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
- Wolo Bad Boy Horn, SPYDERPOPS Next Gen LED Bumpskid, SPYDERPOPS Double Vision Daytime Running Lights
2021 Spyder RT Limited - Deep Marsala Metallic Dark
- Replaced 2021 Stock Handlebars with F3 Stock Handlebars, BRP Adjustable Driver Backrest, Wolo Bad Boy Horn, SPYDERPOPS Double Vision Daytime Running Lights, SPYDERPOPS ""BRAKER BARS" Brake/Run Lights
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).
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.
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
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!
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
2016 F3T
DIY Garage Door Opener & GPS Mount
Battery tender cable
Rear IPS Pack Rack
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!
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.
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
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
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
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.
Usually in April( the first weekend in April) when the spyder comes out of hibernation.
When the temps in the 40's.
Deanna
Current Spyder - 2023 F3 LTD Special Mineral Blue
Red LED NANO Saddlebag Marker Lights with Full Illumination
Sequential Fender LED'S (Amber/Red) with Safety Reflector
Dual Power Plate (12 V & USB ports)
Gremlin Bell
Rear Trunk Organizer (4 holders, 2 Elastic Holders)
Lamonster "Top Cuff" with adjustable drink Holder
SpyderPops Missing Guard Belt
Console Accent Trim (Carbon Fiber Domed Black)
Ultimate F3 Floorboards
Front Fairing Service Access Door Covers (Carbon Fiber Doomed Black)
Sway Bar with Links
Rolo Laser Alignment
Half Cover
A-Arm Daytime Dual Color LED Running Lights with Blinker Module
Hi-Viz DRL and Sequential Mirrors lights
Marinco 12Volt Power Receptacle with polarized leads & slide lock
Show chrome Trunk Shock
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.
55 degrees here ... the older I get the higher that number gets
2016 RT-Ltd
Bajaron swaybar
Spyderpops trunk light
Elka stage 2 front shocks
Extra longbrake pedal
brake modulator
Centramatic wheel balancers on the front and rear.
Rivco dual flag holder
Tricled mirror turn signal indicators
with American and Texas flags
Lamonster Magic Mirrors
missing belt guard
Lambskin seat cover from Smokey mountain sheepskin.com
Tricled 360 degree led Headlights
Lamonster led fog lights
Baker air wings
2019 Silverado Duramax dually
2019 Cyclone 4007 toyhauler
Spyderpops bumpskid w led light
Rivco brand footrest
spydermanexhaust.com exhaust
had my exhaust installed @ Spyder in the hills.
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
2008 Honda GL1800/California Sidecar Trike, SOLD
2014 Platinum Silver Satin Spyder RTL, SOLD
Semper Fi
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:
2018 Can Am Spyder RT Limited, 2013 Triumph Bonneville T100
Motorcycle Rights: AMA Charter Life Member, MRF, FORR Life Member Local 11 Southwest Missouri, Mid-South MILE organizing committee member
2018 RT Limited , Got one, on, then off then on until Gloria decides if she likes it or not. blue
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.