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time to ride

by Tina
(PA)

I am new to riding, I have been a passenger but have always wanted to ride the bike myself. So I finally bought a bike this winter and have yet to get it out and ride it because it is still winter here. What should the temperature be consistently before I get the bike out and begin practicing? I am going nuts having to wait, but I also want to be safe. I don't want to get the bike out too early and then we get a cold snap and something freezes in the engine. I look forward to hearing from women who have been in my shoes (beginner).

Comments for time to ride

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Feb 08, 2012

time to ride
by: Tammy

It is so awesome to read all of the stories of you ladies (experienced and new riders) wanting to head down the road on your iron horses.I feel so silly talking about riding while it rains. Living in Texas they shut everything down when it gets below 32 degrees. The weather does not limit me so I hope the weather warms up soon and you can get out on the road. Its been years since I've been back on a bike and now that I'm riding again I get more comfortable with each day.Just go slow look good as my hubby has said and you
will do great..So congrats..have fun, and safe riding.

Feb 01, 2012

time to ride
by: Tina

Thanks very much for the wonderful advise. I am looking forward to posting more thoughts and questions here as you have been helpful. A friend lent me the Ultimate Guide to Riding Well and I have been reading it. I like it so much that I ordered a copy so I can give his back to him and then have my own to write and highlight in. I also have salt and cinders on the road, so I will probably wait until a good rain has occured. Thanks again for the advise. I greatly appreciate it.

Feb 01, 2012

tires
by: kp

I totally understand waiting for warmer temps to ride. I'm in MN. I always wait until at least one good heavy rain before I take any of my bikes out. We still salt and sand the roads in the winter and that's not something I'm willing to take a chance getting in my bike's engines. I also never wash my bikes with a garden hose!

One thing to consider when the temps finally get conducive to riding, is your tires temperature. It does take a few miles to get them warmed up and soft. So take it easy the first couple of miles, especially in the corners. I'd hate to see the tires lose grip and you high or low side.

I can't agree more with taking an MSF course.

Feb 01, 2012

Waiting for Spring
by: Mary

Also read David Hough's book "A Guide to Proficient Motorcycling." It will keep you busy learning while you are waiting for good weather

Feb 01, 2012

winter riding
by: jp

First, even if many years ago, we were all in your shoes (boots) at one time.
Second, if you're not freezing then the bike isn't either. Bikes are like cars, if they run then they run. Sometimes in cold weather and the bike not being run the battery can get low and make it hard to start so you might want a battery tender to plug in and keep that up.
If it's too cold to ride more often than every couple of weeks, (and this winter has not been too cold anywhere except Canada and Alaska), then fill it up with high test gas and put some gas stabilizer in and let it run through the engine before letting it set, especially if it's got carbs.
Otherwise, if it's not too cold for you, then it's not too cold for the bike. And, especially in the northern states riders often have electrically heated clothing. I live in TN and I have a heated jacket liner for trips that include mountains. The heated items plug into either a cigarette lighter or a plug in that's run off of your battery but you want to make sure you have a good enough and big enough battery to handle the extra electric pull.
I'm usually good to go if it's at least in the 50's, but I'm old and a bit of a wimp. In younger days I've biked in freezing weather and even some snow, but not anymore.
Make sure you take the MSF riding course. You will not only learn good riding skills you will also meet other new riders and the instructors and helpers can answer a lot of your questions.
Welcome to the club.

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