News DH Superbikes

Autumn and winter bring rain, leaves, low sun, mist and frost. You can keep riding through them, but you need to adjust the way you ride and the way you prepare. These tips help you stay in control and enjoy the ride.

Expect less grip

Wet roads and cold tyres give less grip than warm, dry tarmac. Tyres take longer to warm up in cold weather, so be gentle for the first few miles. Grip is also lower after a long dry spell, when the first rain lifts oil and dust from the road surface.

Ride smoothly

• Use the throttle, brakes and steering progressively, never abruptly.
• Brake earlier and more gently, and leave a bigger gap to the vehicle ahead.
• Straighten the bike up before braking hard where you can.
• Reduce your lean angle and avoid sudden changes of direction.
• Look well ahead and plan so you can ride smoothly rather than react suddenly.

Watch for slippery surfaces

• Painted road markings, manhole covers and metal plates
• Wet leaves, mud and gravel at junctions and in shaded corners
• Diesel spills, often shown by a rainbow sheen
• Frost and ice, especially on bridges and in the early morning
• Standing water and potholes hidden by puddles

Stay visible

Use dipped headlights, wear bright or reflective clothing and keep your visor clean. Rain, spray and low sun all make it harder for other drivers to see you. Do not assume you have been seen, and ride defensively at junctions.

Look after your tyres

Good tread and the right pressure matter more in the wet. Check pressures regularly and replace tyres before they reach the legal limit. Read our tyre guide for legal tread depth and what to check.

Stay warm and dry

Cold hands and tired muscles slow your reactions. Wear waterproofs, layers, warm gloves and a neck warmer. Heated grips are worth considering. Treat your visor with an anti-fog product, and consider a pin-lock or anti-mist insert. Carry a spare pair of dry gloves for longer rides.

Check the bike before you go

• Check lights, indicators and brake light.
• Check your tyres, brakes and chain.
• Check the battery, as cold weather puts extra strain on it.
• Check fluid levels and look for leaks.

Look after the bike afterwards

Road salt causes corrosion. Rinse the bike with clean water, dry it and lubricate the chain. Our chain maintenance guide shows how. See our guide on winter storage if the bike will be parked up.

Know when not to ride

If there is ice, snow or severe weather, leave the bike at home. No journey is worth the risk. If you start a ride and conditions worsen, stop somewhere safe and wait.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need special tyres for winter? Most riders use normal road tyres, but good tread and correct pressures matter. Ask a tyre specialist about the best option for your riding.

How do I stop my visor misting? Use an anti-fog treatment or insert, and open the visor slightly at stops.

Is it safe to ride in the cold? It can be, if you dress properly, ride smoothly and stay alert for ice.

Need your bike checked before winter? Ask the DH Superbikes team.