winter commuters

[sierraoffroad]

are there any die hard winter commuters here? I'm thinking about using my 2004wr250f as my winter beater on the days in between storms. it's plated and my commute is 20 miles each way with speeds around 45mph.

[comac90]

Every day on my WR250R ... unless is snowing. Which basically does mean 'every day' since we don't get much snow even though living in the mtns of NC.

T

[ph0rk]

So far this year the only think that has kept me home is the flu.

Weather is much more mild here, though: only a slight bit of freezing temps before 8 or 8:30, 40s-50s by 12.

[smilin jack]

Originally Posted by sierraoffroad

are there any die hard winter commuters here? I'm thinking about using my 2004wr250f as my winter beater on the days in between storms. it's plated and my commute is 20 miles each way with speeds around 45mph.

Yes, every day except in snow, ice and freezing rain (that's about 5 days per winter). It mostly RAINS here in western Oregon... think temperate rain forest.

This morning we had 28 mph wind, heavy rain and fogged helmet to contend with during the 20 mile commute. Snow predicted tonight so may end up driving the 4x4 truck. The truck gets 12 mpg and the DR650 around 50 mpg.

FirstGear one piece suit, waterproof riding boots, and soon to be helmet de-fogger installed. The face plate fogs up sometimes, so have been working on an electric heater for keeping fog gone. Have tried it with a 9vdc battery and works fine (one day per battery). Installing a 12vdc power port on the dash is next.

I'll do a write up later so everyone can make a face plate heater.



Here's an electric face plate photo from the web. Costs a lot (around $100us).

Dave

[satur9]

yes.if your super serious.get yourself an extra set of tires and use aerostich tire studs.thats what I use.i put them in every other row of knobs. to mantain some dry traction. heated gloves and insoles. and im good to go. I live in ohio where it actually snows.

[PacificPT]

Every day on my 1st gen KLR 650. Of course here in Monterey CA the temp varies less than 10 degrees F during the year. I know it is not enough to call riding year round hard core.

[wvridgerider]

As long as there is no ice, I will ride my 525. It is only 2.5 miles and I hate defrosting the windows of my van. I use to cycle but traffic has gotten too bad. 25 degrees the other morning.

[MADurstewitz]

I'm good down to about 25F as long as nothing is falling out of the sky. All interstate 35 miles each way. Fortunately the traffic keeps the pavement pretty warm.

[sierraoffroad]

oops i forgot about this thread for a few days. thanks for all your replies. thanks for the tips smilin jack and satur9. that sheild is a nice piece of equipment. I think the company that makes the studs offers a discound to clubs if i remember right. as I think more about I'm wondering if i should be looking for a slightly stronger stator. my bike won't run heated anything. I have a basic dual sport kit that doesn't leave much room for extras.

[justlookin]

Commute on my WR250R most days with 36k miles on the clock. I usually only leave it home if it is raining or snowing going to work - if I manage to get wet going to work, then I'll be wet going home. I am using heated gear and it is great when it works - current setup seems reliable but I once had a controller fail on me out in the Rockies - super cold and miserable..
I wonder if you could use some of the battery heated gear like hunters use and not have to modify your bike. I enjoy the ride - helps me prepare for and unwind from workdays.

[Ichthy Rider]

I have caged it 2 days this year so far, chances are I will have to do so again once or twice, but I ride almost every day. I work in 2 locations each day for a total of 75 mile daily commute, all done on a Honda ST1100. No heated gear other than heated grips.

Took this pic last year. My coldest ride this year has been 2 degrees, and yes I have the pics to prove it.

[Ichthy Rider]

Taken this morning...

[jessepitt]

[Balootraveler]

I ride my commuter mt bike or my KLR everyday unless the roads are snowy/icy. It would not be bad riding but the cagers around here can not drive in sunny weather and the snow is ridiculous! So much for Idahoans knowing how to drive in snow, at least in the banana belt of the Treasure Valley.