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| Riders should exercise caution when riding
motorcycles in late autumn and winter. |
No matter which path riders take and when they take it,
preparation is essential when riding motorcycles. Here are a few pointers for
riders to consider once the leaves have started to change color.
Layer up
Layering clothing is a key component of riding a motorcycle
in colder temperatures. Many people are not very active on the back of a bike,
so they will not generate enough heat on their own. Layering clothing will take
the bite out of frosty winds and any precipitation that happens to be falling.
Layer clothing so that you will feel comfortable, maybe even
a bit warm when you are just standing around outdoors. A first layer of thermal
or fleece is a good idea. Then layer other materials as needed for comfort.
Just do not wear so many layers that your mobility is compromised. If layers
are not keeping you warm enough, invest in heated clothing.
The outermost layer you wear should be weather- and
wind-resistant. Wind chill can quickly sap your energy and cut your ride
considerably. Leather clothing will fit the bill in most cases, but a rain suit
or some other waterproof material also may be necessary at times.
Leaves
Leaves can be a significant hazard to riders in the fall.
Damp leaves can make a slippery mess of roads, particularly on turns and
curves.
Avoid all piles of leaves, as you do not know what may be
hiding beneath them. Consider wet leaves as dangerous as black ice, as soggy
leaves can be just as slippery.
Salt and sand
Road maintenance crews will use sand and salt to keep roads
clear when snow and ice forms. Avoid riding on salty roads because the salt can
corrode chrome and paint. If you choose to do any winter riding, apply a coat
of wax to all parts of the motorcycle before going for a ride. This will help
protect it and enable any salt to be easily wiped off after riding.
Standing water
If it rains or snows lightly after an extended period of
dryness, oils in the road can come to the surface, making roads quite slick. In
addition, stay on the lookout for puddles and other standing water. While
motorcycle tires are good for displacing water, they still can hydroplane. Stay
focused when riding on wet surfaces.
Foraging animals
One potential hazard riders may not consider is wildlife.
Harvested crops reduce easy food sources, and animals may be on the move
looking for food. Hunters can push deer out of fields. A collision with a deer
can damage a car, never mind a motorcycle. Always use caution in rural areas,
particularly at dawn and dusk.
Winterizing
If you choose to store your bike when the weather starts to
get cold, remember to put a fuel stabilizer in the tank, fill the tank with gas
and hook the battery up to a battery tender. This will ensure the bike is ready
to hit the road when the temperatures warm up.
