In very cold weather your suspension oil may thicken, and your bike may ride harsher; your tires might also offer a little less grip on the pavement. These things are worth being aware of, but they don't really affect your ability to ride.
All of that said, unless it’s actively snowing or you're trying to keep traction on an icy road, riding in the cold doesn’t present any special problems for the way your bike handles—rather, your main concern is keeping yourself warm and comfortable.
A cold rider is going to have less coordination and longer reaction times. Motorcyclists make their own windchill, too. Winds of 60–70 miles per hour (95–110 kph) would make the top of the evening news, but on a bike, you experience that every day. So you need to remember three important things.
KEEP THE WIND OUT This means wearing windproof clothing (leather, textile) that seals tightly around your wrists, neck, lower legs, and waist. Boots and long gloves that overlap your pant legs and sleeves are a must. A scarf or neck gaiter can seal up your throat area.
KEEP THE WARMTH IN Several thin layers of insulation work better than thick ones. Even some folded newspaper shoved inside the chest of your jacket can make a noticeable difference in your comfort. Gloves need to be thicker on the back of your hands than on the palms.
GET WARMER Electric vests, seats, and handgrips can keep you warm even if your other clothing is marginal. And there’s always that old biker favorite: a cup of hot coffee or tea to stoke the fires within.
In very cold weather your suspension oil may thicken, and your bike may ride harsher; your tires might also offer a little less grip on the pavement. These things are worth being aware of, but they don't really affect your ability to ride.
All of that said, unless it’s actively snowing or you're trying to keep traction on an icy road, riding in the cold doesn’t present any special problems for the way your bike handles—rather, your main concern is keeping yourself warm and comfortable.
A cold rider is going to have less coordination and longer reaction times. Motorcyclists make their own windchill, too. Winds of 60–70 miles per hour (95–110 kph) would make the top of the evening news, but on a bike, you experience that every day. So you need to remember three important things.
KEEP THE WIND OUT This means wearing windproof clothing (leather, textile) that seals tightly around your wrists, neck, lower legs, and waist. Boots and long gloves that overlap your pant legs and sleeves are a must. A scarf or neck gaiter can seal up your throat area.
KEEP THE WARMTH IN Several thin layers of insulation work better than thick ones. Even some folded newspaper shoved inside the chest of your jacket can make a noticeable difference in your comfort. Gloves need to be thicker on the back of your hands than on the palms.
GET WARMER Electric vests, seats, and handgrips can keep you warm even if your other clothing is marginal. And there’s always that old biker favorite: a cup of hot coffee or tea to stoke the fires within.