Many motorcyclists enjoy a few last rides on crisp fall days before the weather turns cold and conditions get messy and then they put their bikes away until spring. They assume winter driving is only for cars. But it doesn't have to work that way. Winter riding needs some extra preparation to deal with cold conditions or icy roads, but Motorcycle USA, a motorcycle news and reviews site, offers tips for staying warm and enjoying your bike straight through winter. Here are some of the highlights.

[ibimage==25206==Original==none==self==ibimage_align-right]

Keep Yourself Warm

The first concern for winter riding is ensuring you have the right gear to stay warm. The dangers of hypothermia are no joke, and it can come on more quickly than you think. Hypothermia doesn't only occur when it’s freezing, either. A chilly, rainy day is enough to bring it on, especially if you don't have the right wet-weather gear.

Use layers of clothing to stay nice and warm on winter rides. Start with a light base layer that keeps sweat away from your skin while trapping warm air. Make sure your outer layer is windproof and waterproof if you suspect you may have some wet weather to deal with. And always close up gaps at your wrists and neck to prevent heat loss. Gauntlet-style gloves will help keep your hands warm, and a balaclava or neck-warmer will protect your neck.

For extra warmth, especially on extended rides, use electric vests and gloves. These use your bike's electrical system to produce heat. Keeping the core of your body warm with a vest helps to prevent frostbite in your extremities because the heart can pump warm blood to your hands and feet. If you need some extra warmth for your hands, electric gloves or heated grips for your bike can help. If you invest in electric gear, make sure your bike's alternator can handle the extra wattage necessary to run them.

Finally, when you're riding in cold weather, don't take any chances. The early signs of hypothermia include drowsiness, uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slow reflexes, delayed reaction times, and irritability. If you notice any of these signs, or if your fingers or toes are numb, stop for a break and warm up. Planning ahead for frequent breaks on long winter rides will help keep you safe and make those rides more enjoyable.

Prep Your Bike and Gear

Bikes need to be ready for cold weather, too. In addition to making sure your alternator is up to snuff if you use heated vests or gloves, make sure your tires and engine are ready for the cold. If you use track-type tires in summer, switch to road tires for winter. They warm up more quickly and develop better grip at lower temperatures. Using a thinner oil can help your bike's performance, especially when it's cold at startup. Always check your owner's manual before changing the type of oil you use, however, and stick within the recommended weights. Your bike may only be rated for one weight of oil, regardless of temperature.

The right fairing can help protect you from the cold while you ride by directing airflow away from you. If your fairing is more decorative than functional, consider installing a new one for winter. It's possible to have a custom fairing cut if no stock products provide the right airflow direction.

Visor fogging can be a dangerous problem in the winter if your breath condenses inside your helmet. The combination of a half-mask inside your helmet and a wind-proof balaclava will allow your breath to escape without fogging up your visor. Alternatively, invest in specialty gear intended for cold-weather riding, such as a double-visor helmet like those used for snowmobiling.

Take it Easy

Winter road conditions can present a lot more challenges than fair-weather road conditions, no matter what vehicle you use. On a bike, you have even more reason to respect the conditions and ride cautiously. Slow down on wet roads, especially if there is any chance of ice, and increase your following distances. Staying farther back from other vehicles on wet days will also keep you out of the worst of the spray from their tires, which is better for visibility, warmth, and reducing the amount of salt and other chemicals getting on your bike. Remember that if visibility is poor, every driver on the road is affected by it, too, making them even less likely to see you coming. Wear reflective clothing on cloudy, dark and wet days and, as always, keep a sharp eye out for trouble. Even pedestrians are less likely to see you coming if they are hunched up in coats and hats trying to stay warm themselves.

Riding motorcycles in the winter can be a very different kind of activity than riding on bright, warm summer days. But with the right gear for both your body and bike, paired with smart riding, you can enjoy your motorcycle no matter what the winter throws at you.

Scott W. O’Sullivan, the founding member of The O’Sullivan Law Firm in Denver, Colorado has been in private practice as a trial lawyer for over 17 years. In the year 2000, Mr. O’Sullivan decided to only represent injury victims. Besides practicing law, Scott also teaches several classes