Your Ultimate Guide to Winter Biking

The temperature is dropping and the days are getting shorter. For many café racer enthusiasts, winter is a crossroads. Whether you are a "year-round warrior" who braves the sleet, or a "garage builder" who uses the cold months to strip a bike to the frame, winter is the season of cold and opportunity.

Which kind of Winter Rider Are You?

There is something very special about riding through winter on your motorcycle. For some, it’s the quiet of a misty morning commute where the only sound is your bike and off course your own helmet singalong. For others, it’s the peace and quiet of the workshop, lit by a single shop lamp while the rest of the world sleeps in and sits cozy in their homes. 

The Hardcore Path: If you refuse to stop riding, protection is vital. Road salt is the enemy of every thinkable bike part. It can turn a pristine engine into a pitted mess in just the blink of an eye. Apply any kind of protectant and upgrade to Heated Grips to stay in control. When your fingers stay warm, your reaction time stays sharp. Besides all this, just give the bike a quick rinse after every other ride.

The Creative Path: For the bigger part of our community, this is "Building Season." It is the perfect time for high-impact projects that you usually can't start because you'd miss out on riding days. Winter is for simplifying your wiring with a Motogadget Mo-Unit or perfecting your frame with a new Subframe Hoop. It's the time to do it right, without rushing.

"The best café racers aren't built in a weekend; they are built during the long and dark nights."

The Ultimate Winter Checklists

Preparation is what separates a smooth spring start from a frustrated afternoon spent cleaning carburetors. Whether you are tucking your bike in for a long nap or keeping it on the road, these checklists are your roadmap through the frost.

Pre-Storage Checklist (For Long Storage)

Storage is about more than just a cover. It's about ensuring that the liquids and metals of your machine don't degrade while standing still. Humidity and old fuel are the silent killers of a great bike.

• Clean & Protect: Wash thoroughly, dry, and apply protectant. You can go the extra mile by covering up air intake/exhaust to keep out pests.
• Oil Change: Fresh oil prevents corrosion during winter storage and prevents nasty surprises.
• Fuel: Fill the tank and add Fuel Stabilizer to prevent gumming. (don't skip this one!)
• Battery: Connect to a Trickle Charger.
• Tires: Use a Paddock Stand to prevent flat spots.
• Lubricate: Chain, cables, and other moving parts and save yourself a lot of headache upcoming season
• Storage: Use a breathable Indoor Cover these protect but prevent mold.

Riding in Winter Checklist (For Actual Riding)

If you're out there on the asphalt, you need to trust your equipment 100%. Low temperatures mean less grip and harder starts. Your bike needs to be as ready as you are.

• Gear: Thermal base layers, waterproof outer layers, and insulated gloves.
• Tires: Check pressure and tread for grip on cold, wet roads.
• Fluids: Ensure oil/brake levels are correct and coolant is frost-resistant.
• Battery: Ensure it's in top condition for tough cold starts.
• Lights: Test your LED Headlight for early sunsets.

Post-Storage Checklist (For Spring)

The first day of spring is a celebration, but don't let the excitement lead to a breakdown. Take thirty minutes to walk around your bike before that first "real" ride of the year.

• Inspect: Check tires, battery voltage, fluids, brakes, and chain.
• Operation: Test throttle response, clutch, and all electronics before your first ride.