Riding In Winter?

[akeracat]

This is my first year of commuting in winter.

Having had jobs in the CBD it was always easier to catch the train.

I got my RE's in the pissing rain and wind so riding in the rain has never bothered me but up until this year I just didn't have wet weather gear.

Now I'm commuting on the bike everyday its going to make me a sad panda when they move the office into the CBD.... but thats at least another 2 years away

[The_Wookie]

Originally Posted by T-roy

due to my lack of riding experience, its probably not the best of ideas.

To be honest mate that's probably the best reason to ride in wet conditions. So you'll gain experience of riding in all weather. That way if you're out and get caught in a downpour you will not panic etc.

[Hewie]

I ride rain hail or shine ... unless Im hurting ... then I get a lift.

I dont own a car ..... Hummers dont come in diesel yet ....

[Graelin]

I do not ride during the week however I ride in all conditions and look forward to the challenge of a wet ride. (Do not enjoy Perth commute traffic)

Less people out in the country roads suits me, less ques in all the stops as well.

Main thing is to have good quality tyre on the bike and good wet weather gear and underneath you mainly stay dry.

Used to only have one vehicle in NZ a bike and you learn to ride in minus 7 degrees, can still remember that one!

Graelin

[wayney]

Lovely weather to ride the past couple of mornings and was a stunning arvo to ride yesterday.

[Hewie]

Yeah but its freaking cold

[wayney]

Get thermals, my wife is pushing me to wear them, she is sick of dealing with my dripping nose.

[Flyboy]

Never ridden in the rain on my beloved K8 Gixxer thou. But now I have a Honda Blackbird it'll be riding rain, hail or shine.

[Xuaxace]

A lot of people get put off by winter an sell their bikes, thats why there are always so many bikes for sale on winter, although this doesn't mean they decided to not ride anymore, probably a good chance to get some money and upgrade for when summer comes.

But anyway, Riding in winter is a lot better than in summer, i can't stand getting a sweaty ass when its 35ºc+, winter isn't so bad, you can add layers to keep more warm while in summer you can't take any off.

[Hornet]

Thermals haven't helped my fingers. Rest of me is toasty, hands are ice.

But much better than last winter.

[optimal]

Originally Posted by Hornet

Thermals haven't helped my fingers. Rest of me is toasty, hands are ice.

But much better than last winter.

I used to hang shit on ppl with heated hand grips, but now I have them Ohhhhh Heaven,
Hornet you sould Invest In some.

[hornet919]

Originally Posted by Maxo

Perth doesn't rain that much, i got my first bike in winter because all the 12 year olds sell their bike at the first whiff of cold or wet.

I honestly prefer riding in winter.
20 degrees + overcast = perfect.

Yes bring it on

[thro]

I don't ride in hail.

Not because I'm scared, but i don't think that chunks of ice hitting my bike at 100km/h are any good for it...

Any other weather? Sure, no worries.


And as implied... experienced or not - you don't get any better at wet weather riding by sititng inside or caging it....

[Viper]

Originally Posted by Flyboy

Never ridden in the rain on my beloved K8 Gixxer thou. But now I have a Honda Blackbird it'll be riding rain, hail or shine.

Why use the good bike for rain riding

[potato]

cold clear crisp mornings

looked out the window this morning,yes bike ! and gave the neigbours their early morning bang from the fuel sitting in the cylinders

sunnies fog up as soon as you put them on but clear in 10 feet with the icy air

[Scoundrel]

Originally Posted by thro

I don't ride in hail.

Not because I'm scared, but i don't think that chunks of ice hitting my bike at 100km/h are any good for it...

It's not going to harm it. But I rode in that morning hailstorm the other week and it was a fucking spinout let me assure you. 100's of beestings!

[Colonel Mustard]

Originally Posted by T-roy

nah it wasn't purely because of winter.

hes also planning to upgrade soon, also needs a few extra $$.

im was just curious.

i get my bike next weekend and im tossing up if i should ride it in winter.

due to my lack of riding experience, its probably not the best of ideas.

wanted some opinions

I found the best way to get experience in the rain is to ride in it. It might pay to make sure you have good wet weather gear though. being cold and uncomfortable is more dangerous than people think.
If you want tips for good gear will happily let you know.
Otherwise get out there and take it easy. ie no lane splitting, knee down cornering, quick stops etc until ur comfortable in the wet. Oh and be real careful braking mid corner.
Enjoy

[rc_sam]

Only thing i don't like is the wind gusts, blows the 250 all over the road.

[potato]

Originally Posted by rc_sam

Only thing i don't like is the wind gusts, blows the 250 all over the road.

sell it and get a bigger bunky

[The_Wookie]

Talking of riding in the wind. When I was touring Europe I was going over the bridge below in Western France which crosses an estuary. It was blowing a gale and you would have to lean severely into the wind. However, it would stop when you went behind a pylon.

Now that was an interesting ride.......