Winter Riding Tips from KD Motorcycles, Padiham
When the days get shorter and the air turns
crisp, many bikers hang up their leathers and hibernate till spring. But for
the true rider, winter isn’t a stop sign, it’s just another season to conquer.
Whether you’re still clocking miles through Lancashire’s winding lanes or
planning to tuck your pride and joy away until the thaw, KD Motorcycles has
your back (and your front, and your tyres, your heated grips and your battery….…).
Dress for
the Ride, Not Just the Weather
Let’s start with the obvious: warmth equals
safety. Cold hands can’t brake quickly, and shivering in the saddle doesn’t
exactly inspire confidence.
Invest in layered gear: a thermal base layer, a windproof
mid-layer, and a proper waterproof textile protective clothing that keeps the
elements out but lets you breathe.
- Heated
gloves and grips are a winter rider’s best friend worth
their weight in gold when the temperature dips. - A neck
warmer or balaclava helps keep wind chill from sneaking in. - And
don’t forget clear or pinlock visors, fogged up helmets are
dangerous and nobody’s idea of fun.
Oh, and speaking of visors, keep one clean
and scratch-free, because that low winter sun can turn a scenic ride into a
blinding challenge in seconds.
Riding
Smart: Precautions for Winter Roads
Winter roads can be unpredictable, dry one
minute, wet and potentially icy the next, and often sprinkled with that lovely
mix of grit and mud.
- Tyres: Make
sure they’ve got good tread and the correct pressure. Cold air can lower
pressure faster than you’d think. - Brakes: Check
your pads and fluid, wet and salty roads can corrode more quickly in
winter. - Visibility: The
low sun is no joke, consider a drop-down sun visor or a tinted insert for
morning and afternoon rides. - Road
surface: Avoid painted lines, manhole covers, and
leaf-covered corners. They’re as slippery as they look.
And above all, ride smoother. Ease on
the throttle, feather the brakes, and leave more room for stopping than usual.
Lancashire
& West Yorkshire: Great Winter Ride Out Spots
Just because it’s colder doesn’t mean the
adventure stops. Lancashire and West Yorkshire have some cracking
winter-friendly routes with cafés that still welcome bikers year-round.
- The
Trough of Bowland: A true biker’s paradise. The scenery is
stunning in every season, and a stop at Puddle Ducks Tearoom in Dunsop
Bridge or The Inn at Whitewell never disappoints. - Rivington
Barn, near Bolton: Always buzzing with
bikers, no matter the weather. Grab a bacon butty and catch up with fellow
two-wheel warriors. - Haworth
and the Brontë Country: West Yorkshire’s moorland roads offer
stunning views and characterful cafés. Try Cobbles & Clay for a
warm-up stop. - Pendle
Hill loop: Twisty, scenic, and right on our
doorstep here in Padiham. Just watch for the sheep and the occasional
frost pocket.
After the
Ride: Cleaning & Maintenance
When you roll back in from your winter blast,
your bike will likely be wearing a fine coat of salt, grime, and road muck, the
enemy of all things metal.
Here’s your post ride routine:
- Rinse
the salt off with cold water first (hot water can
activate the salt and cause corrosion). - Use a motorcycle
friendly cleaner and soft brushes to lift the grime. - Dry it
thoroughly, then apply ACF-50 or similar
corrosion protection to metal surfaces. - Lubricate
your chain and check your tyres and lights while you’re at
it.
Your bike will thank you for the TLC, and
it’ll stay looking showroom fresh longer, especially if you bought it from,
say…… KD Motorcycles. ?
Wintering
Your Bike: Storing It Right
If you’ve decided to let your bike rest
through the winter, proper storage is key to making sure it’s ready to roar
come spring.
- Fuel: Fill
the tank and add a fuel stabiliser to prevent condensation and gumming. - Battery:
Either remove it and trickle-charge it, or keep it on a smart charger. - Tyres:
Inflate to the correct pressure and move the bike occasionally to avoid
flat spots. - Cover: Use a
breathable motorcycle cover, especially if your garage gets damp. - Oil
change: Fresh oil before storage prevents old
contaminants from sitting inside the engine all winter.
A quick once-over every few weeks keeps
everything ticking over nicely and makes that first start-up in March much more
satisfying.
Quality, Service and Accessories:
Riding in winter can be some of the most
rewarding biking you’ll ever do, crisp air, quiet roads, and a real sense of
mastery. Whether you’re venturing through the Trough of Bowland or giving your
machine a mid-season rest, KD Motorcycles in Padiham are here to help
with gear, advice, servicing, and all the essentials that keep you safe and
smiling.
Open seven days a week, we are always here to
help.
After all, there’s no such thing as bad
weather….only the wrong clothing.