September 18th, 2014, 01:59 PM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Phil
Location: Pittsburgh
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250R Posts: 60
|
What to do when it's cold?
Coming to the end of my first season as a rider, it's getting to be around 40s-50s in the morning when I leave for work. I know traction characteristics are different before everything gets warmed up, what do you all do when it's cold for safety sake? Just don't lean as far until a few minutes into the ride? Anything else to watch out for as it gets colder (besides obvious things like ice) or is this overstated?
|
|
September 18th, 2014, 02:02 PM | #2 | |
Fighting Texas Aggie '05
Name: Neil
Location: Hutto, TX
Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): '07 ZX6R, '08 Versys, '09 250R Track, '93 F2/F3 Track Posts: A lot.
|
Quote:
__________________________________________________
Keep it rubber side down and enjoy the ride Get healthy - Get Fit - Change Your Life Click Here Or PM Me To Find More - Advocare |
|
|
September 19th, 2014, 03:47 AM | #4 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Ray
Location: 48162
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 450
|
Just don't be overly aggressive on the controls and leaning the bike through the corners and you'll be fine, even though the temps of the tires may come up in temps the roads are still cold and don't hold traction as well.
Last futzed with by Skullz; October 22nd, 2014 at 01:31 PM. |
|
September 19th, 2014, 04:16 AM | #5 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
Wear extra layers; 4 if you're me
|
|
September 19th, 2014, 04:37 AM | #6 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): Aprilia RS660 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 6
MOTM - Jul '18, Nov '16, Aug '14, May '13
|
You refer to traction until things warm... true, tires aren't as grippy in the cold, but the Ninjette's low power gives you a big safety margin. You'd have to be pretty ham-handed to break the rear loose.
A bigger bike is a different matter. When I bought my Gixxer in March 03, I did discover just how easy it can be to break loose a tire that's both brand-new AND cold... Interesting moment, that. Road hazards at this time of the year: Wet leaves - these can be slipperier than ice. HUGE hazard. Cold temps - affect the rider more than the bike. You'll be distracted due to the discomfort, an the extra layers you need can affect your mobility (e.g., thick gloves make it harder to pull the brake and clutch levers). You might be surprised at what gets cold. Kneecaps, for instance. Hands of course, and neck. In winter, be careful of those beautiful, clear midwinter days... black ice may be lurking. You can't see it in time and it'll put you on your butt in a heartbeat. Next spring (still cold), it's sand and gravel left over from winter. This is a real problem in the northern parts of the country until it gets washed away/scattered. Learn how to read road contours to predict where gravel will accumulate. Next spring, when the snow melts pay attention to the road surface as you drive around.
__________________________________________________
I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
|
September 19th, 2014, 05:56 AM | #7 |
dirty boy
Name: Joe
Location: Johnstown, PA
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): I don't even know anymore?? Posts: A lot.
MOTM - Apr '14
|
Ring that bike out for all it's worth and live it up while you can. My bike runs stellar once the temps get into the low 50's mid 40s it's like a free CAI.
__________________________________________________
I love the smell of burning pre-mix in the morning I don't think I'm a lot dumber than you thought that I think that I thought I was once. |
|
September 21st, 2014, 03:17 PM | #8 |
Ninja chick
Name: Allyson
Location: Athens, GA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 4
MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15
|
Watch out for cold fingers. They tend to go numb first. A bike is a bit more difficult to operate when one can't feel her fingers.
__________________________________________________
Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
September 22nd, 2014, 10:46 AM | #9 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Phil
Location: Pittsburgh
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2005 Ninja 250R Posts: 60
|
Thanks for the tips!
|
|
October 12th, 2014, 02:24 PM | #10 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Fred
Location: St. Louis MO
Join Date: Jan 2014 Motorcycle(s): 1996 Ducati 900SS/SP 45k miles Posts: 132
|
when it's cold. . . .
Install a 12 volt socket from Powerlets and buy an electric vest. You will be glad you did!
Fred
__________________________________________________
'09 Ninja 250R track only SOLD "If everything seems under control, you're not going fast enough." -Mario Andretti |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
October 12th, 2014, 03:26 PM | #11 |
Nooblet
Name: Akima
Location: England
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2011 Ninja 250R FI Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 5
MOTM - Oct '13
|
I've ridden a couple of winters and my biggest problem has been road salt eating my ninja! When the salt comes out this year my bike is staying in. I can deal with the cold - I just wrap up warm, slow down a little, give myself bigger stopping distances and more room for error.
|
|
October 12th, 2014, 06:46 PM | #12 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Lane
Location: Medford, OR
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 (trackbike), CBR600RR, GS500F Posts: 588
|
Well, I do most of my commuting on my bicycle, so just add a layer or add a heavier layer for about every 10 degrees below 60.
Once it gets below 40, I drive the car with a good working heater. |
|
October 12th, 2014, 07:30 PM | #13 |
Participant
Name: Dave
Location: South of Seattle
Join Date: Oct 2012 Motorcycle(s): '94 K75 std Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Aug '15
|
40's and 50's you'll be fine!
|
|
October 15th, 2014, 08:03 PM | #14 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Raymond
Location: Elk Grove
Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250R Posts: 30
|
All season jacket! Make sure there is wind protection because even with a thermal layer on, the wind still can go right through you.
|
|
October 22nd, 2014, 11:29 AM | #15 |
Turtle Dancer
Name: Z
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 SE Posts: 83
|
On the side of probably storing my bike for the winter honestly. I am a twig and the only way I tolerate the cold is through many various layers (I do enjoy the cold though).
|
|
October 22nd, 2014, 01:10 PM | #16 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Mike
Location: NJ
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 track bike, 2007 Suzuki GSXR 750 track bike, 2002 Yamaha R6, 1995 CBR600RR f3 track bike Posts: 304
|
I rode to work on Monday morning. It was 37°!! The car was in the shop so I had no choice. I wear a non-perforated Joe Rocket two piece and layered up. I wore a long sleeve top and a hoodie under the jacket and a pair of fleece long john bottoms. Zipped the top and bottom together. Snug but not too bad. I tied a bandana on and pulled it up over my mouth and nose bandito style and pulled on the helmet. That kept the wind off of my chin and neck pretty effectively. The only part of me that got uncomfortably cold was my fingers. I have armored Technik Chicane gloves. I was fine until the last two miles of the fifteen mile ride. The last part of the commute is about five miles heading west on 195. Usually a WOT run with light traffic and smooth road at 6:30AM. What's the wind chill when it's that cold with a self induced 85mph wind? LOL. Another mile and I'd have risked frostbite.
__________________________________________________
Track, track, track Last futzed with by Mike K; October 22nd, 2014 at 01:16 PM. Reason: Correcting autocorrect |
|
October 22nd, 2014, 01:17 PM | #17 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: -
Location: somewhere cold
Join Date: Jun 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250 Posts: 596
Blog Entries: 1
|
Make morning burnouts a habit.
Seriously: I'm running on cracked IRCs that are pretty much at the end of their life and I have not been able to get them to break loose in cold AND wet weather. Just don't try to take every traffic turn at 40 and you'll be good. |
|
October 22nd, 2014, 01:20 PM | #18 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Mike
Location: NJ
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 track bike, 2007 Suzuki GSXR 750 track bike, 2002 Yamaha R6, 1995 CBR600RR f3 track bike Posts: 304
|
Great idea. So you set the IRC's on fire to stay warm? Makes 'em extra sticky too I bet.
__________________________________________________
Track, track, track |
|
October 22nd, 2014, 01:35 PM | #20 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Ray
Location: 48162
Join Date: Aug 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250 Posts: 450
|
Best thing for cold is gear that is wind and waterproof,and if you can keep the wind out you'll stay warmer longer. I wear snowmobile gear for the cold weather as it will keep the wind out and the cold at bay even with a t-shirt on underneath the jacket and sweatpants underneath the over pants. It is amazing how cold it can be and still be comfortable enough to ride as long as you keep the hands and feet warm.
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
October 22nd, 2014, 02:58 PM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rob
Location: Winnipeg
Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2003 ZX12R (sold), 2012 250R, 1975 Honda XL250, 1980 XJ650 Posts: 99
|
I have a 45 min commute everyday each way and 30 minutes of that is constant on the highway. I'm riding until the snow flies here.
I wear layers and the big thing is I wear my cheap rain pants and jacket over all of it. Keeps the wind from cutting through you at highway speed. So far it's been -3C a couple mornings already. Had a hot coffee when I got to work and I'm good to go for the day. |
|
October 22nd, 2014, 04:38 PM | #22 |
ninjette.org guru
Name: Mike
Location: NJ
Join Date: Jul 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 track bike, 2007 Suzuki GSXR 750 track bike, 2002 Yamaha R6, 1995 CBR600RR f3 track bike Posts: 304
|
What gloves do you wear?
__________________________________________________
Track, track, track |
|
October 23rd, 2014, 04:10 AM | #23 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rob
Location: Winnipeg
Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2003 ZX12R (sold), 2012 250R, 1975 Honda XL250, 1980 XJ650 Posts: 99
|
I just wear normal winter gloves. Kind of bulky, but my fingers don't freeze. I do want to purchase some better specific riding gloves over the winter.
|
|
October 27th, 2014, 04:00 PM | #24 |
Ninja chick
Name: Allyson
Location: Athens, GA
Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 4
MOTM - Dec '13, Feb '15
|
Brrr. I have trouble motivating myself to ride if it's below 40 degrees on my early ass dark commute to work. I tried bike only and lasted about 4 weeks before I realized just how much I do need my cage at times. Here's a thread with more info regarding cold weather gear. Hot hands are hugely helpful inside gloves on a cold morning!
https://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=193270
__________________________________________________
Sometimes it's the journey that teaches you a lot about your destination. ~Drake Check out my Appalachian Trail journal, 2015! Postwhores are COOL! ~Allyson |
|
October 29th, 2014, 04:05 PM | #25 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Rob
Location: Winnipeg
Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2003 ZX12R (sold), 2012 250R, 1975 Honda XL250, 1980 XJ650 Posts: 99
|
My motivation is the fact our riding season is too short, it's over before you know it and then it's 5 months of snow and brutally cold temps.
It's pitch black in the morning on the highway going to work....I do ask myself some mornings if I am crazy lol. I find if you can keep yourself somewhat warm be it in layers, heated gear, heat packs etc, then it's easy peasy. If you start getting cold/numb....then that just might be enough to distract you from paying attention to the road.....not good. It's weather like this I sometimes envy my co worker who rides a Goldwing |
|
October 29th, 2014, 05:00 PM | #26 |
in your machine
Name: Scott
Location: Summer Shade, Ky.
Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 25
MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15
|
Okay my 2¢ on cold weather riding;
Okay first of all let's talk about wind chill, I myself minus 20℉ from the ambient temperature, which is about right, so if it's 40℉ it's gonna fell like 20℉. As far as riding styles go, I compare it to rain, wet conditions, think along those lines and you'll do fine. Side note, check tire pressure, and make sure it at factory specifications. Personal care/keeping warm; this part is just to give you a general idea, everyone is different when it comes to tolerance of the cold. Things to keep in mind, as in how far will you be riding? At what speed? Time of day? I personally have heated grips and seat, textile touring style jacket, and over pants, all with RAINGUARD , and removable liners, and gloves with Gortex and thinsulate. While the above set-up is extremely warm and works well, the only thing it can't do is make heat. Now before all the people jump on the layers wagon, yes it does help, but your body won't replace the heat it losses to the wind. Heated grips are an awesome choice to have, and most definitely help, if you add a pair of hippo hands/bar muffs your hands will stay warm no matter how cold it gets mostly. Which brings me to the best way, and also the biggest investment, heated gear. well worth every penny of it. But before you get that credit card out, here's somethings to think about. How serious are you about riding in the cold? I've know people whom have Said no problem, only to find themselves using their cars. I myself will ride as long as the bike will start, and I can get traction, so yes I have heated gear, the other benefit of heated gear is you don't have to get all bulky, like the kid from Christmas Story. I would personally recommend taking short trips first just to see if you even like riding in the cold, it's not for everyone.
__________________________________________________
violente et ignorantia ZX-2R BLOG Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
October 29th, 2014, 05:48 PM | #27 |
Jedi on Two Wheels
Name: Cameron
Location: Kent Island
Join Date: Nov 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r (Slightly Modded) Posts: 489
|
I bought my ninja in the fall and was too excited to put her away for the winter. I consistently rode through the season. Truth be told I think I did more riding in winter/early spring than I did in the summer.. shameful I know .
The lowest I ever rode in was about 20 degrees and the roads were covered in ice/snow. Never wanted to do it again though. Ice won't form until temps reach 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so there's your "safety" net in terms of road conditions in the cold. Everyone else has said great/accurate things. I might add that you will probably want to invest in some anti-fog product for your helmet. It is insane in the winter.
__________________________________________________
May the force be with you and keep your rubber side down. |
|
October 29th, 2014, 09:50 PM | #28 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
I've rode in snow... Ice aint anything you will catch me out in... That's just scary
__________________________________________________
|
|
November 6th, 2014, 11:00 PM | #29 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: James
Location: Lakeland
Join Date: Aug 2014 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninjette Posts: 809
|
Quote:
You could say it's ice-solating
__________________________________________________
"That's what" -she |
|
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
November 6th, 2014, 11:18 PM | #30 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
I need some fancy ice tires
__________________________________________________
|
|
November 6th, 2014, 11:27 PM | #31 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
|
November 6th, 2014, 11:35 PM | #32 |
Certifiable nontundrum
Name: Harper
Location: NC Milkshake stand
Join Date: Mar 2013 Motorcycle(s): 2013 SE NINJA 300 Posts: Too much.
MOTM - Sep '13, Sep '16
|
Egg zackly
__________________________________________________
|
|
November 7th, 2014, 02:12 AM | #33 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: Fish
Location: co
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250/300 Posts: A lot.
|
Riding in snow or cold is not really a big deal just go slow give your self triple stopping time and only use the mim amount of lean. Also in snow don't use a lot of front brake as it is very easy to tuck the front. If you skid the back you have a good chance of riding it out tho. For the cold for get layering get your self a nice 1 peace snow/motorcycle suit. I have been in -5F temps with out heated gear. The biggest thing to keep your self warm is blocking the wind and water. Next would be gloves get a good pair of gloves if your fingers get cold it sucks. The last thing you want is a nice ski mask to help keep your neck warm.
__________________________________________________
Hey Unregistered never go faster than your brakes can be applied... |
2 out of 2 members found this post helpful. |
November 9th, 2014, 10:02 AM | #34 |
Motorcycle Hypermiler
Name: Vic
Location: Livermore CA
Join Date: Jan 2012 Motorcycle(s): 1999 & 2005 Kawasaki Ninja 250R's Posts: A lot.
|
Lots of great advice^^^ for cold weather riding. I used a snowmobile suit for winter riding before I got into streamlining motos. With the streamlining the engine heat keeps your legs and lower body warm and your upper body and hands are well protected from wind chill so extra-ordinary precautuons aren't needed. Anti-fog for your face shield is still very important. You need to be super vigilant for ice patches, particularly in shaded areas.
__________________________________________________
235 MPG Hypermotorcycling to a better tomorrow |
|
November 9th, 2014, 10:07 AM | #35 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Aaron
Location: Winder, GA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 718
|
Re: Wind chill while riding
__________________________________________________
DISCLAIMER: I generally have no idea what I'm talking about. |
1 out of 1 members found this post helpful. |
November 9th, 2014, 07:54 PM | #36 |
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
I was looking for that chart, thanks!
Mostly for the summer time as notice that at 95*, things start getting hotter the faster you go?
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
|
November 9th, 2014, 08:16 PM | #37 |
in your machine
Name: Scott
Location: Summer Shade, Ky.
Join Date: Oct 2014 Motorcycle(s): 98 Ninja 250/F12 aka ZX-2R "SERENITY", 91 Ninja 500/A5 aka ZX-5R "Phoenix", 84 Honda GL1200A "SIREN" Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 25
MOTM - Jun '17, May '16, Mar '15
|
Once it gets that cold, knowing the exact temperature is kinda pointless, it's just freaking cold LOL
__________________________________________________
violente et ignorantia ZX-2R BLOG Twitter and Instagram = Ghostt_Scott I'm not here to change your mind, just to inform. |
|
November 10th, 2014, 09:07 AM | #38 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Lane
Location: Medford, OR
Join Date: May 2014 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 (trackbike), CBR600RR, GS500F Posts: 588
|
Quote:
[I actually did this calculation as an exercise when I took Heat and Mass Transfer at the university. I was a bit surprised by the results myself.] If you're behind a decent windscreen, and you wear the right gear (this is where you want something that breathes, but isn't mesh), you can extend the cooling effects up to probably about 110. I've ridden through Phoenix on days when it was ~112F, and I didn't find it uncomfortably warm as long as I was moving. |
|
|
November 10th, 2014, 09:56 AM | #39 | ||
Certified looney toon
Name: Teri
Location: 39°52'40.7"N 118°23'53.8"W (Northern NV)
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Ninja 250, 102k+ miles -- 2014 CB500X, 42k+ miles Posts: A lot.
Blog Entries: 16
MOTM Jul '13, Jul '14
|
Quote:
Quote:
I do love my evaporative sleeves and vest. Thread jack, sorry.
__________________________________________________
<-- Linky Hey Unregistered! The code [you] shows the username currently logged in. IBA # 56020 AMA # 521481 Fun Rides! ][ My Videos ][ My Gear Hold yourself to the same rules you expect others to follow. |
||
|
November 16th, 2014, 07:45 PM | #40 | |
٩(͡๏̯͡๏)۶
Name: asdfman
Location: SF, CA
Join Date: Nov 2014 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250 held together by duct tape and zip ties Posts: 122
|
Quote:
|
|
|
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
cold starts | gkarats | 2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk | 4 | October 30th, 2013 02:14 PM |
cold blooded | james250ninja | 1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk | 19 | September 17th, 2013 09:25 AM |
5trstt3dygxrgctbrģ cold tires on a cold day | thomason2wheels | !%@*#$%!)@#&!%@ I crashed! | 6 | December 1st, 2012 08:34 AM |
How Cold is Too Cold? | luisd_08 | General Motorcycling Discussion | 28 | November 6th, 2011 09:30 PM |
Not like the cold or something else? | drowe531 | 2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk | 11 | April 16th, 2010 08:36 AM |
|
|