Cold weather Spyder Riders

[blackcrowe]

This is my first winter with my Spyder and I plan to continue riding through the winter (as much as I can tolerate) except for the snow/ice/rainy days and salty roads.

I started up in garage today after a couple of cold days (down to the teens) of sitting and when I backed up some anti-freeze was on the floor which I assume drained from the plastic tube underneath. idled for a while with no other drainage. Took for a ride and didn't have any problems. Is the anti-freeze drainage thing normal?

And I have a few other questions....

- Has anyone installed or is it possible to have an engine block heater installed on a Spyder?

- Any idle duration for warming up?

- Other advice

[ARtraveler]

You have the right idea about avoiding snow and ice. is not designed for riding on either.

Anti Freeze puddle: never a good thing when the is leaking fluid. It this persists, you should see your dealer for a fix.

Engine block heater: That is new to me. Have not heard of anyone having one installed on a . If you have your garaged, cold starting should not be too much of an issue.

[Chupaca]

your winter ryding plan sounds good.. The coolant could be from several places. Check that the adiator cap is on to the second detent (tight). Check the radiator hose with the adjustable clamp on it. These have been known to be loose and wll be more so in cold weather. If not there have your dealer check the waterpump seal and the coolant tank. As for a block heater, those are most commonly used on diesel engines. Warm up should be till the fan comes on if not ryding and three bars if heading out...hope your winter is a mild one..

[BikerDoc]

When I lived in northern Iowa we used dipstick heaters that kept the oil warm (they quite possibly would work on 2014 and 2015 model years but not likely on earlier one with odd oil entrance. One year while I was riding in freezing weather most of the time I left an electric blanket over the Spyder at night and that worked fine for me when coupled with a trickle charger to protect the battery

[SPYD3R]

I ALSO HAD ANTI-FREEZE ON MY GARAGE FLOOR...
i took the Tupperware off, and with a screw-driver, i tightened the hose clamps... BINGO, no more leaks...
Dan P
Easley, SC
SPYD3R

[ahh-cool]

I don't know why you guys are always bitching about cold,
It's 59 deg here. I guess it's time to put the spyder up for the winter
Stefan

[oldguyinTX]

Rode in 20 degree weather last winter - no snow or ice - plan to do so this winter as well. Just have to layer up and go for it. Yeah, it might be 20 - 25 degrees, but when the sky is blue & the sun is out - why not ride??

[DC_Jon]

Last winter, my record was 23 degrees. Below that I drove.

[murphybrown]

No snow/ice/or deice to contend with (won't ryde on that stuff)...yes it was cold, but with proper layers it was an awesome day to ryde. I am not in competition or out to prove that I can ryde "tougher than ???"....I just love the ryde. So I say if you want to ryde...ryde no matter what the temp is...

[ARtraveler]

No snow/ice/or deice to contend with (won't ryde on that stuff)...yes it was cold, but with proper layers it was an awesome day to ryde. I am not in competition or out to prove that I can ryde "tougher than ???"....I just love the ryde. So I say if you want to ryde...ryde no matter what the temp is...

We are at high 30's again today and my road now looks clear of black ice. I am planning on firing up the one more time in a couple hours.

[Bob Denman]

We want to see some pictures of that "Low" Sun in the sky...

[ARtraveler]

We want to see some pictures of that "Low" Sun in the sky...

Not for the next three days or so. Its all cloudy and overcast.

Low sun: This is sunrise. The sun does not get any higher in the sky but tracks across the horizon from east to west at the same level.

[Bob Denman]

[Gunkandpudge]

I warm up my RT by putting on a warmer jacket,and a warmer lid

[Pennyrick]

This is my first winter with my Spyder and I plan to continue riding through the winter (as much as I can tolerate) except for the snow/ice/rainy days and salty roads.

I started up in garage today after a couple of cold days (down to the teens) of sitting and when I backed up some anti-freeze was on the floor which I assume drained from the plastic tube underneath. idled for a while with no other drainage. Took for a ride and didn't have any problems. Is the anti-freeze drainage thing normal?

And I have a few other questions....

- Has anyone installed or is it possible to have an engine block heater installed on a Spyder?

- Any idle duration for warming up?

- Other advice

From the looks of your photo you are driving a '14 so there isn't any real need for a battery maintainer since there is no magneto to worry about. One thing a battery maintainer can do though is stimulate the electrolyte and keep the battery a little warmer. Since batteries lose a lot of their punch in cold weather I think it would be better to warm up the battery than the engine oil. For that reason I would plug in a maintainer.

I drive all year round (although Georgia is warmer than West Va.) but today my temp read out said it was 35 degrees when I left for breakfast. I let the Spyder get off the automatic choke and once it settles down to 1300 rpm I am in gear and moving. I think it is best to warm the engine as it moves although I don't load it until I get at least three bars. By the time I get to the end of my road (about two miles) running at 4500 rpm in 2nd gear I am good to go.

The coolant shouldn't be a problem unless you see it frequently. A Little looks like a lot on the garage floor. It is probably just burping out the overflow but the connections or cap could be loose if it continues. I think you would see the temperature move up rapidly if that was the case however.

[blackcrowe]

Thanks for all the replies, you've been helpfull. Had to take it in today due to the heated hand grips not working and found loose harness connection so ready again for the freezing temps. Also checked & tightened the coolant lines he was at it.