Winterize for riding

[gordonprice67]

Not wanting to hijack the Winterize (for storage thread) I thought I would start a new one.

Specifically, I am curious what others have done, if anything, when they plan to ride extensively in the winter? I don't have to worry about salt in Portland, but I will be riding in rain a lot. And being an apartment dweller the bike will live under a cover on the curb.

Also, can anyone comment on the Qualifiers in rain? They seem to be only slightly street oriented, and dry streets at that, and I am tempted to just have Avon Storms mounted when I pick up the bike. I will rarely if ever really flog the bike to the point of pushing a more sport touring tire's limits, and certainly not before next summer. But I will likely put a few thousand miles on the bike over the winter.

Thanks,
Gordon

[zaner30]

I've never had any problem with the Qs in the rain, both on the street and track. I have them on both the ST & RC51. I'm sure the Avons would give you better mileage though.

Zane

[zer0triple]

As long as you take the precautions necessary while riding in wet weather, you should be fine. Myself and one of my friends both rode our street triple r's about 80 miles in torrential rain. Qualifiers were fine the whole time and gave neither of us any problems.

[Drainfade]

I live up the street from you in Seattle area and I run Pilot Powers. They warm up instantly, last a long time, and have great all weather grip. As to road grime and crap on the bike I usually let her get a winter coat of crap and when the swingarm gets really nasty I hose it off. Otherwise I recommend a good wash and wax and then let the winter coat begin. It's worked fine for years...

[criticman]

I too am interested in what people have done to make the cold winter days more bearable on their Triples. I recall last year being pretty annoying bundling up just to ride the 3 miles to work - I often took the car instead. Any luck with heated grips (or bar inserts), or anything else to make the winter more convenient?

[Liz]

Hey Criticman!
I had the Oxford heated grips installed pre-delivery, as I got mine on the 20th January this year - so all my running in was done during the colder moonths of the year, and am I glad I had those grips

For me, as a year-round rider, I can't see how to do so without the grips, so yep, I reckon they're well worth the investment!

Cheers,

Liz

[criticman]

Did you find that the grips kept your hands warm enough even with the top of them being fully exposed to the wind?

[evilmom]

I have Oxford heated grips too and they get plenty hot and keep your fingers from cramping up in the cold. Since the wind hits the knuckles you will still need a good pair of winter gloves.

I also have a heated vest wired to the battery. It keeps the core warm and allows you to ride with fewer layers of clothing which is more comfortable.

Last winter I rode with the qualifiers (got the bike in Nov) and they were great. I now have Michelin CTs, they feel great too.

I rode with the temp as low as 0C or 32F, (as long as the frost was off the road and not rainy) but not far at temps below 5C or 41F.

Here in Victoria it doesn't snow often so the roads aren't overly dirty, but frequent washing/drying/waxing and chain cleaning/lubing have kept my bike looking new (> 20,000km ).

[zaner30]

I have the previous version of these gloves and have used them the last 4 winters:

http://www.alpinestars.com/Jet_Road_.../p/352208.html

Expensive, but highly recommended if you ride every day. They hold up in a spill too....

Zane

[hondaTim]

Look, I winterized my bike after all! It hit 71 F. today... a bit chilly but rideable.

Merry xmas to all the triumphs in cold storage from Los Angeles.

-Tim