Colder Weather’s coming. It’s time to get ready!
Wow! It’s September already and look at the weather in Sturgis…32 degrees and snowing! Where did the Summer go? Not too much longer and it’ll be here in Kentucky. For many people this time of year is the beginning of the end for their motorcycle season. For others it means adding a few extra layers, and maybe some heated gear. I fall into the latter category. I love cold weather riding and try to ride all year long unless there is snow & ice on the ground. Some people say it’s crazy, but as long as you take the proper precautions and use the right gear, riding in January when it’s 18 degrees can be a lot of fun! We’ll start with the gear! The secret here is layers. Typically I start out with thermal long underwear and some nice warm wool socks as a base layer. Next I’ll do the jeans and long sleeve flannel with a thick hooded sweatshirt. (Keep in mind, it’s easier to stop and take layers off than it is to put them on. I’d rather have too many layers than be too cold.)Now it’s time for the leathers. Leather chaps, boots, and of course an insulated leather jacket. I always go with a pair of waterproof insulated gloves too. The final piece, is a balaclava or face mask under my helmet since I don’t have a full face. A balaclava and a full face helmet would be ideal to cover you’re entire face AND neck. A great example for fall riding is below. The Harley-Davidson Magnum Distressed Leather Jacket, Deluxe Harley-Davidson Chaps, Full Face Modular Harley-Davidson Helmet and new Gauntlet Passing Gloves will keep you comfortable throughout the cool fall air.
Now that we have gear covered, let’s move on to the bike. When you’re riding in cold weather, there are extra steps you should take to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable ride.
Be sure you’re bike is topped off with all the proper fluids, if you have a new Twin Cooled 103″ be sure to put fresh antifreeze/coolant in. Check your hoses and cables.
If you don’t have lower fairings, you can always opt for soft lowers that attach to your bikes engine guard! Keeps the wind, road grime from hitting your legs! 
Be sure to check your tires. I can’t stress this enough, with the salt, wet roads, cracks in the roads from plows, and possibly ice, you don’t want to be running on bald tires. Remember since it’s colder, it will take tires longer to warm up to get a better grip. Cold tires = less traction and with winter riding, you want as much traction as possible. Don’t forget to check your tire pressure too. It’s a good habit to get into no matter what season you’re riding in.
In the fall, be looking for wet leaves covering the road, these can get extremely slippery. In the winter, watch out for the dreaded black ice, potholes,and of course the salt. If you happen to hit some ice, don’t panic and DON’T hit the brakes. Pull in your clutch and glide through it. We all know one of the worst things for motorcycles is salt, and during the winter there’s a lot of it on the ground. Salt can eat chrome, and cause your bike to rust,which nobody wants. Be sure to give your bike a good wipedown once you’ve arrived at your destination. Also, watch for patches of salt at intersections, if you put your foot down on loose salt you could lose your footing and drop your bike.
Be sure to increase your following distance incase you need to come to a quick stop, and since most people don’t expect to see motorcycles out in winter, be sure you’re seen! Take you’re time and enjoy the ride. Winter riding can be a lot of fun as long as you take the proper steps to ensure a comfortable and safe ride! Hopefully we’ll see some of you riding this winter, and if you’re in the cage, that’s ok too! I’ll be riding as much as I can so let’s hope for as little snow as possible!
Winter Riding!
Bluegrass Harley-Davidson 