My first 2 years on bikes were commuting and fun, through 2 VERY bad winters, the second being that hit the UK with that huge snow storm (I'm only 25). Personally, riding the 748 through all seasons taught me so much more about biking than many summers could have. I always suggest new bikers do all season riding for a couple of years. It really does teach you some serious riding.
I'm sorry, but I just can't agree with that. We get enough wet weather in the summer to learn how to brake and corner properly in shit weather, why the hell would you choose to freeze your bollocks off as well? I do speak from experience, I hasten to add, I haven't always been a fairweather biker. To be fair riding in winter ain't the arseache it used to be, and I can't say it ever really bothered me that much. But the urban myth that it teaches you to ride better is just that, an urban myth. Spending more time on the bike makes you a better rider - don't matter what season it is.
I have to agree fig, all I think about when riding in the winter is how cold and miserable I am. I worry about slimy roads and cold tyres. I don't think I've learnt a thing. The most I ever learnt on a bike was with a motocrosser. Seriously good fun if you can find somewhere to use one these days.
You might be right mate, might be a placebo going on. But it certainly made me a better ride in all conditions. How about this, if you pitch up a rider who only rides in the summer, bone dry weather, sudden rain, who is going to have the better control of their bike? Fair weather rider, or all season rider? I'm not saying it's stupid or daft not to ride all seasons. I think it's just worth it just for the experience. But, it's just an opinion.
I have a feeling this thread is about to go round in a circle - and as it is, it is only repeating previous discussions on the same subject...
Go racing, that'll teach you how to ride in the wet. (and dry). When you get back on the road there's not much that'll phase you.
Used to commute years ago on this.... Which was quite frankly the scariest thing ive ever ridden to this day. Made from about 3 different models of GSX-r - frame was 750H, 1100H engine and slingshot carbs, subframe from a K. The frame just underneath the tank was welded up to strenghthen it and it was like a rocking horse round 100mph+ bends. My mate used to race it but it was too much to handle for him so i put it back on the road!....i wonder where it is now.... Present day - ill commute on either my RSV4 factory or hyper 1100evo but only if its a. not cold, b. not wet, c not icy which narrows my winter riding down to a few times per month (which is perfect - turns the engine over on both of them). Ironically i got stuck in traffic yesterday morning in the centre of Bristol going out to the m32, Raining, cold, windy, bad visibility got 2 junctions up and saw the reason....z1000sx smashed to pieces in the central reservation with the crash helmet sitting on top and police gunships front and back....thats why i dont ride in the winter.... Got a Toyota IQ, 7000quid, free to tax and does about 50 - 60 to the gallon. Perfect.
For me a winter hack is the way to go. You will pay more for repairs on a duke than the price of a whole bike for winter No more than a 400. You don't need the power in winter if just commuting. Keep it smooth on your riding. You will notice come summer time , you will not slow much, just adapt your style, whilst others disappear behind you Rukka gear is awesome, keeps you nice and warm. +1 on the acf50, worth the price.
Pinlock visor double glazing ACF50 to reduce (though not eliminate) the salt induced rot - got the Monster booked in with All Year Biker for tomorrow Heated grips - to give you a fighting chance of being able to use the brakes and clutch at the end of a boring dual carriageway commute when otherwise you'd discover your hands are so cold they've seized up Sealskinz goretex socks - for warmer and definitely dry feet The other half's car - for when it's snowy or properly icy - the BMW's heated seats win out over my desire to filter past the queues on the Hogs Back if it's that cold!
