Winter riding, better than Summer

[sanoke_imp]

This is a general discussion thread so I thought I'd just throw out a thought and let's discuss. There seems to be a mindset amongst the Northern motorcycling community that at some point, you need to put your bike up for the Winter. I can see that for places like Canada or Alaska where you never see the bare road until late Spring but here in the Northern US, there are lots of places where you can continue to ride.

Personally, I prefer Winter to Summer. No bugs or thunderstorms to contend with. Any time I want to stop, I just pull over. Don't have to find some shade to keep from overheating. You can always add more layers to warm up but in the Summer, there is only so much you can take off. Sure you have icy spots you need to watch out for but is that really so different than an oil slick or some loose gravel on the roadway?

And the best part is I have all the good roads to myself. Maybe I don't want to push the issue too much. Others might figure it out too.

Happy Trails!
sanoke

[HikerToo_imp]

I have really been enjoying "fall" temps here in the Delaware area, get to wear all my new protective gear and feel comfortable and safe, fall colors are great....of course I'm talking 50's and 60's.......I guess for winter you would be in the 20's and 30's?

[AzBob_imp]

When it gets too cold, the tires don't heat up to operating temperature nearly as quickly, so you really need to be careful. Also, unless you're sporting heated gear, the extra layers and thick articles of clothing make it a bit cumbersome. Riding around freezing temps is, IMO, just begging for a problem. I've done it, but I don't relish it.

[sanoke_imp]

I have really been enjoying "fall" temps here in the Delaware area, get to wear all my new protective gear and feel comfortable and safe, fall colors are great....of course I'm talking 50's and 60's.......I guess for winter you would be in the 20's and 30's?

Yes, that would be 20's and 30's as well as teens and below sometimes. I've riden in -10 below (F). Not far, but I've done it.

When it gets too cold, the tires don't heat up to operating temperature nearly as quickly, so you really need to be careful. Also, unless you're sporting heated gear, the extra layers and thick articles of clothing make it a bit cumbersome. Riding around freezing temps is, IMO, just begging for a problem. I've done it, but I don't relish it.

Yes you have to be careful and mindful of the road conditions but that's part of the joy of riding. I don't find the thick clothing a problem at all. Again, choosing the right gear is part of enjoying the ride.

[bubblerboy64_imp]

Mid fifties to mid sixties is ideal. Frankly I am too lazy to suit for riding a motorcycle in cold weather. Never tried the heated riding gear and that might make the difference but you can't get much colder above ground then riding in 20 to 30 degree conditions. In my youth I did it a time or two because I had to but it's not in my definition of fun.

Honestly never considered the cold tires. Good point

[the Ferret]

It was 34 when I took off riding Sunday morning, and I just got in from a ride and high temp today was 57. I don't own electrics but I am considering a jacket. Can't decide. Im good down to about 20 before I start thinking maybe I should take the car, but as long as there is no snow/ ice or excessive road salt on the road Im good.

[rboe]

When I lived in Duluth Minnesota I rode at least one day out of each month. Once it was ten below; had to cash a payroll check and the car was not running (typical) so took the bike. It was "warm" when I left but when I parked it then came back she was good and frozen so I sheared off both the tach and speedo cables.

Went to Ashland Wisconsin in February, while the sun was out it was not too bad. Coming back at night I froze my keister off.
Naturally; in Phoenix (and the southern half of AZ) prime riding season is upon us. Very very nice out there now. Mid-winter the mornings can be down right chilly till the spring warm up. After that Hell returns.

[dailyrider_imp]

I am still commuting every day and have seen quite a few days where it is in the upper 20's by the time I get to work in Ann Arbor. I just bought some Tourmaster Coldtec gloves but they still leave your hands cold after 30 minutes on the freeway when its below 40 degrees. I wear a down vest under my three layer cold weather riding coat.

I'm looking into buying a car as my daughter took my F150 and has no plans on returning it, gotta help your kids when they need it. The wife changed positions and hours at U o M so I can't ride with her. We work on opposite sides of Ann Arbor anyway. I really don't want to buy another car but I guess I will have to soon.

As for riding after the ground freezes, I used to all the time. Clear roads meant ride! Three years ago I lowsided four blocks from home on a brand new rear tire on my F4i. Combination of slick new tire, 30 degree mid winter temp and possibly a bit of ice. You could see the spin marks on the side of the tire from breaking traction.
The first time I rode in the winter was in 1970. I remember getting off work in Detroit at 7am and there were four inches of fresh snow on the ground. I rode down the Southfield freeway to Joy road then east on Joy for five miles on my 1968 Triumph Trophy. Such fun!

[Guth_imp]

In my neck of the woods, the temperatures are fairly mild. It's not so much the bitter cold as it is the rather constant damp, wetness that sticks around for months on end. I've ridden every month of the year here in Oregon for my commute, but there are plenty of mornings that start out cold enough that I'll pass on riding the bike as the streets become pretty darn slick even if there's no hard freeze. Most days the rain comes in more of a drizzle, but on those days when it's dumping, I can do without riding. Still, I'm not complaining as I'm living where I want to be. I spent 20 years of my life in Texas and never could come to grips with the heat. I'd probably ride less overall if I was still there.

[rboe]

We're were in Portland last summer for a family reunion and looked it over as a possible retirement site. Way too much traffic for me, but a very pretty area.