Winter riding on the new Spyder

[SailnDive]

Sarah and I took a great jaunt thru some Indian summer mountain roads yesterday. Mid 60s and clear. But today is 15 deg cooler and rainy. Makes me wonder how much time the pretty new Spyder is going to spend on salty, mucky roads this winter. My last two years of college I road my Yamaha 17 miles each way to class every day. Rain, snow, freezing, mucky etc. It didn't matter, I had 4 years of GI bill so I could not afford to miss class. But I was tougher and better looking back then and I see no salt in the future for the Spyder...but I'll ride when I can and yesterday was a joy. I was up at 4 AM this morning, mapping out some other unexplored back country roads for the next suitable fall days.

 

[ARtraveler]

For most, its the salt and chemicals that cause us to park the :spyder2: in winter. I have found that I am not happy with the handling on snow or ice--so--I end up parking mine as soon as black ice comes to my road.

I also do not like the thought of playing "ice tag" with all the SUV's and trucks on the road these days.

It's an individuals personal call though. :yes:

 

[JayBros]

I end my rides to the mountains at first report of snow, even a dusting. Won't expose the Spyder to corrosive road salt.

 

[Deanna777]

I put my spyder into hibernation around Oct. 1to 16th( up here in the NE,) until April 1, due to insurance purposes, and you don't know what the weather will be like. Also, so I can get other things done. Deanna

 

[Bob Denman]

With today's temperatures ranging from 35 degrees when we left, to 47 when we got home; we put on 130 miles...
The Missus and I will need to "up our game" for days like this. nojoke
Our jackets were fine, but I need to switch to the flannel-lined jeans, and the Missus will need a set of Wrap Chaps from www.kneeneck.com :thumbup:
But once the salt and brine hit the roads; the bike gets parked.

 

[SailnDive]

With today's temperatures ranging from 35 degrees when we left, to 47 when we got home; we put on 130 miles...
The Missus and I will need to "up our game" for days like this. nojoke
Our jackets were fine, but I need to switch to the flannel-lined jeans, and the Missus will need a set of Wrap Chaps from www.kneeneck.com :thumbup:
But once the salt and brine hit the roads; the bike gets parked.

My high school age cousin came to stay with us and had to ride with me to her school. We tried to convince her to wear slacks for the 17 mile 18 deg. ride but no amount warning would get her to change out of her mini skirt. When we left the interstate 16 miles later she was saying over and over "just go slow, just go slow" She was fully outfitted for the Arctic the next morning!

 

[Bob Denman]

:shocked: She had frost; in places that we're not allowed to talk about... :shocked:

 

[MisterP]

When I used to ride my Suzuki in DE and MD, I did ride on some dry winter days. The salt dust was still a problem. It takes a couple of good rains in the spring to wash off the salt. That's when my riding season began again.

 

[Chupaca]

Good to hear..!!

Glad you got this ryde in and a good one at that..:2thumbs: nice to know you have routes picked for the next close to perfect day...:thumbup:

 

[Andy Cserny]

cold riding

I rode my 1800 Gold Wing when it was colder than the gauge on the Wing would read, got caught in snow at times, never stopped riding because of salt and other ice melting stuff on the road. I figure other things will wear out on the Spyder before some winter riding will damage it beyond repair.
I got the Spyder to ride, not for butt jewelery. Besides, at my age the Spyder may outlast me.
Andy

 

[Darren111]

Salt Grit

For most, its the salt and chemicals that cause us to park the :spyder2: in winter. I have found that I am not happy with the handling on snow or ice--so--I end up parking mine as soon as black ice comes to my road.

I also do not like the thought of playing "ice tag" with all the SUV's and trucks on the road these days.

It's an individuals personal call though. :yes:

Additional to Akspydermans reply, I also take advice upon board from Geoff (OJ UK) to avoid riding on salt/grit roads which I believe he says the salt doesn't do any good for the Spyders under body. This is good advice coming from experienced Spyder owners for us newbies. Thank you Akspyderman and OJ UK.:bowdown: