Winter Riding Tips
Are you one of the die-hard, all-season scooter or motorcycle riders? Do you look forward to bundling up and hitting the highway in the dead of winter, and laugh in Mother Nature's face? Luckily here at Kart Sport Northwest, we cater to riders of all sorts; rain, shine, sleet, snow or hail. Here are some tips that can be useful for your winter-time adventures!
For Your Scooter:
Getting a windshield can make a huge difference when twenty degree or colder winds are blasting your face.
Make sure your scooter battery can stand up to the strain of winter riding. Keeping it topped off with a full charge can be the difference between a good day or a bad one. We recommend using the Battery Tender line of products which we carry at Kart Sport Northwest.
Using the proper oil for your scooter is also top priority. We recommend using PJ1 brand oils for all scooter and powersport vehicle applications. For 2-stroke applications (also designated as 2T) we suggest changing your oil as there is no2-stroke oil specific to winter riding. For 4- stroke applications (also designated 4T) we recommend using a 10-40 weight. Did you know that the small "w" after the # doesn't actually stand for "weight"? It stands for "winter" and the first number rates the viscosity of the oil at a temperature of 0 degrees F, mimicking cold winter weather, which is why the 'W' designation is added at the end of the first number. The second number repeats the test at 210 degrees F., or normal operating temperature for a fully-warmed engine.
For liquid-cooled scooters, make sure that the reading on the anti-freeze is sufficient for the temperatures you’ll be expecting.
For The Rider:
Be choosy when buying protective gear. Avoid any clothing that is big & bulky or could restrict your overall movement while riding.
Keep yourself posted on weather forcasts and road condition reports over the route you'll be taking. It's good practice, especially for those with a long commute.
Cover up your body and eliminate all the places where the cold air can enter. You can use duct tape to seal up openings. Choose modern fabrics designed to seal out the cold and retain body heat. Covering your legs and knees is very important since those are the most exposed portion of the body when riding.
Wear Gloves and if you don't have a face shield then wear Goggles.
Winter riding can be a great adventure, so please make sure you're having fun and staying safe. Happy Scooting!
