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What is your definition of "warm enough to ride"?

BryanSD

BryanSD

New member
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?
 
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...:dontknow: 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. :yes:

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.
 
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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
 
I am a pansy when it comes to cold. I have ridden at 40 but prefer 60 or above. Since I live in the deeeep south, I get plenty of riding year round :sour:
 
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.
 
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
 
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 :gaah: … I thought " that person has a mental dis-ability ", because I felt what He was doing was beyond reasonable …… jmho ….. Mike :ohyea:
 
I'm very near 80, so am a bit of a wimp.

50F is about my lower limit & I will wear a heated liner & heated gloves. It is supposed to be enjoyable not a test of hardiness.
 
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. :yes:
 
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I wait until there is no salt on the road.

Usually in April( the first weekend in April) when the spyder comes out of hibernation.

When the temps in the 40's.

Deanna
 
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.
 
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