How many of us PNW monster owners regularly commute to work on their monsters?

[meanmonster]

I have been. Love it. Every dry or almost dry day.

Anyone else?

[scott_araujo]

I did when I had my Monster.  Now I do the same on my Enfield.  As long as I can get to work mostly dry I'll ride, even if I get soaked on the way home like I did today.  I put more miles on my bike every year than my car.  I don't even winterize any more.  Even in the winter there will be a nice day or two here and there.  The bike never sits for more than a few weeks.

Scott

[ryandalling]

This is really a chuck question.....

[duc_fan]

This is really a chuck question.....

That's what I was thinkin'.


When I had my 900SS last year, I was commuting on it when it was dry and above 40 degrees.  Of course, in the Columbia Gorge, that wasn't very much of the year.    I'd have ridden more in the rain, but the more aggressive sportbike handlears and lack of control made riding in the wet an unpleasant experience.  I'd be comfortable riding something more relaxed with wider bars in the wet.  Currently looking for an affordable adventure-type bike.  If/when I buy one, it'll be a commuter.  Only time I won't ride is below freezing or when it's supposed to rain all day.  If it's only supposed to rain intermittently, I'll probably still be out.  That's what the one-piece rain suit is for. 

[scott_araujo]

If it's only supposed to rain intermittently, I'll probably still be out.  That's what the one-piece rain suit is for. 

In general if the chance of rain in the report is 30% or less I'll be dry.  More than that and I end up wet.

Scott

[meanmonster]

So far I'm stickin to 30% or less days.

[duc_fan]

30% probability is a good limit if you don't want to ride in the rain.  Seems to me when the POP hits 40% in the Gorge, that means you're gonna get at least one decent rain shower rolling through (enough to make the roads damp).

I avoided anything over 30% when I had the SS.  Next bike will be more easygoing, and I'll prolly ride in POP up to 50%.  We'll see.  Weather preparedness will be much easier with a set of hard cases (which are a must-have for me now), and I'll have my rain suit tucked into one most of the time.

Also... with the 900SS, I bought tires based on dry performance.  Next bike's tires will be better all-rounders (all weather, multi-terrain).

I'm hoping that Gran Canyon is still available this weekend...

[ryandalling]

I rode the 848 in the hail and the 999 in driven rain. None of it was fun. Monster riding is a bit easier in rain due to the ergos, but never fun.

Chuck rides daily.

[meanmonster]

I love Friday freeway commuting no traffic!

[bnbmike]

I wake up and I'm at work.  The Monster is for fun.

When I lived in Portland, I rode on nice days that I didn't have to visit clients, so about 3 days a week, 3 seasons.

[meanmonster]

How many of you guys have the wind fairing on still? I road with it on and off on the freeway and it does seem to help a little. With it on I get it in the head more with wind but with it off chest more. Feels easier at 70+mph to get hit in the head, less resistance plus I have big traps/neck muscles.

[scott_araujo]

Never had one in the first place.  I got a Dart flyscreen for a while, ditched it.  No screen on my RE either.

Scott

[Bendy]

Yar. Mine came with one of the aftermarket screens. Not only was it uglier than sin, it seemed to be bent. Off it came, and I haven't looked back. My Shoei X-11 has a spoiler just behind the crown of the head that's designed to help keep one's head down. I've got faith in it.

[meanmonster]

I agree the aftermarket ones look like dog shit and even stock it looks better without. I've tried it with and without at 70+ (tucked, shoie hemet and latest mod lower bars) and there is a noticeably amount of less resistance with the stock fairing on as more wind hits hemet ,which is has much less drag then my large chest area lol..

That said I'm debating taking it back off because I like the looks of it without it

[krolik]

Really, how much time do you spend at high speed?