Need opinions on commuter/cold weather bike
Need opinions on commuter/cold weather bike
My wife and I sat down an decided that I need to get rid of one of my vehicles (some of you my have posted on my other thread). I assumed selling the bike was going to be easiest, but it is much to the contrary. I have gotten a ton more interest in my car (1995 honda civic) then I have advertising the bike.
It has become clear to me that there is a good chance I might be selling my car soon and the bike will become my daily driver year round. I am not getting much interest in the bike probably since the price is too high.
Basically I wanted to get some opinions on what would help make the bike more of a commuter vehicle, especially when it starts getting cold outside.Here is the list I compiled from reading this site and asking other bikers:
9" Batwing Windshield Batwing Mount Kit Batwing Fairing Ammo Cans Easy Brackets Chaps Turn Signal Relocation Kit
I have always planned on using bigger 50mm Ammo Cans for my saddlebags, as this is the style I like for my bike, and I eventually want to paint it olive drab.
Any other suggestions from Dyna guys?
It has become clear to me that there is a good chance I might be selling my car soon and the bike will become my daily driver year round. I am not getting much interest in the bike probably since the price is too high.
Basically I wanted to get some opinions on what would help make the bike more of a commuter vehicle, especially when it starts getting cold outside.Here is the list I compiled from reading this site and asking other bikers:
9" Batwing Windshield Batwing Mount Kit Batwing Fairing Ammo Cans Easy Brackets Chaps Turn Signal Relocation Kit
I have always planned on using bigger 50mm Ammo Cans for my saddlebags, as this is the style I like for my bike, and I eventually want to paint it olive drab.
Any other suggestions from Dyna guys?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,508
Likes: 169
From: WPB, FL
Not A Dyna Guy, But -
I pretty much commute on my bike year round here in NJ, with the exception of fog, active rainfall, snow covered roads or just to damn cold! This past winter I put the bike on a tender in November and didn't unplug it until almost April. I can't imagine VA being much better. For cold weather I would definately recommend a windshield and if you are serious, a round of heated wear - top, bottom and hands! I'll be installing a setup this fall (probably Gerbings) with a single controller.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 6,235
Likes: 65
From: Joliet, Illinois
I ride year round in Chicago. I don't know that a windshield helps all that much. I wear heated gloves when it gets really cold. Layers work fine everywhere else.
How long is your ride to work? Cold is a function of time as much as temperature. 10 miles in 15° is completely different than 40 miles in the same temps.
How long is your ride to work? Cold is a function of time as much as temperature. 10 miles in 15° is completely different than 40 miles in the same temps.
Also, the ride is 40 miles, but an hour long due to traffic and the roads I have to do.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,422
Likes: 6,368
From: Honah Lee
Don't go far? HA. Seriously when weather gets bad (below freezing) and you are deciding what to do keep Honda. Front wheel drive as long as the snow is not deep will go anywhere and has heater. Harley bike are hobbies and luxuries. The Honda would be cheaper to operate and you need dependable car to keep a job. Bet just like me the personal property tax is more on the Harley then your car. Mine's more then my 04 Toyota 4x4. I am not far from you and use mine year round 10 miles to work but when it rains or below freezing use truck. Being only 10 miles I just layer and wear cheap ebay leather jacket over hoodie and sweats under jeans since I go in at 2PM and leave at 12AM. There is quite a lot of days even here on coast that a motorcycle is not going to cut it. Good luck with decisions. I realize advice is just my opinion but what I have done for 63 years. Even have the luxuries of not having to work but what keeps me going.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Aug 21, 2011 at 12:22 PM. Reason: spelling eeeee
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
I commute year round about 25 mile ride. Although it's in FL but winter mornings are in the 30's and occasionally in the bight 20's. The advantage that we have is that winter is dry time so that helps. That being said if your going to spend money on anything make it heated clothing. Jacket liner and gloves are a must. You can pretty much ride indefinitely with heated clothing because you are replacing heat not just simply insulating from loss. I don't have a temp controller on mine and when I come to a stop I have to turn it off because it gets too hot. The heated clothing also reduces bulk because you don't need so many layers. I also use a set of factory detachable bags for storage and come winter I add a duffle bag to my solo luggage rack just to stow the winter clothes.
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Don't go far? HA. Seriously when weather gets bad (below freezing) and you are deciding what to do keep Honda. Front wheel drive as long as the snow is not deep will go anywhere and has heater. Harley bike are hobbies and luxuries. The Honda would be cheaper to operate and you need dependable car to keep a job. Bet just like me the personal property tax is more on the Harley then your car. Mine's more then my 04 Toyota 4x4. I am not far from you and use mine year round 10 miles to work but when it rains or below freezing use truck. Being only 10 miles I just layer and wear cheap ebay leather jacket over hoodie and sweats under jeans since I go in at 2PM and leave at 12AM. There is quite a lot of days even here on coast that a motorcycle is not going to cut it. Good luck with decisions. I realize advice is just my opinion but what I have done for 63 years. Even have the luxuries of not having to work but what keeps me going.
Thanks for the replies. Going to look into some heater gear now for prices.
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Heated Gear
Years ago I would ride year round and I would layer up my torso with 7-9 layers. When it was really cold it just wouldn't keep me warm, and once my core gets cold I am done riding till I can warm up again. Finally broke down and bought a Gerbing heated jacket liner and now I can stay warm and don't have all the bulk. I felt like the Michelin man and was still cold. Gerbing suggests a thin shirt, I wear silk or moleskin, then the jacket liner and a medium weight jacket on top. I may try a rain jacket that breathes on top this winter. That and the heated gloves, are 2 of the beat things I have ever purchased for riding.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,580
From: Wisconsin, USA
How do you ride in the snow? I had my '66 Mustang in Chicago for 2 years, 1981,1982. I was rust free when I started and crap, when I finished. Doesn't your bike rust in Winter?
OP get a Batwing. Good luck.