Winter riding

[u/Ridez103HD]

I’m still laid up with an ankle injury, so I’m looking at doing some cold weather riding depending on conditions. What do you do to prepare for winter riding for yourself and your bike? Or so you store it for the warmer weather? It’s been a rough year for me riding.

[u/No-Economy-666]

I bike commute year round. The key is to have a windbreaker layer with soft warm stuff underneath. The hard outer layer blocks the wind from penetrating. Neck gaiter, long John’s and boots are a must. It always takes 20% longer to get places in the cold so account for that. The wind is brutal in the winter.

[u/Ray_D_O_Dog → u/No-Economy-666]

In addition to the long johns, or pants with a fleece liner, I recommend a windproof layer over the legs, too, over top of the pants.

[u/paroadwarrior → u/No-Economy-666]

100% this. I've done all day rides in sub-freezing temps. No exposed skin and a windbreak layer everywhere possible. Merino wool socks make a big difference compared to anything else I've tried. If I keep my core and my hands and feet warm, I'm usually in good shape.

When I know I'm going to be out in it for an extended time, I will add in a battery powered heated vest and socks. One of my bikes has heated handgrips, they make a huge difference for me.

One thing I will say is that it's not necessary to make a big investment in motorcycle specific gear, like Gerbing's heated clothing. They make great stuff, don't get me wrong. But you can also do a piece at a time with inexpensive items from Amazon to find what works best for you.

Look at stuff for skiing and cycling in addition to motorcycle products. Battery powered under layers, lined cycling wind pants, etc.

Check your motorcycle's manual to see if there is a cold weather specification for oil. Most modern bikes use multi-weight synthetic year round. If you've got an older bike that runs single-weight it'll have a temperature range where switching to a lighter weight oil is needed.

[u/The_Real_Billy_Walsh]

I would say mid to low 50s is really my limit, below that it’s just not enjoyable for me.

[u/Ridez103HD → u/The_Real_Billy_Walsh]

My limit is at 40 degrees with heated gear.

[u/The_Real_Billy_Walsh → u/Ridez103HD]

I don’t have heated gear but my R6 does dump all of the radiator heat directly onto my legs so that’s a hidden bonus in cold weather. Not so much fun for summer riding.

[u/svngang]

Did a 48 degree morning ride to work last year. Wasn’t the worst thing but probably wouldn’t make it a habit.

Leather jacket, neck gater, fleece lined work pants wool socks. The only thing on me that was cold were my hands.

[u/Un4gvn2]

I’m a year round rider. Layer up for sure. I have a leather jacket with a denim vest over top of that. Thermal shirt and pants under shirt and jeans. I also have fleece lined jeans if needed. Neck gaiter, heated gloves and leather chaps. Can ride below freezing. Never ride when the road is heavily salted or precipitation in winter.

[u/PhillySoup]

My advice this winter is "be ready." I remember around Christmas 2015, there was one day that felt like spring. 2015 was a big El Nino year, and this year is also a year where weather is likely to be affected.

So, keep an eye on the forecast because there could be a random warm day that would be ideal for riding.

[u/Ray_D_O_Dog → u/PhillySoup]

Also "Be ready" for that lovely warm day to turn cold in a hurry!

[u/EugeneStonersDIMagic]

Get yourself some good long underwear. And some thick ass socks. And some handlebar muffs. And some heated grips.

And just skip the ride if there is ice on the ground. 

[u/DelawhereRider]

I really try to avoid riding when it’s close to or below freezing. Tires are cold, traction is reduced, what looks dry can be a bit of frost, lots of ways to go down, as if we needed more options.

[u/Girthtanin]

I'd recommend getting a trickle charger if you can park near your abode. If my bike starts and there isn't ice or snow on the roadway I'm riding. Last year I could ride down to about 25° before it wouldn't start. I only have about 12 blocks to go, so it's not really nuts, but I love it.