4 Tips to Maintain Your Motorcycle in Winter Riding
Not everyone puts their motorcycle in storage for the winter. While it’s rare to see a motorcycle during the winter, there are some who ride all year long, especially in areas that have a milder winter climate. Some riders simply can’t put their bike away, just in case an optimal day to ride presents itself.
However, if you are going to ride during the winter, you need to make sure you properly maintain your motorcycle to ensure it is safe for winter riding.
Here are a number of must read tips if you plan on riding this winter:
- Keep your tires well maintained: We all know how important tires are when it comes to winter driving, and they are even more important for motorcycles. Make sure you have ample traction, and keep your tires at the proper pressure. “Make sure you've got at least 50% of the tread left before venturing out on winter roads, or leave the bike parked,” says Motorcycle Cruiser.
- Keep the battery charged: Winter weather puts a lot of stress on your motorcycle battery. When you are not riding, keep it plugged to your charger to keep it at full strength.
- Keep it clean: With road salt, dirt, and wet surfaces, it’s easy for your bike to pick up debris when riding in the winter. Make sure you clean it off regularly, and don’t allow any corrosion to build up over the winter.
- Use thinner oil: According to Motorcyle USA.com, “Using thinner oil during the cold months will improve your bike's performance, especially during start-up.” As a precaution, refer to your owner’s manual or talk to your mechanic about your options to improve performance during the winter.
Perhaps the best way to maintain your motorcycle and keep yourself safe when riding during the winter is to be smart about when and where you drive. Always wear the proper safety equipment, reflective clothing, and pick and choose the right times to go for a ride.
Do you own a motorcycle? Do you ride during the winter? What is the best advice you can offer to others who ride during the winter?
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