How Fast Can a Motorcycle Go in the Snow?

Adventurous and daring motorcycle riders often wonder about the limits of their vehicle in various weather conditions, including the challenges posed by winter. When it comes to snow, the answer is both surprising and cautionary. Motorcycles can indeed be ridden in the snow, but the speeds and safety considerations are crucial to understand.

The Challenge of Riding in Snow

My knee-jerk reaction to the question 'How fast can a motorcycle go in the snow?' is a resounding 0 mph. Under no circumstances should you attempt to ride in snow, especially at high speeds. Not all riders have the equipment or experience to handle such conditions.

Why Not Ride in Snow?

1. Safety Risks: In snowy conditions, traction is significantly reduced, which can lead to loss of control, especially in curves and turns. A slight change in the road surface can easily result in a skid or loss of front wheel traction.

2. Visibility Issues: Snow quickly accumulates on motorcycle visors, creating ice and reducing visibility. If you lift your visor, the falling snow can obstruct your vision completely. This is particularly dangerous while riding at high speeds.

Experimental Approaches to Snow Riding

For those who are truly adventurous or with well-prepared motorcycles, it is possible to ride in snow, albeit at much lower speeds. FortNine's YouTube video demonstrates how to make a motorcycle move on snow, and the fastest speed he managed was about 15-20 mph. This was achieved after significant preparation and investment in the right gear and tires.

Professional Advice on Snow Riding

Other experts like Skrycles have created videos on this topic, emphasizing the danger of snow riding. They suggest that at best, a rider can maintain road speed, but only if they have the proper equipment such as heated visors and windshields, as well as specialized tires. However, the cost of such gear can be prohibitive.

Realistic Guidelines for Snow Riding

For a more practical approach, as suggested in Srkcycles' video, the best speed to aim for is significantly below road speed. Reducing your speed by about one-third when riding in snow is generally recommended. This means if you typically ride at 50 mph on a dry road, you should reduce your speed to around 35 mph in the snow.

Conclusion

The takeaway from all of this is clear: while it is possible to ride a motorcycle in snow, it is inherently risky and should be approached with extreme caution. The best advice, to avoid the dangers altogether, is to stay home until the roads are clear and the snow has melted. Riders should consider the extreme safety implications before venturing out in snow conditions.