Winter can be a challenge for any motorcyclist. Especially if you have not been behind the wheel for so long or are in a new city. It's important to know the right rules and tricks to keep you safe on the road. In this blog, we'll explain what tips you should keep in mind when riding in winter and taking care of your motorcycle, and we already wish you a lot of fun on your journey through beautiful landscapes.
What you should know about winter care of your motorcycle
The cold, the snow and the darkness make riding in the cold months particularly exciting - but also exhausting. If you take care of your motorcycle properly, you can still ride safely. Because your motorcycle will remain loyal to you even in the cold winter if you take care of it. To ensure that your two-wheeler starts even in snow and ice and helps you reliably through the cold season, you should pay attention to a few points. Here are some recommendations for the proper handling of your motorcycle in winter, which fit every manufacturer model such as KTM:
- First of all, it's important that you give your motorcycle a regular oil change. This is because the oil not only helps to lubricate the parts of the engine, but also ensures that abrasion and dirt are directed out of the engine. So if you change the oil regularly, you'll keep the engine clean and in good condition.
- The engine should be thoroughly cleaned and washed. After that, all metal parts of the motorcycle should be sprayed with a protective film or a special wax. This will protect the motorcycle from corrosion and rust.
- Equally important for the care of your motorcycle in winter is the chain. After all, it is the chain that provides the propulsion when riding. Therefore, make sure that you oil the chain regularly and protect it from moisture. Moisture can cause the chain to rust and impair its performance.
- You should also keep an eye on the tires. In the winter months it is particularly important that your tires are well treaded. The tire pressure should be slightly higher than normal in winter to improve grip. To do this, they should be sprayed with a special tire wax. This prevents the tires from freezing to the rims. This way you can make sure that you have good grip even in snow and ice and don't get any nasty surprises.
- Buy suitable winter tires. They have more tread and provide more traction on snowy or icy roads. However, make sure that the tires also fit your bike!
- To be safe on the road in snow and ice, the brake pads of the motorcycle should be checked regularly and replaced if necessary. If you notice something to improve, we can recommend spare parts such as a brake anchor, drum brake or a speedometer drive like for the Yamaha XT 550 model.
- When refueling, make sure you have enough fuel. In cold temperatures, the performance of the engine is reduced and you may need to refuel more often.
- Place your bike in the garage or under the roof so that it is protected from moisture. Otherwise, there is a risk of rust or other damage to the motorcycle.
- Regularly check the function of the windshield wipers and turn signals. At low temperatures, these sometimes no longer work as well as usual! We have for many models - so also for the Honda model CBR 1000 RR SC57 or Honda cb 900 boldor all kinds of equipment to quickly replace defective components. A replacement turn signal, such as the Suzuki GT 250 turn signal, you will also find in our range.
- In addition, you should pay attention to good reflective strips. These ensure that you are better seen by other road users and that your hazard lights work better.
The cold season is usually an uncomfortable affair for motorcyclists. But with the right preparation, you can ride your motorcycle in winter without any problems. So if you take care of your motorcycle in winter, nothing will stand in the way of a reliable ride through the cold season!
What matters when choosing clothing
Taking proper care of your motorcycle in the winter is no easy task. Since the motorcycle is particularly exposed, the clothing must be specifically tailored to the needs of this vehicle. The right clothes will keep you warm and protect your motorcycle from damage. In this regard, the first and most important piece of equipment is, of course, the jacket. Depending on where you want to go, you can choose either a full body or partial body jacket. For longer tours, you should definitely go for a full-body jacket. This has the advantage that it allows you more freedom of movement and at the same time protects your body from the cold. Also make sure that the jacket is breathable so that it is not too warm or stiff.
If it is only a short visit to friends or relatives, you can also resort to a part-directional jacket. However, this is cut tighter and doesn't offer as much freedom of movement as a full-body jacket. Again, keep an eye on the quality! It is advisable to wash and care for the jacket regularly in winter. This way you prevent dirt and moisture from getting into the material and making it feel brittle. Equipment also includes the right clothing under the jacket. Make sure you have warm underwear and sturdy boots with a good treaded sole for optimal stability.
Another important piece is the safety helmet. The helmet should be tight and well-fitted so that it cannot slip or fall off in the event of an accident. The right face mask is also important, as it protects against the entry of dust and dirt.
For the road, it is best to take a backpack or luggage bag with you, in which you can stow hand warmers and a warm jacket. You can equip your motorcycle with bmw r45 spare parts, such as a suitable side case.
Winter riding techniques
When you're out on your motorcycle in the winter, there are a few riding techniques you should master. One of them is braking. Especially on wet or icy roads, an accident can happen quickly if you don't use the right technique. Therefore, make sure to always stop your motorcycle slowly and gently. Do not press too hard on the brakes, but brake gently and evenly. This will prevent your motorcycle from skidding or you losing control of the vehicle.
It is equally important to be careful when cornering. If you enter a corner too fast, you can easily lose control of your motorcycle and crash. Therefore, slow and steady wins the race! Take your time and ride slowly and carefully through each turn.
Stay on the roads. Do not ride on snow-covered or icy roads, as you will easily slide. Also, be sure to adjust your speed to the weather conditions. Slow down when it's wet or slippery. For more information and testimonials, contact us on site.
Getting through the winter safely is no easy task, but with the right tips and tricks it is possible to survive the cold season well. Keep the above points in mind if you plan to be on the road with your motorcycle in the coming months. We wish you good luck in upgrading your motorcycle in winter. If you are looking for spare parts we are here for you. Even the smallest parts need to be replaced every now and then. This starts with a small part like the zndapp wheel hub or a Yamaha XT 500 kickstarter. Through our online store for used motorcycle parts and directly on site in Hanover you will find everything you need for used motorcycle parts.