Nearly seven years ago, I made one of the most extravagant purchases of my life. After a couple of years of saving money, I bought a shiny new silver sedan. This beautiful car was fitted with a luxurious custom grill. For the first several months, I constantly looked at my stunning new car through the windows of my back door. My acquisition was definitely worth the wait. I’m glad I waited to save the money needed to make a cash purchase. Now, I can enjoy my car without having to worry about monthly payments. On this blog, you will learn how to shop for the best car for your budget. Enjoy the ride!
If you love getting out on your bike on a regular basis, you may be a little bummed if the rain and snow keep you off the road. But it doesn't have to be that way. With this gear you'll be able to stay warm, dry, and safe in all but the worst blizzards.
For Your Harley
You want to protect your bike when it's parked to prevent moisture from building up, which can cause corrosion and mechanical problems. It can also give you a soggy seat to sit on.
For long-term storage or really inclement weather, a full cover will give your bike the protection it needs. Look for one with vents to allow excess moisture underneath to escape. If you're just parking for a few hours in drizzle or light snow, a day cover will keep your seat and handlebars dry. There are models now that fit around antennas in the rear so you get a precise fit.
Don't spend your time worrying about your battery (the last thing you want to fail in a rainstorm). A battery minder will monitor your voltage and automatically bring the battery up to a full charge as needed. These now come in waterproof models, so you can even leave them attached outdoors in the rain.
Visibility is key in bad weather, so investing in a detachable windshield may not be a bad idea. The latest models can be put on or taken off without tools in a jiffy.
For You
There's nothing worse than being an hour into your ride (and an hour from the warmth of home) and discovering you're freezing. While you can layer your clothes to stay warm, you might also want to try some of the newer heated riding gear.
Heated riding jackets come in styles for both men and women, with a range of heat settings and built-in body armor. Typically, they can be powered by a charged battery or plugged into your bike for continuous power. You can also find heated pants, vests, jacket liners, and gloves.
Make sure there is no way for wind or water to sneak past your collar with a neck guard, scarf, or balaclava. For really cold weather, a neoprene face mask may be your best bet. A well-sealed helmet with a fog-free shield for your face is a must.
Even in a warm climate, getting wet can give you a nasty chill. Rain suits don't take up much room in your storage and can be a lifesaver (literally) when needed. Take a break from your all-black wardrobe here for a bit, and go with high-visibility gear with bright and reflective panels.
If you don't have waterproof boots, you can purchase waterproof gaiters to wear over yours. Look for gaiters with a lug sole to prevent slipping.
And Don't Forget...
You don't want to trap sweat under all that gear, so start your day off with breathable underwear meant for athletic activity.
If your heated gloves still leave your fingers cold, think about installing heated hand grips, which you'll appreciate even on a cool summer night.
If you find yourself doing a lot of riding in rain or snow, you may want to improve the traction on your riding pegs.
Harley dealers like Blue Ridge Harley-Davidson can offer you advice about how to keep your machine in tip-top shape for bad weather riding, such as changing your antifreeze, checking tire pressure, and washing off road salt. Riding in bad weather requires extra caution and preparedness, but with the right gear and good mechanical care, you'll be able to log more annual miles than you ever thought possible.
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