Whilst Autumn is a time when many motorcyclists consider storing their bike away for the colder months, many of our motorcycle breakdown cover customers ride year round.
But as with summer, Autumn can bring it's own set of challenges so it's best to be prepared.
Here we look at some ways to prepare for the different weather conditions you might encounter when riding a motorcycle.
Riding a motorbike in the rain
Wear the right gear
Getting soaked by rain while riding is not pleasant, so the right clothing is crucial.
Wear a high quality one or two-piece rain suit, with boots and gloves.
Choose a helmet with an anti-fog visor or breath-guard. Visors with electric defrost functions are also available.
Ride smoother
Use the throttle in small increments and reduce your lean.
Brake early to avoid a sudden jab of the brakes as you approach the desired stop-point.
Take care at intersections
Anywhere cars frequently come to a halt you will find higher concentrations of oil on the road.
Rain can make surface oil even more slippery.
Choose a dry path
Common sense perhaps, but some riders don’t move onto the dry sections of the road in the hours after rainfall.
Dry parts of the road will of course give you much better traction.
Riding a motorcycle in hot sun
Extreme heat is not a common problem for UK motorcyclists – which means it’s even more important to be ready for it.
Over-confidence can lead to being ill-prepared.
Be aware of heat exhaustion and sunstroke
If you’re suffering heavy sweating, cramps, nausea, headaches, flushed or pale skin, extreme fatigue or dizziness – you could be suffering from one of the above. Stop somewhere safe and wait until you feel better.
Don’t rush to get back on your bike. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can have serious – even fatal – consequences.
Take plenty of water
Before a big road trip, when you’re fresh, fed and watered, it’s hard to imagine how quickly you may dehydrate when you’re out on the road.
Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
Plan some rest-stops
Pencil in some service station stops to give your body and brain a chance to cool off and relax.
Keep your skin covered
This may seem counter-intuitive, but if your skin is exposed while riding, the sweat will evaporate immediately, preventing your body’s cooling system from working. So, just like the Bedouins in North Africa, keep yourself cool by covering up with a layer or two.
Buy a cooling vest
If you’re going in for some extensive summer motorcycling, consider investing in one of these.
Riding a motorcycle in high winds
It’s not sensible to go out riding in gale-force winds. But if you do suddenly encounter some high winds, you should be prepared.
Beware open areas
Open plains, hill tops, valleys and roads beside bodies of water are typically more conducive to high winds.
Reduce drag
Keep your head down and your arms and legs in. This will present the wind with less purchase, keeping you more stable.
In blustery weather...
Blustery weather is unpredictable, so you have no choice but to keep your speed down and to loosen up.
Be ready to increase speed, then lean and steer quickly to regain stability.
Give yourself more space
Ride in the middle of the lane so you have more space to straighten up.
Wait for the wind to drop
If the wind is too high, consider stopping and waiting for it to die down.
