[chukzelda]

Ok,

I see on the URAL forums, those folks ride to work, etc in the wintertime.  Many of them don't have the 2up option and report success.  Does anyone on here ride in the winter?  Is there anything about the Enfield/cozy combo that would keep me from riding in the winter?

thanks
Chuk

[The Garbone]

I ride all year....   

[Anon]

I'd guess it might help to know what winter is like where you live.  I don't have a sidecar, but I do ride my bullet year round.  I live in Seattle, though, and the winters here don't generally come with very much snow and ice.

Eamon

[Anon]

I ride all year....   

Yeah, where YOU live you don't eve have to dress warm for the winter!

[REpozer]

I occasionally ride in the winter. As long as no ice is on the road.
 
Yes, I have riddin on ice too( was unnerving), but that was to get home, when I thought the streets were clear.

Oh BTW, I don't have a sidecar. I would ride more in the winter if I did.

[The Garbone]

Yeah, where YOU live you don't eve have to dress warm for the winter!

I can't help it if I live in Florida.....   

[Ice]

<----------- Year round rider or just plain crazy, either one fits

[chukzelda]

Sorry I didn't mention my location, I live in Iowa.  Cold winters, ice and snow.  Thinking this though a bit, let me narrow this down.

1.  Cold weather riding
This should be just a matter of the right gear.  A thinsulated riding suit, winter gloves, balaclavia, winter boots.  Am I missing anything?

2.  Snow on the ground but not ice (dry snow)
Different tires??

3.  Ice on the roads
Don't go out at all....

Thoughts?  Experiences?

Thanks
Chuk

[olhogrider]

I have ridden in snow with no problems except snow on the windshield! Icy roads with semi-knobby tires on a KLR was a challenge but I made it.

What you are missing is electricity. I love my heated jacket liner! Mine is Aerostich but there are several makers these days. I miss my heated grips too. If you don't go overboard, the draw isn't enough to cause problems. Just cycle them on/off as needed.

Some people recommend snowmobile helmets for less fogging but I have not tried them.

[motomataya]

I ride a little in the winter with a side car. I think your biggest problem is, The salt WILL destroy your motorcycle. My advice is buy a beater a cheap side car and don't worry about it.

[chukzelda]

Hi,

Good thought on the salt.  The Enfields seems a lil prone to rust even without the salt.  I guess I would need to stop at the self serve car wash once a week and keep the salt washed off.  A heavy coat of wax wouldn't hurt either.

I ride without a windshield but in colder weather I beat it would help a great deal.  I've never owned heated gear and wonder how much electrical pull the enfield can deal with.  I don't like the standard battery and will be upgrading to a sealed or sealed gel this summer.

Keep the thoughts coming - we can't let the Ural crowd take all the winter riding glory!

Chuk

[olhogrider]

There was an earlier thread on corrosion that mentioned ACF50. The Brits love the stuff. I think they bathe in it. I got some from an aircraft supply house. Aerosol spray can. I sprayed it everywhere I couldn't reach. I still prefer wax on the shiny parts.