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A Guide to Year-Round Motorcycle Riding in the UK

Motor Bike, Speed, Motorcycle, Motorbike, Ride

While there are many fair-weather riders in the UK; those who ride their bikes in the summer months, there are some who ride their motorcycles in all weather and if you are thinking of joining the latter group, there is a lot to consider. It might be out of necessity, as your trusted bike is the only transport you have, or it could simply be that you are a bike fanatic who takes every opportunity to get out on the open road, whatever your motivation, here are a few tips to safe all-weather riding in the UK.

  • Wear a Hi-Vis Vest – These are great for making sure that other road users see you and in the winter months, we have less daylight-time, so you need to make yourself as visible as possible and short of setting yourself on fire, the Hi-Vis vest is the best way to get noticed.
  • The Undeniable Protection of Genuine Leather – The best motorcycle jackets at Wheels are not only stylish, they are very affordable and a good-fitting leather jacket will last a lifetime and should you ever come off your bike, the jacket will save your skin, quite literally!
  • Tyres – As a bike owner, you already know that your tyres are the only thing keeping you on the road and your life quite literally depends on these two rings of rubber. Ideally, you want top quality wet weather tyres, with adequate tread to force water from the road surface. Of course, icy roads make for a very risky ride, which is simply not worth it, but aside from snow and ice, there’s no reason not to ride.
  • Cold Weather Clothing – The biting wind demands that you wear either leather pants with your leather jacket, or a lightweight wind suit for protection against the cold. Keeping your hands from going numb is always a challenge when riding in cold weather and the very best quality gloves are a sound investment. A good pair of boots with ankle support completes the outfit and if temperatures are close to freezing, this is the time to leave the bike at home. Here are cool things you didn’t know about Harley Davidson, the famous US bike manufacturer.
  • Sensible Riding – It is obviously essential that you ride with the utmost care and never forget other road users, who sometimes have difficulty noticing motorcycles, especially at speed. If you are a novice rider, take a basic course that will teach you how to control your bike and safe riding techniques, along with proper use of braking.
  • Headlights – Always turn your headlights on when riding (except hi-beam), as this is yet another way to improve visibility.
  • Observe the Highway Code – The Highway Code is designed to make road users aware of the risks when driving and if we all observe the recommendations, our roads will be safer.

There are many people who ride their bike all year round, with perhaps the exception of snow, and if you take the above points onboard, you should have a safe riding experience.




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