ATV Winter Riding

This winter is shaping up to be one of the coldest for the country, and trends are suggesting conditions will only get worse in the years to come. There’s plenty to worry about when it comes to adjusting to these new conditions, but there’s plenty to be excited about as well. For those who love the outdoors, lots of powder means lots of opportunities to enjoy the snow, including ATV riding. You may not have thought of your ATV as being the perfect way to experience the powder, but with the right upgrades and smart preparation, you may find it’s the only way you’ll want to hit the snow from here on out. Here at Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road, we’ve provided some quick tips and tricks for ATV riding in the snow. If you’re still looking for the perfect ATV, then stop by our location in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburg.

Body Essentials

Before you even look at your ATV, make sure you’re wearing all the right gear. The best way to stay warm is to wear layers. As cold as it may be, it’s easy to overheat and you’ll want to be able to shed a few layers without completely stripping down. We suggest long underclothes, a long sleeve shirt and flexible pants, and a vest. The outermost layer should be a waterproof coat, although it doesn’t have to be very insulated unless it’s particularly cold. You’ll also want snow pants to keep your legs dry, as well as sturdy riding boots and insulated gloves.

Finally, make sure you’re wearing the right safety gear too, primarily a helmet. We recommend something that will protect your entire face, not just from debris but from cold winds as well. This will most likely mean a motocross helmet. You’ll also want the right eye protection, so if your helmet doesn’t come with a face shield, you’ll need to find some goggles, preferably ones with UV ray protection and anti-fogging coating.

Trip Essentials

Along with the essentials you wear on your body, you’ll want to make sure you’re bringing the right gear for your trip. You probably won’t have a lot of spare room in your ATV cargo containers, so you’ll want to be conservative about the amounts and sizes of these tools. Make sure you have all the right tools for emergency situations. From a toolkit and winch for mechanical repairs, to a first aid kit for injuries, you’ll need to be ready to solve the problems you can hit far from the nearest settlement. And while certain areas may not get great reception, always bring your cell phone.

There is also equipment to simply keep you from being miserable while out and about. Pack spare clothing and blankets so you can warm up and change if what you’re wearing fails you. You’ll also want water and snacks to keep you hydrated and satisfied. Finally, even though the snow tends to give off its own glow, it’s a good idea to bring a flashlight to help you get back in the dark should you be out later than you anticipated.

ATV Maintenance

Firstly, you’ll want to make sure your ATV is capable of handling the snow. This will probably mean outfitting it with some snow accessories. Start by making sure you’re going to have the right amount of traction for what you’ll be doing. For those who just like to hit the trails, you can ask about snow tires that will help you stay afloat. However, you may want something with more grip if you use your ATV for labor-intensive purposes, something like studs or chains. You can even get snowmobile tracks fitted so you have the same traction as a sled.

You’ll also want to be more diligent about regular ATV maintenance. Check your fuel and oil quality and levels before every ride to make sure you won’t have a sudden stall in your day. Cold weather can be killer for your battery, so when you’re not using your ATV, make sure your battery is in a temperature controlled, warmer environment, preferably hooked up to a trickle charger (or you can utilize some other method as long as it keeps your battery charged). Finally, while newer cars no longer need to idle in order to work properly in the cold, your ATV will probably need a few minutes to warm up. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes to let the engine heat get your ride ready for the day.

On top of the regular maintenance checks you’ll want to perform regularly to ensure the best ride every time, your ATV will need to see a professional on a regular basis. When that time comes, schedule a service appointment with Barnes Bros. Motorcycles & Off-Road. You can find us in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, just outside of Pittsburg.