Biggest problems with bikes in the winter?

Lurkable · 02-26-2007, 02:01 PM

I wanted to know what the biggest problems would be with owning just a bike during the winter...I'm considering selling my car and buying a bike and that means I won't really have a car during the winter. I can always use my girlfriend's car when I need to, but during the rainy months, all my commuting to work and school would be in the rain.

Besides the obvious additional hazards of driving on wet roads, what dangers do large amounts of water pose to the bike itself? I still see motorcycles on the freeway sometimes when it's raining, but is it bad to park it out in the rain all day? Could I just take a cover with me in my backpack wherever I went?

When people say they're looking forward to the riding season and they've been missing their bike, is that because they all have cars for the winter and rainy days just aren't good for joyrides on the bike? Is it possible to get by with just a motorcycle??

Endorphine · 02-26-2007, 02:03 PM

They're missing their bike because of snow, the inability to ride it. Biggest problems as far as i know is people don't unplug their battery and they aren't able to get their bike started once it gets nice out which requires a jump/a new battery. I wouldn't ride in rain, too many risks IMO.

mikeym · 02-26-2007, 02:07 PM

As long as you don't get any snow there you will be fine. With tires that have good tread on them you will have no problem riding in the rain.

Some people on this forum have RACED at the track in the rain...

You obviously need to worry about debris, oil slicks, and puddles of water (hydroplane on bike = not good) on the road... these are not present on the track when it rains....

I ride in the rain, and have rode hard in the rain as well... no problems doing it, it just gets old getting wet and in and out of wet clothes...

~mikeym

Luvin' Twins · 02-26-2007, 02:07 PM

I've never relied strictly on two wheels. I would think that it would be a pain in the ass from time to time. In Chicago this hasn't really been an option, hence two vehicles.

jcopelan · 02-26-2007, 02:19 PM

It doesn't sound like you have ever owned a bike, but I may be wrong. I'm getting ready to sell my car and get my first bike, but I will also be buying a beater truck for rain and winter. The bike will be my daily commuter, just not in any adverse conditions. It will be my first time learning to ride something on two wheels, and I don't want to compound that with rainy weather.

If you are going to be just learning to ride, then I would advise against just owning a bike. I think rainy days would just make it all the more dangerous for a new rider.

bigb996 · 02-26-2007, 02:27 PM

dont sell your car to buy a bike, bigges mistake you well ever make. Atleast buy a beater to drive when the weathers to bad for a bike.

Lurkable · 02-26-2007, 02:32 PM

Yeah, I think I'll probably end of buying some pos car for the winter when I get too tired/scared of riding in the rain.

TS80 · 02-26-2007, 02:43 PM

Rain = no problem

Snow/Ice = Can get pretty scary

Keep the car. There are situations where a car would come in handy...transporting large objects, friends, you get the idea.

tschaber · 02-26-2007, 03:01 PM

you definitely want a car when you get severe weather in your area so if you sell your car to get a bike at least go buy a pos car or something to drive

mikeym · 02-26-2007, 03:12 PM

I also would suggest keeping a car, there are sometimes when you are just going to want to have a car

RayOSV · 02-26-2007, 07:23 PM

No snow in Marin county usually, but LOTS of rain. Probably wouldn't be a good idea to ride in all sorts of weather right from the start. Give it a year or two before trying to go without a cage.

jonzzr600 · 02-26-2007, 07:30 PM

i sold my car got a zzr600 i ride in the rain and can put about $$60.00 worth of food on my bike have good gear and excillent tires my pilot powers do me jus great

mjfan12 · 02-28-2007, 01:39 AM

Im a car guy that also likes bikes, so I could never be without a car. granted my current car sucks, but I still love cars the best.

bikes arent a pragmatic mode of transport, they're more for fun IMO.

phail · 02-28-2007, 04:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Endorphine

They're missing their bike because of snow, the inability to ride it. Biggest problems as far as i know is people don't unplug their battery and they aren't able to get their bike started once it gets nice out which requires a jump/a new battery. I wouldn't ride in rain, too many risks IMO.

Some of the most enjoyable riding I do is in the rain

I dont drive in winter because of the glaciers they call streets.

robert_s_hunter · 02-28-2007, 08:56 PM

Ya' mean other than finding studded road tires???