Winter/Rainy Season Riding Tips

It would be great for everyone to expand this list with their own tips.Winter Gear is worth its weight in gold. Buying waterproof/insulated boots, gloves, jackets, and pants even if cheap is a great way to avoid catastrophe should an accident happen or your bike breaks down leaving you stranded. This gear will keep you warm and safe. I STRONGLY recommend a balaclava to veteran and novice riders alike. It will protect your neck and head from the elements. If you need recommendations on gear I can give you good ones that won't break the bank, just ask :)Allow your bike to warm up. This doesn't only apply to the motor, but your tires as well. Ride with extra caution for the first few miles to allow your tires to warm up, cold tires have very little traction.Avoid puddles and slick/oily surfaces. Manhole covers and small pieces of metal embedded in the road can be dangerous even if you're not turning. Shiny surfaces usually indicate slick terrain. With this in mind, don't put yourself in risky situations just to avoid a slick surface, if you can, level your bike and cross over the slick surface as upright as is safe.Don't ride if it is snowing. I know you're told all the time to avoid that and it's for a reason. Motorcycles don't have the same amount of surface contact as cars, rendering them useless in snowy conditions. Seriously, don't risk it.Confidence is key. If you don't feel comfortable riding a certain day, DON'T. Even if you're already riding and you don't feel confident, pull over and try and relax. I say this because in some areas of the world, you'll be riding when suddenly the rain just dumps on you. Slow down, you're going to be fine, if you can't tell yourself "I'm in control, I feel fine" pull over and just wait it out.Be safe and have fun! via /r/motorcycles https://www.reddit.com/r/motorcycles/comments/d69h4e/winterrainy_season_riding_tips/?utm_source=ifttt