Winter Riding in New Hampshire

[dhgeyer]

Did an 80 mile ride on the Beemer today. Left about 10:40, got back about 1:55. It was 30 degrees when I left, and as I went North and West it stayed about the same till I started back. The roads were mostly clear, with only a few slick spots to dodge. I stuck to 2 lane designated routes (no back roads). Our driveway is still quite icy, so the 50 feet out to the street was the trickiest part. Anyway, my electric gear and heated grips kept me warm for the most part.

The last time the roads were clear enough to ride was December 20th. It's been snowing every few days since then, including a couple of significant storms. I wanted to get at least one ride in January, and it looked like today was the day. If there's a lot of snow around, I think I like it better if it's around or below freezing. If it gets too warm the snow beside the road melts and the roads get wet. If the roads are dry, the salt doesn't get on the bike too much, and doesn't really hurt anything as long as it stays dry. I can then rinse it down at my leisure instead of having to do a thorough spraying as soon as I get back.

Anyway, the Sun was shining the whole time, and I had a great ride. And man-o-man I sure needed it!

I apologize for the picture quality. I didn't think to take my camera, so these were taken with my phone.


http://s4.postimage.org/13eeSi.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV13eeSi)

http://s3.postimage.org/1hQO89.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq1hQO89)

http://s4.postimage.org/13eQhr.jpg (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV13eQhr)

[bonehead]

No thanks! My old body could'nt take it.

[dhgeyer]

Hey bonehead - I've been thinking about heading South for a week or two to get away from all this. What's it like down your way these days? I've heard the South is pretty cold lately. I've never been to Texas and thought it would be cool to do a road trip there this Winter. Sue and Rachael want to go to Florida, but that doesn't excite me at all.

[bonehead]

Right now it is 32f with 30mph winds, gusting to 45mph. The house is the best place to be right now.

[Easy Rider]

Sue and Rachael want to go to Florida, but that doesn't excite me at all.

Looks like I'll be going to the Daytona area the week BEFORE the 500.....about 2/08.....for some dirt track racing. Alas, I won't be on the bike.......oh, and I won't be doing the racing either. :cool:

[dhgeyer]

Right now it is 32f with 30mph winds, gusting to 45mph. The house is the best place to be right now.

Geeeeeez - I might as well stay here!

[dhgeyer]

Looks like I'll be going to the Daytona area the week BEFORE the 500.....about 2/08.....for some dirt track racing. Alas, I won't be on the bike.......oh, and I won't be doing the racing either. :cool:

Daytona might be fun. I hadn't thought of that. Unfortunately January is going to work better for me than February for travel.

So, your dirt bike is out of action???? ;)

[Easy Rider]

So, your dirt bike is out of action???? ;)

Yes. Has been for a while. Like about 35 years !! :biggrin:

The dirt track races west of Daytona will be stock cars/sprints.

[dubwise]

@dhgeyer, I was riding in your neck of the woods the last two days.
My Sprinter was having cold start issues, and the dealer's an hour north in Keene.
Threw my GS500 in the back, dropped off the truck Monday and had a lovely ride down 10.
Yesterday I took the all-highway route to pick it up.

EMS long johns, insulated jeans, wool socks, Red Wing boots.
Sweat shirt, LL Bean chamois shirt, fleece vest, bulky sweater, armored leathers.
Balaclava, scarf (tucked into sweater), knit hat, helmet with fog free face.
Silk gloves, cotton gloves, Thinsulate leather gauntlets, xcountry skiing over-mitts.
The only part that needs work is that the balaclava around my glasses
restricted my peripheral vision, and I couldn't turn my head very far.
I set the mirrors wider than usual, and leaned into them before changing lanes.
Need a balaclava with a wider opening.

I don't think I would have enjoyed it much on the GZ250, because even the
GS500 was getting blown around, and it's a lot more sure-footed at speed.
However, it's the GZ250 that I'm setting up as my winter bike.
Most of my riding is around town, where the GZ rules over all.
It's way easier to pick up the GZ when I inevitably drop it in an icy parking lot,
and the upright cruiser seating position feels more stable on treacherous ground.
I'm putting Vstrom knuckle guards on it, and I'm looking for tires that have serious tread.

[dhgeyer]

dubwise,

Which GS500 do you have, the GS500E (naked) or the GS500F (has bodywork)? If you have the "F", it likely will give you a little better wind protection in very cold weather. Also, salt won't hurt plastic as much as metal, especially chrome. Apart from that, the 500 may (not to say does as I don't know but worth looking into) have enough alternator output to power electric clothes. The GZ250 definitely does not. If you keep this madness up you will (trust me on this) want to migrate to electric clothing sooner or later.

My Winter bike is a BMW R850R, which is heavier than either of your machines. But it has that wonderful Beemer power plug, a 700 watt alternator, heated grips, a good windshield, and it has never gone down any farther than the cylinder heads, which does no damage except to the small and relatively inexpensive plastic cylinder head guards. It's also not too hard to pick it up from that partially tipped over position. I have good BMW handguards for it, but I don't like them much and they are currently not on the bike. Between the heated handgrips and electric gloves my hands have been warm enough so far without them.

I haven't had the problem with the balaclava that you are having. It can limit my head movement a little, but I find that if I'm careful to leave some "slack" when I tuck it into my jacket it's not too bad. The opening in mine has never limited peripheral vision at all.

Definitely agree the little GZ is easier to manage, especially on ice. I've taken the GZ places that I wouldn't dare try with either of my other bikes. That's part of the fun of owning it, as it opens up riding opportunities around here. Not sure what you'll find for winter/off road tires, but it can't hurt to ask. If the roads are wet when you ride, this time of year you will be splashing and splattering salt water all over your bike. If you value its looks and/or resale value, you will want to hose it down when you get home to get the salt off.

I must admire your chutzpa. I'm waiting for Friday and/or Saturday to ride, as it's going to be a lot warmer. I have ridden down to 20 degrees, but if it's going to warm up in a day or two, I'll wait.

By the way, when the weather really warms up, would you have any interest in meeting up for some riding? I've never seen 2 GZ250's together around here. Maybe we could start a trend.

[dubwise]

It's a 1994 GS500E, naked, with a little Spitfire screen on it. Sweet condition. Purple wheels.

Thanks for the ride offer, but we're two or three hours apart. That's farther than I'd care to go on the 250,
especially now that the 500 is sitting right there next to it. I love the 250 around town, which is most of my riding.
The GS500 is also notoriously not a fan of the cold. Seriously, it takes 10 minutes of riding before it's really happy
without the choke at freezing temps. That's another reason to rig the 250 as the winter bike. So they both have
their roles. Good to have an extra bike when the kid's having trouble with his beat up old FZ600, too.

[dhgeyer]

The GS500 is also notoriously not a fan of the cold. Seriously, it takes 10 minutes of riding before it's really happy
without the choke at freezing temps.

Advantage fuel injection. The Beemer takes a few cranks to kick over (all the older boxers do that) but it's consistent, and it doesn't care how cold it is. Starts the same at 20 degrees as it does at 80. And there's no need to warm it up. Crank it up and go, just like my car. That's one of the reasons I'm so hot to get my hands on a TU250 - it's fuel injected also.

[Water Warrior 2]

Dubwise: A big :2tup: for your sense of adventure.

Are the Vstrom handguards for the 650 or 1000 ? The 1000 will likely not fit on the clutch side due to having been designed to fit a hydraulic clutch lever. 650 guards should work with some luck. I am curious why you chose them. Just a headsup on the handguards for toasty finger tips. The bottom of the guard is very open and allows cold air to hit your fingers and thumb. Just make a filler piece from light plastic and use 2 sided tape to attach it into the guard. I tried this with light cardboard and duct tape and the difference was amazing to my old cold digits. My next project is light plastic and 2 sided tape. I am also considering extending the top of the guards for better wrist protection but so far this hasn't been a problem with Red Wing guantlets.
Extending the guards has been a fairly hot topic lately with Vstrom riders and everyone says it works very well. One Forum member is even manufacturing top and bottom form fitted guard extensions and selling them. Turns the guard into a mini-fairing for the hands. Very impressive farkle.

[dubwise]

I got these: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... &viewitem= (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190358483434&viewitem=)
referred by some posts on gstwin.com, the GS500 site.

Description says Complete kit for adding DL1000 type hand guards to the DL650.Color Black. Easy installation. Fits Suzuki DL650/DL1000, 2004'-2009

They came yesterday, and the shape and holes seem to line up. Going to try to mount them maybe Friday. Supposed to be warm.

[Water Warrior 2]

I got these: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... &viewitem= (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190358483434&viewitem=)
referred by some posts on gstwin.com, the GS500 site.

Description says Complete kit for adding DL1000 type hand guards to the DL650.Color Black. Easy installation. Fits Suzuki DL650/DL1000, 2004'-2009

They came yesterday, and the shape and holes seem to line up. Going to try to mount them maybe Friday. Supposed to be warm.

That makes sense. "DL1000 TYPE". But made to fit the 650. Oh yah, the cost is an insult to anyone in the GWN. Mine were $140 here at a dealer. Would like to see a pic when you are done with the install.

[burkbuilds]

dhgeyer, you have my admiration. I don't have the guts to get out in snow and ice on my bike. I'm nervous enough taking the truck out in those conditions.

[dhgeyer]

Thanks BB! Actually, I don't ride unless the roads are clear, or if I'm desperate, a small patch of ice left here and there that I can easily avoid. The only ice or snow I have to deal with is the driveway, about 50 feet. It's not as bad as you'd think.

Apart from that, having grown up and learned to drive just South of Buffalo, NY, and never having lived anywhere other than in the North East, we tend to learn to deal with it. When I was 16, I took my driving test in the middle of a Hell of a blizzard in Warsaw, NY, and passed.

[JWR]

When I was 16, I took my driving test in the middle of a Hell of a blizzard in Warsaw, NY, and passed.


Horse and Buggy? :poke2:








:hide:

[dubwise]

The roads are clear and dry around here. Just cold, and
cold's nothing but an excuse to get more and better gear.

[dhgeyer]

When I was 16, I took my driving test in the middle of a Hell of a blizzard in Warsaw, NY, and passed.


Horse and Buggy? :poke2: :hide:

Roman Chariot

[Water Warrior 2]

The roads are clear and dry around here. Just cold, and
cold's nothing but an excuse to get more and better gear.
There lies the path to a well used credit card. Hot weather gear, wet weather gear, cold weather gear, long distance gear, spare back-up gear.............................................. .................................................. ........................it just never ends. Don't ask me how I know.

[burkbuilds]

Winter riding in Atlanta yesterday was pretty nice. It started out a little chilly, about 28 degrees, but by afternoon it was 60! I started out the day with all the gear on, heated gloves, vest, balacava, extra layers, but by afternoon I was just in jeans and a jacket, very nice!

[dhgeyer]

There lies the path to a well used credit card. Hot weather gear, wet weather gear, cold weather gear, long distance gear, spare back-up gear.............................................. .................................................. ........................it just never ends. Don't ask me how I know.

:2tup: :2tup: :plus1:

Still, it's cheaper than buying bikes all the time.

I've had all three bikes out in the last two days, as it's been into the 40's, and, like dub said, clear roads. Did a 50 miler on the GZ250 today. It almost hit 50 degrees! I'm afraid I splashed some salt on it from the wet roads. Need to get that off ASAP. Party's over, though. Back to snow tomorrow and Monday. Still, it's been pretty warm for January around here. Mid month and no sub zero temps yet, and none predicted.

[Water Warrior 2]

We were out for a ride this afternoon. About 2.5 hours total with a coffee somewhere in the middle. Not much above freezing so we weren't all that comfy but better than sitting in front of the tube. Strangely we both got a bit chilled even with the heated gear. We have ridden in colder temps with no problems so we will just chalk it up the phase of the moon or something.

[alanmcorcoran]

I feel a little sheepish cause I went on a 3O odd miler today and "bundled up." It was at night and it got down to about 50. Had the big gloves on (HUGE gloves) and the MAx it head gator. Stuck with the Lucky Jeans though. with the liner in the Motorhead jacket and my regular Alpinestar boots I was very comfortable. When I read about you guys riding around in 10 degree sh*t, I am thankful I was too much of a pussy to stay in upstate New York.

No electric underwear for me.... yet. I have used those chemical hand warmers skiing, but even there, I find that good quality gloves work best.

[Water Warrior 2]

Alan, have you noticed how sheep dress ? You dressed for comfort and warmth. And you had a nice ride, can't find anything wrong with that.

[alanmcorcoran]

Yeah, that's what I'm going for. Look out M-f'ers! Here comes the Mighty Sheep! Ba-a-a--a--a--! I shall fear no evil (assuming I can just follow the other sheep through the Valley of Death) for I Am Dressed Warmly!

Seriously, I don't like to be cold.

[Water Warrior 2]

That is just too funny Alan.

[dhgeyer]

Seriously, I don't like to be cold.

Aw c'mon, how cold does it get in Anaheim? If I was complaining about the cold where you live, I'd be feeling, well, pretty sheepish.

[alanmcorcoran]

Once it was, like, 38!

[dhgeyer]

Once it was, like, 38!

Really? It got that warm in January? But, what I meant was, how cold does it get? :poke2:

[Water Warrior 2]

I can relate to what Alan means. After living here on the West Coast for 5 years I would probably keel over dead if I went back to a prairie winter. It is all about being acclimatized to milder temps. 40 below F was not uncommon this time of year in Edmonton Alberta. 30 below with bright sunshine was a beautiful day.

[dhgeyer]

Hey, I was just funnin' because I'm jealous. I just finished shoveling the driveway. The guy that plows us came early, then didn't come back to get that last inch or so. So a low of 38 with mostly warmer and sunny sounds pretty good to me.

I got it down to bare asphalt, though. As soon as the roads are clear I'll be back out there on the bike.

[alanmcorcoran]

Well, we've had a bit of a weather setback the last couple - been raining steadily - supposed to get three inches today alone. My front and back yard are pretty saturated - standing water in both. Not conducive to getting on two wheelers. Bit windy too, and all manner of weird crap in the roadways (soaked tumbleweeds, fr'instance.) Think it's about 50 though.

[Water Warrior 2]

Alan, do you get mud slides in your area ?

[alanmcorcoran]

It's been known to happen. We actually get something a little worse, something they call an "ancient landslide." If you are not lucky, your house might be built atop one.

When I first moved here there was a nine million dollar home that got a little crack in the driveway, that eventually expanded to be about a foot wide and they had to knock it down. The guy that bought only lived in it a few months before it went sliding down the hill. Here's a blog about a more recent one: http://wncsos.blogspot.com/2008/02/land ... thern.html (http://wncsos.blogspot.com/2008/02/landslides-destroy-homes-in-southern.html)

I live in a cheaper neighborhood where the ground is more stable - plus I have a jungle growing on the slope behind my house and the roots help hold the dirt in place.

[Water Warrior 2]

It is surprising to people who will build in the strangest places just for the view and then suffer the consequences. What, no forethought about "What If ".

[alantf]

After living here on the West Coast for 5 years I would probably keel over dead if I went back to a prairie winter. It is all about being acclimatized to milder temps.

I know exactly what you mean! When I went to my daughter's in England, for Christmas, it was the first snow I'd seen for 7 years. Made a mental note to NEVER go back to England in December!