Just got back from a ride here in Mansfield Ohio, It is around 3 pm, with mostly sunny skys, temperature 47 degrees. Having just bought new chaps my wife and I went out for a spin. We found the chaps along with a nice neck warmer adequate for the job. I guess we successfully extended the riding season by a couple of weeks or so.

47 degrees? That's a heat wave. I was out today at 30F.

Winnipeg Canada, I guess that would not seem very cold to you guys up north. Here in Ohio 47 isn't motorcycle weather, as I and my wife saw only two other bikers out, and this was a couple hours apart. Next Saturday is predicted to be in the low 50's which will indeed be a mini heat wave compared to today.

I think with geographical areas having lower average temperatures then those living in colder climes will ride in those lower temperatures.

Myself, I will ride in seriously low temps as long as the roads are ice free. As long as you dress accordingly then the temperature shouldn't really detract from the riding experience.

We have now entered the non riding season in the UK for the rice rocket riders as the temps are dropping to single figures, (degrees C), this is borne out by their absence when riding around lately.

Tomorrow I will give the wing a severe dousing in FS365 to give the metal parts a coating prior to the road traffic department spreading salt all over the roads at the first sign of ice. Down side as you know of salt is that 'it' and the metal of the bike are not best friends and the salt will soon attack any exposed metal and do unseen damage. So prevention is better than any cure.

Ride safe fellow riders especially as the cold winter approaches.

So true Waspie, as we ride year round down here.
Even when it is below 32*, just have to don the proper gear.
Of course only on dry ground.
By the way what is FS365?

FS365:
http://www.motorcycleinfo.co.uk/index.cfm?fa=contentGeneric.ejdlwmdldgctiiar&pageId=148053

Thanks MikeO!

Thats great, not sure I need it down here.

They think salt is still only for a table shaker, they don't even have plows,lol.

But if I ride North, most definitly.

It seems a lot of bikers are out in the cold, much colder than I can tolerate without falling into a coma after the ride.

Ok, well Mansfield, Oh that is where I pick up US 30 when traveling east or south. 30 is only 10 miles south of the town in Iowa I live in. I can't count the times I've been through there, both on my scoot and by car.

Here in Iowa you can ride still but you'd have to really bundle up, for me so much so that I would'nt be able to hardly move. Also when you stop to go into someplace you have to undress or sweat alot.

I have the solution. I have in-laws that live in South Flordia and I feel a need to load my scooter on the trailer and visit them for a month or so. LOL

Keith
Iowa

Would you take the scooter to Florida? I mean ride it all the way? How would you prepare for such a trip? I'm thinking of getting some saddlebags, but how does that effect the passenger? Would they still be able to ride comfortably?

Wifey and I tour in the UK on the Swing with saddlebags without any problems. I've got a pair of throw-over bags very similar to the Oxford Sport panniers. The two joining straps fit under the seat OK, and the bags fit far enough back to be out of the way of the pillion's legs.

Sounds great Winger, I may go that route. We want to head south next summer a couple of hundred miles, stay a week or so. Just need something to carry a little extra clothes and other asundries. Thanks.

We find there's enough room for 2 -3 days away with that set-up, and you can stlill get things in the boot under the straps. I've also got a 45ltr topbox, so plenty of storage space!

No more cold weather rides for me this year.
We got 10cm (4") of snow last night and the low tonight is -22C (-8F).
My Swing is now officially in hibernation until early April, maybe late March if Mother Nature is cooperative.
The battery is out and in the basement, on the maintainer for 24 hours every 2 weeks.
I'm depressed.

Sad indeed, I Think we might get at least one more ride this Sunday if the weather holds. Supposed to be in the mid 50's, then after that take a nose-dive.

To avoid the hassle of the saddlebag straps going across under the storage are, I placed velco on the sides of the under seat storage and fasten the saddlebag straps to that.

Danny

Hello.
I just bought a 02 vswing and are therefore going to sell my old Peugeot Elyseo 125 ccm.
Took it to the gas station to wash it and fill some gas in minus 20 celsius.
2 things.
1. Remarably ans suprisingly good grip on hard snow.
2. In Norway the liquid coolant for scooters can handle minus 25 celsius, and thats when riding.
It was cold, yes, but putting on cloths, no problem with temp. Only problem was fog on the inside of the visir until I learned to breeth right.
Old scooter ad is here if anyone is interessted.
http://www.finn.no/finn/mc/scooter/object?finnkode=25886182
Ant to all
Happy New Year
Bob

Hi bobben,

My wife and I are all set for a cruise to the Norwegian fjords in May 2011, Hardanger Fjiord, Eidfjord, Vik, Sognefjord and Bergen. If it is as beautiful as the brochure says, I think we are in for a real treat! Really looking forward to it.

We were in Oslo in jan 2010, what a fantastic place !

My parents lived in Trondheim in the 50's so wanted to see if what my Mum said were true, and it was.

When we have more time we will be heading back