The calendar has turned to November, and for many of us, that signals a heartbreaking reality: the season is winding down. The Sturgis rallies are memories in the rearview mirror, and the warm anticipation of Daytona Bike Week feels a lifetime away. However, just because the leaves have fallen doesn’t mean it’s time to hook up the battery tender and throw the cover over your Harley-Davidson or Indian Motorcycle just yet.
Riding an American V-Twin in late fall offers a unique kind of serenity. The air is crisp, the engines seem to love the dense, cool oxygen, and the roads are often empty. Consequently, with the right preparation and mindset, you can squeeze a few more glorious weeks out of the riding season before the snow flies.
Dress for the Slide (and the Shiver)
The most obvious challenge is, of course, the temperature. When you are cruising at 65 mph, a 45-degree day feels significantly colder. Therefore, layering is not just a suggestion; it is a requirement. Start with a high-quality moisture-wicking base layer. You want to avoid cotton, which holds sweat and chills you down rapidly.
Furthermore, this is the season where your heavy touring bike shines. If you are riding a Street Glide, Road Glide, or an Indian Chieftain, use those fairings and lowers to your advantage. Now is also the perfect time to invest in heated gear. Unlike sportbikes, our big V-Twins have the charging systems to handle heated liners and gloves without breaking a sweat. Plugging in can be the difference between a miserable shivering fit and a comfortable 200-mile Saturday.
Mind Your Rubber and Road
While your engine might love the cold air, your tires certainly do not. Cold asphalt and cold rubber equal reduced traction. In addition, V-Twin motorcycles have mountains of low-end torque. If you hammer the throttle at a stoplight like you do in July, you might find your rear wheel breaking loose unexpectedly. Take it easy for the first few miles to get some heat into those tires.
Moreover, late fall roads are treacherous for other reasons. Wet leaves can be as slick as ice, and early morning frost in shady corners is a real danger. Scan the road surface aggressively and increase your following distance.
Listen to Your Machine
Your motorcycle reacts differently in November than it does in August. You might notice your tire pressure drops along with the thermometer—usually 1 PSI for every 10-degree drop. Consequently, you should check your pressures before every single cold-weather ride. Also, keep an eye on your battery. Cold amps are harder to come by, and big-bore V-Twins need a lot of juice to turn over on a frosty morning.
The Warm Up
Finally, don’t forget to take care of the rider. Cold weather fatigues you faster than you realize. Stop more frequently than you usually would to grab a hot coffee and warm your hands. It isn’t just about comfort; it is about reaction time and safety.
Winter is coming, and eventually, the salt trucks will win. But until that first real snow sticks, there is plenty of asphalt left to conquer. Bundle up, stay safe, and keep that V-Twin rumbling as long as you can.
Join the Conversation
We want to hear how you handle the late-season chill. Do you swear by a specific brand of heated grips, or is there a particular layer you never leave home without? Drop a comment below to share your cold-weather tips with the community, or tell us your projected “winterizing” date. If you are looking for more tips on winter storage or upcoming holiday gift ideas for the biker in your life, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you never miss an update.
