Buying a motorcycle and wondering what issues may arise out of starting/riding in cold/rain alot.Suggestions?

Question

Leaning towards a Buell Blast (first bike) which will be my only means of transportation. Should I be aware of there being any major problems due to everyday driving to class/work in rain and cold? Thanks!

Answer 1

The only real problem is you will get cold and/or wet.  A rain suit might be a good thing to get as well.

Answer 2

in cold weather your hands will get extremely cold if you can afford it get heated grips, I ride in 30 degree weather during the winter months

Answer 3

Please trust me when I say this, buy a motorcycle with a fairing and windshield.  This equipment  provides a lot of comfort when the temps head south and will enable you to extend your riding season.  

I second the  electrically heated riding gear.  I use Gerbing Union Ridge pants, jacket liner, and classic gloves.  Be certain if you buy the gear your charging system can handle the load.  

A larger machine will or can be equipped with hard saddle bags.  Really needed to keep your gear dry and available when needed.

Good rain gear is a must.  Serves double duty.  Keeps you dry and helps block the wind.

If your funds permit look at a larger bike.  A lot come equipped with the aforementioned fairing and windshield.  Bigger engine will have bigger charging system.  All good.

Good Luck

Answer 4

Yes, you will find it substantially wetter and colder than you are used to.  In fact you will become a weather fanatic, listening to weather reports from your local NWS office continually.

Why? If your are cold (and/or wet) you may not be as alert as you might wish to be, when a semi-truck goes rushing past with a wall of water trailing in his wake.  Or following other cars, you will be unable to decide whether it is better to follow closer so your tires can find traction under all that water in the tireprints of the car ahead  or fall back so your helmet doesnt collect so much water from that car, so that you can't see.

Oh, and WIND CHILL is very REAL. You can wear a perforated leather jacket in hot weather but you will need something to cut the breeze any time it drops below 72 degrees. Mr Windbreaker is your friend.

So, you will want to get a bunch of riding in on 75 degree days with the sun out to make up for the days you spent riding in the snow, planting your feet at very corner and skiing around to remain upright.

Get a small SAME encoded portable all weather radio (oregon scientific?), you'll be glad you did.



You will need tires more often if you ride in the rain and snow, and you will want to use either multivis oil or have it changed to a lighter grade in winter and a heavier grade in summer.

(Thus the popularity of 10W-40.)

Be aware of the type and depth of tread you have. You want as much rubber on the roads as you can get. But you will have a tendency to HYDROPLANE if there is not a path from the water under your tires to the outside world.

Answer 5

Yes, there maybe some major issues here.  One, how cold does it get in your part of the world?  I would look strongly at an All weather riding suit such as something from Aero Stitch or First Gear.  Something with a zip out liner for cold mornings and then hot/warm afternoons.  Also a full coverage helmet is better for different weather conditions than a 1/2 or 3/4 helmet with a sheild even.  Also, you will get cold hands so get some waterproof and insulated gloves.  I see many riders in my town that ride to work/class with no jacket, helmet, gloves and some even wearing sandals.  That is an accident waiting to happen.  Plus, being uncomfortable in different weather than what they started out in.  I have been riding longer than a lot of riders have been on this earth and have learned the hard way how to stay safe and comfortable.

Answer 6

Yes. Wet pavement is slick and visibility is diminished (people won't see you).  Get a rain suit with reflective strips.  If you are dry, sweats underneath will help keep you warm.

Answer 7

It might be worth it to invest in some heated gear by Gerbing's or Widder.  I'm in Minneapolis-St. Paul.  It works.