Comments on: Only Idiots Ride in the Snow

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 25 Dec 2016 00:46:32 +0000

In reply to dave. Hmmm, I'll have to think about that...

By: dave

dave — Tue, 20 Dec 2016 00:53:42 +0000

small length of number 9 chain and a piece of garden hose

a short 1/4 -20 bolt and 2 flat warshers 2 nuts

hose protects the rim chain around tire bolt on side away from chain or driveshaft
the nuts are jamed tight aginst eatch other to hold it

only 1 chain loop to much thump if more that 1 loop

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 05:02:15 +0000

In reply to Dave. I've daydreamed about passing cars on a snowy hill. Chains. Hadn't thought of that. I did consider studs on my winter tires on the Vespa. But chains... how exactly did you wrap a dog chain?

By: Dave

Dave — Sat, 17 Dec 2016 04:31:39 +0000

i rode a BMW R50 for 10 years every winter in a town along the Ohio river
in western West Virginia 1974 to 1984
one wrap of dog chain helps on hills but bumps a lot if you go to fast on a bare road
it is a first and second gear ride.
Car drivers get there knickers in a twist when you go up a hill they all get stuck on

i have rode across a parking lot that was so slick you had to crawl to get in the
building i was going to 🙂 no sidecar the 3rd wheel hold you back and makes it hard to go
unless its powered
Dave

By: mark

mark — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 06:35:14 +0000

steve..sometimes an idiot has to go to work..at 5am in snow ice and fog”all good fun ..mark ,grimsby,england.and we had a bad winter this year.

By: Belkwinith

Belkwinith — Sun, 30 Jan 2011 21:04:09 +0000

Don’t know how you do it! I tried riding cold weather and just feeling the way the tires were cold and hard and NOT sticking to the road scared the bee jeebies outta me.
I could feel if I leaned just a wee bit more, the whole scooter was going down.
Mind you there was no snow, just cold. So add in the snow… and I can’t imagine that challenge. Of course a BV500 is a taller scooter so maybe center of gravity has something to do with it. Keep riding and keep blogging.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:52:53 +0000

My dear Mr. Riepe: I don't think I have ever asked Kim to check my Battery Tender. Or anything else on the Vespa for that matter. Perhaps I need to change the situation...

I would never want to be on a snowy road on a motorcycle. Too heavy, and too hard to get away from if the bike has to go down.

A scooter is a more rational alternative for irrational plans.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:51:02 +0000

Circle Blue: Almost got caught today in a bad riding decision. Had checked the weather forecast on my phone but had not looked outside. Was all ready to go until I saw snow falling. So the Vespa stayed in the garage...

RichardM: I used to run studded tires on my 2WD truck in the winter. They make and amazing difference on snow and ice. But not so good on dry roads for the studs or the road.

I hope you didn't ride through your garage door!

By: Jack Riepe

Jack Riepe — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 04:28:15 +0000

Dear Scooter In The Sticks (Steve):

I'm delighted you're out playing in the snow. I can't believe you put snow tires on that scooter for this season. It is so damn cold in the garage that I sent Leslie out to check the battery tender on the Beemer.

My friend and moto mentor Brian Curry showed up in my driveway yesterday on a 1994 BMW K75 RT. It was the coldest day of the winter here (so far), the driveway was covered with icy patches, and the street was inches deep with gravel. I would take my bike out in this stuff if I needed a liver transplant and the K75 was the only way to get it.

Fondest regards,
Jack • reep • Toad
Twisted Roads

By: RichardM

RichardM — Mon, 24 Jan 2011 01:31:03 +0000

Idiot? Crazy maybe. I didn't know that others made tires with carbide bits in them. My son has a set on his car and they seem to really help.

I've only been caught twice in falling snow and slick roads. Managed to stay upright until I stopped in front of the garage door. I forgot to put it in neutral before releasing the clutch...

Richard