7 Tips for Safe Motorcycle Riding in Autumn

Let's face it, autumn is a beautiful time to go for a ride on your motorcycle. You suit up in all your riding gear and head out on the open road or onto the trails. But there are some added risks that arrive during the autumn riding season so being prepared is key.

1. Falling Leaves and Leaves on the Ground - Leaves on the Trails, falling leaves create visual hazards, especially if they are wet. They can stick to your visor or block visibility on your path of travel. They cover up holes on the trails, rocks, or any other object protruding from the ground. Don’t get distracted by leaves, regardless of how pretty and mesmerizing they are while falling.

Leaves on the Road present as much hazard as falling ones. They can cover up drain ditches, culverts, potholes and make it slick. Although leaves look dry, the ones on the ground are likely wet, which will quickly cause traction issues.

2. Cooler Concrete, Less Traction - Tires will come up to temperature with continuous riding, but it’ll take much longer. And when stopping the tires cool down much faster, which naturally creates less traction on the road. The off-road will also be slicker due to cooler rocks and dirt.

3. Layer Up - Layering is the only way to go during autumn riding. Start with good base layers, mid layers, and always pack along an extra fleece or something similar for added warmth. This allows you to easily adjust your comfort zone while out riding.

4. Rain Gear - Autumn is the most unpredictable time of the year for weather conditions. You can be riding in pure sunshine and then the temps can  all of a sudden drop and it can even start raining. Even the light mist can penetrate your gear, so make sure your outer layers are up to par in the waterproof department. If you’re wearing gear that’s not waterproof, don’t forget the rain suit! It's always a good rule of thumb to keep a rain suit stored in the saddlebag. You never know when you'll need it.

5. Wildlife - Wildlife is searching actively for food all the time but especially more in the autumn, which has them scattered. Deer usually feed close to roads, and their most active feeding time is dusk and dawn. Autumn is a time for hunting, also, which will further scatter animals like deer and turkey. Work on extra shoulder checks and looking far ahead and wide, maximize your peripheral vision. Always keep your eyes moving and be extra ready for what may be in your path.

6. Check Tires and Fluids Now is not the time to question your thread depth. If the tread depth is thinning, you need some new rubber. Many motorcycle tires have wear indicators cast into the rubber tread grooves.  Look for one of the tire grooves with a raised segment of rubber.  These groves are typically located off the center of the tire.  If you are unsure, stop by Clare's Cycle or Clare's Harley-Davidson of Niagara Service Department and they'll measure the tread for you. Just remember that concrete is colder in autumn, and traction is less. Add some rain and you’ll want to be channeling that water away from the surface of your tires.

7. Check The Weather - Weather conditions are very unpredictable in autumn. Cold fronts move in and temperatures can drop in a hurry. Being proactive is crucial to your riding comfort and safety, allowing you to plan a route around unstable skies and unfavorable weather.

Happy Riding & Safe Travels!
From the promo desk at Clare's Cycle & Sports and Clare's Harley-Davidson® of Niagara.

Lisa Taché