I have a memory in mind. A downhill road stretching as far as the eye could see, with a ribbon of perfectly smooth, gleaming asphalt winding through a few broad, inviting curves. To complete the picture, the road was lined with majestic trees whose leaves had taken on their shimmering autumn colours! What a pleasure!
Riding in autumn redraws the familiar landscape. But beneath that colourful setting lie pitfalls to outsmart if you want to finish the day well. Temperatures change quickly with the sun, and falling leaves affect the motorcycle’s grip. There is no room for improvisation: check the mechanical condition of the bike, plan your clothing, equipment and luggage, follow the weather and sharpen your concentration to avoid the hazards of the road.
Here are a few enlightened tips to help you fully enjoy your autumn rides.
Static checks
Preparation begins with the motorcycle on its stand, in the garage, with the engine cold.
With nighttime temperatures changing, the battery should be checked with a charger or voltmeter and recharged if needed. With the motorcycle standing straight on its centre or workshop stand, check the oil level and its colour—not too black. While you are at it, the coolant deserves a look too, always between the minimum and maximum marks, as with the oil.
The lights must be working. Professionals switch on every light and walk around the motorcycle. To test the brake light, park the rear of the bike close to a wall and check that the glow grows brighter when you pull the brake lever.
Tire pressure should be checked because tires lose pressure in the autumn cold. Take the measurement when the tire is cold. An underinflated tire deteriorates and affects handling. The tire tread must not be worn down to the wear indicators if it is to channel water away properly.
Road hazards
Autumn riding calls for a delicate touch.
Morning dew and possible rain make the road slippery. Fallen leaves on the ground make the lack of grip worse. On some roads, sunny stretches give way to shaded sections where the asphalt remains damp and slippery. There are many ways to lose traction. Painted lines on the road and metal plates on bridges also deserve attention. The way forward is to anticipate slippery patches, reduce speed, avoid braking abruptly and keep the motorcycle from leaning too far.
Rider equipment
In the morning, the temperature is low and the air is damp. Then the sun warms things up around midday, before the cold returns as soon as the sun sets.
Layered clothing is recommended to get through the day. For the first layer, forget the cotton T-shirt that holds sweat. Replace it with a thermal base layer of synthetic fabric or merino wool that wicks perspiration away.
The middle layer is fleece or another insulating material that retains warmth. You can remove it in the middle of the day, when the sun warms the road.
The third layer is a motorcycle jacket that resists impacts and abrasion. The best choice is a jacket with a waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex finish.
For riders who cover long distances, heated grips, gloves and jackets are no luxury. Riding while your teeth chatter is no fun. Heated grips can be fitted, but they warm mainly the palms. Heated gloves surround the whole hand. They will therefore be more effective.
Vision and visibility
The sun sets quickly in autumn. You need to see clearly in all circumstances. A Pinlock insert is very useful for preventing fog that can form at any time. It clips onto the visor and is easy to remove. Dark iridium-type visors can be used during the day. But it is forbidden to keep them at night. As dusk comes quickly in autumn, pack a clear visor and stop to change it. Otherwise, choose photochromic visors or the new photovoltaic versions that change tint with the light.
Some helmets have a clear visor and another, darker one that flips down and can be used according to the strength of the sun. It is a good alternative, because the sun can be blinding, especially during early autumn sunsets.
Make yourself visible by wearing fluorescent or reflective elements, such as a high-visibility vest or jacket.
Route and weather
Plan a shorter ride, because the days grow shorter in autumn and the weather is changeable. The same ride you took in July will end in the dark and cold in September.
If possible, plan an alternative route to get home faster if conditions deteriorate.
To get the best picture of weather conditions in Canada, you have several choices:
MétéoCAN is the free app from Environment and Climate Change Canada. One of its merits is that it carries no advertising.
MétéoMédia is very popular in Quebec. It offers live radar, detailed hourly forecasts and local official alerts for each municipality.
Windy lets you compare several forecast models for wind, rain and temperature.
MyRadar is a very precise app that warns of an approaching shower or thunderstorm.
Always check two apps to refine your forecast.
Tool kit and accessories
Your motorcycle has a small tool kit, often hidden beneath the seat. Add a portable mini compressor or CO2 cartridges, along with plugs to repair a tubeless tire without removing it. A tire sealant can reinflate the tire and inject a foam that coats the inside and seals holes. A power bank is essential for recharging your phone. Duct tape and quick ties can always make a temporary fix for an unexpected mechanical problem.
Do not carry tools in a backpack. In a fall, they could injure your spine. Choose a pannier or a bag attached to the seat instead (if you have no passenger, of course).
Hydration and calories
With the cold, which can be sneaky in autumn, it is advisable to drink and eat well to stay sharp. As for drinks, do not give in to the call of taurine-based energy drinks. Choose water and, why not, a sugar-free electrolyte drink.
Energy bars with dried fruit or nuts will quickly answer small hunger pangs and dips in energy.
Enjoy the colours
Autumn is an interesting season that redefines familiar rides with its multicoloured leaves.
It brings risks to anticipate, such as reduced grip, shorter days and changing temperatures.
With a motorcycle that has been checked over, the right equipment and a few selected accessories, nothing will stop you from enjoying the colours and the pleasures of autumn on a motorcycle.
