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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Arctic Fox on December 01, 2020, 03:05:34 PM

Title: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Arctic Fox on December 01, 2020, 03:05:34 PM

Finns men riding into Sweden (Lapland) at winter time. At night it had been -27C (-16,6 Farenheits ?) .... BMW's engine needed some help to start up in the morning (0:29 - 0:39) :grin:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0ycSHKlsVY
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: fotoguzzi on December 01, 2020, 03:18:21 PM
Crazy!
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Lannis on December 01, 2020, 04:18:35 PM
Crazy!

Anyone who thinks that I would ride like that on snow would have as many more thinks as they like.

I did see an Arctic Fox in there, though, so it might be worth a go.....  :wink:
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Dirk_S on December 01, 2020, 04:48:35 PM
I mean, at SOME point, the road has to be so cold that rubber would stick to it like our tongues stolidly to frozen poles, right?

...

... right?
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Guzzistajohn on December 01, 2020, 05:15:12 PM
Oh hell NO!
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: sdcr on December 01, 2020, 05:22:03 PM
The snowmobiles were being trailered....
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: ozarquebus on December 01, 2020, 05:24:17 PM
When I was ply-able and indestructable, I used to ride quite a lot in the winter even on ice when I had the BMW K100 with heated grips. With the fork tube gaiters in place it was like straddling a wood stove with that 4 cylinder brick down there. Ride on the dirty ice near the edge and slow down for corners. At -27 C the ice and snow has better grip than when closer to freezing.
 Those Flying Finns are incredible drivers and riders on any surface. Who said: "If you want to win, hire a Finn"?
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: rschrum on December 01, 2020, 05:30:36 PM
I used to wrap chain around the rear wheel on my ca95 and have a go at it. I was 14, outgrew that in a hurry.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Cam3512 on December 01, 2020, 05:31:04 PM
That’s some hard core shit.  That’s all I’ll say about thaaaat.

- Forest Gump
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Lannis on December 01, 2020, 05:42:03 PM
That’s some hard core shit.  That’s all I’ll say about thaaaat.

- Forest Gump

It IS hard core.   But humans are pretty adaptable.   Here's a fine day in Oymayakon, in Siberia, where it was -85 degF that day.   

(https://photos.smugmug.com/General/i-rHdTd3Z/0/8dbe2039/O/Yakutsk.jpg) (https://lannisselz.smugmug.com/General/i-rHdTd3Z/A)

People out on the streets, IC engines running, the lights are on ... the one thing they lose when it gets cold is running water, they have to chop up ice and heat it but otherwise life goes on, people go shopping, doing what people do.   HERE, if it got to -20 degF, it would be a deadly emergency like a pandemic.   Everything would be shut down by law, every mechanical system would fail, and people would swear that you would die like being exiled to the surface of "Gulag Rurapenthe". 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oc_jYAtfDis&feature=emb_logo

So the Finns are used to it, and there's nothing else to do, so ... off they go!

Lannis
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: cliffrod on December 01, 2020, 05:53:31 PM
It's so cold even the subtitles look like they're  ccccchhhaatterrring g...!!!  Very cool.


Seriously, when that's where you live that's what you do.  -16F at night, especially when it's clear like that, means it's probably at least 15-20 degrees warmer during the day if not more.  After it's been -20F or lots colder during the days for days or weeks on end, temps around 0F is often warm enough to unzip your jacket.   If you're wearing your "good" winter gear when it's not cold enough,  having to unzip  so you don't sweat up & get wet is normal.   

Then the same people melt when it gets to 90F.  Different kinds of normal.

There's nothing like riding in winter.  It beats sitting in the house, missing your bike and waiting for riding weather.  When you hit the right patch of ice, it sure slaps you on the ground in an instant.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Tom on December 01, 2020, 05:55:47 PM
Wot's dat white stuff.....mahnnnnnn n???   :grin: :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Ratso88 on December 01, 2020, 07:23:33 PM
Yeah, I ride in the winter. That's what the Made in Ukraine Soviet POS sidecar rig is for, right. Used it as a daily ride year round. Although work was only 5 miles from home at -15F it seemed a lot longer. Better winter riding gear and it would have been no big deal. Still not bad. Walk out, knock the ice off, tickle the carbs and kick. Usually started on the first kick. You wouldn't believe how many people will snap a photo at the stop light. That was three wheels. Those guys get "extra credit" for two wheeling it and for greater distance and speed  :bow:

You wanna ride, you'll figure it out. Somehow.

Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: oldbike54 on December 01, 2020, 07:36:07 PM
 The sky is the color that only happens in really cold temps . Fun video , thanks .

 Dusty
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: s1120 on December 02, 2020, 07:01:09 AM
That looks cold!! 

I used to ride year round when younger. Granted if it was snowing, or freezing rain the bike stayed in the garage. But if it was going to be in the upper 30's I would be riding to work. Granted I was younger.. and work was only about 3-4 miles of intown riding but still. For me its the salt and sand now that keeps me off of it. Dont want the bike to rot away under me. That being said, it would be great to have a nice small bike that can get salty, and dirty and take that odd ride out in the winter.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: JJ on December 02, 2020, 07:05:55 AM
Yes, growing up in the Mid-Hudson Valley in upstate NY, we always rode in the winter when the roads were clear. :thumb: :cool:  However, that would have been ages 14-21, when I was much younger and stronger... :wink:

These days "temperate" is the key word for the seasons - not too hot...and not too cold year round, which is why I retired in northern AZ.  I can't take severe cold winters anymore...and neither can my body... :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh:
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: e.cleven on December 02, 2020, 07:20:03 AM
At 72 I still ride year round, but we spend the winters in Florida, that helps a lot.  :grin:

ride Safe

Earl
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: s1120 on December 02, 2020, 07:21:22 AM
Yes, growing up in the Mid-Hudson Valley in upstate NY, we always rode in the winter when the roads were clear. :thumb: :cool:  However, that would have been ages 14-21, when I was much younger and stronger... :wink:

These days "temperate" is the key word for the seasons - not too hot...and not too cold year round, which is why I retired in northern AZ.  I can't take severe cold winters anymore...and neither can my body... :rolleyes: :shocked: :huh:

Ya, as I get older the dreams of warmer seasons become more clear....  I do enjoy the seasons... I just want the shitty ones shorter. Ive been lucky the last few years, and we have had mild winters... We are way over due for a whopper!  It was like 3-4 winters ago that upper 20's was a nice warm day, and almost all nights were sub zero...  Ya, im done with that thanks!
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Wildroamer on December 02, 2020, 09:27:29 AM
I used to ride all the time in the winter!
Heated grips and the right boots and layers, I was all set!
The more snow, the better!

Oh, wait... you are not talking about snowmobiling...

You mean on a BIKE?!

No thanks!
😁
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on December 02, 2020, 09:45:20 AM
I dont depart on the bike if it's forecasted to stay under 52F  :bike-037:

I have rolled out in the low 40's, if the weather is going to turn warm later in the day. I see no point, advantage, or joy to riding in temps under 45 degrees, and certainly not thru ice or snow. I will stick to the Subaru for those excursions.

I have a similar policy for rain-- I wont depart in rain, but where I live (temperate rainforest): I have come home wet or ridden for hours in the rain- many times- thats not a big deal. But starting out in the rain, knowing it will be pissing down the entire journey? No thanks.

Riding is supposed to be fun, right?
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Arctic Fox on December 02, 2020, 09:50:24 AM
It's so cold even the subtitles look like they're  ccccchhhaatterrring g...!!!  Very cool.


Seriously, when that's where you live that's what you do.  -16F at night, especially when it's clear like that, means it's probably at least 15-20 degrees warmer during the day if not more.  After it's been -20F or lots colder during the days for days or weeks on end, temps around 0F is often warm enough to unzip your jacket.   If you're wearing your "good" winter gear when it's not cold enough,  having to unzip  so you don't sweat up & get wet is normal.   

Then the same people melt when it gets to 90F.  Different kinds of normal.

There's nothing like riding in winter.  It beats sitting in the house, missing your bike and waiting for riding weather.  When you hit the right patch of ice, it sure slaps you on the ground in an instant.

Sorry... I was not correct (my Finnish is not 100%). That -27C was actually in the morning.

So most likely at night time it has been even bit colder (-28C /-30C).
But not much. That has been filmed in January ... less than 1 month after Christmas time (then the day is shortest and the night is longest). So Sun already had risen up into sky ... but not very high (not even Noon time). Later late February/early March Sun would already influence much more at day time (bit like you said). By then Sun will rise already clearly higher (= Sun lights will warm more ... angle of the lights).


 
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: n3303j on December 02, 2020, 10:52:46 AM
Yeah, I ride in the winter. That's what the Made in Ukraine Soviet POS sidecar rig is for, right. Used it as a daily ride year round. Although work was only 5 miles from home at -15F it seemed a lot longer. Better winter riding gear and it would have been no big deal. Still not bad. Walk out, knock the ice off, tickle the carbs and kick. Usually started on the first kick. You wouldn't believe how many people will snap a photo at the stop light. That was three wheels. Those guys get "extra credit" for two wheeling it and for greater distance and speed  :bow:

You wanna ride, you'll figure it out. Somehow.
Sort of like this?

(https://i.ibb.co/tZ2C6jG/12-31-08-1355.jpg) (https://ibb.co/tZ2C6jG)

Coming home from work one day.
20 miles out. 20 miles home every day.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: PeteS on December 02, 2020, 10:57:47 AM
One time I rode my Norton when it was 17F. I only had to go about three miles but in a shirt and unlined leather jacket. Frozen stiff. One other time I had to ride my 80cc Yamaha through 6 inches of newly fallen snow for about ten miles. It wasn't as cold but pretty much did the whole ride with both feet down in first gear. Middle of the night so little traffic thankfully.

Pete
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Shorty on December 02, 2020, 11:41:23 AM
I used to take my little 2 stroke enduros out in the snow. Knobbies work pretty good in loose snow. I would pull my daughter on a snow globe with a length of rope. Not much damage if you fall, and much easier to "flat track" on snow.  :grin:
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Tom on December 02, 2020, 12:27:18 PM
I've ridden in snow before moving back to Hawaii but I've also ridden in snow in Hawaii albeit 50yds to the Mauna Kea Visitor's Center & 1" (could I even use deep) but it was at the 9000 ft. elevation.   :wink:  Yes, it was cold.  I was doing a sunrise ride.  :tongue:
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Testarossa on December 02, 2020, 12:36:30 PM
I'll ride whenever the roads are dry. I'm well-equipped for cold as long as it's dry and not too windy.

Right out of college I worked evening shift at a hospital in Cleveland. My only transport for the first year was my Aermacchi 350, with mud tires. When I got off at midnight, getting home often involved slopping around in the wet snow coming off Lake Erie, usually with ice under. Very sporty ride up and down some short but steepish hills. I slid thru any number of intersections, not always upright. Got wet and near-hypothermic.

The second winter I had the TR4, which was dry inside but not much warmer. I found a pair of used studded tires for the rear wheels and took it skiing.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: moto on December 02, 2020, 01:22:13 PM
I rode my T3 all through the winter 10 years ago here in Madison, WI. I found out two things.

When the weather got extremely cold, below zero Fahrenheit, the road surface of ice became unrideable. While at higher temperatures I could navigate it successfully using a lot of care, when it really was cold I could no longer get the bike to stand up straight even when not moving! I had to sort of walk-ride it back to my house, with my legs extended like landing gear. I don't know if this would always be the case in such temperatures, since I stopped riding it in those conditions.

The second thing I learned is that salt will really ruin lots of things on your bike over a winter, assuming it's being used.

Moto
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Muzz on December 02, 2020, 01:48:52 PM
When I was young, stupid :laugh: and indestructible, yes.

Now I am older (72), STILL STUPID  :laugh: but not indestructible, no.  I take four months off; coupled to that, the cost of registering a bike down here is eye watering so I hibernate (both me and the bike) for four months.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: JJ on December 03, 2020, 07:32:27 AM
When I was young, stupid :laugh: and indestructible, yes.

Now I am older (72), STILL STUPID  :laugh: but not indestructible, no.  I take four months off; coupled to that, the cost of registering a bike down here is eye watering so I hibernate (both me and the bike) for four months.

Getting old and Geezerly, (...and I am right behind you!!), in an extreme winter climate.... is NOT for the faint of heart... :laugh: :grin: :wink:


(https://i.ibb.co/th3kK35/IMG-2368.jpg) (https://ibb.co/th3kK35)


Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Guzzi Gal on December 03, 2020, 08:16:42 AM
Rode yesterday! :evil:
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Murray on December 03, 2020, 08:21:36 AM
All the time...... whats this snow stuff people keep talking about again?
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Guzzi Gal on December 03, 2020, 08:48:32 AM
All the time...... whats this snow stuff people keep talking about again?

It's a myth, I tell you! :thewife:
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: m13 on December 05, 2020, 06:15:35 AM
Back in the 70s I worked as a radio dispatched motorcycle courier in D.C. Rain or shine every weekday. Pre fax machine world then so all corporate and government correspondence was by mail or if you wanted FAST by courier, get it in minutes from Capitol Hill to Downtown. Fairly mild winters in this region but one sleeting snowing day I hit a whole block of black ice on Penn. Ave. and bike and my body slid half of that block on our side. Couldn't stand to lift back the bike as feet would slip out from under me. Buses were bouncing along the sidewalk curb as slight crown in road and slickness wouldn't allow them to steer away from curb. Finally with help of couple bystanders righted bike and walked it a block further to non- frozen roadway and rode remainder of day with both legs full spread. I figure that block had a tunnel beneath that allow a degree or so of less heat causing the isolated slip and slide. 2 out of 3 total bike fails in my time have been due to ice.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Ncdan on December 05, 2020, 06:33:40 AM
So as a young man I use to ride trail ride my XL250 Honda with knobby tires with no issues. What type of tires would they be using on the snow and ice covered highway at those speeds ?
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: m13 on December 05, 2020, 06:58:07 AM
So as a young man I use to ride trail ride my XL250 Honda with knobby tires with no issues. What type of tires would they be using on the snow and ice covered highway at those speeds ?
If you are referring to my post? As I said this region has mild winters. The few days/weeks at most of sub freezing, road icing conditions are rare. Street tires were always used as 99% of driving was urban asphalt wet and dry but rarely frozen. Snow alone wasn't generally a biggy as it did provide some traction, Ice, I would guess requires a studded tire I suppose.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Stevex on December 05, 2020, 07:49:13 AM
In my youth I rode on roads in (the then West) Germany on my V50.
A couple of trips spring to mind; the first was returning to the Air Force base at Gutersloh.
From Venlo to Gut, on the autobahn, snow had fallen and was packed solid. Rode all the way, feet down at about 10mph, visor open as otherwise it iced up inside.
Second was the Elephant rally, then held in Austria at a race circuit I don't remember the name of. Again from Gutersloh, hundreds of miles, most, luckily snow free.
On arrival the circuit was another world. Feet deep snow and ice, there was a stream running nearby, we had to use the water to get the tent pegs into the ice.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: NC Steve on December 05, 2020, 02:57:56 PM
Here ya go...

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/r261/steve2371/scooter%20pics/GUZZISNOWRIDE.jpg)

Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: JJ on December 06, 2020, 07:34:38 AM
It appears WINTER, once again, has returned to the East Coast... :rolleyes: :rolleyes: :shocked: :shocked: :huh: :huh:


(https://i.ibb.co/rtj1R3X/Screen-Shot-2020-12-06-at-6-32-37-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/rtj1R3X)



(https://i.ibb.co/kcQtrNC/Screen-Shot-2020-12-06-at-6-32-47-AM.png) (https://ibb.co/kcQtrNC)
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: jas67 on December 06, 2020, 08:18:24 AM
How I feel about winter (yes, I live in the Northeast).
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/5f/c7/01/5fc701cf06f2c4ca3467d2da6b49b2e0.jpg)

Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Ncdan on December 06, 2020, 08:39:01 AM
Here ya go...

(https://hosting.photobucket.com/albums/r261/steve2371/scooter%20pics/GUZZISNOWRIDE.jpg)
I bet that’s a blast to ride in snow! Like my XL250 snow riding days but on a much grander scale 👍
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Bulldog9 on December 06, 2020, 08:43:42 AM
When I was young and ehem..... more flexible, we would ride our dirt/enduro bikes in the snow, chase snow mobiles, and have a blast. Now???  Not so much. 

But I do ride year round, all winter, just not on the frozen stuff. Clear roads only. Though, if I lived in places where the snow stayed frozen and cold and didn't freeze or ice over, I would probably give it a shot.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Perazzimx14 on December 06, 2020, 09:27:31 AM
As long as the tires were studded I'd have a go. But at around the 4:21 mark when the sun been put away for the day I'd be out.

Now ad a 3rd wheel and the fun level goes up exponentially. Side cars and snow are like peanut butter and chocolate.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: huub on December 06, 2020, 01:46:46 PM
makes  you wonder what the speed rating is or the studded tires they run.
should be fun to do , according to a swedish friend studded motorcycle tires make a huge differrence..
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: PJPR01 on December 06, 2020, 03:20:00 PM
Here we are roughing it in the Texas winter....a chilly 65 F today....brrrrr!


(https://i.ibb.co/k0SWD01/1-ADD63-C7-35-D3-4-B1-A-9-CE0-B7-B15-B964-E2-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/k0SWD01)
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Perazzimx14 on December 06, 2020, 03:47:50 PM
makes  you wonder what the speed rating is or the studded tires they run.
should be fun to do , according to a swedish friend studded motorcycle tires make a huge differrence..

Buddy of mime runs studded tires on his snow bikes. Low HP bikes and studded tires make all the difference.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Testarossa on December 08, 2020, 01:51:28 PM
My answer to winter:

(https://i.ibb.co/3WY3z7T/Cover-Shot1.jpg) (https://ibb.co/3WY3z7T)
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Lannis on December 08, 2020, 05:31:50 PM
Buddy of mime runs studded tires .....

I SAW him the other day, couldn't see the tires though ...


(https://i.ibb.co/GtzMWtN/mime.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GtzMWtN)
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: nc43bsa on December 08, 2020, 09:04:06 PM
I SAW him the other day, couldn't see the tires though ...


(https://i.ibb.co/GtzMWtN/mime.jpg) (https://ibb.co/GtzMWtN)



(https://i.ibb.co/Hh1RmzL/I-see-what-you-did-there-Mr-Bean.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Hh1RmzL)
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Sasquatch Jim on December 08, 2020, 09:49:39 PM
I was an all weather rider in my youth but I would draw he line at sub zero temps.  I didn't have heated grips or heated anything else except some battery powered socks I used after I got well into my fifties.  I did prefer studded tires on both ends for snow and ice.
 My best snow machines were a 200 Yamaha and a DR 650 Suzuki. The fat tires of the Yamaha didn't require studs although one winter I used them.  The studded tires on the DR650 were awesome, I used to love 8 inches of fresh snow and passing cars and jeeps at 60 mph roosting a big tail of snow as I would pass.  Most other traffic was at about 20 to 35 mph.
 With a sidecar anything was possible and fun.  Disabled as I am now those days are for memories.
 Those Finns riding at temps substantially lower than zero F,  Put me to shame though.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Tkelly on December 09, 2020, 07:55:06 AM
Will be 48 here in SW WI today .Meet at Lone Rock Shell at 10 to ride to Lacrosse area.
Title: Re: Ever ride at winter?
Post by: Tom on December 09, 2020, 12:45:17 PM
48F in WI?  In Winter??  That's a heat wave.   :thumb: