Anyone ride through the winter to work on here. I'm wanting to, but have never ridden through the winter before. There are some quite tight bends around here and fast roads (I live in the sticks), think I'd sh*t myself if the roads were icy. Any advice from seasoned winter bikers?
Take care, don't push too hard, keep it as upright as you can. Black ice is a rear danger thou. This happens when early morning sunshine melts and frost/ice from the road, but when the sun moves and the area is back in the shade, the cold temps re-freeze the water, turning it transparent in the process. before you start thou, make sure you have a good buff/pinlock/anti misting thing going on, which will really help. I've already started using an old shoei helmet as my the pinlock on my hjc is shite. Reflective kit is always a good idea, not so much hi vis, but get something that has reflective strips, not so much for when you're riding, but if you come off and end up away from the bike. If you wear a rucksack, make sure that has some reflective properties (Kreiga for example have reflective panels built in) Kit. Layers are best with a goretex lining type thing with the jacket, or a good rain oversuit always help, even if they look stupid. Waterproof socks/boots and gloves are a must too and finally, get the bike treated with acf50 and put a set of pr3 on for good measure errr, I think that's about it really yeah, the bus, fuck that!
Its about being relaxed as much as anything else. Tension = tight grip = slightest slip can be disaster. Loose and light can save a fright
Buy a shitter. Dont do it on a decent bike. Salt eats ducati's. I recommend something like an XLR125 Honda (if no mway). Ive always found rugged enduro bikes to be the best hacks. Cheap and easy to maintain with good reliability. Plus they can nip in and around traffic with ease. Something that if you have a bump doesnt matter. Enduros are built for knocks and grazes. Cheap fuel and tax and if it gets knicked, oh well. Nice high seating position too for good visibility. I used to commute into London for years all year all weather. I recommend XT350-500's, DT175's, etc. Not DRZ400 though as its boring. Do not use peaky 2 stroke motocrossers. I once tried a KTM300. Bastard thing tried to kill me. But boy was it a laugh. Would eat spark plugs though and took special ones which were pricey. If I had to do it again, i'd probably look for the XT500. Good fun thumper, cheap and easy to fix and reliable. Plus it has a good retro look. Never commute on your pride and joy. Commuting on a hack makes you appreciate your good bike more at weekends.
I don't ride in the cold much now, I have done plenty of that in the past though. If you are going to ride all through the winter though get yourself some heated clothing. I bought a 'Exo Stormrider' waistcoat last year, outrageously expensive at about £180, but when it's switched on it's like having hot sun shining on your back and chest. A warm rider is a safer rider!
Agree with the shutter comment. It's why I bought a DR650, cheap to buy, insure and run and can be fixed with pliers, a hammer and gaffa tape. Undecided if to sell mine now I have the multi or street tracker it (too tall for me really). Bit for £800 it's cheap transport which looks crappy, stays looking crappy and kinda suits looking crappy
At the risk of inviting a whole hail of abuse - get a scooter : something above 125cc so it's not been abused by learners... Low centre of gravity, reasonable protection from the elements, cheap to buy, cheap to run, space for stowing kit... And no matter what you ride, fit heated grips. Greatest thing since pre-cut bakery products... Like other people have said the key is to relax, take things easy, and not rush...
Alaways loved the TS250 Classic Suzuki TS250C | eBay DT175 Brilliantly brilliant 1978 YAMAHA DT 175 MX WHITE | eBay XL nice never ridden one mind, but its a honda so its probably bullet proof HONDA XL 250 MOTORSPORT TWIN SHOCK TRAIL TRIALS £2995 ONO PX YAMAHA XT 500 WHY? | eBay XT500...more fun than you'll ever need whilst commuting. Ice and slush? Have at it speedway style. These things are as cool as a 916. Not cheap to buy though. Yamaha XT500 | eBay
As an ex scooterist JR, i'd consider a p-range but if your not used to rear braking only and a very light and skitty front then it may not be preferable. But the Gilera Runner would be good.
Sod that, what's the point in owning something nice to ride and then doing most of your riding on a scooter??!! I will do what I always do and commute on whatever I am currently riding, and just give it an odd rinse and a lash of ACF50. So that will be the Panigale S this year then..... but might swap out the cut slicks I have been running all summer as the TC light is starting to come on alot this last week.... As the rest said, just be smooth. Have been caught out in the snow a few times etc on the 848, just take it easy, nice throttle control, nice and easy on the brakes. My only reservation this year is the snatchy throttle on the Pani might make it a bit less friendly.... but will see.
I commute on my 696 year round (save for snow and very icy conditions). ACF50 to help prevent the rot (although nothing is perfect - my rear shock is definitely showing its age/mileage/fact it has been used all winter). I've got heated grips on my bike, borrow the other half's Keis heated waistcoat, and rate the Sealskinz socks for when it's wet.
