Winter Riding

You’re a dedicated rider, and you don’t want to put your toys away just because it’s a little chilly out there. Good for you. We applaud riders who throw a leg over their bike and go for it all year long. But winter riding has some specific and unique challenges that aren’t a problem when the sun’s shining and the birds are singing. At Boston Harley-Davidson in Revere, Massachusetts, we’ve put together this guide to help you make the most of your time on the bike even when the mercury drops. If you’re looking for new gear or a new bike, come visit our dealership! We’re part of the Seacoast Harley-Davidson group, and we proudly serve customers in Boston and Malden.

Bike Maintenance

When the temperature drops, you’ve got to keep your bike in good condition. That means taking care of your basic maintenance on a regular basis. Check your tires - make sure they’re inflated to the recommended pressure, and that they have good tread. You might consider buying special tires for winter riding that offer increased grip on the road - that can come in handy on wet or slushy streets. Check your bike’s fluid levels: oil, antifreeze, etcetera, and make sure everything’s topped off. Make sure your chain is in good condition, and give your bike a good once over to check for any small problems that could become big problems if left unsolved. 

Gear

ATGATT. All the gear all the time. In winter, that means bundling up in warm gear with plenty of armor and retro-reflective stripes for night riding. Each part of your body must be protected from the weather and the unpredictability of other drivers on slick roads. 

Head

You need a really good helmet all the time, but especially in the winter. Make sure your helmet is DOT certified, and in the winter, find one with good insulation. Consider a full-face or modular helmet to keep the wind out of your face.

Neck

Get a warm neck gaiter or balaclava. One of these will definitely make a difference in keeping the wind out, and you’ll be more comfortable on long rides.

Body

For really cold winter riding, there are special base layers you can buy that trap body heat without making you sweat. These base layers are a great place to start to keep yourself warm. Add a sweater or warm overshirt, and put a warm, waterproof armored jacket on top of that. Look for a jacket that has retro-reflective striping, because winter riding means more riding at night, and you want to be as visible as possible to other drivers in the dark. 

Hands

You need to keep your hands warm and protected during winter rides. If it’s really cold out there, look for claw-style gloves or mittens. These are great for keeping the heat in and the cold out. Make sure your gloves have armor in the knuckles.

Legs

A lot of riders opt for armored pants or jeans or even leather chaps to keep their legs warm. Another option is to buy insulated armored overpants that you can slip on over your everyday jeans or slacks. If you’re riding a long distance, consider adding long underwear as a base layer. That’ll really keep your legs nice and toasty.

Feet

Your feet need to stay warm and protected during your rides. Look for warm, waterproof, insulated boots that go over your ankle. Consider adding a pair of warm wool socks underneath your boots to really keep your toes warm. 

The right gear and a properly maintained bike will help make your winter rides more comfortable, safe, and fun. And if you need help choosing your gear or getting your bike ready, or if you’re in the market for a new ride, come see us at Boston Harley-Davidson. We look forward to seeing you!