How cold is too cold to ride a motorcycle?

Cold-weather riding comes with two main sets of risks: the mechanical limitations of your motorcycle and your body’s physical limits. Let’s take a closer look at each—and how to address them for a safer ride.

Some motorcycles handle cold weather better than others—adventure and touring bikes tend to perform more reliably than sport bikes or mopeds. Still, all bikes have limits when temperatures drop, especially when snow and ice come into play.

Tires are key to how your bike handles in cold conditions. As temperatures fall, tire rubber stiffens—reducing grip and making it more difficult to brake, especially on icy or snowy roads.

Cold weather also lowers tire pressure, which affects traction, cornering, and overall control. Even if you’re using winter tires, it’s important to check them regularly. Before each ride, make sure your tires are properly inflated and in good shape to help improve safety.

Freezing temperatures can quickly drain your motorcycle battery. If your bike sits unused for long stretches, consider removing the battery and charging it periodically to help avoid getting stranded with a weak or dead battery.

Cold weather can thicken your engine oil, making it harder to circulate through the system. As temperatures drop, consider switching to winter-grade oil and checking the level regularly to help keep your bike running smoothly.

Just like your bike, your body has limits—and when temperatures drop, discomfort can turn dangerous. Here are a few cold weather concerns to keep in mind.

Wind chill is how cold it feels on your skin, based on air temperature, wind speed, and humidity. For example, if you’re riding at 50 mph on a 32°F day, the wind chill can feel like 17°F. Over time, that kind of cold can lower your internal body temperature and increase the risk of hypothermia. It also puts exposed skin at risk for frostbite.

Hypothermia can set in when your core temperature drops below 95°F. This affects key functions like coordination, muscle control, and clear thinking—all of which are critical for safe riding.

As wind chills drop toward freezing or below, frostbite can become a serious concern. High risk areas often include your nose, cheeks, ears, and neck. A full-face helmet can help cover most of these. For your neck, consider using a balaclava or a neck gaiter. Avoid long scarves as they can become a hazard and get caught up in moving parts.

Once temperatures are 32°F or lower, riding becomes riskier. But even when it’s above freezing, cold rides can still be uncomfortable. No matter the conditions, the right gear can help you stay safer and more comfortable.

Here’s a checklist of cold-weather gear to consider:

• Thermal underwear: Opt for moisture-wicking materials like merino wool to help regulate body temperature.

• Jacket and pants: Use insulated, waterproof gear that also offers crash protection.

• Full-fingered gloves: Choose insulated, waterproof gloves; heated gloves can offer added comfort for longer rides.

• Waterproof boots: Get insulated boots with impact protection and non-slip soles to help keep your feet warm and secure.

• Neck warmer or balaclava: Add a layer to cover your neck and face and protect vulnerable skin from wind and cold.

• Full-face helmet: Wear one to shield against wind and cold air. Anti-fog visors and insulated liners can help add warmth and visibility.

• Handguards and heated grips: Install these accessories to improve comfort and control in cold temperatures.

Give your engine and tires a few minutes to warm up before you head out. This helps improve performance and tire grip in low temperatures.

Cold tires mean less traction. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and start braking earlier than usual.

Avoid sudden throttle, brake, or steering movements. Smooth, steady inputs help maintain control—especially on slick roads.

At higher speeds, briefly steering in the opposite direction helps your bike lean into a turn. This technique can improve balance on wet or icy roads.

Be extra cautious around snow, salt, and black ice. Shaded areas and bridges tend to freeze faster, so stay alert and ride defensively.

Only you can decide when the risks outweigh the reward—but being cautious can make all the difference. Here are a few signs that conditions may not be safe to ride:

• Roads are covered in ice or slush: These drastically reduce traction and increase the chance of losing control.

• Wind speeds exceed 30–40 mph: Strong gusts can push your bike off course or make it hard to control.

• Temperatures are below 32°F: Cold pavement reduces tire grip, and your body may lose heat faster than expected.

• Snowfall or dense fog: Poor visibility puts you at higher risk of not being seen—or not seeing hazards ahead.

If you’re seeing any of these, it may be a better call to wait it out. Sometimes the safest ride is the one you skip.

While motorcycle insurance is valuable year-round, it can be especially helpful in winter—when road and weather conditions create additional risks. Even if you’re storing your bike for winter, keeping your policy active can help maintain continuous coverage and protect against storage-related risks like theft or fire.

Dairyland^®, a brand of the Sentry Insurance Group, offers affordable, flexible motorcycle insurance designed for riders like you. Have questions about winter coverage? Contact us today to learn more.