Riding a motorcycle in autumn: leaves, slippery roads and seasonal hazards

Autumn is a beautiful season to ride a motorcycle… and one of the most treacherous. Grip drops, visibility degrades, and hazards pile up. Good news: they're predictable, so avoidable. Here's how to adapt your riding and your machine.

The first rain, the most dangerous

After a dry summer, the first rain brings up hydrocarbons and dust: the road becomes slippery as soap, especially at intersections and crosswalks. Anticipate: softer braking, reduced lean angles, longer stopping distances in those first minutes of rain.

Dead leaves

A patch of wet leaves is disguised black ice—and hides holes and road markings. Avoid braking or leaning on them: cross straight-up, with steady throttle.

Cold tires

In the morning, the asphalt is cold and the tire takes longer to build temperature: grip in the first few kilometers is reduced. Ride smoothly while warming up, and check pressure when cold, which drops as temperature falls.

See and be seen

Low sun glares, fog and early nightfall cut visibility. Clean your visor and headlight, wear visible gear, and ride anticipating that car drivers see you poorly.

The machine, ready for the season

• Tires: tread depth and condition—rubber works harder in cold, wet weather.
• Brakes: pads and fluid, for crisp braking on slippery roads.
• Lighting: all lights, more needed when night falls early.

If you plan to ride through winter, see preparing your motorcycle for extreme cold; if you're unsure about storing it, read to ride or winter your motorcycle—deciding.

Describe your motorcycle and your riding to the mechanical AI: it'll pull up the seasonal check that fits you.