In many Turkish cities winter is mild enough that you need not give up your motorcycle completely; in the interior and the east, motorcycles stay in the garage for a few months. Preparation is essential in both cases: if you ride in winter, against cold, ice and short days; if you park the bike, against battery, fuel and damp problems. In this guide we explain safe riding in the cold, winter gear, maintenance of a motorcycle ridden in winter and the preparation steps for those who will park up for a long time.
\nFor riding technique on wet and slippery surfaces, the rules in the riding safely in the rain guide also apply in winter.
\nWinter days are short, mornings are foggy and evenings get dark early. Car drivers notice a motorcycle later from behind misted windows. A light-coloured or reflective outer layer, reflective strips on the helmet and the dipped beam on in the daytime too increase visibility. Turkey also has a rule on reflective clothing at night. Reflective vest options.
\n\nRoute choice is also part of safety when riding in winter. If possible, prefer main roads and routes that are salted regularly; mountain passes, high-altitude plateaus and shaded forest roads can stay icy for a long time in winter. Before setting off, check the weather and road conditions in the region you are going to, and postpone the journey if snowfall is expected. The risk of ice is highest early in the morning and late in the evening; it is safer to plan winter rides around midday. If the weather unexpectedly worsens on the road, stop at a safe place and, if necessary, don't hesitate to leave the motorcycle and use another form of transport.
\n\nBefore every winter ride, take a short walk around the motorcycle: are there cracks or low pressure in the tyres, faults in the lights, rust on the chain? On cold mornings this few-minute check reduces the surprises you might meet on the road.
\n\nIf you ride in winter, dress in layers, keep your hands and neck warm, wait for the tyres to warm up in the first minutes and slow down on bridges and shaded corners because of the risk of ice. If you are going to park the motorcycle, a full tank, fresh oil, a trickle charger and a breathable cover will give you a trouble-free start in spring.
\nOn days without ice, yes, with the right gear and careful riding. When the temperature is below 3–4 °C, the risk of hidden ice is high on bridges, in shaded corners and in the morning hours.
\nRunning it for just a few minutes at idle does not warm the engine fully and may cause moisture to build up inside. If you can't take a short ride, it is better to connect the battery to a trickle charger and leave the engine unstarted.
\nYes, pressure drops in the cold. Measure it every two weeks when the tyres are cold and bring it to the value in the manual.
\nFull. An empty tank holds moisture and rusts from the inside. Fill the tank, add a fuel stabiliser and ride a few km so that the additive passes into the system.
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