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  1. #1
    Active Member BryanSD's Avatar
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    Default What is your definition of "warm enough to ride"?

    We hit a record low of -17F this morning here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I haven't been able to ride since mid-December when we had afternoon temperatures near 50F. I was just curious what are people's minimal temperature they'll ride?

    I learned my lessons in the past and have found temperatures in the 20s are too cold for me. My minimal temperature to commute is above freezing (greater than 33F). I tend not to take a casual recreational ride until temperatures hit the upper 40s. How about you?

    2017 Spyder RT Limited - Champagne Metallic Chrome
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  2. #2
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    I've ridden quite comfortably at 75 mph with air temps in the 20s and in moderate rain with air temps in the low 40s. But it's all about having the right gear (when you have heated hand grips, that is).

  3. #3
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    Good question. As a former Minnesotan and North (Duluth) at that...I have had some experience with "winter" driving.

    Going back to 1966 or so...My first MC was a Yamaha 80 one lunger. I bought it in January... Had to drive it. I was actually out there one day in stocking cap, jeans, regular winter jacket, scarf over face...and nothing else. Temp...around 20 below. Very brisk...but I can say I did it.

    Fast forward to 2018/19. I am a little more "mellow" these days. My basic rule is the ice and snow has to be off of my side road. I am about 2 miles from the open highway. My comfort level these days is about 35 above. If its clear roads, I will go for a "little" (about 20 miles) ride. Any colder than that...I will leave to the tougher persons. I put mine away when the ice/and snow hits. Anytime from mid-October to November. I usually get my first ride in from Mid March to April. Last year it was April 14 or so.

    Most of the HD here people put them away September 30 and bring them out May 1.

    That's my story.
    Last edited by ARtraveler; 03-03-2019 at 04:10 PM.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  4. #4
    Very Active Member Mazo EMS2's Avatar
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    I prefer it to be 40 or better, but more importantly is to have clean, salt-free roads...which around here usually doesn't happen til mid April at the earliest
    2021 RT Limited

    2016 RTS , Pearl White

  5. #5
    Active Member starrider60's Avatar
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    I am a pansy when it comes to cold. I have ridden at 40 but prefer 60 or above. Since I live in the deeeep south, I get plenty of riding year round

  6. #6
    SpyderLovers Sponsor BajaRon's Avatar
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    It depends on the person and the gear, of course. Some people can't handle anything below 60 degrees. Others are fine at 40. With proper gear, the limit can be pushed way down. The coldest I've been was riding in the low 20's with inadequate gear. That hurt more when I warmed up than it did while riding. And it hurt plenty while riding, let me tell you!
    Shop Ph: 423-609-7588 (M-F, 8-5, Eastern Time)

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  7. #7
    Very Active Member Haze's Avatar
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    I wait for clear roads. No salt, ice or snow. No salt is the real decision point for riding.
    50 degrees is my lower limit with my standard touring gear. I can layer my tour gear with my rain gear for
    unexpected cold snaps when on the road. Any colder and I break out the heated gloves and jacket liner.

    Cheers, David C.
    David C
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  8. #8
    Active Member Raprider's Avatar
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    I'm in agreement with most of the above...I've ridden in 30-ish temps, but wouldn't do it again with my current gear. 40's is probably the limit for me...never had heated "anything"...and to be honest, even the heated grips on the Spyder leave the front sides too exposed, so I'll be looking for some Hippo Hands before next winter! Or maybe some actual heated gear.
    Salt-free roads are a must.
    And considering we've got some inches on the way, I shoulda rode at lunchtime today when I had the chance!
    Raprider (Rich)

    2016 Can-Am Spyder ST-S SE5 Steel Black Metallic (Blackbird)
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    2016 ST-S , Steel Black Metallic

  9. #9
    Very Active Member JP58's Avatar
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    Riding to work. Mid to upper 40's. But must be a nice day with light winds at most. But like it to at least hit low 60's for the high. 30 mile commute one way. I will do shorter rides in the mid 50's but snow and salt must be gone first.
    2018 F3 Limited , Oxford Blue

  10. #10
    Very Active Member Bfromla's Avatar
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    I ryde to enjoy so i might get caught in something not pleasant I can accept otherwise I'm not pushing my luck ( most times) I am tolerant & have managed conditions I'll avoid if I can.someone shared this while back THX educational: IMG_5372.jpg

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  11. #11
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    Leave your Brass Monkeys home, and indoors…


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    2010 RT A&C, RT-L, RT-L , Orbital Blue, Cognac, Jet Black

  12. #12
    Very Active Member Navydad's Avatar
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    Salt is more of an issue than temperature. Heated gear is the way to go.
    2015 RT , Black

  13. #13
    Very Active Member BLUEKNIGHT911's Avatar
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    I am now 72 ( on 3/11 that is ) ….. I no longer think there is something to prove as far comfort vs. " I can do it " goes. I have had to deal with the long term effects of Frost Bite, It makes skiing on cold days, having a good supply of Lithium batteries a necessity ….. A long time ago when I was young and foolish I rode ( one time ) at 10F..... I survived, but it wasn't pleasant …. Now when I do things - it has to make me Happy or I just take a pass until it does …. a few years back I remember seeing a person riding an older BMW …. IN 3 INCHES OF SNOW … I thought " that person has a mental dis-ability ", because I felt what He was doing was beyond reasonable …… jmho ….. Mike

  14. #14
    Very Active Member oldgoat's Avatar
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    I'm very near 80, so am a bit of a wimp.

    50F is about my lower limit & I will wear a heated liner & heated gloves. It is supposed to be enjoyable not a test of hardiness.
    2008 GS SM5, Full Moon Silver
    2007 Piaggio MP3 - 250cc

  15. #15
    Very Active Member ARtraveler's Avatar
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    As we get more mature, wiser, mellow...it becomes more about the quality of the ride of the day rather than setting records, achieving big goals...etc.

    I am still content even though I cannot ride 12 months a year. That may change though. The riding part. It will be fun rides though, and not endurance runs. Arkansas has had its share of bad days this winter.
    Last edited by ARtraveler; 03-03-2019 at 08:10 PM.

    Currently Owned: 2019 F3 Limited, 2020 F3 Limited: SOLD BOTH LIMITEDS in October of 2023.

    Previously : 2008 GS-SM5 (silver), 2009 RS-SE5 (red), 2010 RT-S Premier Editon #474 (black) 2011 RT A&C SE5 (magnesium) 2014 RTS-SE6 (yellow)

    MY FINAL TALLY: 7 Spyders, 15 years, 205,500 miles

    IT HAS BEEN A LONG, WONDERFUL, AND FUN RIDE.
    2020 F3L , Magma Red

  16. #16
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    Used to ryde year round. 65 now and nothing to prove. Less than 60 and I don't really enjoy the ryde.

  17. #17
    Very Active Member Deanna777's Avatar
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    I wait until there is no salt on the road.

    Usually in April( the first weekend in April) when the spyder comes out of hibernation.

    When the temps in the 40's.

    Deanna




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  18. #18
    Very Active Member CopperSpyder's Avatar
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    Mid to upper 40s before I start to ride.
    2012 RTL , Brown

  19. #19
    Very Active Member RICZ's Avatar
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    This is a very individualistic thing and a lot depends on the climate to which you are accustomed. NW climate is moderate with very few, but short lived extremes. Extremes to us are lows in the teens and highs in the 90s. And our humidity is generally quite low compared to the rest of the country.
    So riding in high 30s is tolerable. Of course, anything warmer is better. My ideal is 65* - warm when off the bike, a cool breeze when under way.
    Ours is a red, black and chrome 2017 F3 Limited. Bought new in 2/2019. The avatar is my first bike back in 1952, a Simplex Servi-Cycle. Photo taken at the Barber Museum.
    2017 F3 Limited , Red, Black & Chrome

  20. #20
    Active Member Dmetcalf's Avatar
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    55 degrees here ... the older I get the higher that number gets
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  21. #21
    Very Active Member canamjhb's Avatar
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    Like most of you, I have been known to ride in temperatures well below freezing. But, as I approach middle age (72) I am prone to ride in temperatures above 50. Not because I need to, but because I don't need to. And, almost any day here qualifies as a good riding day. Just like today..... Did a lunch run of 180 miles..... Jim
    2005 Windveil Blue Premium Mustang Convertible
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    Semper Fi


  22. #22
    Active Member ozarkryder's Avatar
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    Gloria won't ride in less than 50°, not less than 65° or so without her heated jacket liner. I'm good, with my heated jacket liner, into the 30's, and comfortable to about 50° or so with the heavy riding jacket. No riding if this happens:
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  23. #23
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    Hey Old, welcome to the 80s, ain't it great?

  24. #24
    Very Active Member Zip's Avatar
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    I ryde at any temp, just avoid the heavy snow
    2010 RTSM5

    2010 RTSM5 , stock Stock Silver

  25. #25
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    Quote Originally Posted by BryanSD View Post
    We hit a record low of -17F this morning here in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
    I am guessing that that is just the record for the date. Not the season.

    My issue is more with heat than with cold. When I lived in Seattle, I road year round. If I can snowmobile here, then I can ride motorcycles. So -10 to -30F is not out of the question. I used to have a motocross track on my property that I used year round. Turned it into an x-country horse jumping course several years ago for my daughter. When she heads off to grad school, I am thinking about getting a couple of old Honda Pilots and changing the track again. As far as the Spyder is concerned, I have had my one and only deliberate ride in the snow with her. She is NOT a snow machine.

    As for heat, anything over 80 starts getting very uncomfortable for me. Even in a tanktop and shorts. Perfect is about 50F with a long sleeve shirt or a light jacket. Visiting daughter the other day. Stood outside talking with her neighbor for over a half hour. Just about 0F and wearing nothing but a bathrobe and slippers. Didn’t even get a slight shiver.

    Regards,

    Don
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    2017 F3T , Triple Black

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