As the leaves change and the temps dip across Northern Colorado, many riders start asking the same question: Can I keep riding through the cold?

At Thunder Mountain Harley-Davidson®, the answer is a resounding yes—with the right gear and a little preparation. You don’t have to park your Harley for the season just because the temperature drops. But you do need to think differently about your comfort, safety, and traction.

Let’s break down the cold-weather gear and accessories that make the biggest difference—and whether you really need them.

Heated Grips: Small Upgrade, Big Comfort

Once you ride with heated grips, it’s hard to go back. On brisk fall mornings or chilly evening commutes, keeping your hands warm directly improves your control over throttle, brakes, and clutch.

We recommend heated grips for:

• Daily riders who commute early or late

• Those riding above 5,000 feet elevation

• Anyone planning to ride year-round

Heated grips are a relatively inexpensive upgrade and can be installed by our tech team or added during a service visit. Paired with insulated gloves, they offer maximum comfort without overheating or sweating.

Winter Tires: Do You Need Them in Colorado?

Winter tires for motorcycles aren’t as common as they are for cars—but depending on your riding habits, they may be worth considering.

If you only ride on dry, clear roads and avoid snow or frost, your standard tires may suffice. But for riders navigating early-morning black ice, dirt roads, or unpredictable shoulder-season weather, tire grip becomes a safety issue. Softer compound tires designed for colder temperatures can improve traction dramatically.

Our service team can help you evaluate tread wear, temperature tolerances, and braking distances based on your typical ride. It’s a smart move to ask before the roads get slick.

Cold-Weather Riding Gear: Worth Every Penny

If you’ve never experienced true cold-weather riding gear, you might be surprised by how much more comfortable and safer it makes your ride. Layering is key—but layering wrong leads to sweat, chill, and discomfort.

We recommend:

• Insulated base layers to wick moisture

• All-weather riding jackets with removable liners

• Windproof riding pants

• Neck gaiters, thermal gloves, and waterproof boots

Unlike generic cold-weather clothing, our MotorClothes® gear is designed specifically for riders—protecting you from windburn, road spray, and impact, all while keeping mobility high.

When to Consider Storage Instead

Of course, there’s a point where the roads, not your gear, become the limiting factor. Snow, ice, and heavy freezing aren’t ideal riding conditions for anyone.

If you plan to store your bike for a few months, talk to our service team about proper winterization. Battery maintenance, fluid prep, and tire pressure protection are all crucial to ensuring your Harley roars to life come spring.

Stay Warm, Ride Longer

Colorado riders don’t quit when the weather turns—they adapt. With heated grips, cold-weather gear, and a little expert guidance, you can extend your riding season well into the winter months.

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