All you need to know when the weather starts to drop

Tips on riding your motorbike through winter The popularity of motorbike use has risen dramatically in recent years and this is thanks to the broad range of motorbikes available for purchase. Motorbikes can be used throughout the year. However, extra care must be taken during the winter months, when the weather turns colder and the roads become icier. Kit yourself out The winter months call for you to wrap up warm and shield yourself from the elements. Protective weatherproof overalls are a must, as are base layers and accessories, such as neck warmers. High visibility vests are essential, especially at times when you find yourself caught out in bad weather and low-light conditions. Helmets with visors are known for fogging up in cold weather. Where possible, open your visor one notch to allow air to circulate and keep your visor clear. Warm up your bike Once you have layered up, do not forget to warm up your motorbike. This will prevent you from suffering from any bike-related problems. The oil in your bike will particularly benefit from being granted time to warm up and circulate. Check your tyre pressure In cold weather, the pressure of the tyres of your motorbike will be prone to falling. For this reason, it is essential for you to check your tyre pressure before taking to the roads. Under inflated tyres can significantly affect your ability to handle your motorbike. Consider your tyre choice If you own a sports motorbike, you may find that your tyres struggle to function efficiently in bad weather and your bike handling may suffer as a consequence of this. Consider purchasing tyres that are suited to use during the winter months. Renew your breakdown coverage Be prepared to encounter common problems, such as frozen locks or mechanical issues induced by the cold weather. Breakdown cover will be your lifeline during the winter months as it will ensure that you are always able to get back up and running. If you have neglected to renew your breakdown coverage, winter is the time to make that phone call and renew your policy. Check your insurance policy Claims for motorbike accidents tend to increase over the winter period so ensure that your insurance policy is adequate for your needs. A sufficient policy from a reputable provider, such as bike insurance from Carole Nash, will make sure that you are covered in the event of an accident. Check the weather forecast If you are planning on taking a long journey, check the weather forecast before you leave the house. While the weather can be difficult to predict, it should help you to avoid hazardous weather conditions. On windy days, be cautious of cross-winds and this is particularly true if you are planning on riding on exposed roads or bridge crossings. Take the time to read the traffic Be aware that car drivers’ visibility can be significantly restricted as a result of bad weather conditions fogging up their windscreens and wing-mirrors. If you allow yourself time to react to sudden movements and pick up on the habits of your fellow road users, you should be able to avoid accidents. Remember the rules of the road In adverse weather, remember to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, allow extra time for braking, and keep your headlights on when visibility is poor.

Tips on riding your motorbike through winter
The popularity of motorbike use has risen dramatically in recent years and this is thanks to the broad range of motorbikes available for purchase. Motorbikes can be used throughout the year. However, extra care must be taken during the winter months, when the weather turns colder and the roads become icier.
Kit yourself out
The winter months call for you to wrap up warm and shield yourself from the elements. Protective weatherproof overalls are a must, as are base layers and accessories, such as neck warmers. High visibility vests are essential, especially at times when you find yourself caught out in bad weather and low-light conditions. Helmets with visors are known for fogging up in cold weather. Where possible, open your visor one notch to allow air to circulate and keep your visor clear.
Warm up your bike
Once you have layered up, do not forget to warm up your motorbike. This will prevent you from suffering from any bike-related problems. The oil in your bike will particularly benefit from being granted time to warm up and circulate.
Check your tyre pressure
In cold weather, the pressure of the tyres of your motorbike will be prone to falling. For this reason, it is essential for you to check your tyre pressure before taking to the roads. Under inflated tyres can significantly affect your ability to handle your motorbike.
Consider your tyre choice
If you own a sports motorbike, you may find that your tyres struggle to function efficiently in bad weather and your bike handling may suffer as a consequence of this. Consider purchasing tyres that are suited to use during the winter months.
Renew your breakdown coverage
Be prepared to encounter common problems, such as frozen locks or mechanical issues induced by the cold weather. Breakdown cover will be your lifeline during the winter months as it will ensure that you are always able to get back up and running. If you have neglected to renew your breakdown coverage, winter is the time to make that phone call and renew your policy.
Check your insurance policy
Claims for motorbike accidents tend to increase over the winter period so ensure that your insurance policy is adequate for your needs. A sufficient policy from a reputable provider, such as bike insurance from Carole Nash, will make sure that you are covered in the event of an accident.
Check the weather forecast
If you are planning on taking a long journey, check the weather forecast before you leave the house. While the weather can be difficult to predict, it should help you to avoid hazardous weather conditions. On windy days, be cautious of cross-winds and this is particularly true if you are planning on riding on exposed roads or bridge crossings.
Take the time to read the traffic
Be aware that car drivers’ visibility can be significantly restricted as a result of bad weather conditions fogging up their windscreens and wing-mirrors. If you allow yourself time to react to sudden movements and pick up on the habits of your fellow road users, you should be able to avoid accidents.
Remember the rules of the road

In adverse weather, remember to maintain a safe distance between yourself and the vehicle in front of you, allow extra time for braking, and keep your headlights on when visibility is poor.

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