Comments on: 5 Reasons Not to Ride a Motorcycle or Scooter in the Winter

By: Adrian

Adrian — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 06:53:49 +0000

Steve: I’m still riding the 2007 season. What’s a little snow and ice?! This is Canada. They put us on snow and ice after birth to wash the yucky off and get us primed for hockey season.

By: learn how to ride a motorcycle

learn how to ride a motorcycle — Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:03:05 +0000

I don’t live in a place where there is a winter season but this article is really helpful. I hope other riders will consider these things before they ride during winter.

By: Poppawheelie

Poppawheelie — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 16:30:00 +0000

Did you say, “Hack riding at 55F?” If you got that URAL Hack, you could ride any temperature, anywhere, any condition, any time. Better get that URAL.

By: Wrench

Wrench — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 14:10:09 +0000

I agree with Charlie6, although it still drives me crazy to see the bike dirty. I need it for my mental state of mind to prevent SAD (seasonal ativated depression). Yes this is really what it is called.

Riding is a dance of balencing risks. As long as you are properly prepared, you can have some very enjoyable winter rides.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:30:44 +0000

unknown: Yeah, you're probably right. This was my way of taunting people into riding in the winter.

Montana.... brrrrrrrrr.

By: Unknown

Unknown — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:46:35 +0000

hmmm, those all sound like the commments from those who ONLY ride the weekends. Never in the rain, never at night…only winter reason that parks me is ice. That in spite of living in montana.

By: Jack Riepe

Jack Riepe — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:44:41 +0000

Dear Mr. Williams:

To me, nothing devalues the joy of riding in the winter liker the thought of the pitting of rock salt on delicate and expensive motorcycle engine cases.

Of course, the threat of dumping the bike and banging the living hell out of it is equally sobering. You are a better rider than I, and a braver man, but we knew that already.

Fondest regards,

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:08:26 +0000

Low Buck Rider (Mike): Regardless of where you live in North America there will be some type of weather that’s outside the norm — cold, hot, rain, something. Pushing through them on two wheels does provide a sense of accomplishment, for me at least. And I think it is part of the therapy you hint at.

I’m with you about the quality of riding in the second half of life. Hope I’m around for the third half!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:05:57 +0000

Adrian: I guess you caught me, my half tongue in cheek there are no good reasons not to ride in the winter.

I purposely left out ice and snow. That seems pretty self explanatory....

Ride safe in the north!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 19:04:29 +0000

Orin:I like your idea of things being fetishized. It certainly is the case with Leica cameras -- they aren't to be used much lest you scuff or ding them. And only in perfect weather because rain or dust or snow will hurt them.

Maybe the same thing at work for lots of expensive scooters and motorcycles. And chrome.

60F is perfect riding weather though. Geez....