10/18/2026
"Baby, it's cold outside..." How's that affect your bike? Because it certainly does...
Tire Pressure - Pascal's Law says as temperature increases so does pressure, so the opposite is also true. As temperature decreases, pressure will also decrease. Therefore going from warm days to these chilly nights will often lead to lower tire pressures. Be mindful of how much air you add to avoid overinflation once the day warms up.
Traction - Since motorcycles only have about the equivalent of two playing cards' worth of surface area contacting the road, it doesn't take much to get into a slippery situation. To aide in traction, tire manufacturers find a balance of longevity and traction. What that means is on a 84 degree day with road temps over 100 degrees, that tire rubber is warm and flexible, allowing it to conform to the road textures. However, when it's cold out the tire is harder and may not give you the traction you're used to. The cold road surface may not be as "tacky" either.
Battery Health - As long as a battery is adequately charged it will not typically freeze. If it does freeze, permanent battery damage and a drastically shortened battery life will be the result. The charging system may also be working harder in colder temps when you figure in heated accessories and additional lighting for the shorter days.
Fluids - If your bike is liquid cooled, check the condition and freezing point of your coolant. Other fluids, such as engine and transmission oil can build up acidity and moisture, especially on shorter trips (they get thicker in cold temps too). Stale fuel can also lead to many problems come Spring, consider a fuel stabilizer - refer to your owner's manual for specifics. Brake fluid is another one to keep up on maintenance with, it will absorb moisture and can cause costly repairs.
If you're going to ride into the late season, give yourself extra time to get where you're going. Take your time, analyze the changing road surface ahead of you, even watch for frost in those shaded areas. The critters are all over this time of year, especially with the rut kicking in for our whitetail population. Dress in layers, make sure all your lights are working and properly aimed. And lastly, watch for gritty areas from road crews putting down sand/salt.
Be safe y'all!
