I'm interested in knowing everyone's opinion on this one. I took the bike out for a brief ride a few nights ago. The temp was 29 degrees and the roads were dry. Still, I was honestly wondering if I should be out there. I know cold tires relate to decreased traction/tackiness. Also, because it was dark, I was probably less likely to see any ice on the road in time to avoid it. I won't lie to you... I'm not one of those people who rides all winter long in any conditions. I do, however, take my bike out fairly regularly during winter months (no winterizing other than a battery tender).

So what do you guys think... How do you determine when it is too cold to ride safely?

 

If it's no fun then it's to cold

 

Yes it is more dangerous at those low temps and you have to be more careful.
When I wasin 10th grade in high school all I had was a Yamaha Maxim 650 so I rode it everywhere and anytime.I believe it was the day afterChristmas I rode into Oklahoma City to see my sister and I hit some black ice and went down. Thankfully I hada full face helmet on that time and I got off with no injuries as I slid down the road but the bike was beat up pretty good. That black ice will get you if you ain't careful.
Today I live in the area close to Virginia Beach and it doesn't get as cold and a hell of a lot less snow than Oklahoma had soI don't have to worry about really cold weather much. I do hate being all bundled up and riding though as it restricts my movements and just doesn't feel as comfortable.

 

Yeah, I can see where black ice would be a nasty beast on a bike... You can't really see it and if it hits you in a corner look out... I don't mind wearing the: FXRG, long underwear, wool socks, face mask etc... But I definitely don't want to lay the bike down and then feel like an idiot for riding when I shouldn't have.

 

I wouldn't be too concerned about the tire temperatures, however, the rear tire will spin easier when it's cold and you're leaned over in a turn (1st gear). Ice is not your friend.I actually seen a guy riding a HD touring bike yesterday. The streets had some snow and slush on them. He was performing his job escorting a funeral.[sm=hail.gif]

 

I don't ride at freezing. I usually don't ride under 38, but I rode at 37 today.. Tomorrow looks like 30. I have cabin fever, I gotta ride!

 

I live in Fla. now so the cold isn't too much of an issue anymore.What I do remember ,aside from road conditions,is that if you're out there long enough, no matter what you're wearing,you can start to tense up and evenshiver.When I start to shiver I definately have less control of the bike and sometimes even fight to keep it straight(I don't miss that at all!)and my reactions are not as quick when I'm tense from the cold.

 

I know where your coming from living in Wisconsin. I ride in temps as low as 20 when I can, but due to the snow right now I can't. I will if the roads get any better soon just because if I don't i have to wait until at least the end of March. I have gear that works for me so the temp isn't the issue only the road conditions and the ice spots are the most dangerous. I think as long as you ride with a little more caution and pay attention to how the bike is handling and performing you'll be ok.

 

HDK,
I rode last New Years Day when it was 13 degrees out. As long as you check your tire pressure and there isn't ice you should be cool.As you know, the ACHD LOVES to saturate the roads with magnesium chloride, especially out in your neck of the woods since Micron tends to make it's own snow and the moisture from the river. That stuff is SLICK so be careful!!!

 

Wow.. 13 degrees.. You are hardcore baby!!!! Yeah, I hate the de-ice.. but I understand its purpose.. Still, that chit eats vehicles alive [:@]