Spring
Spring weather is often welcomed with open arms after the cold of winter. But despite warmer temperatures, spring often comes with its fair share of rainy days. That means riders must know how to navigate slippery roads and dress properly for a soggy ride.

According to the Motorcycle Safety Association (MSF), the first few minutes of a rainstorm are possibly the most slippery. Rainwater begins to fill in the dimples of the asphalt, and oil residue can float to the top, making for a very slick surface. The MSF suggests simply pulling over and waiting for the rain to pass.

Opt for breathable, waterproof, or water-resistant clothing for your riding attire. If you don’t already have rain gear, consider getting some before the next downpour.

Summer
Summer has its own conditions requiring a certain amount of attention.
Warm, even hot weather can result in your motorcycle’s tires having better grip than during more temperate times. Rubber gets softer and more elastic as it heats up, providing better road contact. You will likely be able to notice the improved traction of the bike’s tires when riding on asphalt, which may allow you to lean more confidently into turns compared to colder seasons.

Despite the rising temperatures, it doesn’t necessarily mean wearing as little as possible while on your motorcycle is a good idea. During a long, hot ride (especially in sunny, dry climates), you should take precautions against sunburn and dehydration. Consider wearing breathable layers, and in the most extreme conditions, you may try a wet layer of lightweight clothes with a breathable protection layer. The wet clothes will be cooled by the wind flowing through the breathable outer layer,rwhicht can also slow down evaporation.

Fall
Crisper air and falling leaves are the telltale signs that summer is over and fall is here. Before worrying about snow and ice, you may need to prepare for wet roads and slippery leaves littering your favorite stretch.

As leaves turn from green to yellow, orange, re,d and brown, they often fall to the ground, sometimes obscuring the surface of the road from the eyes of motorcycle riders. Be careful when riding over and through leaves, as they may be covering potholes or imperfections in the road that could affect your bike’s control. In addition, says the Illinois State Police, wet leaves could be slick, affect your wheels’ traction, or make it more difficult to stop quickly.

Winter
Even the most fervent motorcycle riders will consider storing their bikes during the coldest months. Wind, snow, ice, and frigid temperatures generally don’t make for great motorcycle riding conditions.

Before you hit the frozen road, check your tires. First, check the tread on your tires by doing the same “penny test” you might do on your car’s tires. Hold an Abraham Lincoln penny between your thumb and forefinger so the head shows. Place the top of Lincoln’s head into one of the grooves of the tire’s tread. If the tread obscures any part of Lincoln’s head, you have a safe amount of tread. You need a new tire, if you can see above Lincoln’s head.
Keeping your body warm and protected requires serious gear, so plan.

Consider thermal underwear, glove liners, balaclavas, and other base layers, depending on the temperature. Hypothermia due to severe wind chills can be a concern, especially when riding a motorcycle. When the temperature is 32 degrees Fahrenheit, traveling at 60 miles per hour can result in a wind chill of approximately 0 degrees Fahrenheit. To help warm your extremities, which are generally most susceptible to cold temperatures, consider using chemical heat packs on gloves and boots or outfit your bike with grip, seat, and foot warmers.

Regardless of the season, proper preparation and the use of the right equipment and gear can ensure that you can safely enjoy your motorcycle year-round.