter to ensure the engine is well protected before winter sets in.
Lubricate Other Moving Parts
In the winter, dust, humidity, oil, salt, and ice can seriously interfere with your bike’s controls. To prevent this, lubricate all moving components regularly. The brakes, pedals, and throttle are all part of this.
Put Covers on Motorcycle
Maintaining your bike indoors can prevent moving parts from seizing and decrease the impact of cold weather on the battery and cooling system. A safe shed is the next best thing if you don’t have a garage. Try to get a high-quality motorcycle cover to shield your vehicle from the worst of the weather if it isn’t able to keep your bike indoors.
Clean the Lights Regularly
Due to dense fog, or pollution, visibility might be problematic throughout the winter. Because of this, it’s essential to be seen by other road users. As a result, ensure your headlights and indicators are in excellent condition. Keep your vehicle’s headlights free of any dust, dirt, or debris that might reduce the brightness of the lights.
Apply Anti-Rust to Your Motorcycle
After washing your bike, put anti-rust and corrosion spray on exposed areas such as the gear pedal sprocket, brake discs, and underbelly. It prevents rusting and forms a waterproof barrier. For complete protection, you’ll need to use it frequently; it works best after washing.
Conclusion
It is insufficient to inspect the motorcycle solely before leaving. You cannot expect your motorcycle to function well without regular maintenance. Maintain frequent inspections, and take the above tips for riding a Motorcycle in winter.
FAQs
It is not recommended to ride a motorcycle when the temperature is below freezing (32°F or 0°C).
First off, know that winter riding isn’t generally recommended for beginners. If you’ve been riding for less than a year, it’s usually a good idea to build up your skills before tackling winter riding challenges.
Clean all exterior surfaces of dirt and debris. Make sure all moving parts are well lubricated.
To keep a motorcycle battery charged during the winter, you can connect a battery tender to it indefinitely throughout the season.