Cold riding
A short while ago I posted some tips on riding in the wet. This time it’s going to be about riding in the cold. A lot of the same tips apply since when it’s cold the tires are stiffer and have less grip on the asphalt. But for me the worst part is staying warm and comfortable. I’m in Canada and for some reason it seems the temperatures are much lower than what I remember from the previous years. I’ve, on a few occasions already, had to ride to work when the thermometer was indicating 5 or 6 degrees Celsius or 42 degrees Fahrenheit. While already a tad nippy, you need to consider the windchill factor when going at 90km/h (55mph)!
For me, keeping warm means a lined pair of gloves that will cut the wind, putting the liner in my textile jacket but more importantly keeping my neck warm. It appears simple but this one is tricky since you must keep warm but still allow your head to move to do those life saving shoulder checks! I’m usually able to do this with a thin wool scarf wrapped around my neck. Properly dressed I ride whenever there is no frost on the road. Last year, that meant November 30th! I’m hoping to be able to beat this and ride to work in December (thing I could have done but I had already winterized t my SV650S).
Safe riding!
-Louis Savard
September 13th, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Get’s a little nippy here too, though no frost in the Phoenix Arizona area. Great year round riding. It can get in the 30’s sometimes.
But it does bring back memories of riding on my old water buffalo in Illinois in December and January……..
October 20th, 2006 at 6:14 pm
Hey Louis, I too have an SV650S in Canada, but I’m a bit of a new rider (only 5000kms of experience). I do ride in the wet, and so far I’m doing alright in the cold (down to 4C), but I need to replace my tires soon.
Do you have any experiences to share on tires for the SV650S in winter?
Got Shinko 009 Raven on the back right now which I really have to replace:-D
October 26th, 2006 at 1:05 am
Hi J.
Well I can’t really help you. I still have the original tires on it, Dunlop D220. I’m a little over 14,000 KM right now. I’ve done -2C and was okay.
November 11th, 2006 at 1:25 pm
Haven’t ridden a bike in anything below 10°, but I have been snowmobiling my entire life, sometimes in weather down to -30°, so how bad can it be?
November 16th, 2006 at 4:37 am
its about the same as snowmobiling. except there are no cars on the trails to worry about so mobility is key. although I am more active on my snowmobile than I am on my bike on my way to work. you don’t have to throw your weight around on a bike as much. that helps keep you warm.But i do wear my Artic Cat leathers this time of year when riding my M109R.
May 2nd, 2007 at 6:53 am
Hey,
Great stuff here!
I’ll definitely bookmark this place and come back soon.
Rhett
August 8th, 2007 at 4:40 am
Very good article. Thanks for writing it. I bought a new motorcycle late fall many years ago. Stored it in our second floor apartment for the winter with zero miles on it. The following spring (early spring or late winter, not sure which) took it out and started to break it in when there still was ice on the inland lakes. So much fun. Wonderful memories! Soon I’ll be buying another one. Ride safe. bud_4444