7 Tips for Fall Motorcycle Riding

Autumn is definitely the best time for riding. With the cool, crisp air and the captivating colors of autumn, no one can deny that this is the perfect time to hop on your motorcycle and explore the beauty of the great outdoors.

Any rider will agree that fall motorcycle riding can be pretty rewarding for a number of reasons. For one, you don’t have to bear the heat. You don’t have to put up with the traffic, either! It is just you and your beloved bike on the wide, open road. How exciting can that be?

However, riding your motorcycle during this time of the year also comes with its own set of challenges so make sure you take the necessary precautions to avoid any unpleasant surprises that will spoil an otherwise remarkable experience.

Brush up on your riding skills. If you haven’t been riding your bike lately, it is possible that your riding skills may have become a little rusty so do some slow speed maneuvering and braking drills before taking your motorcycle out for a spin. Remember, it is always better to be safe than sorry!

Use the right tires. Are you still using those sporty tires you used this summer? Well, this is the perfect time to change them. Sporty tires are made with softer rubber and are great for warm weather but they tend to lose their traction in colder weather. Use touring tires instead.

Check your lights. Now that the days are shorter, you will probably go riding in the dark so check your headlights, brake lights and turn lights are in great working condition.

Watch what you wear. Autumn is notorious for greatly fluctuating temperatures so dress appropriately to counter these abrupt changes. Wear a leather jacket to keep you warm since the wind and dropping temperature can easily tire you out and impair your senses. Layering up may be a good idea but if you find it exhausting, you may choose to wear heated gear instead. You may also want to bring several pairs of riding gloves so you’ll have the perfect pair whatever the weather.

Don’t forget your rain gear. You wouldn’t want to get caught up in the rain without the appropriate motorcycle safety gear since it can significantly affect your riding ability and increase your risk of hypothermia, a potentially dangerous condition wherein your body loses heat faster than it can produce it.

Look out for those leaves. Yes, the changing colors of autumn may be a sight to behold but you need to look out for those falling leaves! While it may look unassuming, a pile of dry leaves can cover potholes and other inconsistencies on the road that may increase your risk of encountering accidents. Sharp objects hidden beneath the debris can also give you a flat tire and put you in danger. Moreover, wet leaves can make the road slicker than it usually is and reduce your bike traction so drive slowly until you have come past the obstacle.

Be extra cautious. While you need to be cautious and alert every time you take your motorcycle out for a ride, you need to be especially careful during this time of the year. The morning frost will leave a thin layer of ice on road surfaces making them more slippery than usual while strong gusty winds can easily set you off balance.

Fall motorcycle riding can be fun but you need to take extra precautions to make sure you reach your destination without a hitch!

Enjoy your Autumn short riding season

Always keep the contact patch between the lines

Michael Theodore

National Road Captain