Anyone Ride Year Round in Northern Climates?

[otter28169]

My key to ryding most of the year in upstate NY is very simple, Layers. I put on my under armor, my jeans, my long-sleeve shirt, a fleece, my snowmobile bibs, and jacket. I use a "turtle-fur" balaclava and have just ordered a set of leather mittens made by "Choko". Layers will help to trap air close to your body and will keep you warm, but that is not the only reason you want them. Hypothermia can set in very quickly, especially if you sweat under your gear. As the weather gets warmer I strip layers to stay comfortable. Another thing I am thinking about adding to the equation is heated grips.

The only 2 months I haven't ridden in the last 12 were January, and February. I too worry about the salt, and I am open to suggestions on how to deal with it. I do not have a heated car wash to keep it clean.

Just sayin'............

 

[rock]

we live in west virginia and ride all year long...we have got caught in snow storms , rain turned into ice storms, pretty much all kinds of weather...as long as you ride smart you will be safe..just ride smart and be sure you are not riding beyond your experience levels....it is very invigorating to ride on a cold crisp morning....the coldest weather we rode in was about 10 degrees above zero...we dressed for the trip and had no problems at all..all though we did have to stop and get the ice off of the windshield until the sun dried the air ...

 

[MTFan]

I ride year round in northern Virginia. I use an electric liner and gloves once the temperature hits about 30. I have yet to wear my First Gear winter suit on the spyder. I wore it on my last bike between 30 and 18 degrees. Like others have said if it is not snowing and the roads are clear I ride. Got caught in the snow once and the spyder turned white with an inch of snow. I communte 43 miles each way daily.

 

[rc51ny]

I live here in Western New York State (you all have heard about the snow here in Buffalo???). I do ride all winter long--but not the Spyder. Too much road salt, slush, and crazy drivers to take the beloved Spyder out of the heat, warm garage for that. Instead I have a KLR 650 (dual sport) that I do ride all winter long. I have one of the Bajaron suits, heated grips, and a helmet large enough to allow for a warm stocking cap underneath. NO--I don't ride in the middle of a snow storm--but most definitely the day after!!! LOL Hey--life's too short to stay off a cycle for 4-6 months of the year!:yes:

 

[hawkiii]

Nice suit Dave!

 

[GeoffCee]

My concern is salt even if the road is dry, if there is salt residue on the road you can see dust from the salt flying off the tires and I believe it will get in where the computer "stuff" is and wire connections. Then if you ride on wet roads later on the dry dust turns into a very corrosive solution that could potentially cause major costly problems. Love to ride even in cold weather if roads are salt free.:yes:

Our Local Gov't Traffic Dept's brag at how much salt they have stockpiled before the onset of winter. I HATE the stuff, my wife and I refer to it as "motorcycle dissolving fluid". There is nothing quite as effective as salt water for aging a bike before its time. :sour:

 

[macgyver 55]

trailer

I have been looking at building a trailer i want to make up the framing out of aluminum have to research a spool gun for my welder do you have any ideas for this thanks Macgyver

I have ridden every month, road surfaces permitting. There are some hard core year-round members here. SethO and GroundEffect are possibly the hardiest. The light rear end and the traction control make riding in the slippery stuff somewhat frustrating. The VSS won't save you on a slick road, either. I'd consider some other means of transportation if the roads are slippery, and I would worry about corrosion if they are salty, but if they are dry plug in the heated gear and go.

 

[WarrenGH]

Cold Weather Riding

I ride when it's cold but never when the street can possibly have black ice on it, meaning the I don't ride when air temp is below 36 degrees.

 

[CyncySpyder]

Dress approprietly & make sure you can see OVER your shield just in case this happens

 

[ARtraveler]

When snow and ice comes to my road, I park it for the season. I have ridden in 10 above here--but that was on clear roads in early spring. Riding that cold is now an exercise in endurance for me. Back in the 60's with my first motorcycle--I was out there in MN in January at 10 below zero one time. Now THAT was cold. :roflblack:

For me, I have found the :spyder2: to be to squirrily on ice or snow. Regardless of the nanny, you are not going to be saved in a skid on ice. I have heard of a couple using studded tires. My local dealer tried it on his for a bit--but quickly parked it for the season. Others--that's up to them.

If you are out and about riding on icy roads, and in control--you can still never be sure that someone else, who is not in control, will not run into you or run you off the road. IMO--not worth putting yourself in danger if you don't have to.

 

[Bazeel]

I ride all year round here in Virginia, and have been since getting the spyder in Feb. It takes some preparation, but riding to work at 5am in 20F is pretty exhilarating.

 

[Gunkandpudge]

I ride year round

Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. Hardly ever snows in this area so riding is year round, as well as golfing.

:doorag: