Can You Ride A Motorcycle In The Winter?
I live 10km from the university, and I can take the buses on the days of a bad snowfall etc. But normally the roads are well plowed and salted (I go to school in Hamilton, Ontario (near Toronoto fyi). Is it possible to ride a motorcycle during the winter? Also what kind of bike would work well in the winter? I am looking for something with 250cc or less.
I need to look at other forms of transportation, since I just got quoted at $6,000-$8,400 for insurance on a car.
October 28th, 2009 at 11:27 pm
Sure, it’s possible but you do have to be very careful. Not just keeping the bike and yourself upright while riding through snow and ice but also looking out for all the other drivers out there who, quite frankly, don’t know how to drive in the winter ( I live in Toronto myself so I see it every day ). As others have suggested, a dual with some knobby tires would probably be your best bet.
Also, as some other posts have mentioned regarding insurance rates. I would not be surprised if what this person states is the correct rate. Insurance for a young male in an urban city in Ontario can be outrageous.
October 28th, 2009 at 11:42 pm
Yes you can ride a bike all year, I would look in to the dual sport models such as the KLR 250…
but seriously, I hope that is a misprint on your insurance quote, if not, a bike isn’t going to be much less. you may want to look into some mopeds.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:01 am
Cripes, I live in Boston and I only ride from April through November. Unless you buy a heated suit, I wouldn’t recommend it. Also, in frigid sub-zero weather, the people driving cars are less careful about motorcycles, because there aren’t very many on the roads. Be careful. Buy a yellow reflective vest.
October 29th, 2009 at 12:29 am
The problem isn’t just the snow and ice, thats bad, but the dark that goes along with the winter. Trying to commute in the dark during the winter is extreemly dangerous, and not very fun at all.
During bad weather, nothing beats a scooter. If the roads are low speed, how about a Ruckus? or a big Ruckus?
If you decide to do this, invest in a reflective yellow riding jacket.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:03 am
The salt will start destroying your bike very quickly (if you still use the same stuff that we use in UK – alternatives are used in Europe), so consider getting a winter hack rather than a bright and shiny number that you will have to watch dissolve, although knobblies make sense for sitting snow a good wet weather tyre works better on slushy or icy roads.
October 29th, 2009 at 1:58 am
It can be done. I do it as well.
Couple things to think about – it can be dangerous.
Cars that don’t look for you in summer will not even think of you in winter.
If you want some really good info on the subject check out this website: http://www.advrider.com/
bikes, tires, studs, chains……………..
October 29th, 2009 at 2:30 am
Two words son: WIND CHILL.
Yes it’s doable, but that far north, good cold
weather gear will be a ‘must`, especially a good
set of well insulated gloves.
You will have to learn to watch for, and handle ice
patches:
Avoid where possible, coast across ’straight up’
with minimal throttle if you can’t.
Best of luck!
( The day I took my road test it was about 20 F.)
October 29th, 2009 at 2:52 am
Yes, I drive all year round. It’s dangerous driving on snow, being your on (2) wheels and all. As far as the bike itself, sure it can handle the weather.
Check out: Yamaha TW200, it’s 3700 brand new 199cc street legal dual purpose to handle snow on the ground. http://www.yamaha-motor.com/sport/produc…
Good luck.
October 29th, 2009 at 3:36 am
i’m right there with you shaun…
to answer the question,when i lived in kitchener,i only missed three days riding in a three year period,and that was only because a snow-plow turned my bike upside down in a snow bank,and it took 3 days to dig it out
October 29th, 2009 at 4:35 am
yes
a duel sport with agressive tires.
be very mindful when on ice. Its dangerous but doable.
October 29th, 2009 at 5:23 am
I ride my bike year around. I ride in rain, shine, sleet, and snow.
October 29th, 2009 at 5:26 am
I ride in the winter. But then I live in Phoenix, AZ, so that may not count as “winter riding”
October 29th, 2009 at 5:48 am
i ride as long as there isn’t a whole bunch of snow accumulation, and i’m in saskatchewan…. home of the -30 winter
October 29th, 2009 at 6:27 am
as long as you dont go over any ice, then you should be able to do it