Winter Ridin'

[dadofthree]

what a distracted ider ?

almost 70 today up to 6.3K.

 

[hitmancqc]

Just got my busa 3 days ago, so cold riding only for now. But it is still braking in time so nothing heavy yet. Anyone got any opinions on nitrogen in the tires? Appreciate any info.

 

[BA BUSA]

(Charlesbusa @ Dec. 11 2006,08:50)

(Shibumi @ Dec. 10 2006,14:50)

(Shibumi @ Dec. 08 2006,21:05) I was just debating posting a thread about this.

My first winter on the bike- experienced riders, how much do you back off when it's 30-40 degrees? I mean, if you go around a corner at 70 when it's hot, do you do 60 when it's cold? How much do you have to back off?

Anybody?

Its impossible to say if you went 70 before you can go 60 now.

There are just too many varibles.
Cold tires
Hot tires
New tires
Old tires
Cold road
Hot road
Road in sunlight
Road in shade
Road wet
Ice on road
Road level
Road banked
Road clean
Road dirty
Skilled rider
Newbie rider
Dumb rider
Smart rider
Cold rider
Comfortable rider
Hot rider
Distracted ider
Concentrating rider

    Just go slower in the winter guys  

+1 tooooo many variables

In winter if your going to do some twisties, first ride the road at about 2/3 your normal pace to check the conditions...then if it's clear you can gradually pick up the pace.

 

[dadofthree]

Yeah I have become much more cautious, will be looking forward to spring. Thanks.

 

[hitmancqc]

nitrogen in tires? any comments, is anyone using nitrogen?

 

[monster]

Last 2 times I rode leaving my driveway shifting from 1st to 2nd the azz kicks out. A couple of miles on the highway gets 'em warmed up but I would never attempt the stuff I do when it's 80° out

 

[hitmancqc]

Does anyone use NO2??

 

[Dirty_Red]

Cold weather...man, you just gotta know what your bike can and can't do. I ride very cautious when the roads look funny. I generally will ride when the temp is low 40's. But I try not to get out and ride in the rain at all, if I can help it. I just bought some leather chaps cause the jeans and long johns just could not keep the 40-41 degee wind out. So I hit IH 35 and go all around DFW hit Austin and just try to be very careful. People tend to look at a biker riding in that kinda weather differently. But I love it, the BUSA loves it if you had not noticed. It just BREATHES.....

 

[05 Busa LE]

(dadofthree @ Dec. 08 2006,20:23) Just showing my ignorance in the hope that someone won't crash because of cold temps affects on tires. Just got a Metzler rear and on three different days recently I had trouble when going from first to second gear.

Aside from the cold weather, you said that you "just got a Metzler rear."

I'm no expert like some of the people on this great site, but I do know that new tires need to be carefully scrubbed in--there's some type of slick coating on them as a result of the manufacturing process. Be careful is right, with new tires and cold weather!

 

[dadofthree]

Coating or wax gone, and you are correct, but it doesn't take much to get rid of that. Now if spring will get here I'll get rid of that nasty 1/4" winter chicken strip. Guys; I don't think I'll ever loose the one up front. Rode in a T-Shirt today, not bad, but I didn't get carried away either. At the local shop they have a destroyed Joe Rocket. Concrete barrier at 120 MPH I was told. Broke leg, supposedly no rash. Thinking about riding tonight too. Be good my peeps.

 

[Spike]

As long as there is no rain I will ride as low as it goes.  I take it a little easier in the turns, not being a crazyman I don't tweak out that much in warm weather anyhow.

Charlesbusa had it dead on as usual.  Know your bike, know your riding skill and know how to use your head.  Keep all three in harmony and you'll keep the rubber down.  Sadly there is no formula for figuring out the best speeds for all conditions.  Just keep your head and don't push it in the cold and you will be fine.

It was 25 degrees Fahrenheit this morning when I rode into work at 3am.  It was the coldest I have ever ridden.  I dressed for it, took it easy (but not TOO easy) and it was just like riding on a warm summer's day. 2nd gear just LOVES breaking the tire free right now though so be careful out there!

 

[camaro69_4542003]

Sadly its been snowing and roads are staying icy and wet. Just moved to Utah and had 1 day last week when weather was up nice and roads were dry. Still wasnt the greatest riding conditions but hey alittle ridings better than none i guess. Just be careful during the winter and pay attention to the road and how the bike feels. During cold weather i try to just take it easy and follow alittle farther behind cars and other bikes. On another note AGV Vented sport rider pants SUCK during winter lol. They were awsome in Arizona. Utah not so good lol.

 

[SLA1500]

Nitrogen does not leak out of the tires like good ole compressed air. Thus, your tire pressures will stay more constant.

 

[jch364]

Its been around 40 here in Ohio and I have been riding into work every day in December I could except for the rain. It was even like 50 + Sat and Sunday. Even went on a ride From Dayton at Columbus and back on Sat. No problems and put nearly 200 miles on the bike... Crazy warm around here for Ohio. I love it! I thought about the cold weather effects on tires and I agree with all the above. I think that you can ride in whatever low temps you want so long as you just turn down the intensity. Just imagine your riding a Harley...that speed....minus the annoying pipes, the rough ride, the oil leaks, the repair bills, etc.........well ok forget that analogy.........just be more carefull......

 

[hitmancqc]

thanks, sla1500. Will put no2 in tires this weekend. Going to have first service done this weekend so will do it all at once.

[dropshadow=][/dropshadow][glow=][/glow]

 

[dadofthree]

NO2 is dry compared to the moisture or condensate found in compressed air unless you're planning on buying a cylinder ( unlikely ). For me it's a no never mind. I just don't push my bike to the edge and I'm not competing on the track.

NO2 is superior to air from a compressor, just doesn't seem worth it to me.

 

[hitmancqc]

if no2 is superior to air why not consider it . Even though you may not be a hard rider, it isnt expensive and can help the tires last longer if nothing else.

 

[dadofthree]

Make sure the tires are evacuated. No water, no air, and go for it. I don't have an inexpensive way to go in my area, but I do have a small compressor in my garage.