loopedguru:  Well, last year I managed to ride my bike every 2 - 3 weeks when the roads were clear and dry - even if I just went around the block or two.  I'm pretty sure the battery is the original one from 2000, but it's been totally fine.   As I said though, our garage stays above freezing, so I figured the bike would be ok.  I didn't put on snow tires though (lol).  

I think it was a guy in the bike shop that told me it was actually better to winterize the bike, and let it sit over the winter months - so I wouldn't get too much condensation from running it, etc.  Maybe I'll start a thread to get other opinions on that.

If you do ride in the winter, just keep in mind that most cagers aren't expecting to see bikers on the roads - in the snowier places.  

DianeS

Hi vikki!  Hey folks!!!

Well, here in Ontario, Canada the temps. have been above freezing, and the little bit of snow we had a few weeks ago melted away.  So... I've been riding several days a week, as long as there isn't rain in the forecast.

Anyway, I now wear winter gloves, and a fleece jacket under my leather jacket, and that seems to keep me warmer.  Plus my usual: leather pants, leather boots, and full-face helmet.  I have a balaclava too, but it shifts around as I pull my helmet over top, and then I worry that it will gradually cover my eyes as I ride.  So, haven't bothered with it yet.

The other morning on my way to work, I went through a construction zone and they had just put water on the road.  There was brand new pavement, but the water made any of the dirt on it totally muddy. - well, the bike and I ended up being covered in mud!!!  I hosed it down and used a soapy cloth, and there still is mud in the hard-to-reach areas.  I'll have to get back out there and give it another washing, when it's not so cool and windy.

Well, hope the rest of you are doing well!  Judging by the forecast, I should still be on the bike a few days this coming week too!!!  Gonna keep riding as long as I can this winter, and then try to run the bike around the neighbourhood throughout the winter on the dry days, to keep the battery charged up - worked last year!!!

DianeS.

Hey Ladies.  It's fun reading all your great stories about riding.  I too am a first time rider at 49.  Decided at the last moment to take the class in Aug.  Bought my 2001 in early Sept.  Didn't have a whole lot of time to ride her, weather turned bad fast.  I put about 600 miles on her before we put her to bed in the barn.  It's hilarious reading about not turning off your turn signals!  My husband is always reminding me by turning his signal on and off!  I've forgot to put the kickstand down at the gas station pump too, laid it down on the crashbar.  Thanks goodness I didn't do any damage.  My husband was parking my bike  in the barn next to his Harley and dropped it into his, did more damage to his new paint job than he did to mine.
Hey loopedguru, I live in the Detroit area too.  Actually, I live more toward Port Huron, way out in the sticks.  
Love reading all of the stories, keep em coming ladies, makes me feel not so alone out here.
JudeAnn