so I'm still riding in southeast Michigan despite the temps dropping to 27-30 degrees. Now I know it's not safe but I just can't stop, so please don't tell me how "crazy" I am, I've already heard. My question is what is too cold for the bike? What kind of problems can occur? Nobody seems to know what temp range these things are designed for. I let it run for 3-5 minutes anytime I ride below 40 degrees so hopefully that helps.

 

I always fine it funny when people above Detroit call there location southern Michigan.

My lowest I ride is 33 Deg. mind you have have nothing on the bike "Wind screen etc" to protect me just me and the bike and some leather.

But at the first snow this week I called it quiets. Bike was put away for even though i was hoping to get it out again.

 

I generally don't ride if it's in the 30's or lower due to ice, but I rode today at 31.

 

My body cold limit is 27 deg. But I've been told, and adhere to, if you start the bike over the winter, be sure and ride it 20 minutes AFTER it is warm. The only damage I know of is water condensation in the crank case if you don't run it for 20 or 30 minutes after starting.
As for design of the bike. I'm sure it will handle lower temps than your body will.

The only danger I can fore see is black ice on the road. Also people aren't used to seeing motorcycles in the winter so extra "defensive" riding skills is a must. If you ride on freshly salted roads, be sure and clean the salt off of the aluminum parts.

Have fun but be extra careful of cagers.

 

The cold won't hurt the bike, more important that you dress to protect yourself, you're what the cold can hurt. I think a few minutes warm up doesn't hurt, get the oil warmed a bit and circulating good before you put a load on it. My Harleys are all carbed, and take a bit of warm up before they take off smoothly anyway.

Nothing wrong with riding in cold weather as long as you take reasonable cautions. If you like riding in snowstorms (I do), a sidecar or trike is the way to go, lots of fun doing donuts and drifting corners on slick stuff when you don't have to hold the bike up.

 

Been leaving for work when its in the 20s, going to ride every day I can so long the roads are safe, no ice or snow.
Just gota dress for it, layer up.

 

Lol I'm about 20 minutes north of Detroit so yes I'm in southeast Michigan. I don't know what else you want me to call it? Lower-right Michigan? Lol just sayin.

 

 

Been riding for almost 50 years.
When I was younger, I didn't really care what the temp was.

At almost 66, these old bones and joints can't take it anymore.
Now, 50 degs. is about the coldest for this old body.

 

That's one of the reasons I still ride when it's this cold....BECAUSE I CAN. I'm 27 and I'm a mechanic so I know my body will be wasted in the next 10-15 years and I won't be able to ride in the cold cause my back/knees/elbows/etc will be all ****ed up so I'm gettin every possible ride in while I can.