The question does come up from time to time. The manual states not to use the :spyder2: on snow or ice.
:ani29:: The rear tire will spin if you try to drive through standing snow--to much resistance from the front tires.
:ani29:: Studded tires are an option where allowed. Most states do not allow them because they damage the roads. Available in Alaska though. My dealer tried them out the first year (2008) and did about two rides--enough said.
:ani29:: I don't mind riding in the cold, but black ice can kill you. You can go, but you cannot stop.
:ani29:: Road salt is not good for the :ani29: either.
:ani29:: My last consideration is playing road hockey with careening SUV's, trucks, and vans. They are all over the place here. When they flip over in the ditch, we refer to them as ditch divers. They are always singing "I am invincible, I have a four wheel drive" just before they go boom.
I think you can see that I do not recommend driving :spyder2: in the snow and ice. I want to be around next season when the weather will be better, and the roads a bit safer.
A snowmobile is a better option if you want to ride in the wind.
Here is a picture of the morning commute into Anchorage on Monday 11/2/15. The highway is three lanes each way--they are only using two. The surface is black ice. The pack is in stop mode due to ditch divers ahead. 129 accidents that morning. 89 on the highway shown. Glenn Hwy--the only way into or out of Anchorage at the North end. The 30 mile commute from Palmer/Wasilla to Anchorage took three plus hours for most that morning.
