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Message started by flcruzr on 10/30/08 at 19:28:25

Title: How Cold can u go?
Post by flcruzr on 10/30/08 at 19:28:25

Hello!  I was wondering what is the coldest weather you all dare to ride in?  How cold can u go??   :-?

I personally have taken on 50 degrees (low), I was thinking of going out this past week in 46 degrees but it was a bit too windy for me.  Yes!  Believe it or not, it actually got down in the 40's this week in sunny, Florida.   8-)



Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Chopped on 10/30/08 at 19:33:50

Coldest for me is about 38-39.... that was cold... but I have seen and been a lot colder!

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Reelthing on 10/30/08 at 19:41:51

The gear I have feels good @ 45f for the hour to hour and a half ride commute - and you can stand it to around 40f but it's pretty dang cold under that

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Demin on 10/30/08 at 19:51:24

PPPFFFTTT.Southerners ::) ;D.Carhart jacket,long johns,bandana over the face,good for about 20 degrees for about 40 min ride.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by saluteTOme on 10/30/08 at 20:08:21

I stupidly did 31 degrees with the WRONG gear last week!  :-/

I am going to give it a try tomorrow morning in about what they are calling for 40 degree temps but I am going to wear ALOT more this time around...

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Dj12midnit on 10/30/08 at 20:53:24

So far the lowest this year is 32. But it is only a 30 minute ride so I will go lower as long as it is dry. That Ice is a killer.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by serowbot on 10/30/08 at 21:50:05

You just can't out do a cold country rider...You guys are tough!

I call it at 48f,...did 38f once in a navy pea coat, but I had to stop at a Quickie Mart and stuff the Weekly down my shirt and pants (cashier thought I was nuts).

My record goes the other way, 114F!...  In traffic, on pavement, at a light, = 135f+,....Human toast...

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Chong Kim on 10/30/08 at 21:57:14

20 or a bit above last New Year's day. When it gets really cold my family dons some snowmobile mittens and goosedown vests to go under the leathers. Chaps on top of leather pants do a good job of keeping the cold away. We almost always go for a ride on Christmas Day and New Years day. Heck, we almost always go for a ride every day!!! Maybe I should buy a heated suit...nah, that would be cheating.


We ride as long as there is minimal ice on the road. It takes the right gear to ride safely when it's very cold. Also acclimation. By Spring, we feel like 50 degrees is a balmy day. In the early fall, that same 50 can seem awfully cold!!!

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Southpaw on 10/30/08 at 22:11:24

I try to ride all 12 months here in Missouri. If I can get a high of 45 degrees and it ain't raining or snowing when I leave, I ride to work! Some of the folks there think I'm nuts but it keeps the bosses guessing. (and a little more respectful) Only time it crosses me up is when I close the store and my breath starts frosting the faceshield at night.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Jack_650 on 10/30/08 at 22:17:51

This is a good one for me to look into. I've had the bike a couple of years now and it's starting to feel like it's time for me to make a long winter run. I live in southern MN and am thinking about maybe trying to do the run to N. Carolina to visit the sisters.

I'm thinking I should drop in on Oldfeller as well and have him help me change my fork seals. And any other thing I can think of along the lines of "experience could help me" get it done faster AND right. Besides I just know he wants to hear all about how the BFG works in snow and on ice. Ain't that right Oldie?

Jack

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Tincanman on 10/30/08 at 23:55:51

well it was 40 here when I went home from work at 8am.  and when I was younger I rode to work while it was snowing like hell.   as long as the streets clean I'll go just to keep the thing running now and then.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by ALittlebird on 10/31/08 at 01:50:51

As long as there is no ice I plan on riding all year. It was 34 the other morning on the way to work. I need to get better gloves but other than that I was fine.

Before I had the motorcycle I have ridden quite frequently on my bicycle in -20 degree weather. But then I have Inuit gear to keep me warm. I wish it worked for the Savage, the gloves are too thick although the rest of the fur might be just fine. I'll give it a try.

I love annpying my coworkers by wearing fur.  ;)

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by sluggo on 10/31/08 at 01:59:13

20ish on a regular basis.  

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by EssForty on 10/31/08 at 03:54:25

Flcruzer:

You're giving us Floridians a bad rep ;)

I rode to work yesterday in record low temps for the area:  48F (dew point was 42 degrees F). Wasn't bad at all.  I had on gloves, my lined riding jacket, FF Helmet and jeans.  At 65 miles an hour, 48 degrees feels like the low 20's, but when I would stop at a traffic light it felt very warm by comparison. The windshield kept the wind off my chest and neck, but my hands did get a bit cold.  I encountered only one other rider on the way to work and he gave me this hearty wave...or maybe he was just trying to get blood circulating in his arm..? Usually I pass 20 or more bikes.

One thing I will say for sure -let your bike warm up for 5 minutes before you ride. My oil pressure gauge was pegged at 50 psi when I started it up and it took a while for it to get down to normal levels. And my bike stays inside the garage at night.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by bill67 on 10/31/08 at 04:43:19

  First trip I every went on,We were 250 miles from home it was 25 degrees,had snowmobile suit on,but it was cold,all freeway driving too,Stop about every 45 minutes to warm up,that was 1974.had full windshield.Suzuki GT550,

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by mornhm on 10/31/08 at 05:12:05

As long as the roads aren't snow and ice covered, I'll ride. There's been a couple of days that were below 0 degF and several in the single digits. Heated clothing makes this not only possible, but comfortable. If it gets well below freezing, I also have thin polypropolene hooded mask (don't know what else to call it) that I wear inside my helmet.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by I once had a mohawk on 10/31/08 at 05:19:06

34 today on the way to work. 60mph the entire way. I have to say one of the best things I have bought are these Men's Gauntlet Leather Gloves with Rain Cover and Long Cuff from LeatherUp.com. After my ride today my hands were a little chilly but not anywhere near as cold as the day I rode in 44 degrees with my mesh summer gloves on.  Here is the link to those gloves. $15.00 gets you real lamb skin leather gloves that are very well made and keep your hands warm.

https://www.leatherup.com/p/Motorcycle-Gloves-/Mens-Gauntlet-Leather-Gloves-with-Rain-Cover-and-Long-Cuff/51688.html

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Sandy Koocanusa on 10/31/08 at 05:42:58

How cold can I go?  Depends on how cold it can get, I guess.  I've been riding an hour to work in 20-22 F for a couple of weeks now.  I've got the clothes figured out, but as someone said, the ice on the inside of the face shield is a pain.  I need to find a way to stop that.

I also need to find some studded tires, because we generally get a little snow around here in the winter.

Heck, if I didn't ride below 45 F, I'd have 9 miles on my bike this summer instead of 9000. :)

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by sakara on 10/31/08 at 06:31:57

Just rode in to work today. About 40 degrees, but at 60/70mph gets a bit nippy. Long john's man. Long Johns. :)

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by longmi01 on 10/31/08 at 08:11:39

Last December 23rd I rode from Owatonna, MN to Ames, IA straight down I35 @ 75mph (2hrs driving).  For half the trip I was followed by my fiance, and the temp her car read was 8deg F.

That was by far the coldest (and subsequently longest!) ride I've ever done.  Even I thought that was a little stupid...

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Duane on 10/31/08 at 08:27:06

50 is it for me. Used to do 40 but it's just to darn cold. My ride is pretty much in the garage for the season unless I just can't afford to put gas in my truck.  ;)

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by flcruzr on 10/31/08 at 11:57:49

Wow!  I'm impressed, many brave souls out there.  More power to you!

Ess:  Sorry man, I love cold weather, however, riding in the cold is something I could do without.   :-[

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by steely on 10/31/08 at 12:31:40

I generally ride if it is not below freezing out.  If it is supposed to warm up during the day, I will ride to work in sub-freezing weather.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Mr. Hyde on 10/31/08 at 13:44:34

I've ridin' in 4 Santa Claus parades and braved two snow storms. That was a few years ago.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by rigidchop on 10/31/08 at 15:18:16

i don't usually take any extended rides when it gets below 40, but i'll ride around town, or just make short runs 30 miles or less all year round. i always look forward to riding on new years as long as the roads are clear. if i'm out riding quads, it doesnt matter how cold it is, we ride all day long, or all night long.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Jay on 11/01/08 at 00:25:32

Coldest ride was 28 degrees, dry roads, on a KLR650. I was so layered that I was actually a little warm; except for my fingers and toes. I looked like the Michelin man.
Routinely ride into the 30's as long as there's no moisture on the roads; but I've not attempted that type of riding on the Savage yet. Not sure how that air cooled thumper will react to cold, cold air.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by troglobil on 11/01/08 at 05:47:04

Yesterday 37 degrees riding to work. All but my fingers were warm. I am on a search for better gloves. Used rain pants to block the wind, too much colder will require long johns.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Skid Mark on 11/01/08 at 09:00:50

It's been hoovering aound freezing in the mornings around here and I'm still riding to work. As long as the roads are not icy I'll still ride. At this time of year, every ride is a bonus ride!!! I just picked up gloves that have thinsulate and they are working real good. They also have large cuffs that stop wind going up the sleeves. We used to go back country  riding on Trimotos when it was -20. These machines were air cooled singles (250cc) and never had any problems, so I would assume the Savage will have no issues in the cold either. At my age now, it would be my joints that will have the issues at -20.


Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Demin on 11/01/08 at 09:31:00

I think I'm goin' ridin' today it's already almost 70. ::)

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by forrest on 11/02/08 at 03:23:18

Coldest was 16 degrees under dry conditions.  But as long as there isn't any ice I'll be riding.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by odvelasc on 11/02/08 at 09:47:01

+2 celsius halloween night. It will be 13,14 and 15 C wednesday through friday of the coming week. Soooooooo, not parking her yet.

Ottawa, Canada.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Crotchrocket on 11/02/08 at 13:46:35

My indicator is frost.  If there's frost on my lawn, I usually take the minivan.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by T Mack 1 on 11/02/08 at 16:21:17

First, I must say, a windshield make the world of diffference in cold weather.  And one that keeps the wind off the hands like my Slipstreamer is even better yet.

Coldest,  was 32 deg F for that charity ride / Poke Run.  Rode from 7:40 AM til we reached the end point about 11 AM.  The engine makes a great hand/glove warmer  ;D  

But, for my commute to work,  somewhere around 45 deg F is where I realize that sitting on the heated seats in the truck is better than freezing my butt off......    

Cold weather gear....  Laether Chaps work great.   Rain gear or Mesh Jacket with rain liner .    Leather glove shells with Wool liners (wool is better than cotton).   Layers....layers... layers...

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by firetruckredbike on 11/03/08 at 04:50:41

Last Thursday, I rode my usual hour to work in 29 F weather.  I used those reuseable gel-pack heater disks in a fishing vest under my snowsuit, and I was toasty warm - except for my hands.  My fingers were freezing, and this was with cotton liners inside leather gloves.

So both my husband and I have ordered Hippo Hands and they are supposed to be here today.  I will post about them after using them and let you know how they go.

I intend to ride all winter unless there is ice on the ground (SW Ohio).  So far so good.

Ride safe (and warm),
Amy

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Mr 650 on 11/05/08 at 06:33:05

Once the temps drop into the 40s, I am willing to sacrifice the 650s 60ish mpg economy for the fine heater in the 26 mpg Sonoma.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Roadrunner17 on 11/05/08 at 06:40:38

Daily rider here in coastal VA, mostly 1-3 mile rides.  Ridden with temps as low as the mid-teens, provided the roads are absolutely dry.  Combination of moisture and low temps can be discouraging, but ice is a deal-breaker for me.

Proper equipment is essential; I ride with my Joe Rocket fiber jacket w/armor and liner if its cold; and Icon leather gloves & boots.  When I know it's cold I wear one of those terrorist-looking head smocks to keep face & neck toasty.

On one of my longer rides two years ago (30 or so miles) I got caught in a surprise snowstorm.  Mostly it was OK, though my gloves boots and pants got soaked and that was pretty uncomfortable.  Were either waterproof it would have been better, though it's not something I'd recommend or do again intentionally.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Savage_Amusement on 11/05/08 at 15:33:28

If I had better gear I would ride in much cooler weather but after they salt/sand the roads I'm pretty much done. Plus I have some things I'm doing over the winter that will shut me down anyhow.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by I once had a mohawk on 11/19/08 at 05:08:37

New personal low!!! 28 degrees. :o Not that bad. My hands were cold but my ride to work is not that long either.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Paminator on 11/19/08 at 05:27:47

Someplace I have a pic of hubby on his Savage, the old 2 stroke 250 one back in Denver, arriving home after riding in a bad snowstorm with about 6" of snow stuck to the front of his winter gear.  He is a bit weird tho.  I don't like the cold and he will ride anytime.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by serenity3743 on 11/19/08 at 08:24:41

I ride all year around here in western NC, 23 mile commute one way, as long as there is no precipitation in the forecast.  I know I have ridden when the temp was 17 degrees F.  I would have ridden today (20 degrees) but I'm working on the carb and will need to test drive on a shorter trip.  I have insulated Gore-tex pants, winter motorcycle gloves or ski mittens, an NFL down jacket (Steelers), and a fleece face mask plus goggles.  National Windshield Plexistar 2 helps also.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by il67bp on 11/19/08 at 11:01:18

i went to school today 20 mins in 30 degree weather. i wore 2 gloves one leather with lining and the other warm riding gloves and my fingers turned purple. not good. looks like im getting heated gloves

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by bill67 on 11/19/08 at 11:05:09

   60 degrees

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Pabst 2006 on 11/24/08 at 17:51:49

30 degrees F with dry roads.  Winter gear is 4 layers of polyester + fleece, Teknic Sprint textile jacket, Teknic Thunder gauntlet waterproof gloves, Gore-tex pants, full-face helmet.

I decided wet winter roads are a no-go LOL.  Commute home from work, was 31F with freezing rain, wet snow, 15MPH winds, and unable to use the helmet's face shield. Frozen rain hurts. ouch. Pedestrian asked me, "ARE YOU NUTS??"  The stock IRC tires did end up having about as much traction as the cars did under the circumstances.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by firetruckredbike on 11/25/08 at 03:47:56

Last week did my hour morning commute in 19 F.  I have a snowmobile suit (eBay, $30) and have finally got the hands figured out: Hippo Hand guards plus ski gloves.  It's a little crowded in there, but I can still find the controls. ;)  

Yesterday and today there is freezing rain so I had to bring the cage.  As long as there is no ice I will ride.  Thankfully most of the leaves have come down now so that's one risk gone.

Amy

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by FreeSpirit on 11/25/08 at 04:34:53


514750474C4B565B11151611220 wrote:
I ride all year around here in western NC, 23 mile commute one way, as long as there is no precipitation in the forecast.  I know I have ridden when the temp was 17 degrees F.  I would have ridden today (20 degrees) but I'm working on the carb and will need to test drive on a shorter trip.  I have insulated Gore-tex pants, winter motorcycle gloves or ski mittens, an NFL down jacket (Steelers), and a fleece face mask plus goggles.  National Windshield Plexistar 2 helps also.


Glad you said that....I do think a down jacket would be best!

Although,to answer the question of the topic ...I personally dont like cold weather riding....unless I'm a passenger and have a warm body in front of me  ;D Then its okay. I have to wear so much clothing its hard to ride by myself :) Maybe one day I'll venture out and get the right winter gear though :-/

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by NDBiker on 11/27/08 at 19:00:51

I did 17F ab couple weeks ago on my way to school.  Curious how long I can go.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Digger on 12/06/08 at 20:35:03

I've logged some highway time in the mid-single-digits (F), but that was on a fully faired touring bike.  And, yes, I was cold!

I've ridden my Savage in the low teens and stupidly had some finger and toe issues to show for it.

Now, for winter riding around town, I've got a set of Hippo Hands on the Savage and will wear my Sorel snowmobile boots when it gets really cold.  I don't own a cage.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 12/06/08 at 20:43:32

I have an older friend. He's almost 70. He gave me his last apir of wool socks from when he was in Korea. They make a Big Difference.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Dj12midnit on 12/20/08 at 14:46:31

Well I set my new low today Sunny 15°F. The roads were not to bad today so I went ahead and took a ride to the heated storage and wheeled it in. The weather man is saying it is going to snow again off and on for the rest of the year. I did get a lot of strange looks though.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Savage_Amusement on 12/20/08 at 19:14:04

With windchill it is supposed to be -35 to -40 tonight. I don't want ANY part of that!!!!

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by flcruzr on 12/21/08 at 20:15:55

Its exciting to see how many Brave Soul's we have in this forum...i'm not ashamed to say I wont ride under 50 degree weather.  I cant seem to enjoy riding in cold weather and I was born and raised in NY.   :-?

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by Dj12midnit on 12/21/08 at 20:39:15

I enjoy all kinds of weather. and I am originally from So California. But all this ice sure makes it tricky. If it was not for the Ice I would just get some warmer gear.

Title: Re: How Cold can u go?
Post by savagejoe on 12/22/08 at 02:51:17

the secret is some good snowmobile clothing and layers. right now it is about 20 and I do that everyday it is not snowing for about 50 minutes. I have done as cold as 14 for thirty minutes.

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