Taking extra precautions when needing to ride a motorcycle in colder weather is essential to avoiding major accidents. Following simple tips, your clients can stay safe and enjoy the rides even when the temperature drops.
PRESEASON SERVICE
Franchised motorcycle dealers can offer insurance for their motorcycles and equipment to help clients get the most out of their investments.
Many dealers offer service and repair packages, including regular maintenance, tune-ups, and even winterizing their motorcycles. They can take advantage of these services to ensure that their motorcycle is ready to ride, no matter the weather conditions.
HOW TO RIDE A MOTORCYCLE IN COLDER WEATHER SAFELY
The most important thing that your clients should remember is to keep their motorcycles in tip-top shape before the cold weather arrives. It means taking care of it before and during the winter months.
These are the effective ways to ride a motorcycle in colder weather:
Wrap the Slider Before You Ride a Motorcycle
The slider is the part of the motorcycle that connects the front and rear suspension. It’s also one of the most vulnerable parts of your bike to cold weather damage. To protect it, wrap it with an old inner tube or something similar before heading out in the cold.
Apply Grease Before You Ride a Motorcycle
Motorcycles require more frequent lubrication in colder weather. The grease will thicken, making it harder for the parts to move and function as intended. Before each ride, you should apply fresh grease to the drive chain, control cables, and other moving parts.
Replace Batteries Before You Ride a Motorcycle
Your motorcycle’s battery is the heart of the electrical system and needs to be in top shape to handle colder weather. It’s a good idea to replace the battery before you ride if you have not in a while.
Protect the Switchgear on Your Motorcycle
Motorcycle switchgear should be robust, but it can still suffer in extreme cold. To prevent this, you should apply dielectric grease to all your electrical connections. It will help to protect them against corrosion and moisture.
Upgrade the Lighting on Your Motorcycle
One of the top 12 tips for riding your motorcycle in colder weather is to upgrade your lighting. It will help you see better and be seen more quickly by other motorists. Choose a headlight that has a good beam pattern for night riding. You may also want to add auxiliary lights to your bike for increased visibility.
Inspect the Motorcycle Systems
Here are the parts of your motorcycle to inspect before every ride:
- Brakes
Inspect your motorcycle’s brakes before every ride. In cold weather, moisture can condense on brake surfaces and reduce braking effectiveness. Wipe away any moisture you see with a clean, dry cloth. Also, check that there is no glazing in the pads and that the fluid level is proper. If you have doubts about your brakes, have a professional mechanic look them over.
- Exhaust
The exhaust system of a motorcycle works to direct the hot gasses produced by the engine away from the rider. These gasses can condense and freeze inside the exhaust pipes in cold weather, leading to a loss of power and decreased performance. Be sure to inspect your exhaust system before heading out in cold weather, and if necessary, thaw out any ice that has formed inside the pipes.
- Suspension
The suspensions on motorcycles and dirt bikes work by compressing and decompressing to absorb the impact of bumps in the road. Over time, this process can cause wear and tear on the system, so it’s essential to inspect your suspension before every ride.
About K2 Insurance Services
Your used auto dealership clients will benefit considerably from the risk protection that K2 provides. Apart from the full range of insurance coverages, K2 also offers an ACH payment system that bills your clients directly. Call us today at (866) 429-1638 to find out how you can partner with the leading name in auto dealership insurance.
