While looking outside through the window this morning and watching the snow coming down; shaking my head mumbling to myself, we are in April and people are itching to get out and ride, but it is snowing yet again! Have faith we should be at the end of this winter weather soon; however even when it is nice out, the temperatures in the mornings and evenings can be chilly at times. Riding a motorcycle in cold weather can be dangerous due to a number of factors. I have compiled a short list of things to consider and be cautious about:
Vision is the first and foremost important part of riding, so reduced visibility is definitely a factor to consider: Cold weather can reduce visibility due to fog, snow, or ice on the road or visors (windshields if you have them. This can make it harder to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road hazards. Making sure you don’t overdrive your vision is key to being able to anticipate what is coming your way, so don’t underestimate it.
Traction is key in any situation as your tires are the only item contacting the ground; through the small contact patch of your tire you are trying dictate turning forces, acceleration forces as well as braking forces. Therefore slippery surfaces can have a drastic effect on all of these inputs: cold weather can cause the road surface to become slippery due to ice, snow, or frost, tire temperature is important for traction as a cold tire/road surface will provide you with less traction than warm ones. This can increase the risk of losing traction and crashing, especially on curves and at intersections. Consider the following as well to be cautious about when riding in the cold or wet; painted lines, manhole covers, tram/train rails, etc…basically anything that is painted in the roadways as well as metallic object will have a much lower coefficient of friction compared to the road surface, and can easily catch you off guard if your are accelerating, braking, or leaning.
Being more directly exposed to the elements when riding a motorcycle as compared to a car that has the benefits of a windshield, being enclosed, heater systems etc….we must consider that the lower temperatures will have a much greater effect on our bodies, numbness and reduced dexterity is a real thing! Cold weather can cause numbness and reduced dexterity in the hands and fingers, making it harder to operate the motorcycle's controls. This can increase the risk of a crash due to a loss of control, reaction time and feel in using any of the motorcycle’s controls can be seriously affected. Wearing the appropriate gear, such as a warm dry motorcycle jacket, warm gloves, pants and boots will enable you to feel more comfortable while riding and keep you warm and dry. A lot of manufacturers nowadays sell these products with heated systems incorporated within them, thus allowing you to increase the heat in the item, in turn keeping your body nice and toasty.
Cold-induced fatigue is something I have experience quite a few times on the road, especially here in Canada. Riding a motorcycle in cold weather can be physically and mentally exhausting due to the cold temperatures and the need to focus on the road. Do not over look this, make sure to take regular breaks especially during longer rides; more often than not, we don’t realize how tired we are until we pull over and get off the bike. Neglecting this can lead to fatigue and decreased reaction times, which can increase the risk of a crash.
Just like any piece of machinery a motorcycle can have mechanical issues.
Cold weather can cause mechanical issues with a motorcycle, such as a dead battery or frozen fuel lines. This can lead to unexpected breakdowns and a need for roadside assistance. Always being prepared, carrying a basic tool kit, having some for of a back up plan, road side assistance is a much smarter way to go than just “winging it” hoping for the best. Look at it more in the sense of, prepare for the worst just in case, and hope for the best.
I realize that most people that live in environments that are generally cold tend to realize the risks involved in being exposed to the weather; however because riding a motorcycle is a form of transportation, often even just the wind chill factor can be overlooked; especially when you are used to driving in a car with all the conveniences of heaters blowing warm air, heated seats, heated steering wheels and all the perks of being in an isolated environment from the direct weather. Just keep all that in mind next time you decide to head out for a ride and the thermometer shows five or 6 degrees or less; it it much colder than you would expect, so be prepared and enjoy your “cool” ride.
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