Riding all year?
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
I don't ride if it is much below 40 out of concern for black ice but even with that concession I ride year round in Northern Virginia and environs. The longest I usually go without riding in the winter is about 2 weeks.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
Colorado - until mid-Oct when I head to sunny & warm San Clemente. Back to Colorado in late-April. If I tried to ride where I am at in Colorado (San Juan Mtns.) year round, a snowplow and skis would be required on my Harley. SJ Ron 
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,764
Likes: 50
From: Gilbert, AZ
I live in the Phoenix area and ride all year. As long as you stay out of the higher elevations, you can ride year round in a lot of AZ. We tolerate the summers because the rest of the year is so nice.
Last edited by slhanks4; Oct 15, 2013 at 07:16 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 302
Likes: 8
From: Maryland
Bite the bullet and spend the money on some good winter riding gear and you can ride for most of the year (weather permitting)... Last January I rode from Baltimore to Augusta, GA and back. Temperatures ranged from 20 to 40 degrees for most the trip and I was never uncomfortable.
Initially, I only bought a heated jacket liner and gloves. They helped allot but I still got cold. I finally broke down and bought a good set of riding pants and heated socks and that took winter riding to a whole new level.....
Initially, I only bought a heated jacket liner and gloves. They helped allot but I still got cold. I finally broke down and bought a good set of riding pants and heated socks and that took winter riding to a whole new level.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,105
Likes: 13,052
From: Texas, USA
Texas is the place. We have room for a few more. Y'all come down now, ya hear!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I live in Northwestern Illinois. I ride all year. Last winter from Nov. 1 until March 31 this year I put on 7,000 miles. My standard is 20 degrees or more and clear roads. That is about 50% of the days in the Midwest winter.
How do you think snowmobile's do it. Heated gear.
I found that I only need heated gloves and various layers of outer gear.
This is last winter's main bike. 07 FXSTC. Next year it will be my 10 Super Glide.
However, if there is no clear roads when I feel like riding, I go out on my 12 Ural 2WD with side car. It was made in Siberia and is used to snow.
Winter riding is just part of my 30K+ riding each year. The real advantage is being RETIRED and not where you live. Just have a passion for riding and a goal. That is all it takes.
I only clean the winter bike once in the spring. No issue with the salt. It is stored after each ride in a heated garage and dries out quick.
How do you think snowmobile's do it. Heated gear.
I found that I only need heated gloves and various layers of outer gear.
This is last winter's main bike. 07 FXSTC. Next year it will be my 10 Super Glide.
However, if there is no clear roads when I feel like riding, I go out on my 12 Ural 2WD with side car. It was made in Siberia and is used to snow.
Winter riding is just part of my 30K+ riding each year. The real advantage is being RETIRED and not where you live. Just have a passion for riding and a goal. That is all it takes.
I only clean the winter bike once in the spring. No issue with the salt. It is stored after each ride in a heated garage and dries out quick.
Last edited by lh4x4; Oct 15, 2013 at 07:56 PM.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
I also ride year 'round if its 30 and up in the am work commute and decent in the afternoon.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 652
Likes: 7
From: Maui, Hawaii
Year round riding here on Maui, Hawaii. Only downsides are the Tradewinds blowing 20 - 25+ MPH 10 months out of the year and rain during the winter season. Also limited destinations - we are on an island y'know. Lived in South Florida for 22 years prior to moving to Maui - Great weather but very flat with no "twisties".
"He Who Lives in Joy Does His Creator's Will"
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's
"He Who Lives in Joy Does His Creator's Will"
The Baal Shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's