The Bike Insurer presents – Winter Riding Top Tips!
Its that time of year again! The nights start earlier, the weathers bad and the roads can be pretty dangerous!
For those all weather riders out there we have some simple yet effective tips for keeping you safe and on the road through the winter months.
1. Breakdown Cover for your Motorbike.
If you have it, check its in date! If you don’t have Breakdown cover and you are using your bike all winter it is possibly one of the cheapest things you can buy that will keep you on the road. Who wants to be broken down on the side of the road in the middle of winter with no one to rescue them? Not me that’s for sure!
2. Servicing.
Make sure your motorbike’s servicing is up to date. Check your tyres and tyre pressure.
3. Keep it clean.
We all do it! We spend all summer loving our bikes, cleaning them and polishing them and yet we tend to neglect them come winter. The winter months are probably the most important time to keep them clean. Your headlights are probably the most important and while you are keeping on top of those make sure your visor is clean as well, there is nothing worse then a dirty visor when you have already started your journey.
4. De-Icer
I’m not sure if any of you have seen the small cans out there that you can buy for your car locks? Well believe me if you ride they are worth having with you. I ride all winter and last year I came out of work at 8pm to my bike locks frozen! Not good! Now I always carry one of these small cans in my back pack.
5. Clothing
I’m not here to recommend the best winter clothing or to try and sell you any! All I know is that for me my full leathers and loads of thin layers underneath always works best for me. I hate being too bulky and feel restricted when I move so a few thin layers under me leathers works a treat. I always carry a spare pair of gloves as well, there is nothing worse then having to put cold, wet gloves back on.
6. High Visibility.
I know that a lot of bikers don’t like wearing anything too high vis but I’m pretty sure mine have saved me from a few off’s in the past! The nights are darker, possibly foggy and car drivers do have a habit of only clearing a peephole through the ice on their windscreen! Need I say anymore?
7. Braking.
Remember those stopping distances aren’t as long on a wet or icey road!
8. Weather
Before you head off on your bike check the weather forecast. Sounds simple yet could save you being stranded in snow halfway through your journey.
If anyone has any other proven hints or tips for winter riding please let us know.
Happy, safe riding!
Andy Shaw – Bike Insurance from The Bike Insurer
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