39 degrees is too cold.

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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? 

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.