GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

My cut off is 45 degrees.. whats yours.

Don't vote based on the coldest you've ever ridden. But rather the min temp you normally ride.

0-30 F gets my vote.  Actually mid teens is about as cold as I've gone out riding.  30-40 F can be quite nice if your dressed for it.

Depends i guess....
I rode to work the other day 34 degrees and sunny and was fine..
on the way home however it was 29 degrees and nighttime.. and THAT was too cold.

- Jordan

Below 40 if it is dry.
If wet more like 70.

I don't rightly remember what temp it has been on some of my rides, but I know I've ridden in 40, and I don't know what temp it was 2 weeks ago when I went up to the snow.

Last winter I one evening I had the choice of driving the Bimmer home from work or riding the bike.  It was 3 under.  I rode.

I voted 30-40 'cause any colder than that and I'll avoid riding...  But it won't stop me.  I've ridden in 28° weather...

45 for me too

As long as there isn't ice out there....so I guess anything above 33...

For *comfort* however, I prefer over 40.

It's all got to do with wind chill (and lack of road ice).  Coldest I've ridden to work (under 45 MPH all the way) is 24°F -- coldest I'd ride at rural speeds (55+ MPH) is 45°F.  First things to go are my hands, and enjoyment plummets when that happens.  Suspect I'd need electric mitts or those covers over the handle bar grips/controls to avert the chill.

Redshift...dirtbike style hand guards are pimp when it comes to that.  Once my digits are cold I'm usually out of the game.

Didn't someone have hand guards on their GS?

Quote from: annguyen1981 on March 16, 2006, 08:38:37 PM
Didn't someone have hand guards on their GS?

scratch puts handguards on his GS in the winter!

I've ridden at 32, but it's no longer fun below 40.   If I can get some wind-proof riding pants, I should be good down to 20.  By the time I get to work, my legs are going numb, but everything else feels just fine.  Fingers get chilly, but not too bad.

Leather works wonders for blocking th wind.

It's an awfully bad insulator, though. So better have one to two warm underlayers

Anything above 40 is a big plus. :thumb:
I ride into the twenties, as long as there isn't snow on the way. :cheers:

For me the limiting factor is visor-fogging.  As the temperature gets down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, I can't open the visor because the cold wind gives me an ice-cream headache, but I can't close the visor because it will fog.   :o

So at 30 degrees I'll ride to work (5 miles), but I won't go a real ride (30 miles+) until it gets closer to 45 or 50 degrees.

Quote from: daneilah on March 17, 2006, 06:32:03 AM

For me the limiting factor is visor-fogging.  As the temperature gets down to about 30 degrees Fahrenheit, I can't open the visor because the cold wind gives me an ice-cream headache, but I can't close the visor because it will fog.   :o

So at 30 degrees I'll ride to work (5 miles), but I won't go a real ride (30 miles+) until it gets closer to 45 or 50 degrees.

Ditto

FogCity ProShield inserts work GREAT!  I have never had a condensation or fogging vision impairment since.

Quote from: annguyen1981 on March 16, 2006, 08:38:37 PM
Didn't someone have hand guards on their GS?

So did Roadstergal.  She used Suzuki DL650 V-strom handguards with little modofication.  Mine are the Acerbis MX handguards that I see are no longer on Acerbis' website, but that doesn't mean you can't get any from the vendors.  I'm seriously considering buying a pair of the DL650 handguards.

3d

What's this fahrenheit thing you speak of?  :cookoo: :cookoo: :cookoo:   


I've been riding when it was above 8-9 degrees celsius outside. It was not too bad provided you stay away from the more chilly waterfront areas.

Quote from: Wrecent_Wryder on March 17, 2006, 02:40:59 PM

Quote from: scratch on March 17, 2006, 10:32:09 AM

So did Roadstergal.  She used Suzuki DL650 V-strom handguards with little modofication.  Mine are the Acerbis MX handguards that I see are no longer on Acerbis' website, but that doesn't mean you can't get any from the vendors.  I'm seriously considering buying a pair of the DL650 handguards.

For those of us who haven't a clue, why? What would make you want to upgrade, if that's what it is?

Two reasons, to try something different and in hopes that it will give better coverage; the ones I have are small.

[partial hijack]
So I ride when it gets into the 30's and 40's.  Tonight was one of those nights.  It was 32* f (0 celsius).  It wasn't too bad with the leather jacket on, but I have a gripe/warning.  Those of us that ride when it's colder outside need to be even more careful of cages.  For some reason, it seems that the cold weather flips a switch in the heads of cagers making them think that they don't have to look for bikes.  I rode Wednesday night, and tonight (Friday).  On Wednesday, I had a car roll through a stop sign right in front of me.  I had the right of way (no stop sign).  For some reason, as this car was pulling up to the sign, I just new it was going to run it, so I covered my clutch and brake.  Sure enough, he crossed just as I was coming up on the intersection. I had to lock the rear brake to evade, and came close enough to kick the back of this idiots car even after HARD braking.  I was pissed.  Not only was he not paying attention, he didn't even come close to stopping.  :mad:

Tonight, I had two close calls.  They both saw me at the last second and came to abrupt halts just before blocking my path (pulled about halfway onto the road).  I still had plenty of room, but both times were enough to make my butthole pucker  :icon_confused:

I know it should go without saying, but I'll say it anyway...cold weather riders BEWARE, and be careful!  :thumb:
[/partial rant]

Im young and stupid.. Im a year round rider here in NY

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v511/insulinboy/Snow.jpg)

If for any reason i feel I have to ride then I ride whatever but given the choice or riding for pleasure then its a matter of ice on the roads.

Our larger roads are well salted which is great for traction and unspeakable for corrosion. Generally my cut off point is around freezing point, 32 Fahrenheit and or 0 Centigrade, Celcius, whatever. In recent weeks I have dug out the L-Js, overtrousers, my old Seafarer's wollen sweaters, neck tube and Balaclava and woolen gloves to wear inside my leather bike gloves. A big screen is good for the hands but nothing seems to keep my finger ends warm. The weather forecaster says staying cold, Monday 20th is first day of spring .... (alledgedly) .....Pah!

My GS is much more comfortable than my Yamaha cruiser in winter, that "hands-up" position is great in the warm but this weather it cuts right into hands and chest, possibly an arse-up-head-down sports bike might be even better ?

3d

Hey Daneilah and Bargovic -- Get a Fog City Pro Shield like Scratch says.  I agree it's the best way to avoid fogging.  Beats the heck out of riding with the visor partially open, especially when really cold, let me tell you.

Should you get one, favour positioning the shield on the upper part of the visor.  Centering the shield in the visor sounds like the right idea, but it all depends where your eyes are.  Agree with the instructions -- tape it in place first.  But they don't tell you to test it out first -- my mistake.

But no problem with fogging, no matter how cold.

I hope nobody will be too terribly upset with me for reviving this truly *ancient* thread but...

Since the cold is certainly upon me here in PA I have been wondering exactly what the title of this topic says... I used the all-knowing search box and found this! This thread is so old I thought we could add to it with the newer people that are on the board now's opinions?  :cheers:

As long as there hasn't been any rain/snow for a few days and none (supposedly) on the way, I will bundle up and ride short distances (to work, the store, look at Christmas lights, etc). Yesterday and today it was in the mid 20's for my rides to and from work. Tonight when I leave at midnight, they are calling for 18 I think. I have had no problems (so far) starting my '98 E in these temperatures!  :kiss3:

I love trying out different cold-weather gear and different combos of layers... plus I just plain love to ride.  :laugh: 

I constantly keep in mind that cars don't tend to look as hard for bikes when it is cold and I also keep on EXTRA alert for gravel or any shiny spots on the road.

What is everybody's cold-riding thoughts? And again, I apologize for digging up this dinosaur-thread... but it is exactly what I was looking for. This forum has everything!

I have an old set of original Hippo Hands.  Under 20 degrees f and under 10 miles is fine.  Over 20 miles and it's got to be in the 40ies.

But I'm sure a happier rider when it reaches 60 degrees f.

I've ridden year around here in NE Ohio for the past 30 years in temps down to 20F except I did keep it above above 32F the last 2 years after I was past 80 yo.  Last winter was particularly cold and snowy and I didn't get out for 3 months, the longest I've gone without riding since I started 30 years ago.  I've only taken 2 weeks off for broken bones in the past.  All good things come to an end, I won't ride this winter and am not sure I'll start again next spring.

It was not until today that I googled Hippo Hands and saw what they were! THOSE are awesome! I wear a pair of those cheap fuzzy gloves you find at the Dollar Store underneath my hard-knuckle leather gloves and my fingertips still get chilly by the time I get to work.

I swear by the Freeze-Out base layers I got for Christmas last year... from Cycle Gear magazine  :icon_mrgreen:

gsJack oh no! Did I read that last sentence correctly??  :sad:

anything lower then 70 degrees of course....  :thumb: :cool:

My Burgman gas full frontal protection, and a harness for my electric vest and pant liners, but I still haven't found the time in the last couple of years to ride at any temp below 50°, now my WR is a different story, it has been ridden in the snow.

(http://home.comcast.net/~stykers/burgcold01.jpg)

From S-FL, where the temps are never below the 50's, I'd say I was freezing on my bike when it got down to 46; lol   O0

Agreed! in South Florida I stop riding when it gets to 50 haha

I can tough out some pretty cold stuff, down in the 30's I cut it off though.

My winter Cut-off point is when the liquid brine gets applied to the bridges. My toys absolutely do not get salted.
Once spring time comes I wait for a couple good rain showers to wash salt off the road before the bike comes out.

The issue becomes frost and ice below 5C during mid day or even 10C from dusk till dawn.

Recreational vehicles are supposed to be fun? If cold is fun to you than I say Party On Wayne!!  :cheers:

This time of the year I glance into the garage and make sure all of the Battery Tenders have a green led showing  :thumb:

It's 27 degrees and sunny in Collumbus, Ohio! Headin out for a ride right now!




-best $500 bucks I ever spent

[attachment deleted by admin]

39 degrees is too cold.

Roaring via Tapatalk.

I've never ridden below 30.  I typically hate the cold and avoid prolonged exposure to it, but I love the bike so much more than my hate for cold.  The day I bought my GS it was in the low 30s and I had to ride expressway home for about 2 hours.

I typically go until the first snow, then I winterize and stick to the cage until it gets over 50.  Then I pull the bike out.  Dealing with snow and cold for months the bike becomes a symbol of nice weather for me, and if I have to bundle up I end up hating myself...

Watcher..this is totally off topic, but what kind of Boom-Stick is that in your avatar an AR-15?  :2guns:

There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear...

That being said, I'll ride short distances regardless of the temperature. The time of day (night time / sunrise & sunset), any wet or icy weather, high winds, etc all play a part too. I figure if there is any chance of ice and a car driver isn't expecting to see me, I don't consider it a safe time to ride.

I'm still riding in NY as long as its above freezing and there is sun.  The ride has to be worth it though.  If it takes me longer to layer and gear up than the ride then I'm driving the car.  Multiple stops become a pain when you have to keep removing and putting back on layers each time you stop.  After the first 1 or 2 snowfalls I put the bike up for the winter.  Road conditions become too poor to keep riding enjoyable.  Backroads become so loose with gravel and road conditions can change so unexpectedly.  Went down in the snow 2 years ago so snow rides are out unless I've got a dual sport on knobbies

Quote from: NYNJ8 on January 01, 2015, 11:39:51 PM
I'm still riding in NY as long as its above freezing and there is sun. The ride has to be worth it though. If it takes me longer to layer and gear up than the ride then I'm driving the car.  Multiple stops become a pain when you have to keep removing and putting back on layers each time you stop.  After the first 1 or 2 snowfalls I put the bike up for the winter.  Road conditions become too poor to keep riding enjoyable.  Backroads become so loose with gravel and road conditions can change so unexpectedly.  Went down in the snow 2 years ago so snow rides are out unless I've got a dual sport on knobbies

Actually, that is a much better answer than my stock. "39 is too cold."  I really like the part of your statement I emphasized in bold.

I have ridden below 39, for short distances, and enjoyed it just fine.  Sunlight, moisture, etc. all factor in.  Living in the upper south means I can be biking at any time in the winter.  I have a car, so if I cannot enjoy the ride, I use the cage.

Coldest I've ridden so far was 1 hour at 45-55MPH @ 28F. The only thing that REALLY got cold was my fingers. I have a first gear thermal suit that is very warm, especially with long johns under my jeans/windbreaker underneath it all. Also have a schampa pharoh balaclava that I wear sometimes in combination with another spandex neck gaiter. My gloves are leather with 100g thinsulate on the back and 20g on the palm. I'm ordering a set of oxford muffs because the Givis are out of stock and cost twice as much. TCX X-Ride boots with sock liners and 85% wool socks  keep the feet toasty. Also got a new HJC IS-17 so we'll see how that goes. I'm saving for a car this summer because it's just not worth it for my commute. I won't get rid of the bike, but it won't be a daily rider in the winter that's for sure.

I'm also ordering this because the 20-30 minute warm up is killing my fuel consumption:
http://www.amazon.com/Kats-1153-Handi-Heat-Magnetic-Heater/dp/B000BOABS6/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1420700856&sr=1-1&keywords=motorcycle+block+heater#productDetails

Quote from: enrgizerbunny on January 08, 2015, 12:25:05 AMI'm also ordering this because the 20-30 minute warm up is killing my fuel consumption:
http://www.amazon.com/Kats-1153-Handi-Heat-Magnetic-Heater/dp/B000BOABS6/ref=sr_1_1?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1420700856&sr=1-1&keywords=motorcycle+block+heater#productDetails

I would just start it and begin putting on your gear and then go when your gear is on, 20-30 minutes for warm up is Looney Tunes, get it on the road, that will warm it up.

I have to say that adding a balaclava and heated grips will do wonders for your commutes. I'm still installing the heated grips but the added cover from a balaclava (and waterproof gloves) made a world of difference for my morning commute.

Would ride my sportster in sub 30f 8 miles to work. Dressed in leather with trashbags as an insulator. My hands id wear 2 pairs of gloves. Windchill at 50 mph was nearly -48f

Quote from: jtl216 on January 08, 2015, 12:44:47 AM
I have to say that adding a balaclava and heated grips will do wonders for your commutes. I'm still installing the heated grips but the added cover from a balaclava (and waterproof gloves) made a world of difference for my morning commute.

Yes, I have added the Dainese Total Windstopper EVO Balaclava to my cold weather gear, and it made riding in the mid to low forties much more fun.  I tried several brands and I found this one to be far superior to the others. 

I have not added heated grips.  I do have the little hand warmer things I can put in my gloves and they make travel in the thirties possible, but not particularly enjoyable beyond 20 minutes or so.  I suppose heated grips could make it better since my hands always seem to be the weakest link in my heat retention gear...

That said, I just take the car when it gets below forty.  In Virginia, it doesn't stay below forty for too long (usually).

Generally, I stick to riding in comfortable weather. I rode every day for 3+ years in all kinds of weather. I've realized that any time I need snow gloves, a balaclava, ski pants, and snow boots, its too cold to be riding. Other than that, I'll ride anywhere in the range of 40-90 degrees. To be honest, living in Vegas has taught me riding in 110+ degree weather is 10000x worse than riding in 10 degree weather.

In S-Florida, the cold isn't the problem. Perhaps a few days to a week it's below 50's. It's the heat that kills riding over here!
During at least 6 months in a year, the temps are well above 85F.

Having these temps most time of the year, makes us ill prepared for safety. They're too hot to even wear a leather jacket.
So at best we have a light leather jacket over here, or some light jeans.

I bet in colder regions, people dress up well, and their chances of surviving a crash are much higher.

Over here, sometimes the asphalt on the roads becomes soft, because of the heat!

Quote from: Suzuki Stevo on January 08, 2015, 12:42:42 AM


I would just start it and begin putting on your gear and then go when your gear is on, 20-30 minutes for warm up is Looney Tunes, get it on the road, that will warm it up.

It doesn't idle off of choke when it's that cold until it's very warm. I'll ride on choke occasionally and take it off when I get to the highway. It's too much with the oxford mitts though.
Also: Magnetic block heaters don't work too well with that aluminum case. I stick it to the drain plug but I don't know exactly how much good it does, there isn't much difference.

Voluntarily/for leisure? I won't ride under 50 degrees. I should note that I ride in street clothes, so I don't have specialized gear to keep wind out. If the car is out of commission, I'll ride in any temp as long as there isn't snow/ice on the roads.