Here in Southern Maine I put the bikes to bed mid November and they'll hibernate until late March/early April. I saw people riding on a few warmer days we had in December and I was tempted but no way I want to deal with road salt. If you have never seen what that crap can do to a vehicle up here, let me know and I'll get you some pictures!!! I know 4.5 months is a long time but up here once the bike goes to bed the snowmobiles get woken up.......

 

^^^^^^^this

 

Oops typo!

 

To me, winter riding, well it aint worth the pain after I get off the bike... Its funny, this time of year, ill sit on the bike, make a call or have a smoke. This year, I just moved and I have the bikes in storage at the dealer till April 1. I do miss this bikes....

 

Went out for an hour ride yesterday before the snow hits this weekend. 32F and it was nice to get out. Wipe the bike down when I get home and go out after the streets are dry again, hopefully next week. I used to put the bike away for the winter but realized what I was missing. Especially when you get that fluke 60F day in February.

 

I lived in New England for my first 35 years and personally, I rather pay someone to cut my grass down here in Florida than pay someone to shovel my snow up north !!

 

Took this picture while out hunting. It looks pretty,

for a while.

 

As soon as i retire (if i make it lol...hopefully!!) i am outta NY. Lived here all my life. If i never saw another snowflake or sub freezing temperature i'd be just fine with that. Doesn't have to be Florida hot, id be fine moving just south enough where riding can be done all year and there is a hint of a season change lol! We are looking into retirement locations down south along the coast....It sucks here when the winter hits. I never take the bike completely off the road, if i get a decent day here or there ill run her a bit but yeah winter SUCKS IMHO!!!!

 

I've got the same plan. I don't know if a completely, work-free retirement will actually be possible, but we are headed south when I turn 65. Current thinking is TN.. Not exactly winter free, but cheap to live compared to here, and I'd like to ride around there as much as anywhere.

 

I waited until I was 66 last year to retire completely. My wife retired two years earlier because her vet clinic closed sooner than planned and she wasn't eligible for medicare yet. I stayed working so she'd have insurance. "I love to work at nothing all day."