For many riders, the thought of taking their bike out in the winter is enough to make them shiver. But if you’re properly prepared, winter can be one of the most pleasant seasons to ride your bike!
The most important piece of gear for a winter rider is, obviously, proper winter tires. But there are other items that are just as important, like gloves, boots, and base layers. If you’re looking to stay comfortable on your bike during the colder months, here’s what you need to know about winter motorcycle gear.
When you install a ceramic coating on your motorcycle, you get more than just a beautiful appearance. It provides an array of unbeatable advantages. Firstly, it keeps your bike's paint and finish in perfect condition by protecting them from harmful UV rays, rain, and road contaminants.
The coating forms a strong barrier that makes it difficult for stains, grime, and water to adhere to the surface. This not only maintains the luster of your motorcycle over time but also reduces the number of times you need to wash it.
Winter weather can be tough on motorcycles, with salt, calcium, and de-icing chemicals covering the roads. These substances are necessary for safe driving but can cause damage to a motorcycle's paint job. That's where ceramic coatings come in.
Coatings act as a protective barrier, shielding the paint from these corrosive elements. By preventing direct contact, ceramic coatings help prevent damage, rust formation, and premature wear. For riders who want their motorcycles to maintain their vibrancy and last longer, ceramic coatings offer an essential layer of protection against the harsh winter conditions.
The best tires for winter riding are those with a deep tread pattern. The deeper the tread, the more grip you’ll have on slippery surfaces.
Many riders also like to add studs to their tires for extra grip. This is especially helpful if you live in an area where there is a lot of ice. Just be sure to add studs to both tyres, as having only one studded tire can actually make it harder to ride!
The main benefit of having motorcycle winter tires is the extra grip they provide in cold and wet conditions. Mud and snow-rated tires have a special tread pattern that helps to grip the road in slippery conditions. The snowflake symbol on the tire indicates that the tire has been approved for use in winter conditions.
Now that you've covered tires, it's time for you to dress up appropriately for winter. For clothing, you’ll want to dress in layers. Start with a base layer that wicks away sweat, then add a insulating layer and a waterproof outer layer. You might also want to invest in some Goretex gear specifically designed for motorcycles, such as gloves, booties, and winter motorcycle jackets.
For your jacket, it is important to pay close attention to its Waterproofing and Windproofing capabilities. As those will determine if you come back from your ride cold and wet or warm and dry.
If you live in a particularly wet climate or spend a lot of time riding in the rain, a waterproof jacket is a good investment. If you don't ride in the wet often, then you might be better off with a water-resistant jacket, which will provide some protection from the elements but won't be as effective in torrential downpours.
Giving your bike one last comprehensive wash and wax before winter will help you preserve its paint, chrome, and other metals in as new a condition as possible. Washing a bike with its many spokes and pipes is challenging and quite frustrating at times. Diesel steam cleaners have grown in popularity amongst motorcyclists as they help wash a bike much faster than with a bucket and sponge.
Once cleaned, you can use a polish by machine or buffer to remove small scratches from the paint and metals. Finish it all up with a good coat of wax or sealant to help prevent abrasive compounds such as salt or calcium from ruining your finish.
If you take the proper precautions, winter can be an enjoyable time to ride your motorcycle. Be sure to invest in winter tires and clothing, and give your bike a good wash before the season starts. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy riding all year round!
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