A Brisk Ride By kz1000st (Read 341 times)

[kz1000st]

I had to make another 78 mile ride (roundtrip) to Binghamton this morning. This one tried my soul. The thermometer said 33* as I walked passed it on my way to the garage to get out the Fashion. On top of the cold there was a chilly, damp fog hanging in the air. To counter the chill I put on my leather boots, nylon sneakers weren't cutting it, and grabbed my leather mittens. The mittens are a vestige of my skiing days with good quality leather and Thinsulate filling.
Beyond that it was just another day in the saddle. Good scenery, clearing skies and a final temperature around 50 when I got home. The bike slid past 7,600 on the odometer and ran like a freight train, but with one difference. I usually try to keep the speed at 59 and 60 mph to save the revs. Today I was admiring the scenery a couple of times when I noticed a change in the feel of the bike
The first time I looked down to see 64 mph on the speedometer, the second time it registered 66 mph. Both are faster than the 62 mph I haven't exceeded since I got it. I guess the engine is finally loosening up. I'll have to keep a tighter reign on it.
I had to fill up again netting only 71 mpg this time, a hefty difference over my 20 mpg minivan.

It looks like Winter is starting to settle in.

[rgmarsing]

I think it's one of the best times of the year for riding. I would much rather be a little chilled than sweating. It's been in the high 30's to low 40's over night here in SLC but in the low to mid 60's in the afternoon. It's supposed to last another week like this and then I'm afraid it will probably start getting just to cold for pleasure riding.
That brings up a good idea for a conversation. What are the things on your list that will keep you from riding. Let's leave out the obvious like blizzards or hurricanes.
My list begins with COLD (won't go out in anything below freezing unless I have to. Remember my scoot is my only source of motorized trans. Don't like to go out in anything below 45.)
Next HEAT. I have ridden in temps upto 105 but prefer not to ride if it's over about 97. (time to hear from our friend in So. Arizona here)
Wind can also be bad. Continuous gusts above 40 mph really cause havoc with my 150cc. I'll delay if I can on days like that. Luckily for me they are rare around here.
Wet is my last. A lite rain is ok for me but ain't going to happen in a steady down pour.
Anybody else have any deterents?

[kz1000st]

Road salt. The roads up here are white for weeks at a time with salt. It eats into everything. I leave mine parked until the spring rain washes it off the roads. One blogger in Pennsylvania had a picture of his centerstand broken in two by corrosion, on a Vespa no less.

[redroush00]

You aint a true biker unless snot runs around your head!

[Bashan]

Were you on your Fashion KZ? It'll pop 70MPH on a flat road. It likes 65 though, that's it's sweet spot.

Rain, I don't ride in the rain anymore. It's not fun and a PITA. Last year I rode all winter and didn't let the cold stop me, I like it in fact. My coldest ride was in the lower 20's. I use electrically heated gloves and my Fashion handles it no problem. As long as my hands stay warm I'm good. I also use a snow helmet with a skirt.

I have plenty of snot, there's a drain for it on the snow helmet.

[rgmarsing]

I understand the snow helmet Bashan, but doesn't the wind whip your skirt up over your face and expose your spiderman underwear. Hee hee hee

[FrankenMech]

I experienced the snot running around this evening. With the visor down I just had to let it run. Besides, I didn't have a hankie handy.

I don't trust these speedometers. Mine said I was doing 55mph/90kph on my 50cc tonight. I don't believe that at all.

[kz1000st]

I haven't seen an accurate speedometer on anything. Even my Wife's Rebel. They're all at least 10% optimistic. The odd thing is that the odometers are only 2-3% off.

[freefour]

With my winter coat good for -20C , leather winter boots , insulated leather riding gloves , sweater , a couple pair of jeans , and helmit with silk mask under it I'm good for sub 0 riding , just have to me be motivated to dress up and ride with the ice patched everywhere . In a month though it will be snow covered till May and will ride a little more as you can have traction on the snow . No salt used up here when the roads get covered they stay covered till spring . They plow them but only to clean the daily accumulation not all the way down to the road surface so your always on packed snow . Will get my studded snow tires on and have some real fun

[LUKE]

i love to ride in temps 110F upprovided i have to wear 3/4 helmet (not half and not full, should specifically be 3/4).
i used to ride in the rain back in Asia,now i still want to but it only rain once of twice in AZ,never got the chance.
38F and below,i'd rather not ride. i have a low tolerance in coldness., can't imagine how people can live in edmonton canada where you throw a glass of water in the air and becomes ice as it falls.... ain't crazy to live there.,, i'd rather cook a sunny side up on top of my car hood..lol
BUT, never never will i ever ride in wind again, i tried riding in 40-50mph wind and it wasn't a happy experience. it felt like someone is sandblasting my neck and hands...shet! and all the dust got stuck in my engine area and compartment.. everywhere in my scooter...twas a mess puck!!