Damn Snow is here

[BurningExample]

So i woke up this morning to a snow covered house and yard, yep winter is here, but that doesnt mean ive given up hope that my riding season is over. We usually get a warmer week in november sometime and you can bet your ass I'll be out carving up twisties one last time. In January im flying to florida for a week on vacation and my uncle stores his harley down there so at least ill be on two wheels for a week in january if any florida buellers wanna meet up and show me around that would be awesome even though ill be on a harley instead of my buell!

 

[go cytocis]

So i woke up this morning to a snow covered house and yard, yep winter is here, but that doesnt mean ive given up hope that my riding season is over

Us too, and I love it!

 

[yellowcarbon]

What's the white stuff on the ground? Is it cotton? Just kidding. Riding season just got it's start here in central AZ. But I feel your pain, it hit 120 degrees back in July. It was definitely no fun riding and the cool mountain are a couple hours ride away. So you swaet you butt off before you get there. Now that it is cool, those same mountains get a tad cold to ride on.

As a funny side note, the first time I rode through snow on my bike I thought it was cotton. I was headed up a pass and had just come through a tunnel. I had gained enough elevation through the tunnel that there was snow on the other side. On the side of the road was a mattress. I remember thinking that there was a bunch of cotton for one mattress. After a few seconds I realized it wasn't cotton. Between growing up in Hawaii and living in Phoenix, I don't get a tons of snow in my 'world'.

 

[buellxb]

When you're ready, store your Buell with care. Dave made this video on how to prep your bike for winter storage http://youtu.be/xYPTFeUCrbQ

 

[BurningExample]

thanks for the video!

 

[firebolt830]

[up] Glad to see that I didn't miss any major steps when I did mine last week.

 

[go cytocis]

Nice vid!

For those of us who ride through the winter, I’d add that it’s important to make sure of a few things too:
• Adjust tire pressures to account for the colder temperatures
• Make sure you’ve got at least 50% tread left on your tires (also consider switching to a more aggressive tread)
• Load test the battery to make sure it’ll last the winter, and keep it on a tender in between rides
• Ensure you have a fresh 50/50 antifreeze mix (where applicable)
• Clean & lube your controls (and chain where applicable) more regularly (road salt is a killer)
• Switch to a motor oil with a lower ‘w’ value (ie 5w-XX or 10w-XX) to assist starting & reduce start-up wear
• Consider installing heated grips & hand guards, and invest in some good thermal gear
• Watch out for cagers! If you think we’re invisible to them in summer, just wait until you’re out riding in the snow!