Riding in winter

[Dragonrider]

Heh yeah. I ride.

Of course this IS Texas...

That doesn't really explain how I ended up in the Rockies during the winter...two years in a row...

[Erik the Red]

Less than 50 degrees is 'long johns weather', and no gloves I own keep my fingers warm at 60 mph. ...But that's sort of my own dumb fault. My fingers have been frostbitten several times, so they get cold/numb right quick. Well, slopping slush with nothing but rubber dish gloves for protection might have something to do with it.

[skippy344]

What's Winter?

Yeah, I'm in South Central Texas, and I ride all year long. Of course, my commute is 5 miles. There are a few nights in Jan/Feb where it might get down to 30°, but by morning, its already climbing back into the 40s and 70° by lunch.

I used to live in Md. and also rode all year long, but in the winter it was kinda painful. I had thinsulate everything, so the only thing kinda exposed was my face behind the shield. My commute back then was 25 miles one way, so my joints were stiff by the time I got to or from work.

Tour Master (Tour Rider back then) made thinsulate suites that had reflective fibers running throughout. You looked like you were glowing when headlights hit the suit. They kept you "warm" but it was still cold.

And, of course, an XS850SG (what I was riding back then) really doesn't like to be kicked over when its 23° outside. But once you get her running and warmed up, man she run great in cold air!

Man, I love riding my bike!

greg

[John]

I used to ride through the winter, but last year I discovered that my new 'Back Support' doesn't like the cold very much. It was 41 degrees this morning, and I had to wuss out of riding to work today. It was in the low 70's this afternoon. It's supposed to be in the high 40's in the morning, so I'm riding. I have the big windshield with lowers, and it covers the handlebar grips, so with long johns, gloves, and a jean jacket w/sweatshirt, I should be ok.

[LoHo]

It's easier trying to keep warm at 40 degrees than it is to dress safely at 100 degrees, as it very often is 100+ in the summer here in central Kaleeforneeyah. Heyyyyy...should there be a holiday ride to the central coast, boys? I should have my braking problem solved by then...if not, I'll just ride up front ;^}

[DeanR]

I'm 5 miles from Lake Ontario and actually had the bike out at least once each month last winter. Mother nature was kind enough to provide a few nice days. Made the old, what to do with the oil question crop up though.

[trbig]

I like to ride all year myself, but probably wouldn't in the snow. Our road crews here really love their salt also. The head of road maintanance's nickname is Captain Corrosion because of all the bridges rusting out from the salt. I won't say at what temperature I start gearing up at, because Maximan will call me a wuss again! lol.

And Wildkat.... you don't have the only decrepid mind!!

I like to be able to jump on and take off

Again... congratulations John. Spontaneity RULES!!!


Tod

[John]

Hey Tod!

Remember this? Were you around when it was posted?
http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread...light=wife+2.0

[John LM]

Edmonton= car in winter

Unless the winter is somehow fantastically mild four wheels are needed this far north. Besides the temperature possibly being minus 30 Celsius in the dead of winter, roads can easily become icy or snow covered. I've put my bike to sleep already... I could still be riding I suppose, but the weather has been rainy and cold. No snow yet- likely another couple weeks before it falls and doesn't melt.
John

[BLUEJEEPLAB]

I've ridden all the way down into the 20s, good gear and limiting time between stops is important. If it is the slightest bit frosty, I use extra caution, black ice is bad enough on 4 wheels...

I grew up in the UP of Michigan and rode snowmobiles when it was 10 below. We had our enduros out in late April when the snow was still in the woods and the temps ranged from 10 to 45 (55 on a good day). Had to make your own riding season...

I hear my son chiming in now. "Geeze Dad, why not tell us how you had to walk ten miles to school, backwards, up hill in the snow, barefoot and carrying the cow on your back. "

Actually it wasn't that bad, the cow could walk on her own...

[SanDiegoMike]

Luckily, I get to ride almost daily!!! I actually get depressed when I don't get to ride. On those days, I'll at least find some kind of excuse to go out to the garage and fire it up.

[jimboreeno]

Wow...
Gee Mike, I thought I was the only one that did that!

Gotta get the fix!

[81XS1100-2006]

MINNESOTA ......
I miss riding in Virginia, got an honest 11 months of riding each year. These days it's already down in the 20's.

Had to put the XS to bed last week. See it again in April.

[TADracer]

Seasons?? What Seasons??

When my truck threw a rod in the driveway last winter (freak story), I had to ride to work for about a week straight in the 40's. It was'nt really all that bad and in fact, on bright days I enjoyed the ride. No plans to put my machine away this Winter.

But then, being from South America (New Orleans) Winter wardrobe is just getting out your long sleeve shirts.

[fredintoon]

minus 40

Hi Guys,
move up north to sunny Saskatoon where
it don't matter if you measure the winter temperature in F or in C because at minus 40 it's the same.
See lotsa folks riding snowmobiles all winter but very few on two wheels. The motorcycle season starts the day after the city sweeps up the winter's gravel off the streets in May and lasts until the first permanent snowfall in October.
Fred Hill, S'toon.