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 and 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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.
