I plan on riding through winter this year, did last winter and ended up making new tracks through the snow. it was a bit sphincter tightening, but I learnt loads, hope to remember most of that as i have further to fall now. most hazardous thing last year was snow settling on my visor! rubbish!
how can you properly appreciate the spring if you haven’t riden theough the horrid winter?
+1
It shouldn’t be a problem in town.
I was brought up in the country where black ice and snow drifts were quite common in the winter.
If you do have to ride in heavy snow and ice then try to use back brake only.
And if you want to practice the riding style then try your commute using back brake only.
It will get you to estimate the increased stopping distances and adjust your riding style.
Also makes you realise what an advantage a lighter bike is.
( Why are modern bikes so heavy? )
Yup, the only days I and the Significant Other don’t ride into town are when it snows. Generally the road at the bottom of our hill is gritted and you can even use it in the snow. The problem is the hill: it isn’t gritted and it’s very steep. Granted the T’Bird has ABS, but in the snow on a hill that only means you slide into things in a straight line.
When it has been snowing, or there may be frost or ice around, there are simple rules to follow:
Take it slow.
Nope, slow down a bit more.
Even slower.
Nope, you’re still too fast.
OK. That’s better.
Actually… a little slower wouldn’t be a bad thing.
Don’t filter: that bit of the road hasn’t had any cars on it and is probably ice.
Chris.
Cityslicker,
it comes down to this: do you want to be commuting in January or February? No? Then don’t. If yes there is a lot of sound advice above.
I did four winters of commuting, and to be honest looking back it was not fun nor pleasant. Any ice or snow and you are hideously exposed to any idiot who cannot drive, bike tyres are not design for sub zero snowy road. Added into the lovely salt eating away at anything and everything. ACF50 and FS365 and rinsing your bike twice daily with cold water goes some way to preserving it, but it is not a complete protection.
Ultimately it is your choice. People insulting because you wanted information is a bit much.
I am currently using by bike for work every day until I will be able to buy another bike for commuting. I have had this bike for 4.5 years now, she is the reason I breathe and I dont want to see her all corroded. I have been looking after her all of those years. I do try to wash/clean her often (altjough its a bit hard where I live) but I already witnessed the horror that salt causes.
Since this is the first winter that I am using my bike in Uk, I too am worried about the vast amounts or rain and salt (more than ice or cold weather actually :Whistling: ). I just ordered an ACF 50 and will take it from there…
Truth is I didnt have any issues with ice yet…so other than the freezing cold, I dont see any reason not to use a motorbike in Winter.
