When is it to cold?
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 252
Likes: 1
From: Weston, MO
As long as the roads are dry. That's the only deciding factor for me. I have no windshield but the right cold weather gear makes just about any temperature bearable. It's already cold here in KC and I've been riding everyday. I'm in the Army and I have 15 years of Army issued cold weather gear to work with. I can see someone not wanting to spend the amount of money that the "right" cold weather costs just to ride in the cold. If I didn't already have all this stuff plus a full face helmet and gerbing hybrid heated gloves, my scooter would be parked in the garage.
I think I've gone down around 20f nonstudded on a couple different bikes over the years.
I've been recording my last rides of the year for a while and a couple different years Nov 8&9 were my latest.
Below is a self portrait of me and my studded KLR winter a couple years ago. It was colder elsewhere in town but no lighted thermometers for a frosty photo.
Silly fun in the far and frozen north, Mark H.
I've been recording my last rides of the year for a while and a couple different years Nov 8&9 were my latest.
Below is a self portrait of me and my studded KLR winter a couple years ago. It was colder elsewhere in town but no lighted thermometers for a frosty photo.
Silly fun in the far and frozen north, Mark H.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,807
Likes: 33
From: TEXAS
Back in the day when all I had was a motorsickle for transportation, '66/'67, me and the BSA got caught in a couple of sleet storms, made it home alright but still scary. Now I ride for pleasure only, probably 40-45 degrees is cool enough for me. Did leave Albuquerque one morning on a road trip at 29 degrees, kinda uncomfortable until the sun got going. Nothing like AKHD though, he's tough.
Last edited by harleyflyboy; Nov 6, 2011 at 03:49 AM.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
The first year that I rode to Daytona from Mass. it was 5F upon returning. It was 1987, no heated gear, a crappy leather jacket and youth.
That was my lesson, not to park the bike but to get decent gear. As long as the roads are reasonably clear I can ride. That said, I haven't ridden in 5 degree weather since because it just hasn't been that cold without snow on the roads.
That was my lesson, not to park the bike but to get decent gear. As long as the roads are reasonably clear I can ride. That said, I haven't ridden in 5 degree weather since because it just hasn't been that cold without snow on the roads.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,225
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
In Southern California it never gets too cold. There are a few months each year where I won't go up into the mountians, but there is nothing like a winter ride out to the desert. I hope spring comes soon for all the riders living east ond north of me.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 10,366
Likes: 406
From: Connecticut
I think I've gone down around 20f nonstudded on a couple different bikes over the years.
I've been recording my last rides of the year for a while and a couple different years Nov 8&9 were my latest.
Below is a self portrait of me and my studded KLR winter a couple years ago. It was colder elsewhere in town but no lighted thermometers for a frosty photo.
Silly fun in the far and frozen north, Mark H.
I've been recording my last rides of the year for a while and a couple different years Nov 8&9 were my latest.
Below is a self portrait of me and my studded KLR winter a couple years ago. It was colder elsewhere in town but no lighted thermometers for a frosty photo.
Silly fun in the far and frozen north, Mark H.
We have a winner...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 19,983
Likes: 6,120
From: Florida
70 for me--I could do it, it just ain't fun dressed up like Nanook of the North. Like riding in T shirt or light jacket only. But in Florida, it rarely goes below 70,so I know I'll be riding in a day or 2.
Funny thing--When I lived in NYC, I rode all winter. Here in Florida, I can't tolerate even the slightest cold.
Funny thing--When I lived in NYC, I rode all winter. Here in Florida, I can't tolerate even the slightest cold.
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Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
70 for me--I could do it, it just ain't fun dressed up like Nanook of the North. Like riding in T shirt or light jacket only. But in Florida, it rarely goes below 70,so I know I'll be riding in a day or 2.
Funny thing--When I lived in NYC, I rode all winter. Here in Florida, I can't tolerate even the slightest cold.
Funny thing--When I lived in NYC, I rode all winter. Here in Florida, I can't tolerate even the slightest cold.
