[B_Wayne]

So I bought my SV650 a little under three weeks ago. I have 400 miles on it already and its a great bike. I just wish the weather would be more conduscive to riding. Ever since i got the bike there really hasnt been any good riding weather, but I still get out and get some. Last night it was about 42 degrees and misting, but I still managed a 30 mile ride to get my copy of Spiderman 2 (which kicks @$$ in case you were wondering). I know a lot of riders here arent riding anymore, but does anyone think I am taking unnecessary risks riding this late in the year?

If I know you guys like I think I do, then most of you will say that any riding is better than none...I was just wondering what you guys thought.

Oh yeah I am takin pictures of the new bike tonight and will post some tomorrow.

Wayne

 

[inspiron]

If the weather permits, you can ride all year. There are just some additional risks to consider in the winter months, like:

- Less light, shorter days. You are probably riding more in the evenings or night, so you have to take addtional precautions to be seen by the cages. (Reflective gear, dancing lights, etc.)

- You have to be careful about moisture on the street and on your tires - just remember what happened to FIVEINCH a couple of weeks ago. Your tires won't perform optimally until they are up to temperature, which takes longer when the streets are cold or wet. Don't take curves as agressively as you would in warm, dry weather.

- When it gets down near freezing, there is always a risk of black-ice. I was out in my cage this evening, and took one of my favorite bike routes. As I got up near the peak, the temperature was 30°, and the street was freezing (it rained this afternoon, and now the sky is totally clear. It's going to be a COLD night!)

- You have to watch for signes of hypothermia. If your gear isn't totally wind and waterproof, your body temperature may start dropping, and you won't even really notice. If you lose feeling in your fingers or toes, this is a sign that you need to get off the bike for a few minutes, drink a coffee or something else warm, and get your body temperature back up to normal.

That's all I can think of right now, but I'm sure that the Canadians will have some addtional suggestions...

 

[saleemas]

I say ride if you want to. Last year i rode down to 20F as long as roads were dry. Inspirion pretty well summed up my concerns. Good gear, particularly gloves thermals and jackets, road condition awareness and sun glare. 5:00 PM rush hour sun sits very low on the East Coast making it harder to see or be seen on some roads. Be carefull have fun be safe.
G-

 

[LayinLo]

Keep riding, bro. Pay close attention to what Inspiron said.

 

[Trapper]

How long is it safe to have your bike sit un-winterized , waiting for another warm day? It is brand new.

 

[inspiron]

Depends upon the weather (especially temperature fluxuations and humidity). If the weather is cold and wet, and looks like it's going to stay that way for several weeks, then I would at least top-off the tank, grease the chain, and consider disconnecting the battery. That is the "minimalistic" approach to winterizing. If a nice day comes up, just reconnect the battery, take her out for the day, then be sure to fill the tank, wash off any salt and grease the chain when you get back home.

Then I would consider changing the oil in spring, before the "real" season starts up again.

HTH

 

[LayinLo]

Yeah, even if you just crank her for about 5-10 minutes every few days, she'll stay ready to ride.

 

[Darxide]

or get the ole electric blanket to use as a cover, lol j/k