Riding in snow for the first time, any tips? IN SACRAMENTO, CA!

Nickds7 · December 7th, 2009, 01:56 PM

Believe it or not, sacramento, ca has received snow. Up the hill as elevation goes up a few hundred feet, it is covered in snow from what I've heard. Record snow level, ever, I think.

Any tips for riding in snow?

OldGuy · December 7th, 2009, 02:12 PM

Don't

tiburonsita · December 7th, 2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGuy

Don't

Best advice imo.

Greg_E · December 7th, 2009, 03:04 PM

Let's see... You have 2 wheels to keep you on the road and a machine that leaves to make corners..... I think I would need some good off road conditions and a good off road bike to think about much riding on the snow, I can't believe it would be that much fun slowing down to nearly a stop for each corner. People do it all the time, but most of those have a decent dual sport machine.

I don't think I would suggest it with a sport bike, even a little 30 horsepower bike unless it is under 200 pounds.

Get a dualsport out, put on some good protective gear, and plan on at least one crash and maybe it would be fun.

patw · December 7th, 2009, 03:31 PM

A video on this subject has been bouncing around various Canadian forums:

Link to original page on YouTube.

And yes, everyone thinks he's nuts

Knobbies + Screws is the magic that makes it happen.

Apex · December 7th, 2009, 03:47 PM

Yeah, that guy reminds me of me. I'd do something like that.

bob706 · December 7th, 2009, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldguy

don't

+10000

patw · December 7th, 2009, 03:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Apex

Yeah, that guy reminds me of me. I'd do something like that.

Me too. As soon as I saw it I thought back to the neighbours KLR650... I bet it would be fun. But, I sure as heck wouldn't commute with it

JeffM · December 7th, 2009, 04:39 PM

See these links.

http://www.docwong.com/st-clinc/snow1.htm A Ducati rider gets caught in the snow

http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/str...now/index.html Cold and snow riding tips

http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/weather/#snow good tips for riding in all types of weather

I've rode when it is snowing but not sticking to the road. Visability becomes an issue as snow sticks to your visor. Also, you have to be very, very careful and ride like you would on a rainy day but always thinking that you might hit ice. Kind of scary.

Like others have said: Take the cage.

ninjabrewer · December 7th, 2009, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldGuy

Don't

That's why I left my bike in socal

nb

250Rocket · December 7th, 2009, 05:00 PM

Although it might be fun to practice some burnouts/donuts. The tire won't be shredded as much

I joke but I have thought about doing that with mine.

P.S. Global warming, it's real.

ninjabadger · December 7th, 2009, 06:13 PM

I'm going to echo what others have said, vehemently, and loudly.

Don't ride in the snow. I mean if the road is clear and its not actively snowing, I could see being cautious and riding. Under these conditions you would need to make sure to look out for salt and sand that was laid down during the last snowfall. But still, you would want to watch for patches of ice hiding in the shadows, and have a plan B that you're prepared to implement the moment the flakes start falling.

If it's actively snowing, don't ride. I mean seriously, don't even think about it. I tried wrestling my 50cc, 200lb, automatic tranny scooter through what any other region of the country would call a snowstorm last Thursday and didn't get more than one mile before I had to stop and stash the bike. I don't even want to think about what wrestling a 25+ horsepower 400lb motorcycle would be like. Even if its just flurrying and it doesn't look like its accumulating, all it will take is finding a patch of black ice hiding in the shadow of a tree while riding at speed to ruin your day, and your bodywork.

I've lived the last 12 years of my life driving in Wisconsin, where if you don't know how to operate a vehicle in snow, you're not going anywhere. I don't ride if I know there's going to be snow. Period. Last week was operator error as I failed to check weather in the morning assuming that the forecast from the previous evening still held. I've learned my lesson.

Sailariel · December 7th, 2009, 06:14 PM

The only motorcycle that I would ride in the snow would be a Ural with three studded tyres and two concrete blocks in the sidecar.

Nickds7 · December 7th, 2009, 11:31 PM

Yea, I decided not to go the mile up the hill to the snow. Just to work and back. A cool 26 degrees, the inside of my visor froze

.

emt250 · December 7th, 2009, 11:52 PM

i didnt see any snow today... so dissapointed.

SteveL · December 8th, 2009, 12:45 AM

I have ridden on snow once 14 miles to get home there was no other way.
Don’t use the front brake go very slow in the bends use very gentle acceleration and with a bit of luck you can make it. And I would not do it again.

Steve

backinthesaddleagain · December 8th, 2009, 07:22 AM

Dirt bike in the snow, off road can be fun. Saw a couple guys returning from a ride in the snow this past Sunday. They were on Kawi 250 but of the motocross variety. Even then many winter trail riders screw their knobbies for traction on the ice.

Nickds7 · December 8th, 2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emt250

i didnt see any snow today... so dissapointed.

If you go up 50 towards s lake tahoe, once you get over the hill past folsom, there will be snow. It might be melting now. I live in folsom, so 8 minutes and snow!

OldGuy · December 8th, 2009, 05:38 PM

I didn't get the ski out-riggers attached to my passenger pegs before the storm hit so I guess I'll have to wait for things to clear out.

This intersection is 3 blocks from my house. Kelly has 50 foot waves and I've got this. Go figure.

Sailariel · December 8th, 2009, 05:53 PM

Don, I think it is time to concede to winter and put the bikes up. We have a super storm coming our way tomorrow. All I have to do is get my father-in-law to Chemo. The hospital is only a mile away. With front wheel drive and newish tyres, I should be OK. A Scotch in the evening will be good.

OldGuy · December 8th, 2009, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sailariel

Don, I think it is time to concede to winter and put the bikes up. We have a super storm coming our way tomorrow. All I have to do is get my father-in-law to Chemo. The hospital is only a mile away. With front wheel drive and newish tyres, I should be OK. A Scotch in the evening will be good.

And given in to the evil enemy Winter - never. Have a Scotch in the evening - every night.

Drive safe tomorrow, I'll most likely be tele-commuting if the snow keeps up.

Greg_E · December 8th, 2009, 07:33 PM

I put the snow tires on my car waiting for a storm to hit tonight. Normally putting the tires on the car means one storm, then several weeks of decent weather... Hoping to get my bike back out this weekend.

Racer x · December 8th, 2009, 07:47 PM

I rode bicycles and motorcycles to work in Baltimore for over ten years. If you can get out of snow riding it is good . But if you are riding and it snows . I will say first. Don't get relaxed . As soon as you get complacent feeling " this is OK " You are down.
Also . Remember that you can STOP. It is not a natural motorcycle reaction. But when faced with an ICE covered road from a water main brake. It took me a second to realize I cant ride over that. My natural reaction is .How will I ride this? Some times in winter You face things that you just have to so NOPE. And Stop.
Also If you have to commute in snow . Scooters are the flat out best thing. First they are cheep. You can pick them up .They are easy to park. Also you can put your feet out and plow through 6 inch of snow .

capt_bugaloo · December 8th, 2009, 07:50 PM

You're in Sacramento. How long are you going to have to wait for good riding weather.. a couple of days?

Surely you can leave the bike parked for all of 48 hours.

wyckedflesh · December 8th, 2009, 09:57 PM

You don't have to have snow to have Black Ice.

Relaxed does not mean Complacent, but Complacent means Relaxed.

Slow is as Slow does.

Sometimes in life, Snow happens and you have to decide to take a chance or freeze where your standing.

Black Ice does not take Snow to happen.

Did I mention that it doesn't take snow to make black ice appear?

In case I didn't, you really don't have to have any snow to make black ice appear.

Greg_E · December 9th, 2009, 07:12 AM

Need a couple sets of these:

http://tinyurl.com/ye4tcjj

December 7th, 2009, 01:56 PM	#1
Nickds7 ninjette.org guru Name: Nick Location: Sacramento, California. Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 379	Riding in snow for the first time, any tips? IN SACRAMENTO, CA! Believe it or not, sacramento, ca has received snow. Up the hill as elevation goes up a few hundred feet, it is covered in snow from what I've heard. Record snow level, ever, I think. Any tips for riding in snow?

December 7th, 2009, 02:12 PM	#2
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	Don't __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

December 7th, 2009, 03:31 PM	#5
patw ninjette.org guru Name: Pat Location: Barrie, Ontario Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 SE Posts: 338	A video on this subject has been bouncing around various Canadian forums: Link to original page on YouTube. And yes, everyone thinks he's nuts Knobbies + Screws is the magic that makes it happen. __________________________________________________ 2013 CRF250L 1985 GL1200 Interstate

December 7th, 2009, 03:47 PM	#6
Apex Livin' the Minimoto Life Name: Mark Location: Riding around in TX Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2022 Honda Navi, 2018 Z-125 Pro Posts: A lot.	Yeah, that guy reminds me of me. I'd do something like that. __________________________________________________ --- My IG Page --- My FB page! --- 2022 Honda Navi && 2018 Z-125 Pro

December 7th, 2009, 04:39 PM	#9
JeffM Mr. 988 Name: Jeff Location: Sandy, Utah Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): One Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 1	See these links. http://www.docwong.com/st-clinc/snow1.htm A Ducati rider gets caught in the snow http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/str...now/index.html Cold and snow riding tips http://www.lazymotorbike.eu/tips/weather/#snow good tips for riding in all types of weather I've rode when it is snowing but not sticking to the road. Visability becomes an issue as snow sticks to your visor. Also, you have to be very, very careful and ride like you would on a rainy day but always thinking that you might hit ice. Kind of scary. Like others have said: Take the cage. Last futzed with by JeffM; December 7th, 2009 at 10:33 PM. Reason: Added opinion.

December 7th, 2009, 03:04 PM	#4
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Let's see... You have 2 wheels to keep you on the road and a machine that leaves to make corners..... I think I would need some good off road conditions and a good off road bike to think about much riding on the snow, I can't believe it would be that much fun slowing down to nearly a stop for each corner. People do it all the time, but most of those have a decent dual sport machine. I don't think I would suggest it with a sport bike, even a little 30 horsepower bike unless it is under 200 pounds. Get a dualsport out, put on some good protective gear, and plan on at least one crash and maybe it would be fun.

December 7th, 2009, 05:00 PM	#11
250Rocket ninjette.org member Name: Rob Location: Montreal, Canada Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Ninja 250R Posts: 171	Although it might be fun to practice some burnouts/donuts. The tire won't be shredded as much I joke but I have thought about doing that with mine. P.S. Global warming, it's real. __________________________________________________ Back on the road again Season 2010 Dam it feels good!

December 7th, 2009, 06:13 PM	#12
ninjabadger ninjette.org member Name: Corey Location: Madison, WI Join Date: Nov 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki 250R, 2008 Genuine Buddy 50 Posts: 121	I'm going to echo what others have said, vehemently, and loudly. Don't ride in the snow. I mean if the road is clear and its not actively snowing, I could see being cautious and riding. Under these conditions you would need to make sure to look out for salt and sand that was laid down during the last snowfall. But still, you would want to watch for patches of ice hiding in the shadows, and have a plan B that you're prepared to implement the moment the flakes start falling. If it's actively snowing, don't ride. I mean seriously, don't even think about it. I tried wrestling my 50cc, 200lb, automatic tranny scooter through what any other region of the country would call a snowstorm last Thursday and didn't get more than one mile before I had to stop and stash the bike. I don't even want to think about what wrestling a 25+ horsepower 400lb motorcycle would be like. Even if its just flurrying and it doesn't look like its accumulating, all it will take is finding a patch of black ice hiding in the shadow of a tree while riding at speed to ruin your day, and your bodywork. I've lived the last 12 years of my life driving in Wisconsin, where if you don't know how to operate a vehicle in snow, you're not going anywhere. I don't ride if I know there's going to be snow. Period. Last week was operator error as I failed to check weather in the morning assuming that the forecast from the previous evening still held. I've learned my lesson.

December 7th, 2009, 06:14 PM	#13
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	The only motorcycle that I would ride in the snow would be a Ural with three studded tyres and two concrete blocks in the sidecar.

December 7th, 2009, 11:31 PM	#14
Nickds7 ninjette.org guru Name: Nick Location: Sacramento, California. Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r Posts: 379	Yea, I decided not to go the mile up the hill to the snow. Just to work and back. A cool 26 degrees, the inside of my visor froze .

December 7th, 2009, 11:52 PM	#15
emt250 2 Wheel Newb Name: Scott Location: Sacramento, CA Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2007 250r Posts: 218 Blog Entries: 1	i didnt see any snow today... so dissapointed. __________________________________________________ "Always remember, your mind is like a parachute. It works best when not being eaten by zombies" -Someone

December 8th, 2009, 12:45 AM	#16
SteveL old git Name: Steve Location: Geneve Switzerland Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): BMW K1300S Posts: 479	I have ridden on snow once 14 miles to get home there was no other way. Don’t use the front brake go very slow in the bends use very gentle acceleration and with a bit of luck you can make it. And I would not do it again. Steve __________________________________________________ Some mistakes are too much fun to make only once.

December 8th, 2009, 07:22 AM	#17
backinthesaddleagain ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Greg Location: Rhode Island Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2013 ZX6R 636 Posts: A lot.	Dirt bike in the snow, off road can be fun. Saw a couple guys returning from a ride in the snow this past Sunday. They were on Kawi 250 but of the motocross variety. Even then many winter trail riders screw their knobbies for traction on the ice.

December 8th, 2009, 05:38 PM	#19
OldGuy Live Life Name: Don Location: Lincoln, NE Join Date: Nov 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Green SE Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.	I didn't get the ski out-riggers attached to my passenger pegs before the storm hit so I guess I'll have to wait for things to clear out. This intersection is 3 blocks from my house. Kelly has 50 foot waves and I've got this. Go figure. __________________________________________________ - ATGATT - Scorpion EX700 Hi-Vis Helmet, First Gear MeshTek 3.0 Jacket, TourMaster Transition 2 Jacket and Flex Pants, Sidi Doha boots

December 8th, 2009, 05:53 PM	#20
Sailariel ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Alex Location: Belfast, ME Join Date: Jul 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Honda NT-700-V, formerly, Green 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Don, I think it is time to concede to winter and put the bikes up. We have a super storm coming our way tomorrow. All I have to do is get my father-in-law to Chemo. The hospital is only a mile away. With front wheel drive and newish tyres, I should be OK. A Scotch in the evening will be good.

December 8th, 2009, 07:33 PM	#22
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	I put the snow tires on my car waiting for a storm to hit tonight. Normally putting the tires on the car means one storm, then several weeks of decent weather... Hoping to get my bike back out this weekend.

December 8th, 2009, 07:47 PM	#23
Racer x ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Eric Location: Iowa City Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawmeracchi 350 2010 Project X Posts: A lot. Blog Entries: 54 MOTM - Sep '18, Feb '16	I rode bicycles and motorcycles to work in Baltimore for over ten years. If you can get out of snow riding it is good . But if you are riding and it snows . I will say first. Don't get relaxed . As soon as you get complacent feeling " this is OK " You are down. Also . Remember that you can STOP. It is not a natural motorcycle reaction. But when faced with an ICE covered road from a water main brake. It took me a second to realize I cant ride over that. My natural reaction is .How will I ride this? Some times in winter You face things that you just have to so NOPE. And Stop. Also If you have to commute in snow . Scooters are the flat out best thing. First they are cheep. You can pick them up .They are easy to park. Also you can put your feet out and plow through 6 inch of snow .

December 8th, 2009, 07:50 PM	#24
capt_bugaloo motorcycle rider Name: Bruce Location: Victoria, BC Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver) Posts: A lot.	You're in Sacramento. How long are you going to have to wait for good riding weather.. a couple of days? Surely you can leave the bike parked for all of 48 hours. __________________________________________________ '14 Yamaha V-Star 650 Custom (silver)

December 8th, 2009, 09:57 PM	#25
wyckedflesh ninjette.org guru Name: Mikel Location: Valley of the Sun Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): '09 Blue Kawasaki KLE650 Versys, '95 Ducati 900SS/CR (undergoing track conversion) Posts: 287	You don't have to have snow to have Black Ice. Relaxed does not mean Complacent, but Complacent means Relaxed. Slow is as Slow does. Sometimes in life, Snow happens and you have to decide to take a chance or freeze where your standing. Black Ice does not take Snow to happen. Did I mention that it doesn't take snow to make black ice appear? In case I didn't, you really don't have to have any snow to make black ice appear.

December 9th, 2009, 07:12 AM	#26
Greg_E ninjette.org sage Name: Greg Location: central new york Join Date: Aug 2009 Motorcycle(s): 90 Suzuki gsx600f Katana, 03 Buell XB9R Posts: 868	Need a couple sets of these: http://tinyurl.com/ye4tcjj

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