How Cold is To Cold
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: How Cold is To Cold
Usually I use40 degrees as the cut off point. Even at that you have to be careful. That little stream of water running across the road from the snow bank on the shoulder of the road could still be frozen, especially in shady areas.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 925
Likes: 56
From: Memphis, TN via NoVA
RE: How Cold is To Cold
32 is my cut-off point. That black ice will kill ya even more so on a bike. Generally, if the sun is out and above 32 I'm riding. In my 25+ years of riding, there havebeen onlya handful of instances where the temps dipped below my desire to ride at least once a week, so winter lay-up isn't optional for me. Besides, we bought em to ride right? Andnow that I've been in Virginia for a decade, there isjust too much flucuation in the temps to even consider putting her up for long duration.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 375
Likes: 1
From: Jackson NJ
RE: How Cold is To Cold
My definition of too cold happened many years ago when I owned a bike but didn't have a car.
I was riding in winter in England in freezing fog. I had experienced cold riding in snow and also on cold clear days, but this fog was something exceptional. Even bundled up in a Belstaff suit the dampness in the fog seeped into my clothes making it numbingly cold. Visibility was about 100ft, and my visor just made it worse. The fog slowly seemed to get thicker and darker so I pulled over only to find that icicles have formed in my eyelashes and were blocking my vision. Fortunately I had stopped at a pub so was able to thaw out a little before continuing on.
I was riding in winter in England in freezing fog. I had experienced cold riding in snow and also on cold clear days, but this fog was something exceptional. Even bundled up in a Belstaff suit the dampness in the fog seeped into my clothes making it numbingly cold. Visibility was about 100ft, and my visor just made it worse. The fog slowly seemed to get thicker and darker so I pulled over only to find that icicles have formed in my eyelashes and were blocking my vision. Fortunately I had stopped at a pub so was able to thaw out a little before continuing on.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: How Cold is To Cold
Coldest temps I rode in last winter was 16 degrees. That was about an 80 mile interstate ride. From that, I figure my limit is 15 degrees, but who knows. That was before I had a weenie shield or a full face helmet so Imight could ride in colder temps.The bike was fine. I was very cold!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,257
Likes: 1
From: Papillion Ne 68133
RE: How Cold is To Cold
I draw the line at 28 degs, as far as riding to work in the mornings, It has been in the 50's going home so thats not to bad, as far as weekends I like the 50's. Been snowing here so the bikes put way.
Tom
Tom
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 423
Likes: 5
From: Sunshine state.
RE: How Cold is To Cold
I started out one morning going to work and it was 29 degrees out. A 40 mile ride was ahead of me. It was 36 when I got to work. Jeans, chaps, t-shirt, sweatshirt, leather coat, gloves and full face helmet. Hands were wasted and my neck was cold. I'd prefer to stay above 40 for saftey, not for the cold. I worry about that thick 20w-50 oil.
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Joe Kucinski
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 4,022
Likes: 3
From: Hudson Valley- NY
RE: How Cold is To Cold
I've ridden with the weather in the 30's and clear. It's okay, but the cold air does seem to find it's way into everywhere that is not covered or zipped up. A quick trip for an hour or so is okay, don't think I'll be communting to work until Spring.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 91
Likes: 2
From: Hertfordshire, UK
RE: How Cold is To Cold
I took my bike out yesterday and the temperature over here was about 40 degrees.It was one of those really nice days, crisp, clear andblue skies. It was a real pleasure being out riding through the Hertfordshire countryside. I wrapped up warm and I was fine.I don't thinkI'd want to ride in anything much colder. Today it is only 35 degrees here and that's getting a little too cold for riding unless you've got some specialist heated gear.
Paul
Paul