Who rides in the winter
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Upstate New York
Upstate NY uses thousands of tons of salt on the roads every winter (not exaggerating-look it up). When the salt goes on the road, the bike comes off. Rust destroys a bike in short order, and this one has to last. Besides, I have plenty of other things I do to squeeze into the four months of down time.
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Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 67
Likes: 7
From: Northern NY
Upstate NY uses thousands of tons of salt on the roads every winter (not exaggerating-look it up). When the salt goes on the road, the bike comes off. Rust destroys a bike in short order, and this one has to last. Besides, I have plenty of other things I do to squeeze into the four months of down time.
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Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 64
Likes: 5
From: Canada
Due to the winter tire law in the province of Quebec, you can't ride your bike legally on the roads as of Dec 15th until March 15th. Which sucks because last year it was quite warm right till January. First week of Jan my buddy was still out fishing in his boat whereas this year it's already in storage of last Monday and mine was put away last week.
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Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 88
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From: newfoundland
My bike has been tucked in bed since the first layers of salt were put down first week of November . Maybe a beater dual purpose bike will be in the future to extend riding season - but that why they have snowmobiles 
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: WESTERN CHICAGO AREA
I do a ride every Sunday and call it my BBB rides - Blue ***** Brunch ride.
I also put on a Jan. 1 ride called Freeze Your *** Off ride. I had patches made to give out to anyone brave enough to join me. I have a lot of first timers, but not many repeats(they gets a year rocker). I guess they just want the main patch - it shows a rider - you guessed it - with his *** falling off. It is a coveted item around here.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: WESTERN CHICAGO AREA
My stopping point is 36 degrees as my glasses will ice up after while when colder at time.
I also will not ride if salt has been on the road as it is pain to clean up.
In SW Ohio, I can ride during the winter at times most years. I rode to work twice this week.
I have engine guard covers and hand control covers for my Heritage and those are very helpful.
I also will not ride if salt has been on the road as it is pain to clean up.
In SW Ohio, I can ride during the winter at times most years. I rode to work twice this week.
I have engine guard covers and hand control covers for my Heritage and those are very helpful.
Salt is not an excuse anymore.
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Joined: Oct 2010
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From: SW FL-Jersey Shore Emigre
Nowadays I get to ride in Florida for much of the winter, but I'll ride in NJ year round on sunny winter days with clear, salt-free roads. Bikes are in a heated, climate controlled garage, ready to go whenever their Master beckons.
Last edited by shorelasHD; Dec 8, 2016 at 03:54 PM. Reason: typo
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: WESTERN CHICAGO AREA
That's the key for me also = dry roads are a must. Even thought I ride a TG I'm responsible for any 2 wheelers that ride with me. Low temps = no problem, I have heated gear. Lowest temp I remember was around 9* - not too many of those anymore, usually in the teens or 20's around here.