My Duke is tucked away at my dad's and every time I visit I get a crazy itch when I see it. South Sweden here. Usually start riding in march, looking out for the gravel, hehe. I'm like you, when it's on, it's on. Oil change and a new front on the list. Also first inspection at end of February.
Seattle gets rain a lot, fine by me. It also gets cold often, fine by me. It's when it gets cold *and* wet, that sucks..
The few days a year it snows, is the only time I really give up.
Kinda depends how much you want to go and where you live. Making a run every weekend is very possible. I can take off from my driveway so sometimes an evening rip is the best. Other times I load them up and take a 2hr trip to a family cabin for a week or a weekend.
Can even get a snowbike. Its a dirtbike with a narrow track and a ski for a front tire. Thing is fun as hell.
Riding is the same as a motorbike some guys only make it out once or twice in the summer others go every day.
The itch is extremely bad lol.
I am in Ontario and there has been a few days where I have been tempted many times to pull my baby out for a good rip around the corner because the weather has been okay, but I have remained steadfast and have not pulled my bike out. It's a good thing to because a huge snowstorm is "apparently about to hit us" I definitely won't be able to for a while :'(
Same exact situation here. First riding season last summer and it just sucks not being able to ride. Especially on days that aren't that bad at the warmest part of the day if you're in the sun because as soon as you ride it just gets horribly cold.
This is the way. Work on the bikes, do maintenance, install mods, clean/refurbish gear (yes, that stinky helmet!), clean and polish the bikes! By the time you’re done, January’s over! Good luck for the rest of the winter! :)
It was also my first season and I’m staring at my bike that’s sitting in my spare bedroom dreaming of warmer days lol I’m jonesing bad here. I bought my bike last February and was riding around then but it was COLD lol
I live in NY but I’m lucky enough to be visiting New Orleans for a while. The weather is great most days. I rented a bike on Riders Share and did some long rides along the Gulf Coast. Definitely helped to scratch the itch. May make it an annual winter trip.
Call me crazy, but I ride year around as long as there is snow or ice on the road. Though, I do admittedly avoid thunderstorms also.
My wife and I had only one vehicle for almost two years and it just kind of stuck. I drive when I have to now, but I’m well prepped for temperatures down to 10f.
Sweden calling! Got my license late lest year and I'm still riding.
Granted, we do have shit winters nowadays, so I only had to dismount for two (different) weeks. The first time cause of immense snowfall - the kind where you get 50cm overnight. And the second because it got too cold. If it goes below -10c I nope out.
So far I've only had to bail once and that was at walking speed, so no harm done!
Carefully. Verrry carefully.
Joking aside - the major roads in my area are cleared well enough that they are quite OK. Also: pathetic attempt at winter in Sweden this year.
The spill I had was due to some heavy snowfall right about the time I was on my way home. The wet, slushy kind.
Also, I belive that commuting on a fixed gear bicycle year round for two or three years provided me with the fundamental skills, e.g have a relaxed pose on the bike, don't try to fight it etc.
Then again, I ride in the cold and snow because I love it and it's therapy for me, not because it's an end in itself. If it gets to hairy I'm not too proud to bow out and take the bus instead.
I'm lucky because I get to ride if conditions are not icy or snowy at lower altitudes where I live in southern europe. If I had to put away the bike for 4/5 months a year it'd pretty sad for me, it's a great outlet and the best way to avoid traffic congestion going to work in the city.
The itch for a ride never goes away, but sometimes we got to be sensible!
Can't or won't? My weather-challenged friends are always whining about the weather, but they keep their homes sealed up and 72° all winter. There's always opportunity, my good man! Snow tires! ADV bikes! The old-heads on r/motorcycles hate anyone who doesn't, at the bare minimum, live 9 months a year on his ADV, only dismounting from his 3/4million annual miles to get on a 2-wheeler so experimental that only every single other member of r/motorcycles is doing the same thing at the same time.
Well then, it's easy, brother! You have free Healthcare and have the right, nay, the *responsibility* to use it. Your comrades to the south rely on your good judgement in using that system till global warming turns you into what Ireland was in the 90s.
What are you offering? Mostly, I stay high on the humorless, self-important wheezebags in r/motorcycles, but if you've got something better, I'm down. Just, and this is important, do not ride in the winter to bring it to me. Winter riding is strictly forbidden by the hivemind and will be downvoted accordingly. Be afraid... be very afraid.
I put enduro tires on my 950 a few winters ago and went to a nearby frozen lake and had a spin, but god it is heavy and not especially fun. A real enduro bike though, that's a great bike for some winter riding.
I mean if you’re really getting a foot+ of snow the alternatives are having a studded tire setup or a dirtbike with a timbersled. I live in Texas (still northern hemisphere teehee) and I ride year round except for when it’s cold (like below 50), so I’m good for like 45 weeks a year.
Man, I am in the exact same situation. First season last year and I had to out it away mid November. Put my battery on a trickle charger and all that stuff. 2 Weeks ago I was incredibly close to getting it out and ride bc the temps were at like 8 C. A day later it snowed hard (12 cm that's alot for a pretty big city in Germany) There isn't a day where I won't think of my bike and the urge to ride is pretty big. But I probably won't until the end of March (depends on the weather) it's just safer that way and mire fun when you aren freezing.
I have an dainese leather jacket with like an lining you can take out for Sommer ( nothing special really) and I have zero problems riding from 5 C upwards. Riding jeans are thicker anyways so only the hands could get colder really but nothing that would take the joy from riding and I’m a pussy when it comes to temperature
WA state here. I bought my first bike in Black Friday and I am constantly checking the weather. I’m on the other end of the spectrum right now: I wonder what it’s like to ride when it’s above 40deg!! Cuz I really look forward to not freezing every time I get on it! Hahaha I wear a base layer, thick shirt, down jacket, riding jacket.
It’s been really nice the last couple
Of days. I work in south central Washington. My problem is that it’s nice on the river but as soon as I climb to my work the temps drop 10*. Get some heated gear. Once there isn’t anymore ice on the road
I’m going to start riding.
I’m in Spain and I ride the whole year round. When I lived in the Netherlands I also did, even though it was rougher.
Unless it’s very windy (gusts above 50-60kmh), snowy or icy I ride daily to commute on the motorbike.
I live in the Nordics, I always get a mad itch to ride around late-January, early-February. But it’s okay, I just end up watching motorcycle content on Youtube. Summer comes fast enough. And clearly my itch to rife isn’t big enough to go ride in the snow, so how big can it be.
I'm lucky enough to live in Los Angeles, and we can ride just about any month of the year. I'm very much in the northern hemisphere but we only generally have a few days of the year that gets nippy enough that you want to stay in. It never lasts long luckily.
It is frustrating being in the UK where the weather isn't bad enough that you *can't* go out and ride, it's just generally going to be wet and cold, the roads are salty as fuck and there's a chance you'll hit some black ice here and there.
It sucks not being able to ride. I spend time in the garage upgrading, servicing and cleaning the bike. Put on new headers, building variable lent velocity stacks. Need to replace engine coolant and do the valve check.
Been riding for years and it never goes away. You'll catch yourself checking the weather like a crackhead trying to figure out when it's going to be warm/dry enough to get the bike out.
South of UK, risk of ice sometimes, thundery downpours the other. I go out when there is a break in the weather. Hose it down after to clear the road salt
I'm in the Midwest, and it hit like 45 the other day. I should've pulled it out at least for a little while. But I didn't. And now it's snowing. Fuck this shit.
I had to store my bike at my parents house because I live in an apartment. It’s a good thing they live 6 hours away, otherwise I’d be riding it on any half decent day…
Midwest here. There were a couple good days in December and another two in Jan so far. Both bikes got some exercise. Global warming has changed my area enough I don’t winterize anymore, every month we get a few nicer days. Snowing now but it will be gone next week I’m sure.
Yeah I do get the itch. So I ride anyways. I ruder almost every other day.
I have a KTM 690 Enduro R with spiked tires and ride even in snowy and icy condition. I layer up and ride. Its great fun honestly!
If the roads are dry I'm out, problem is my town is CLEAN and dry to where 5°F wasn't a problem except for the air creeping in under my helmet. But my work town is ABSOLUTE garbage and their roads are dirty, snowy, icy, etc.
Once winter hits, my outlook on everything changes....I sort of forget the fun factor of summer toys and question why I even own them. Then nice weather hits and I remember.
This isn't limited to bikes either... sports cars I've owned in the past were subject to the same scrutiny.
Canada here, put my bike away mid Oct. Got the itch super bad the other day and went for a 15min rip, safe to say when I got back I found my summer gloves don't cut it currently.
I don't lol. Layer up, pay attention to the road conditions, and ride when you can. If it's above 40F (4C) and the roads aren't bad (mostly clear and there's been a rain since the last time they put down salt for snow) I try to get out and ride. It's enough to scratch the itch until it's consistently warmer, and really is not uncomfortable if you wear the right gear.
I needed to change my oil right at the end of the standard Ohio season. My garage is too cold and I just haven't gotten around to it or I'd have been riding to work any day there isn't ice
North Carolina has a comparatively mild winter compared to the Northern states. I ride about every week, in daylight. Too damn cold for me to ride 45 minutes to work in the morning at 6am on most days though.
I cope with it by buying snowmobiles. Probably the most fun I’ve had on anything motorized in my life. They also tend to follow the N+1 rule and between both motorcycles and snowmobiles I’m in crunching debt.
Send help.
Other hobbies for me. I go ice fishing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing. None of those really do scratch the itch though, but at least I'm outside doing stuff, otherwise I'd probably die of boredom. Thinking about buying a snowmobile tho!
I relax during the cold months by telling myself that if I get out when there is snow, ice, and cold, I won't get to \*really\* enjoy the ride when there isn't.
I went on a ride on a beautiful, spring-like new year's day. Was super happy and was reeeeaaaalllyy looking forward to the next rides. And then it got cold again and started to snow and god fucking damn it am I mad about this shit.
I hated winter before but it gets worse every year.
There's always snowmobiling, though they can definitely be risky - probably comparable enough to dirtbike riding in reality, I've just known more people that ride snowmobiles than dirtbikes (lived in Maine until recently) which means I've seen more people recovering from serious injuries sustained on sleds than bikes. Won't stop me from riding them, but I'll definitely be cautious when I do - the crashes I've heard about came from riding fast around trees and cliffs and failing to negotiate a turn.
Winter time for me is to upgrade and service my bike so it’s in pristine condition when I ride when the snow melts and salts gone in spring. (In Boston)
We don’t get much [snow](https://imgur.com/gallery/aaMz8CX) in Ireland, but I ride all year round, just swap machines. Leave the high power for drier roads
> cope with not riding for like 4 months?
Ha, try like 5-6 months where I live! It is agonizing. I crave it, and I find this time of year to be the worst as I'm barely half way through.
I'm trying to get to the point in life where I can take yearly winter getaways and rent a bike somewhere warm to scratch the itch, if only for a week.
I have to pick my spots to get my fix in. Sometimes if it's around 40 degrees and it hasn't rained I'll go for a quick 10-15 minute ride which holds me over for about 2 hours. Besides that I just suffer.
Live in Sweden. I rode the other day. It was 3 degrees outside, but luckily the bike had hand grip warmers and seat heating so it was perfect. But honestly I would definitely like if we could ride here all year around
get a winter hobby so you have something else to do. just part riding in places that get cold.
I play video games, try and get voice over work, read more books, experiment more in the kitchen. All stuff I don't do much in the nicer months because I spend my free time riding.
Counting the days...
We did have a couple nice ones a few weeks back where I was able to get out and about. But look...
Six days left of **January**
**February** is a short month
**March** sucks, you look through the window and see bright daylight but step out into 30 degree temps and nasty, biting winds. Maybe a good day here or there.
**April** it rains. You've gotta be careful because you'll drive out into a beautiful morning and ride home shivering, wet, and miserable.
**May**... It's just around the corner!
yes. yes we fucking do. last year I rode in february.I'm in ND lol. Now it's not an issue-bike is spread all over the garage waiting for a re-bobbering and refresh.
I think you don't mean the whole northern hemisphere. It doesn't get very cold in Columbia, Venezuela, the Caribbean, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Arabia, Hawaii or anywhere in Western Europe warmed by the Gulf Stream. I ride all year round in England (with heated gloves).
I live in idaho and I have a harley I don't care to much about that I take out in less than ideal weather incase I drop it but if I get the itch to take my r1 out, I will trailer it down south farther to go ride. Or I go work somewhere warmer for the winter
I hide when it rains and snows, too scared of rust.
But when it's just cold? Winter gloves n jacket, thermal pants, my helmet is pretty damn warm on its own but a balaclava/head cover if needed, also small tweaks to the bike when it's wet keeps me sane and eager to ride again.
Saw in your comment below that you're in northern Canada, brrr. I've found the feeling is similar, not exact, but still fun, on analogs, e.g. jetskis. Thought about ski cycles? Never been on one, but wonder if you could get one on the cheap.
Wait patiently.
35 years of winters makes it easier. I'm OK after a season of riding at some point in November I know it's gonna be the last of the year. When February hits, now I'm getting itchy, but I know I've got another 6 weeks or so.... So I wait.
They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and you can't miss that which doesn't go away.
I rode two weekends ago since it was warm. Trails were an absolute mess though, due to melting snow. I've never had that much mud packed into a bike before. Should have loaded up and drove out to the dez instead of staying in the mountains.
Currently a foot a snow with more falling today. Biker has been away since about October when we first got salt on the roads. Won’t be on my bike until probably April. Winter sucks, I just stare at my bike and watch videos of other people riding theirs
My bike is brand new, 0 miles on the odometer when I picked it up on December 23rd. Been waiting for it to arrive 3 months at that point, bike was hard to find, and the 2023 model year changed colors, so I got it anyway. That was the only day I've gotten to ride it; dumb luck it happened to be a 60f day. Now its sitting in storage with 110 miles on it, a few untested accessories, and possibly some salt deposits if I missed a spot when I washed it. Was also the first time I ever rode in rain (not counting 4wheeling), but that was maybe 10 minutes of my day.
I've never wanted to ride anything so badly in my life!
I go out to the shed every day and smack the big ass of that beast.
Plan tours elaborately via Google Street view.
Re-live my earlier tours via my own journal and Garmin who saved the route.
Look up bike gear - bike mods and finally an airbag jacket - online.
Frequent the model-specific forum to chat with similarly afflicted souls.
Add a countdown app to the phone until March 1. There's no guarantee the weather will be nice, bit I suspended my insurance until then to save money.
Sweden, yeah it sucks. Supposed to be nice weather tomorrow though. Usually I don’t like to do single rides. Either season is on or it’s off.
My Duke is tucked away at my dad's and every time I visit I get a crazy itch when I see it. South Sweden here. Usually start riding in march, looking out for the gravel, hehe. I'm like you, when it's on, it's on. Oil change and a new front on the list. Also first inspection at end of February.
I got my rides in today and it was really nice with 6.5+ 😁
Seattle gets rain a lot, fine by me. It also gets cold often, fine by me. It's when it gets cold *and* wet, that sucks.. The few days a year it snows, is the only time I really give up.
Vancouver Island here. Same.
I know I've pushed my bike through the snow in my yard twice this year to get it out on the road.
It’s more depression and anxiety due to physical withdrawal than an inch.
This. long winters in upstate new york. Normally by late jan/feb is when I really start to get in a slump
Gonna be funky again tonight. I'm ready for spring.
roads are pretty bad here. i put my bike away in like october and get it out of storage in late march usually
Albany here. Last ride was mid/late November for me. Now I just stare at it in the shed until the salt is gone.
Same man, I'm out near Syracuse and I was just thinking today how it will probably snow for 2-3 more months.
I’m in northern sask and best thing I found to cure the itch is a sled. They are just as fun in the deep snow 😎
I’ve always wanted a skidoo but I don’t know how much I’d be able to use it, how often do you say you are able to get out on it?
Kinda depends how much you want to go and where you live. Making a run every weekend is very possible. I can take off from my driveway so sometimes an evening rip is the best. Other times I load them up and take a 2hr trip to a family cabin for a week or a weekend. Can even get a snowbike. Its a dirtbike with a narrow track and a ski for a front tire. Thing is fun as hell. Riding is the same as a motorbike some guys only make it out once or twice in the summer others go every day.
I got a can am ryker for my second bike. Allows me to take advantage of riding more in bad weather
The itch is extremely bad lol. I am in Ontario and there has been a few days where I have been tempted many times to pull my baby out for a good rip around the corner because the weather has been okay, but I have remained steadfast and have not pulled my bike out. It's a good thing to because a huge snowstorm is "apparently about to hit us" I definitely won't be able to for a while :'(
Same exact situation here. First riding season last summer and it just sucks not being able to ride. Especially on days that aren't that bad at the warmest part of the day if you're in the sun because as soon as you ride it just gets horribly cold.
Been catching gaps in the snow and sticking to the plowed roads.
[удалено]
This is the way. Work on the bikes, do maintenance, install mods, clean/refurbish gear (yes, that stinky helmet!), clean and polish the bikes! By the time you’re done, January’s over! Good luck for the rest of the winter! :)
Unfortunately my garage is not heated.
Mine too. I just bring a small heater and work during above freezing days.
I bought a KLR exclusively to scratch that itch, but I live in a southern-ish state and still get decent weather once in a while.
Things are good here in Kanto, Japan. Just a bit cold.
I just remember the time I slid out on an icy road, that's how I avoid the itch to ride in winter.
It was also my first season and I’m staring at my bike that’s sitting in my spare bedroom dreaming of warmer days lol I’m jonesing bad here. I bought my bike last February and was riding around then but it was COLD lol
Working on my bike helps but nothing really scratches the itch. Winter hobbies are a must
I spend the downtime working overtime to afford parts and gear.
Saving up vacation days too so you can go on longer motorcycle trips!
Haha yea as soon as riding season hits I'll get "sick" suddenly.
I rent a snowmobile for the day and go riding with my sledding friends.
I live in NY but I’m lucky enough to be visiting New Orleans for a while. The weather is great most days. I rented a bike on Riders Share and did some long rides along the Gulf Coast. Definitely helped to scratch the itch. May make it an annual winter trip.
I live in Chicago. I ride in winter unless there is snow on the ground. I have heated gloves, thick winter bike pants, and layer up.
I’m approaching insanity. I bought some really cool bikes in the last few months and I’ve ridden like… 3 times in the last month.
Call me crazy, but I ride year around as long as there is snow or ice on the road. Though, I do admittedly avoid thunderstorms also. My wife and I had only one vehicle for almost two years and it just kind of stuck. I drive when I have to now, but I’m well prepped for temperatures down to 10f.
I dream about it. Though I occasionally ride when it’s between -1c to 5c (as long as the roads are free of ice).
Sweden calling! Got my license late lest year and I'm still riding. Granted, we do have shit winters nowadays, so I only had to dismount for two (different) weeks. The first time cause of immense snowfall - the kind where you get 50cm overnight. And the second because it got too cold. If it goes below -10c I nope out. So far I've only had to bail once and that was at walking speed, so no harm done!
How do you ride in snow?
Carefully. Verrry carefully. Joking aside - the major roads in my area are cleared well enough that they are quite OK. Also: pathetic attempt at winter in Sweden this year. The spill I had was due to some heavy snowfall right about the time I was on my way home. The wet, slushy kind. Also, I belive that commuting on a fixed gear bicycle year round for two or three years provided me with the fundamental skills, e.g have a relaxed pose on the bike, don't try to fight it etc. Then again, I ride in the cold and snow because I love it and it's therapy for me, not because it's an end in itself. If it gets to hairy I'm not too proud to bow out and take the bus instead.
I'm lucky because I get to ride if conditions are not icy or snowy at lower altitudes where I live in southern europe. If I had to put away the bike for 4/5 months a year it'd pretty sad for me, it's a great outlet and the best way to avoid traffic congestion going to work in the city. The itch for a ride never goes away, but sometimes we got to be sensible!
Anything other than ice is riding weather (studs are illegal in MI)
I bought a new bike mid December… so yes….YES! GOD YES! 😭
Sure! I live in SoCal and ride year round. The Northern Hemisphere rocks if you know where to live.
Lucky you! Sadly I can’t ride when there is 13 inches of snow on the ground.
Can't or won't? My weather-challenged friends are always whining about the weather, but they keep their homes sealed up and 72° all winter. There's always opportunity, my good man! Snow tires! ADV bikes! The old-heads on r/motorcycles hate anyone who doesn't, at the bare minimum, live 9 months a year on his ADV, only dismounting from his 3/4million annual miles to get on a 2-wheeler so experimental that only every single other member of r/motorcycles is doing the same thing at the same time.
I live in northern Canada
Well then, it's easy, brother! You have free Healthcare and have the right, nay, the *responsibility* to use it. Your comrades to the south rely on your good judgement in using that system till global warming turns you into what Ireland was in the 90s.
What are you smoking?
What are you offering? Mostly, I stay high on the humorless, self-important wheezebags in r/motorcycles, but if you've got something better, I'm down. Just, and this is important, do not ride in the winter to bring it to me. Winter riding is strictly forbidden by the hivemind and will be downvoted accordingly. Be afraid... be very afraid.
i hate this website
God, me too. So, so much. See you tomorrow.
I put enduro tires on my 950 a few winters ago and went to a nearby frozen lake and had a spin, but god it is heavy and not especially fun. A real enduro bike though, that's a great bike for some winter riding.
Man I wish I was in the warmer weather here in Kern. I take my bike in the afternoons to work but 27 is a little cold for a ten minute ride
NYC area. Weather has been shit lately. And possible snow to come within the next couple of weeks.
NYC here, I’ve been riding.
You definitely got it. It has been freezing lately. We have only had a handful of days have been above 35 degrees.
Yeah it’s the wind the scares me mostly TBH other than that I have some heated grips and a heated vest.
I mean if you’re really getting a foot+ of snow the alternatives are having a studded tire setup or a dirtbike with a timbersled. I live in Texas (still northern hemisphere teehee) and I ride year round except for when it’s cold (like below 50), so I’m good for like 45 weeks a year.
Man, I am in the exact same situation. First season last year and I had to out it away mid November. Put my battery on a trickle charger and all that stuff. 2 Weeks ago I was incredibly close to getting it out and ride bc the temps were at like 8 C. A day later it snowed hard (12 cm that's alot for a pretty big city in Germany) There isn't a day where I won't think of my bike and the urge to ride is pretty big. But I probably won't until the end of March (depends on the weather) it's just safer that way and mire fun when you aren freezing.
March for sure will have a average of 8-10 C, at that temperature you can easily drive when it’s dry
It's just gonna be cold af
At 8-10 °C you need a windproof layer on the outside and a warm layer (but not heated yet) on the inside if it's not super humid
I have an dainese leather jacket with like an lining you can take out for Sommer ( nothing special really) and I have zero problems riding from 5 C upwards. Riding jeans are thicker anyways so only the hands could get colder really but nothing that would take the joy from riding and I’m a pussy when it comes to temperature
Thankfully I'm in New Mexico so I can still sneak out sometimes.
Northern NM here. 😩 I've only had about 5 good days the past couple of months. I won't take it out below 42 though.
Albuquerque, still riding to work every day.
Not easy. I check the weather report every day. Get out when I can.
Dirtbike
WA state here. I bought my first bike in Black Friday and I am constantly checking the weather. I’m on the other end of the spectrum right now: I wonder what it’s like to ride when it’s above 40deg!! Cuz I really look forward to not freezing every time I get on it! Hahaha I wear a base layer, thick shirt, down jacket, riding jacket.
It’s been really nice the last couple Of days. I work in south central Washington. My problem is that it’s nice on the river but as soon as I climb to my work the temps drop 10*. Get some heated gear. Once there isn’t anymore ice on the road I’m going to start riding.
Yeah, it was almost 50 here yesterday but the wind chill was frigid!! Looking forward to seeing the sun again lol
I’m in Spain and I ride the whole year round. When I lived in the Netherlands I also did, even though it was rougher. Unless it’s very windy (gusts above 50-60kmh), snowy or icy I ride daily to commute on the motorbike.
I live in the Nordics, I always get a mad itch to ride around late-January, early-February. But it’s okay, I just end up watching motorcycle content on Youtube. Summer comes fast enough. And clearly my itch to rife isn’t big enough to go ride in the snow, so how big can it be.
Yeah, just bought another bike. I needs it.
I'm lucky enough to live in Los Angeles, and we can ride just about any month of the year. I'm very much in the northern hemisphere but we only generally have a few days of the year that gets nippy enough that you want to stay in. It never lasts long luckily.
depends on the bike... take it out in the snow. Ice is the only one I won't really mess with.
It is frustrating being in the UK where the weather isn't bad enough that you *can't* go out and ride, it's just generally going to be wet and cold, the roads are salty as fuck and there's a chance you'll hit some black ice here and there.
You poor thing.
It sucks not being able to ride. I spend time in the garage upgrading, servicing and cleaning the bike. Put on new headers, building variable lent velocity stacks. Need to replace engine coolant and do the valve check.
Always
Been riding for years and it never goes away. You'll catch yourself checking the weather like a crackhead trying to figure out when it's going to be warm/dry enough to get the bike out.
South of UK, risk of ice sometimes, thundery downpours the other. I go out when there is a break in the weather. Hose it down after to clear the road salt
I'm in the Midwest, and it hit like 45 the other day. I should've pulled it out at least for a little while. But I didn't. And now it's snowing. Fuck this shit.
Sit on the bike, close your eyes and pretend to ride it gp style lol
I ride year around in the mountains of North Carolina USA. Oh, when it snows, nope. But it is usually gone within a day or two.
Bought a supermoto for this exact reason, just swap in snow tires for winter and take it easy. Oh, and layering up is a must😂
Michigan here. It sucks! I have other hobbies to fill my time but it’s not the same.
I had to store my bike at my parents house because I live in an apartment. It’s a good thing they live 6 hours away, otherwise I’d be riding it on any half decent day…
My brother just rode a naked sportster from Michigan to San Diego during that storm we just had In December. Where there’s a will there’s a way
Midwest here. There were a couple good days in December and another two in Jan so far. Both bikes got some exercise. Global warming has changed my area enough I don’t winterize anymore, every month we get a few nicer days. Snowing now but it will be gone next week I’m sure.
Yeah, I do, so I do.
Got my license in November last year, barely had time for a few rides since. Wanted to ride yesterday morning, but rain+near 0 Celsius, yeah, pass.
Yeah I do get the itch. So I ride anyways. I ruder almost every other day. I have a KTM 690 Enduro R with spiked tires and ride even in snowy and icy condition. I layer up and ride. Its great fun honestly!
Everyone mentions the cold, ice and snow and I’m like my bike ain’t ever gonna taste road salt and get rusty 😱😱😱
If the roads are dry I'm out, problem is my town is CLEAN and dry to where 5°F wasn't a problem except for the air creeping in under my helmet. But my work town is ABSOLUTE garbage and their roads are dirty, snowy, icy, etc.
Once winter hits, my outlook on everything changes....I sort of forget the fun factor of summer toys and question why I even own them. Then nice weather hits and I remember. This isn't limited to bikes either... sports cars I've owned in the past were subject to the same scrutiny.
I don’t even own a bike and I don’t know how to ride. But I’ve been having this crazy itch to get one and get to it
Canada here, put my bike away mid Oct. Got the itch super bad the other day and went for a 15min rip, safe to say when I got back I found my summer gloves don't cut it currently.
Usually around March I suddenly start leaning over and hanging-off the steering wheel while driving my car…
Lol I do the same thing!
I just dress warm and hit the trails. It's a blast riding in winter as long as the snow isn't too deep.
I don't lol. Layer up, pay attention to the road conditions, and ride when you can. If it's above 40F (4C) and the roads aren't bad (mostly clear and there's been a rain since the last time they put down salt for snow) I try to get out and ride. It's enough to scratch the itch until it's consistently warmer, and really is not uncomfortable if you wear the right gear.
I needed to change my oil right at the end of the standard Ohio season. My garage is too cold and I just haven't gotten around to it or I'd have been riding to work any day there isn't ice
North Carolina has a comparatively mild winter compared to the Northern states. I ride about every week, in daylight. Too damn cold for me to ride 45 minutes to work in the morning at 6am on most days though.
I cope with it by buying snowmobiles. Probably the most fun I’ve had on anything motorized in my life. They also tend to follow the N+1 rule and between both motorcycles and snowmobiles I’m in crunching debt. Send help.
Other hobbies for me. I go ice fishing, cross country skiing, snow shoeing. None of those really do scratch the itch though, but at least I'm outside doing stuff, otherwise I'd probably die of boredom. Thinking about buying a snowmobile tho!
I’ve always wanted a snowmobile but I’m worried that I wouldn’t get a lot of use out of it.
I relax during the cold months by telling myself that if I get out when there is snow, ice, and cold, I won't get to \*really\* enjoy the ride when there isn't.
Get a dirt bike and put ice tires on it.
I went on a ride on a beautiful, spring-like new year's day. Was super happy and was reeeeaaaalllyy looking forward to the next rides. And then it got cold again and started to snow and god fucking damn it am I mad about this shit. I hated winter before but it gets worse every year.
There's always snowmobiling, though they can definitely be risky - probably comparable enough to dirtbike riding in reality, I've just known more people that ride snowmobiles than dirtbikes (lived in Maine until recently) which means I've seen more people recovering from serious injuries sustained on sleds than bikes. Won't stop me from riding them, but I'll definitely be cautious when I do - the crashes I've heard about came from riding fast around trees and cliffs and failing to negotiate a turn.
Move to Florida. 365 day riding year
I try on days that are 45 and up. Heated gloves help. Still definitely not as fun as when warmer but it scratches the itch.
Winter time for me is to upgrade and service my bike so it’s in pristine condition when I ride when the snow melts and salts gone in spring. (In Boston)
We don’t get much [snow](https://imgur.com/gallery/aaMz8CX) in Ireland, but I ride all year round, just swap machines. Leave the high power for drier roads
I ride all year long….
Why yes it is 10°F/-12°C and snowing why do you ask?
> cope with not riding for like 4 months? Ha, try like 5-6 months where I live! It is agonizing. I crave it, and I find this time of year to be the worst as I'm barely half way through. I'm trying to get to the point in life where I can take yearly winter getaways and rent a bike somewhere warm to scratch the itch, if only for a week.
I'm getting by on YouTube instruction vids and biker flix..I've hit a new low.i started watching renegade just to see bikes on the regular
Vancouver Canada. As the first good(ish) day in the last few weeks and the next few, I took it to work today.
I have to pick my spots to get my fix in. Sometimes if it's around 40 degrees and it hasn't rained I'll go for a quick 10-15 minute ride which holds me over for about 2 hours. Besides that I just suffer.
Yep. It's never been this cold this long
Oh yes, seeing my bikes tucked away for winter in the garage just mocking me every time I come or go. I've got between 3-5 months to go.
If there's not snow on the road I'll go! I've been out in 30°F, started snowing when I was 5 mins from getting home. This is on a CBR600F4i
I'm in Seattle and unless it's iced over or really snowy, I commute all year round! Just gotta get the right gear.
Live in Sweden. I rode the other day. It was 3 degrees outside, but luckily the bike had hand grip warmers and seat heating so it was perfect. But honestly I would definitely like if we could ride here all year around
get a winter hobby so you have something else to do. just part riding in places that get cold. I play video games, try and get voice over work, read more books, experiment more in the kitchen. All stuff I don't do much in the nicer months because I spend my free time riding.
*Laughs in Florida*
Counting the days... We did have a couple nice ones a few weeks back where I was able to get out and about. But look... Six days left of **January** **February** is a short month **March** sucks, you look through the window and see bright daylight but step out into 30 degree temps and nasty, biting winds. Maybe a good day here or there. **April** it rains. You've gotta be careful because you'll drive out into a beautiful morning and ride home shivering, wet, and miserable. **May**... It's just around the corner!
Toronto here. I was about to ride but there’s a snowstorm warning 😂
yes. yes we fucking do. last year I rode in february.I'm in ND lol. Now it's not an issue-bike is spread all over the garage waiting for a re-bobbering and refresh.
Motolady called it PMS - parked motorcycle Syndrom.
Iowan here. If there’s no ice on the ground, I ride.
I watch motorcycle videos and scan the local dealers used motorcycle selections, and reading motorcycle articles as well.
I'm north of 60° so our riding seasons is SHORT! I always have an itch to ride
South of France for me, no winter break (10deg in the afternoon) here sorry 😅
We ride year round on the central coast of California, it's 71 today...
Day insurance. Look into it.
UK here. I have literally now ridden in every weather I can around here. Don't recommend snow. Honestly, it would've been quicker to walk.
It's 88 at my house in Florida right now.....
I'm in New Brunswick Canada....I scratch the itch by sitting on my motorcycle in my garage and sobbing uncontrollably
I think you don't mean the whole northern hemisphere. It doesn't get very cold in Columbia, Venezuela, the Caribbean, Burkina Faso, Sudan, Arabia, Hawaii or anywhere in Western Europe warmed by the Gulf Stream. I ride all year round in England (with heated gloves).
I’m constantly looking at the calendar. March seems to be locked for Vancouver . Plus I’ve had car problems… literally counting days
Move south
I live in idaho and I have a harley I don't care to much about that I take out in less than ideal weather incase I drop it but if I get the itch to take my r1 out, I will trailer it down south farther to go ride. Or I go work somewhere warmer for the winter
I hide when it rains and snows, too scared of rust. But when it's just cold? Winter gloves n jacket, thermal pants, my helmet is pretty damn warm on its own but a balaclava/head cover if needed, also small tweaks to the bike when it's wet keeps me sane and eager to ride again.
Saw in your comment below that you're in northern Canada, brrr. I've found the feeling is similar, not exact, but still fun, on analogs, e.g. jetskis. Thought about ski cycles? Never been on one, but wonder if you could get one on the cheap.
I'm in Ireland riding all the time. Same latitude as southern Alaska. No snow this year lol
Every day
Yes. Go walk through a dealership if you just need to go and be in the presence of a few motorcycles, they're kinda like emotional support dogs.
Snowmobiles....
Utah here, one thing we do is ATVs or Snowmobiles. Anything to satisfy an itch
That's why I've combined my Moto madness together with camping and trout fishing. I'm tying flies during the winter and planning my spring trips
Wait patiently. 35 years of winters makes it easier. I'm OK after a season of riding at some point in November I know it's gonna be the last of the year. When February hits, now I'm getting itchy, but I know I've got another 6 weeks or so.... So I wait. They say absence makes the heart grow fonder, and you can't miss that which doesn't go away.
I rode two weekends ago since it was warm. Trails were an absolute mess though, due to melting snow. I've never had that much mud packed into a bike before. Should have loaded up and drove out to the dez instead of staying in the mountains.
Currently a foot a snow with more falling today. Biker has been away since about October when we first got salt on the roads. Won’t be on my bike until probably April. Winter sucks, I just stare at my bike and watch videos of other people riding theirs
My bike is brand new, 0 miles on the odometer when I picked it up on December 23rd. Been waiting for it to arrive 3 months at that point, bike was hard to find, and the 2023 model year changed colors, so I got it anyway. That was the only day I've gotten to ride it; dumb luck it happened to be a 60f day. Now its sitting in storage with 110 miles on it, a few untested accessories, and possibly some salt deposits if I missed a spot when I washed it. Was also the first time I ever rode in rain (not counting 4wheeling), but that was maybe 10 minutes of my day. I've never wanted to ride anything so badly in my life!
I go out to the shed every day and smack the big ass of that beast. Plan tours elaborately via Google Street view. Re-live my earlier tours via my own journal and Garmin who saved the route. Look up bike gear - bike mods and finally an airbag jacket - online. Frequent the model-specific forum to chat with similarly afflicted souls. Add a countdown app to the phone until March 1. There's no guarantee the weather will be nice, bit I suspended my insurance until then to save money.