Riding in winter

[HobbyMan]

How many people will continue riding through the season like me? How many people are smart enough not to? I guess I am kinda dumb because I don't have a fairing, but the fact that Texas winters aren't really winter makes up for it. I just want to see who likes cold weather.

[GNEPIG]

.. I ride all winter.

say no to fairings
fairing and fairy looks and sounds too similar.

[81xsproject]

I wish I wasn't a fair weather rider, but I have to admit I am. If I had the scratch for some decent gear and a bike that I didn't care about covering in road grime, it might be different.

[chopwatchagot]

Road grime is a real drag, especially if it includes salt. Your steel will rust and aluminum will pit and corrode in no time! Here where I live in northern AZ. when we get a little snow they think they're in Minnesota and throw salt and cinders all over the road. Actually, more than they use in Minnesota! But we do have a lot of pretty decent weather so if you have the right clothing you can ride all winter here. Then there's dirt bike riding...

[DiverRay]

Living in California, I ride all year round. Last winter was a drag, trying to time my ride over the hill when the road was open! 2" of snow, and shut the road. I did get some funny looks from the local news crew, huddled in the vans!
Ray

[Yamaniac]

naked 79sf. I ride if there isn't snow and/or ice. Temp is not a huge factor...full face, gloves, and warm clothes. No chaps, but have ridden with them in the cold and they are awesome for keeping the wind from cutting through your warm layers.

You do have to stop more often, to give your feet and hands a break.

[Pat Kelly]

For the last 5 years I've ridden year around. Here the temp ranges from 110 to 30 degrees F. Lots of rain and wind in winter. Lots of fog with visability down to 20 feet. This is central Calif.

In Arizona all I had was a bike (motor and pedal) for 10 years.

This winter I got my truck running so I may drive that when it's raining (not likely ).

[Wildkat]

I don't particularly care for the cold weather, but I'm good for anything above 50. My thing is getting all the gear on... I like to be able to jump on and take off... not spend what time I have putting on the cold weather gear.
Sometimes you can't beat the feel of the brisk air on your face... but when the icicles start forming... I'm done.

[oseaghdha]

wants vs needs

It's different when you have to.
A while ago, in Albuquerque, my car broke one winter and I had to ride the 650 across the valley to work every day on the west side. It didn't get truly miserable unless it was below 20. Then it was officially painful. The big question was whether to haul ass and get it over with or keep it down and minimize the wind chill. I think at 60 and 13 degrees it's about -50 or so.

Did not have a garage so I kept a 300w light under the case with a tarp over the bike just so I could kick the damn thing.

One morning my face shield iced over, on the inside! Thought my eyeballs were going to freeze from riding with it open. My gloves had grooves burned into them from the fins at the stop lights. Also, riding in snow builds character.
Good times....

[webbcraft2150]

I ride all year long. When I lived in Albuquerque, 10-11 degrees in the morning would have me eyeing the cage sometimes. I do have the advantage of a full fairing, lowers, ski pants and a killer pair of gloves. I would NOT ride (unless caught in it) in rain or snow. Since moving to Texas, I have found the winters to be extremely mild, at least in my part ot Texas. Fact my box of winter riding gear is still in storage. I am sure after a couple more years here, a 50 degree morning will seem "cold". (I really like being able to go boating in December-January )

[Do Lee]

Like most Texas riders winter down south is mild. If it's not raining when I get up in the morning I'm riding my bike and temperature has never been a factor cold or hot for riding.

[Jerry]

Dateline Colorado, Western slope

With morning temps in the mid to upper 20 degree F range, I ride as long as the roads are clear. Sitting behind the Windjammer IV with optional lowers the cold is not much of an issue. I wear lined leather goves along with my riding suit which has a zip-in liner, my riding boots which have 6" tops. I get cool on the 56 mile commute but not cold. Main problem is getting the bike to start in the morning.

I've also ridden with temps in the teens, but have to add some additional clothing to stay warm, so don't usually ride to work with temps below about 20 - 22 deg. F.

Given that Colorado temps have a 30 - 40 degree shift during the day, not uncommon for ride-home temps to be in the 50 - 60 deg F range, very comfortable riding...I even open the Windjammer's windshield vents. Its the ride home that makes the cooler ride in worth it, particularly as the river bottoms are now in full fall color.

[mro]

Brrrrrrr.........winter

Live at the base of foot hills in the east bay area. Got down to 50 degrees last night. Might have to turn the furnace on sometime next month.

Will have to wear my gear (jacket) soon tho............
Do expect some 40 degree mornings between November and February but will be few and almost always gets back into 60/70 in the afternoon. Usually gets a little warmer when it rains here. Don't go cruising in the rain, but to work ain't bad.


mro

[TomKat]

With winter time highs in my area peaking at -10 degrees in January, I will freely admit to caging it. Even today, it will warm all the way up to 30, maybe a bit more. Makes the 60 mile commute to work a bit brisk at 03:30.

I am already married, I don't have to impress anyone.

We plan on moving to the south / southwest once the Mrs. finishes her degree next year. THEN, I am all about year round riding. Until then, I will use the winter months to partake in my other passion... ICFISHING!!

[xswilly]

hey tomkat
I too ice fish in the winter

did you hear about the harley rider who went ice fishing

he caught 300 lbs of ice

his wife nearly drowned trying to cook it