Hey fellow Minnesotans
I'm a new member but have been a lurker for quite some time. I live in South Minneapolis, and I ride a 2002 M750. I'm just wondering if any of you ride through the winter and if not, how warm does it have to be before you bring the duc out of the garage? Its getting to be a decent temp out there and I am just itching to jump on the bike. Unfortunately my driveway is still an ice rink. I think as soon as the roads are clear I'll be out there. I guess I'm also wondering if its bad to be running the bike at this low of a temp. What are your weather requirements for riding?

The only problem with low temps is the local shops put 20-50 in the bikes. It is a little thick below 50.

I hope to be riding this weekend if I can get one of the bikes down the driveway.

I used to commute to work year round but not anymore. Be careful of the sandy, salty, potholy roads. 

Quote from: Major Slow on March 01, 2010, 10:51:59 AM


I hope to be riding this weekend if I can get one of the bikes down the driveway.

+1

I've got about a ten foot ice berg at the end of my driveway. I'm hoping it will be fully receited by Saturday. If not, I'll be out there with a chisel 

I did have the bike running on Saturday though. Was nice to hear it after after 4 months of hibernating.

Is salt a big issue? I can see it getting places that it shouldn't be. Should I just give it a thorough washing later this spring? What kind of gear do you guys wear when its 30 degrees?

I rode last saturday...but not my bike as it's still in pieces.

Quote from: Major Slow on March 01, 2010, 10:51:59 AM

I hope to be riding this weekend if I can get one of the bikes down the driveway.

Quote from: minnesotamonster on March 01, 2010, 01:57:22 PM
+1

I've got about a ten foot ice berg at the end of my driveway. I'm hoping it will be fully receited by Saturday. If not, I'll be out there with a chisel 

Nobody told me about a ride  , mine is still apart ... 

If you haven't sold the 848 by then, you can just ride that 

Quote from: Ducorse on March 01, 2010, 04:07:47 PM
Is salt a big issue? I can see it getting places that it shouldn't be. Should I just give it a thorough washing later this spring? What kind of gear do you guys wear when its 30 degrees?

salt and sand causes a loss of traction.

Even ducatis can be ridden outdoors.

Someone in my office has been commuting on their non-duc since last Friday. The 20 degress in the morning is a bit cold for me. Plus, I have to wait for the 2 miles of mud to the main road to dry out. It is about 6 inches deep in spots. I totally need garage space in town on the paved road. I could ride the atv to my bike to get to work.

Got the bike out today. Couldn't wait any longer for the ice to go away so I gave it some assistance 



Took about a 15 minute ride. Roads are still very wet/slippery in shady areas. LOTS of salt and sand still on the roads as well (obviously). It felt great just to be on two wheels again though. I wore some lined overpants, leather jacket, sweatshirt, and some insulated alpinestars gloves, and just normal riding boots. I got hot. If it's 40+ degrees and the sun is out, all you need is a normal layer under your jacket, and maybe some thicker gloves. The sweatshirt was way too much.

I saw two other bikes on my ride today (harleys)  riding together, so I wasn't the only crazy one. Amber is pissed I didn't take her with  .

Bike is dirty as hell now, gotta go clean all the salt and sand off of her.





Damn, it'd look so much better with a matching cowl....

I usually wait for the roads to be swept before I ride.  No need to lay my duc down.

nice day for a ride

Got out for about 40 miles yesterday.  It was absolutely perfect out!  There were some sandy spots out on the back roads but otherwise the roads were fine.

I spent the day taking my rearsets off to get powdercoated....

great timing.