The winter months...what do you do?

[Uncle B]

Seems mother nature has decided summer is truly over....so in the winter months what do you do to pass the time away till riding season comes round again?

I surf the net a lot more, watch plenty of motoracing and rugby. Pull the bike apart and do those barstard maintenance jobs you can't be buggered doing during summer.
Plan next years rides (going to do them this time)
Smoke, drink and other undesirable stuff :devil2:

[MidnightMike]

Comes round again?

Its always riding season. :yeah:

[Smokin]

Just coz it's a bit nippy does'nt mean you have to lock up the scooter, It just means the rides get a bit more exciting.

[Jantar]

There are fewer club rides and rallys, but that just means more freedom to get out and try new roads.

Why stop riding just because the days are a bit shorter?:ride: :ride:

[Bonez]

Seems mother nature has decided summer is truly over....so in the winter months what do you do to pass the time away till riding season comes round again?
WHAT RIDING SEASON? A planned wee 80k run today turned out to be a nippy 160k ride and I enjoyed every damn windy/chilly km of it. Btw who was on the Bandit and FJ that passed me in Woodville at the Pahiatua turn off?

[sAsLEX]

Welly crew a bit soft, a little rain hurt them? thought you would be used to crap weather down there, I ride all year round.

[Uncle B]

Hey I didn't say I stop riding, just choose my days more wisely. Aint no fun if you can't see where you're going.

[Waylander]

I ride everydayso no point worrying about the weather.

As for the days being shorter, that's what headlights are for.

[Stevo]

Winter! I race my quad, as it is not so dusty. We race March - November, so I simply ride the roady when I can find the time:ride:
Bit harder to get the Mrs to come out in the chillier weather tho!:mellow:

[Oakie]

Summer / Winter...the riding is the same ... just warmer clothes involved.

[Streetwise]

its a good time to go to brisbane and have a holiday in the winter sun,,, and ride of course,

[Toast]

Yeah, as above...don't stop...just wear a balaclava to keep my neck warm

[Lazy7]

bike cover, brake lock, back of garage.

will be working on finishing my car project and i will never ride in the rain. its just too miserable

[Ixion]

Separates the bikers from the posers does winter. The Warehouse sell waterproof jackets and leggings. Bikes have headlamps. Next excuse.

[sAsLEX]

The Warehouse sell waterproof jackets and leggings.

And there only like ten bucks! Mind you the only place my leather jacket I wear to uni leaks is the air vents in the elbows that zip close, silly design

[beyond]

I love riding too much to worry about the weather.
Don't much like riding in the rain cos your cornering speed suffers somewhat, but it's time to shove the liner back in your jacket and go for it anyway.

We don't really get weather like Europe with snow and ice and crap on the roads all the time, thank goodness.

Way down South can get miserable but Aucklands pretty good on the whole. Might be lucky to see half a dozen frosts a year.

[Insanity_rules]

Welly crew a bit soft, a little rain hurt them? thought you would be used to crap weather down there, I ride all year round.

Hey man, the Welly crew rock the party the hardest and Uncle B is my guru. Cold shitty weather is more common in Wellington than losing the rugby is for Auckland LOL

Gonna use the time to start customising and servicing the mighty VTZ of doom

[Waylander]

Separates the bikers from the posers does winter. The Warehouse sell waterproof jackets and leggings. Bikes have headlamps. Next excuse.
That plastic shit from the Warehouse is just that, plastic shit. If the heat from the engine doesn't melt it then the wind will rip it apart. Best to just get some proper rain gear or harden up and do without.

It's only water and half the guys on this site could do with a cold shower 90% of the time anyway.

[Paul in NZ]

Wull... The Triumph's engine is nearly back together... The kind engineering man is pegging the timing side mains because they have (in the past) turned in the housing and.. (well you lot don't care so) I scored a NEW woring loom... woo hoo! I have had new tyres fitted but need to shim up the front brake shoes (don't care why do you so ditto)

The Guzzi needs the engine hauling out for another go at that fecking leak and it has a leaking fork seal ever since I stuck on the Tarozzi fork brace (work of the devil) so that needs fixing too!

Feck! I'm behind on my stories I write for MGNOC

Bummer, I promised Ray I scan a few more pictures from the achives.

In short..... I always have freaking heaps of bike stuff to do... Rain or fine

[SwanTiger]

I will be riding throughout the winter months regardless of the weather. I enjoy riding too much to stow the bike away in the garage.

As Ixion mentioned, anyone who doesn't ride during this time in my opinion isn't exactly a true rider, just another poser.

[Jantar]

Way down South can get miserable but Aucklands pretty good on the whole. Might be lucky to see half a dozen frosts a year.

We've got a light frost forecast for the morning down here. I might just have to leave for work 30 seconds earlier than usual.

[rfc85]

[QUOTE=Insanity_rules] Cold shitty weather is more common in Wellington than losing the rugby is to Auckland LOL

fuc ,an't that the truth-rock on the "canes"

[sunhuntin]

Separates the bikers from the posers does winter. The Warehouse sell waterproof jackets and leggings. Bikes have headlamps. Next excuse.

i doubt warehouse ones are waterproof somehow! even my leather leggings leak!

i ride year round....just means i might not get to work dry and may look like ive pissed my pants due to a wet seat [no sheltered parking at work] but then i work at bp....im gonna get wet anyways.

the wind we've had lately has made life interesting....near got blown into the next lane the other night....and almost got blown over sitting at the lights. rain aint much fun to ride in with an open face, but i got face coverings for that.

fyi...the tops of computers work well for drying gloves/socks to an almost perfect point so they arent so yuck to put back on.

only real adjustment i make for winter is make sure the headlights on and i dont go overly fast in town when its wet...usually about 45k. slow down earlier than normal and brake in a straight line to prepare for a corner. generally wear more clothing on the bike as well. saw a cheap set of kiddies reflective strips the other night at warehouse....might go pick them up...feel weird in the black after work and figure i could use some more noticible gear.

[pritch]

so in the winter months what do you do to pass the time away till riding season comes round again?


Can't speak for everyone but I plan on riding until it gets warm again. Winter is the time you ride with the linings *in* the suit. When summer comes you take the linings out again. Not too complicated...:blip:

After having spent over six hours on the bike today (Western and Central North Island) I can advise that the linings will be going back in the trousers tomorrow...:whistle:

[Ixion]

In fact, the Warehouse waterproofs are quite good. Get a size several sizes larger than you would normally wear to go over jackets and ensure that legs , arms etc are long enough.

They are waterproof , don't last forever, but I figure even if I only get one season out of them , well , for $9 , I'm not complaining. In fact one pair of trousers is now coming into its third winter and still usable.

The only problem is they don't breath, so they get clammy on long rides.

I wear cordura in winter so the waterproofs are for heavy rain use only.

Gloves , nothing you can do, waterproof ones delay the water getting in, but take ages to dry. Two pair helps.

Boots, no such thing as waterproof boots, but GAITERS from the friendly Army surplus shop opposite the billboard of the chick with the huge tits, make a big difference.

[Goblin]

This winter, as every other, the spunky long-jons, woolly socks & singlets and the trusty balaclava come out of the bottom drawer. Wear the right gear and cold just isn't a problem. Road conditions change too but you just ride accordingly.

There's always the Cold Kiwi for good ride and get together and of course The Brass down south(I'll get there one day!:soon: ). A few of us are lucky enough to be doing the JM SH tuition day in the middle of bloody winter:woohoo: . Possibly a KB rally in the near future and the Cold Duck. :drinkup: So much to do:spudflip:

[inlinefour]

Seems mother nature has decided summer is truly over....so in the winter months what do you do to pass the time away till riding season comes round again?

I surf the net a lot more, watch plenty of motoracing and rugby. Pull the bike apart and do those barstard maintenance jobs you can't be buggered doing during summer.
Plan next years rides (going to do them this time)
Smoke, drink and other undesirable stuff :devil2:

Riding season whats that? You clearly need a DRZ or something similar and some good wet weather gear...:bleh:

[Timber020]

Winter means a plastic bag for the radar detector, wax on the boots and a calm hand on the throttle

[sels1]

Yeah its fun getting all the cold weather gear on and getting out and battling the elements. This year I have the luxury of heated grips so its not too bad when the gloves start to leak. But there is nothing like being out riding on a crisp winters day. Who's going to the Cold Duck Rally?

[sAsLEX]

Boots, no such thing as waterproof boots, but GAITERS from the friendly Army surplus shop opposite the billboard of the chick with the huge tits, make a big difference.

cept for John Bull cadet model which they no longer make the barstards, Heaps of nugget and you could cross a river without getting wet feet.

What Ixion meant to say is , they dont make water proof motorcycle boots :bleh:

[Ixion]

I stand corrected.

[sels1]

What Ixion meant to say is , they dont make water proof motorcycle boots :bleh:

Yes but you can buy slip on waterproof covers for motocycle boots. (Or use big plastic bags!).

[Jase W]

No such thing as a riding season... your bike should be your only method of transport!

[Shadows]

All year round for me. I actually enjoy riding in crap weather, it means you have to get your lines just right, your power delivery spot on, and use well controlled braking. Thats got to make for a better rider.
Current plans for a new shiny bike will probably change all that though. Up until now they've all been pieces of shit that I don't mind getting wet and dirty.

[Big Dave]

Riding....'season'....on the North Island?
Bwahahahahahahahhahahahahahahahahahhahahah.
good one!

[Back Fire]

Comes round again?

Its always riding season. :yeah:

I agree...

[Holy Roller]

Some of the best riding is to be had in the off season
Even the South Island in June was great

[myvice]

No such thing as a riding season... your bike should be your only method of transport!
True, and if you don’t ride in the winter, you don’t ride!

[Uncle B]

I agree with you all and try to ride as much as I can....don't get me wrong there.
I get a little nervous when some moron with fogged up windows changes lanes or pulls out in front of you cause they can't see shit.

I love a crisp morning ride, wakes you up and makes you feel alive.....cold but alive.

[Sniper]

I still have to get to work, so Im riding. But in the down time I don't know what I do.

[Jackrat]

I don't really think about seasons and riding,ya' just get cold an wet sometimes is all.
As for winter,that's deer stalking time for me.I don't hunt during the summer months but once the leaves start to fall I'm out there getting rained/snowed on.
I also do a lot of beach combing for Ambergriss during winter.I average $5000pa collecting ambergriss and have done a LOT better than that some years.
Hell yeah winter rocks!!

[Kendog]

I don't mind admitting that I'm about as hard as a soggy biscuit. My bike is too pretty to get wet! The hubby rides to work everyday, rain, hail or shine and I see the mess his bike is when it gets to the weakend and the sun comes out and he has to clean his bike before taking it out in public. I don't have to ride in the rain, and I don't enjoy getting drenched, having the watch out for patches of slippery crap on the road and can't be arsed cleaning my bike every weekend. So I spend more time drinking,:drinkup: eating and putting on extra layers of hybernation fat.:laugh:
Call me a pussy, I don't mind.:mellow:
Mrs KD.

[sAsLEX]

I average $5000pa collecting ambergriss and have done a LOT better than that some years.

I need me a pet whale!

[Krusti]

Seems mother nature has decided summer is truly over....so in the winter months what do you do to pass the time away till riding season comes round again?

I surf the net a lot more, watch plenty of motoracing and rugby. Pull the bike apart and do those barstard maintenance jobs you can't be buggered doing during summer.
Plan next years rides (going to do them this time)
Smoke, drink and other undesirable stuff :devil2:

Lay in bed and root like rabbits.....oh sorry that was 20 years ago...:laugh:

[Macktheknife]

No such thing as a riding season... your bike should be your only method of transport!
Couldnt have said it better myself

[Swoop]

Geeze, make friends with a pair of thermals.

I play in -20 degrees in winter, and 1 set of thermals does the trick. Thermal glove liners are great also - especially for those of us who bite fingernails!

[Pixie]

Love riding on a cold winter's day,all warm in my winter gear and the motor breathing rich, dense air.

[Lazy7]

As Ixion mentioned, anyone who doesn't ride during this time in my opinion isn't exactly a true rider, just another poser.

bullshit.

be honest everybody - if its pissing down with rain, cold and shitty outside and you had the option of a car or bike what would you take?

are you guys seriously saying you would ride in weather that would have your car window wipers on full?

how is that fun?

[Ixion]

Yep. I'll ride in any weather. Why wouldn't you?

Granted, in winter I'm less likely to wake up , look outside and say "What a simply glorious day. 'Twould be criminal to stay indoors today". But same goes for the car.

In fact, ratio of car use to bike use probably skews toward bike in winter. cos in summer Mrs Ixion will say "It's such a nice day, why don't we go to xxx". Which means a trip in the cage. In winter she doesn't want to go anywhere, which means I am more at liberty to take off on the bike.

Nothing wrong with a bit of rain. Modern electrics don't seem to be affected, waterproof gear is more or less waterproof, and I am not made of sugar.

I will admit to taking Der Uberfarter out more often in winter. Getting soft in my old age.

EDIT: I think riding in rain is just as much fun as riding at any other time. Still the same experience. What's the difference?

[Lazy7]

because its just not fun.

apart from being wet and miserable. you have to add a whole bunch more awareness to your riding (on top of the way you already have to watch for every bloody thing on the bike as it is)

so as well as watching all the cagers and the stupid shit they do - you have to start watching the road more as well, painted lines, steel man hole covers, leaves and debris that turn to slimely slick stuff. It all adds to one big headache that removes that feeling of freedom you get from riding in more or less a carefree way.

[Big Dave]

Lay in bed and root like rabbits.....oh sorry that was 20 years ago...:laugh:


?!!? - 20 MINUTES baby

[Big Dave]

bullshit.

be honest everybody - if its pissing down with rain, cold and shitty outside and you had the option of a car or bike what would you take?

are you guys seriously saying you would ride in weather that would have your car window wipers on full?

how is that fun?

Absolutely,
If you have good gear on it's some of the best fun.
I don't HAVE a car and don't ever want one again.

(my mrs does - but it is rarely at my disposal and even when it is - fark that.)

[Ixion]

because its just not fun.

apart from being wet and miserable. you have to add a whole bunch more awareness to your riding (on top of the way you already have to watch for every bloody thing on the bike as it is)

so as well as watching all the cagers and the stupid shit they do - you have to start watching the road more as well, painted lines, steel man hole covers, leaves and debris that turn to slimely slick stuff. It all adds to one big headache that removes that feeling of freedom you get from riding in more or less a carefree way.

Ah , see , but I do that all the time. Don't ever ride in a "carefree" way. Wet or dry, white lines, man holes covers, best to avoid, and even on a fine morning, leaves on the road , in the shadow of trees or banks, can still be wet and slippery.

I may be wet riding in rain, but I won't be miserable, and I will be having fun. (Only exception is heavy gridlock traffic in heavy rain - but that's no fun even in the dry).

Riding in rain is no problem. Just slow down a bit and take care. And nothing beats the pleasure of getting home after a few hundred k through the rain and thinking "Well, that was fun - weather did it's worst and I won". Good thing is too, in bad weather you are much more likely to have the road to yoursel. Very pleasant it is riding along with the wheels swishing away the water and the rain beating on your visor.

I'd go so far as to say that anyone who doesn't feel confident riding in rain on the open road needs to seriouslly examine their roadcraft in general.

[beyond]

The one thing I don't like about riding in the rain, especially the motorway, is the crap you get all over your bike. Man they get dirty real quick on the motorway and are a pain to clean when they get like that.

I rode to Napier and back in one day when 80% of the trip was in torrential rain. A few cagers had slid of corners on greasy tar patches. Wasn't mucking around myself but yeah, you gotta be more careful and watch the throttle hand in corners.

It's a hoot pulling out to overtake a cager and you open the bike up and wonder why you are still alongside them until you notice the back end fishtailing and ya rev counter in the higher levels. :) Can't hear much except the heavy rain drumming on you helmet. Get a real good full body massage in the heavy stuff too.

[Paul in NZ]

Lay in bed and root like rabbits.....oh sorry that was 20 years ago...:laugh:

Yes and our house is still infested with the results of that little effort 20 years on.. aarrgghh.. Get qualified and move out you wretches!

[Toast]

The one thing I don't like about riding in the rain, especially the motorway, is the crap you get all over your bike. Man they get dirty real quick on the motorway and are a pain to clean when they get like that.


Bonus being that the same crap stick to your number plate :niceone:

I actually quite liked riding in the rain on my old bike, 'cos I had no issues with my feet sliding off of the pegs. Current one may be different, 'cos it's got rubber jobs. So long as it's been pissing down for at least a day, then I'm confident that there won't be too much oil or cowshit on the road.

[Dodgyiti]

Winter brings those crisp clear nights when you bundle up in everything you can get under the safety gear and head in a northerly direction for unclutterd roads, and it is a treat to see another bike rider as all the softies have their bikes tucked up at home under a blankie:done:

[Jantar]

Geeze, make friends with a pair of thermals.

I play in -20 degrees in winter, and 1 set of thermals does the trick. Thermal glove liners are great also - especially for those of us who bite fingernails!

Is that skiing? or motorcycling? The only place I know of with public roads where it can get as low as -20 is just up the road from here at Ophir. They hold the New Zealand record at -21.2.

I reckon I do some pretty hard winter riding, but at anything less than -6 the bike stays in the shed until it warms slightly. Of course there are times that I'll head to work at -5, but when I return home it has cooled to -8 or there abouts.

[SwanTiger]

Peoples dislike of riding in the rain really perplexes me.

I just rode all of 2 kilometers to the dairy, in this shitty weather we are having, to get a couple of cans of soup and a drink. The rain didn't put me off at all. Infact, I took the long way home just to drag the journey out a bit.

I even saw another biker with a pillion heading out towards Whangaparoa as I came back. Good to see there are other "real" motorcyclist about!

[kickingzebra]

The onyl pain in the backside about riding in the rain, is when you have to put on wet leathers again. That can suck. But riding in the rain in general, it cleans the grit off the chain, and if you are quick, all of the bugs splattered on the bike, are nicely softened for easy removal!!
Plus the upping your skill level, and general awareness, and how else can you tell whether your tyres are any good in the wet, but ride in the rain???

[Streetwise]

I don't really think about seasons and riding,ya' just get cold an wet sometimes is all.
As for winter,that's deer stalking time for me.I don't hunt during the summer months but once the leaves start to fall I'm out there getting rained/snowed on.
I also do a lot of beach combing for Ambergriss during winter.I average $5000pa collecting ambergriss and have done a LOT better than that some years.
Hell yeah winter rocks!!

What do you search the beach for??

[Streetwise]

aaaaa got it dont worry, cheers

[Gremlin]

Winter... my gear is not going to be dry immediately, bike will get filthy. Oh well.

Only annoying thing is getting more kitted up for the rain. Warehouse pants over your pants, gloves inside your sleeves etc.

And I just got a bloody summer jacket 2 weeks ago. Drat. Back to the other one. If this winter is colder than last, I might even have to put the liner more than twice.

Life goes on. Oh, must stop riding on the lane markers. Inside of the bike going nuts, I'll be sliding down the road :crybaby:

[Swoop]

Is that skiing? or motorcycling? The only place I know of with public roads where it can get as low as -20 is just up the road from here at Ophir. They hold the New Zealand record at -21.2.

I reckon I do some pretty hard winter riding, but at anything less than -6 the bike stays in the shed until it warms slightly. Of course there are times that I'll head to work at -5, but when I return home it has cooled to -8 or there abouts.
Neither.
I have been standing first in line waiting for the lifts to open at the skifield and it is only -5 degrees.
-20 is in Auckland in winter - only if you think upwards. Thermals are your friend.

[Swoop]

because its just not fun.

apart from being wet and miserable. you have to add a whole bunch more awareness to your riding (on top of the way you already have to watch for every bloody thing on the bike as it is)

so as well as watching all the cagers and the stupid shit they do - you have to start watching the road more as well, painted lines, steel man hole covers, leaves and debris that turn to slimely slick stuff. It all adds to one big headache that removes that feeling of freedom you get from riding in more or less a carefree way.

This is a troll, right??? Has to be.

All those who abandon 2 wheels for 4 during winter are adding to the road congestion.
This is the BEST time to be on 2 wheels!!! I have a voice in the helmet who seems to laugh at the traffic congestion during summer, but screams with hysterics during winter!
Please put a KB sticker on your cage rear-windscreen so I can laugh even harder when I pass you.:buggerd:

[Jantar]

Neither.
I have been standing first in line waiting for the lifts to open at the skifield and it is only -5 degrees.
-20 is in Auckland in winter - only if you think upwards. Thermals are your friend.

Umm, I guess I'm a bit thick. Are you saying that Auckland gets to -20 degrees?, or by "think upwards" are you meaning that the - is actually a +?

In that case you certainly don't need thermals.

[riffer]

Like some of you, the bike is the only transport. So for me its ride, or take the train. :no:

And I only take the train if I'm going to watch the Hurricanes play.

So for the winter months, what do I do? - pull the tank off the bike and get some RTV all over the coils and plug leads, change the oil, get some new tyres if needed, and get used to riding in wet gear.

The gloves have only just dried today and I guess they'll be wet all week again (both pairs), and the cordura has a new home next to the fire (much better than that nasty cold gargre).

I don't mind the wet - even in the traffic. It's the ice on the road that gives me the shits. <_<

[kiwifruit]

Riding a big bike on the road in the pissing rain is less enjoyable than riding the same bike on a sunny day, sure.
Riding in the wet does require more care, sure, but its still great fun IMHO.
As long as you stay warm and pretty much dry its all good!
Riding a dirt bike in the wet is HEAPS of fun too.

[Big Dave]

Mind you all you rainy day hardarses - I've been hunkered in front of the puter, box or playstation all day.

I must admit I don't often set out in the rain for a pleasure ride - if it's business or a trip somewhere then it's on with the dririders and no dramas.

but for pleasure....welll.....

[skelstar]

I learnt to ride in the winter. I remember Uncle_B saying 'woo hoo summer...you cant ride all you want!'. I dont remember thinking that I couldnt rie when I wanted then!?!?
I think the weather is more settled in the winter.

[fishb8nz]

Commute daily Hamilton to Huntly, for shiftwork. Still not keen on really heavy rain but still manage about 80% biking. Our heavy fogs are worse than the rain, especially when it's just above freezing, it gets very cold and wet and difficult to see possums and pukekes and other road-kill, in the dark.

[Dafe]

I love a crisp morning ride, wakes you up and makes you feel alive.....cold but alive.

:shit: Uncle B........ Winter is not the time for those nudist antics!:cold:

[buellbabe]

Great to see that the general response is " what d'ya mean? I ride all year round..." DITTO to that infact I love Autum/Winter riding, the air temp is brisk and I'm not sweltering in a heat wave... the bike loves the cooler temps too... there plenty of winter gear on the market... ya just got harden up abit ;-)

[Grahameeboy]

Do we have winters in Auckland..................

[buellbabe]

Do we have winters in Auckland..................
Yes... if ya get up early enuf you'll get to see plenty of frosts but thats pretty early in the morning... its true really!

[Grahameeboy]

Yes... if ya get up early enuf you'll get to see plenty of frosts but thats pretty early in the morning... its true really!

Mmmmmmm...........ya know Jack Frost then......

[Swoop]

Umm, I guess I'm a bit thick. Are you saying that Auckland gets to -20 degrees?, or by "think upwards" are you meaning that the - is actually a +?

In that case you certainly don't need thermals.
Think upwards.

Like 13,000 feet up. = -20 in winter. I check it on the thermometer in front of the wing. (somedays it's not nice checking!).

[Flyingpony]

As Ixion mentioned, anyone who doesn't ride during this time in my opinion isn't exactly a true rider, just another poser.

And from the strange but true files, my FXR clocks up more km in winter than in summer.

For example: Between October 2005 and Feburary 2006, it clocked up 200km.
For the month of March alone, 200km. The colder it gets, the more I ride the motorcycle.

[Jantar]

Think upwards.

Like 13,000 feet up. = -20 in winter. I check it on the thermometer in front of the wing. (somedays it's not nice checking!).

Sorry Swoop, I am one person who should have picked that up. 13,000 ft in winter down here is closer to -30 degrees. In the glider that requires a bit more than just thermals, but in the Cessna the heater works just fine. :laugh: