Discussion
Fleegle said:
CAPP0 said:
I'm Kent to London too, Docklands for me. I have actually seen someone on an FJR in AS kit a couple of times. What's the FJR like? It's starting to creep it's way up my "replacement bike" list.
They're good enough to warrant some police forces using them They are great, have had no real problems with any of them, only changed the last one because it was written off!
They're fast enough to make real progress, if you need to, but still agile enough to filter through London traffic, it's shaft drive so no messing about with an oily chain. mine returns between 47-50 mpg.
Loads of Gen1 spares on ebay if needed and Gen2 spares are appearing now.
My last FJR had 110K on the clock when it met it's early demise. If looked after they will go on forever.
Tim
Stig said:
TDM 900
There's a theme developing here - the TDM is also on my shortlist (well, longlist, I need to distil). I've always liked these, they are another of the "unloved by the masses but very good" bikes IMO.I haven't quite decided between a purchase of a used bike I can use and not have any concerns about, or something new (eg Tracer) on lease.
All year round on a Honda VFR800 VTEC, a 40 mile round trip of A/B roads and motorways.
I've got a can of ACF50 in the garage that a mate swears by for his Fireblade, but frankly I'm too lazy to do it (I wash my bike perhaps twice a year) and it doesn't seem to suffering from the non-application!
It's got factory heated grips which are great, and I use Hein Gericke Pathan Gloves (the ones that make you look like something out of Star Trek) which are strange at first, but great and very warm once you get used to them.
I wear my skiing base layer, normal work shirt and a fleece jumper, plus a good set of Dainese goretex textile kit with the removable liners installed. Boots are Daytonas (bought from a BB recommendation) which haven't seen winter yet, but performed admitably in a downpour today.
The only thing that frustrates me is that there are a lot of roundabouts on my journey; even at the height of summer one of them usually has a diesel spill on it once a week, add in sub-zero temps and dark mornings it can become a bit of a test at times.
Having done this for 17yrs, my office IT job has recently changed to "work from home whenever you like". This winter if there's any possible chance of ice/snow/sleet I'll be staying in bed until 8:55am, logging on as I jump in the shower and at my desk for 9am without leaving the comfort of my central heating, I feel I've earned it!
I've got a can of ACF50 in the garage that a mate swears by for his Fireblade, but frankly I'm too lazy to do it (I wash my bike perhaps twice a year) and it doesn't seem to suffering from the non-application!
It's got factory heated grips which are great, and I use Hein Gericke Pathan Gloves (the ones that make you look like something out of Star Trek) which are strange at first, but great and very warm once you get used to them.
I wear my skiing base layer, normal work shirt and a fleece jumper, plus a good set of Dainese goretex textile kit with the removable liners installed. Boots are Daytonas (bought from a BB recommendation) which haven't seen winter yet, but performed admitably in a downpour today.
The only thing that frustrates me is that there are a lot of roundabouts on my journey; even at the height of summer one of them usually has a diesel spill on it once a week, add in sub-zero temps and dark mornings it can become a bit of a test at times.
Having done this for 17yrs, my office IT job has recently changed to "work from home whenever you like". This winter if there's any possible chance of ice/snow/sleet I'll be staying in bed until 8:55am, logging on as I jump in the shower and at my desk for 9am without leaving the comfort of my central heating, I feel I've earned it!
Eight years of all season commuting in Glasgow for me.
My bike for the first year was a GSXR 750 on awful tyres (BT 21 or 22's I think). Great in the summer, terrible in the winter.
Before my second winter I "upgraded" to a V Strom 650. A bigger screen, hand guards and a scot oiller are the only modifications as it already had heated grips. I've never washed or ac50'd it. I've posted pictures of it in the past and descriptions of "grim" fit it quite well. I'd say it was the perfect commuting tool and I'd consider another as a replacement if I didn't want to try something different.
For gear I can't see past HG. Goretex trousers and jacket have been with me from the start and have never leaked. I live in Glasgow remember. The jacket has a storm collar which I'd say is essential. Boots are Daytona shorties and gloves HG also although they do let in slightly in the worst weather. I like my Arai but as long as it has a pinlock I'm sure others would work as well.
I've ridden in the snow and ice but only to get home. It's the only thing that would put me off taking it.
My bike for the first year was a GSXR 750 on awful tyres (BT 21 or 22's I think). Great in the summer, terrible in the winter.
Before my second winter I "upgraded" to a V Strom 650. A bigger screen, hand guards and a scot oiller are the only modifications as it already had heated grips. I've never washed or ac50'd it. I've posted pictures of it in the past and descriptions of "grim" fit it quite well. I'd say it was the perfect commuting tool and I'd consider another as a replacement if I didn't want to try something different.
For gear I can't see past HG. Goretex trousers and jacket have been with me from the start and have never leaked. I live in Glasgow remember. The jacket has a storm collar which I'd say is essential. Boots are Daytona shorties and gloves HG also although they do let in slightly in the worst weather. I like my Arai but as long as it has a pinlock I'm sure others would work as well.
I've ridden in the snow and ice but only to get home. It's the only thing that would put me off taking it.
I commute every day from near Ormskirk to the Wirral through the centre of Liverpool. Approx 25 miles of dual carriageway, city centre and then more dual carriageway riding.
What do you ride? Do you make any alterations to it for winter?
Honda CBF600 at the moment but looking to change. No alterations but I would like some heated grips or hand guards for when it gets below 5 degrees. I've tried Tucano Urbano Muffs but just couldn't get on with them (they do work, though). My gloves are fairly thin, (Rukka Pluto) so maybe a thicker glove would help. That said, my hands were too cold on less than 5 trips last winter and a quick warm up on the engine at the lights can mitigate somewhat.
What do you wear?
The most important thing about all-year riding in my view. No such thing as bad weather, just the wrong gear. Tried the cheap and cheerful stuff (Spada) which is good while it works but doesn't last, particularly the waterproofing. Moved on to Gore Tex and will never buy non-Gore Tex again. If you shop around it doesn't have to cost a bomb either. 2-3 years ago I bought a Dane Gore Tex jacket for £125, Alpinestars Gore Tex trousers for £90, Rukka Pluto Gore Tex gloves for £70 and some TCX Gore Tex Boots for another £90, all new, clearance and ebay bargains and the like and all still 100% waterproof even in the heaviest of rain at high speed. With all the liners in, some ski socks and maybe a jumper if it's really cold, I'm toasty down to freezing temperatures.
The details can be important, too. I wear a thin snood all year round to deaden the noise and add a tighter fleece one as well when cold. I might be buying a Halvarssons thingy this year. My Caberg helmet has built in Pinlock on the visor which is a godsend in the town traffic and it also has a flip down sun visor which I now couldn't be without. Although you'd think you'd be needing that most in the summer, the low height of the sun in the winter means this is a necessity but I can just flip it up (and keep the visor closed) going through the tunnel and just not use when it gets dark (rather than having to change it all the time). I wear specs and I'd say my only complaint is if I get too much airflow into my lid, my glasses get cold and start steaming up which becomes a vicious circle as you have to then open the visor. If anyone has any clever solutions to this I'd be interested to hear them.
All that said, I know people have different tolerances to the cold so my setup might not be enough for everyone. I'm the guy in the office who is sweating when everyone else is complaining about the cold! I am fairly warm-blooded.
What does it have to look like outside the window in the morning for you to finally concede and not bike in?
The perennial winter question! I am an avid forecast checker on the BBC app. I've taught myself that whatever reservations I might have in my head, with the right gear the reality is never as bad as your pessimistic mind might be trying to persuade you. I have 3.0 Alfa which makes it a bit more appealing to go in the car and I try to use it once a week just make sure it's getting some use so I generally have an acceptable out whenever I want. It's always the same though, about 10 mins in and I'm stuck in queues wishing I'd taken the bike. Sub zero temps will make me think about it as I live in the sticks and ice/snow would definitely be no to two wheels.
What do you ride? Do you make any alterations to it for winter?
Honda CBF600 at the moment but looking to change. No alterations but I would like some heated grips or hand guards for when it gets below 5 degrees. I've tried Tucano Urbano Muffs but just couldn't get on with them (they do work, though). My gloves are fairly thin, (Rukka Pluto) so maybe a thicker glove would help. That said, my hands were too cold on less than 5 trips last winter and a quick warm up on the engine at the lights can mitigate somewhat.
What do you wear?
The most important thing about all-year riding in my view. No such thing as bad weather, just the wrong gear. Tried the cheap and cheerful stuff (Spada) which is good while it works but doesn't last, particularly the waterproofing. Moved on to Gore Tex and will never buy non-Gore Tex again. If you shop around it doesn't have to cost a bomb either. 2-3 years ago I bought a Dane Gore Tex jacket for £125, Alpinestars Gore Tex trousers for £90, Rukka Pluto Gore Tex gloves for £70 and some TCX Gore Tex Boots for another £90, all new, clearance and ebay bargains and the like and all still 100% waterproof even in the heaviest of rain at high speed. With all the liners in, some ski socks and maybe a jumper if it's really cold, I'm toasty down to freezing temperatures.
The details can be important, too. I wear a thin snood all year round to deaden the noise and add a tighter fleece one as well when cold. I might be buying a Halvarssons thingy this year. My Caberg helmet has built in Pinlock on the visor which is a godsend in the town traffic and it also has a flip down sun visor which I now couldn't be without. Although you'd think you'd be needing that most in the summer, the low height of the sun in the winter means this is a necessity but I can just flip it up (and keep the visor closed) going through the tunnel and just not use when it gets dark (rather than having to change it all the time). I wear specs and I'd say my only complaint is if I get too much airflow into my lid, my glasses get cold and start steaming up which becomes a vicious circle as you have to then open the visor. If anyone has any clever solutions to this I'd be interested to hear them.
All that said, I know people have different tolerances to the cold so my setup might not be enough for everyone. I'm the guy in the office who is sweating when everyone else is complaining about the cold! I am fairly warm-blooded.
What does it have to look like outside the window in the morning for you to finally concede and not bike in?
The perennial winter question! I am an avid forecast checker on the BBC app. I've taught myself that whatever reservations I might have in my head, with the right gear the reality is never as bad as your pessimistic mind might be trying to persuade you. I have 3.0 Alfa which makes it a bit more appealing to go in the car and I try to use it once a week just make sure it's getting some use so I generally have an acceptable out whenever I want. It's always the same though, about 10 mins in and I'm stuck in queues wishing I'd taken the bike. Sub zero temps will make me think about it as I live in the sticks and ice/snow would definitely be no to two wheels.
^great post, thanks, and thanks to everyone else.
I'm pretty much Goretex-ed up (not sure that my Sidi Black Rains are goretex) and have just scored a bargain pair of OEM heated grips from eBay. I'm warm-blooded too, and I can particularly relate to being stuck in the car in traffic whilst bikes are passing - the previous two occasions I've driven in, my 40 minute bike ride home has taken 2 hours in the car. Planning to stick it out as long as possible.
I'm pretty much Goretex-ed up (not sure that my Sidi Black Rains are goretex) and have just scored a bargain pair of OEM heated grips from eBay. I'm warm-blooded too, and I can particularly relate to being stuck in the car in traffic whilst bikes are passing - the previous two occasions I've driven in, my 40 minute bike ride home has taken 2 hours in the car. Planning to stick it out as long as possible.
bennyb24 said:
Yep all year round on an S1000RR
I have an outside radio thermometer with a little digital read out that goes in my bedroom - it will flash if the temp goes below where I set it. I think below 3 degrees is around my cut off - so if feeling like a chicken that day I know to get up early and take the car/train instead.
I have spidi H2OUT textiles which are brilliant / never leak and can be bought pretty cheaply from europe these days. alpinestars drystar gloves do a good job - I just picked a pair off the internet after looking a "ride recommended products" thingy and they are great. But i have really struggled to find a good boot that can cope with 40mins of heavy rain and not let anything in..... (I guess full rubber ones will work - but I want something that looks like a proper boot)
The IT people love me drying my socks on my PC box thingies under the desk !
A* SMX-6 GTX. I've done over 15000 miles in mine, and they've kept my feet bone dry through some of the worst rain I've seen for years. Sidi goreetx are good too, in fact any goretex boot will keep your feet dry, just buy on fit. They're not cheap (£200 ish) but well worth it.I have an outside radio thermometer with a little digital read out that goes in my bedroom - it will flash if the temp goes below where I set it. I think below 3 degrees is around my cut off - so if feeling like a chicken that day I know to get up early and take the car/train instead.
I have spidi H2OUT textiles which are brilliant / never leak and can be bought pretty cheaply from europe these days. alpinestars drystar gloves do a good job - I just picked a pair off the internet after looking a "ride recommended products" thingy and they are great. But i have really struggled to find a good boot that can cope with 40mins of heavy rain and not let anything in..... (I guess full rubber ones will work - but I want something that looks like a proper boot)
The IT people love me drying my socks on my PC box thingies under the desk !
In this weeks rain (we've a little down here in Kent!) the combination of Richa rain warrior 2 peice rain suit over leather jacket and kevlar jeans, topped off with goretex boots and goretex gloves has seen me come out of a 40 minute ride home in torrential rain 100% dry.
All year round, currently it's another Gsxr 1000. I wear leathers with a cheap waterproof over the top and a one or two thin fleeces underneath. I add Porelle waterproof and thermal socks. I did use handlebar muffs but the weird drafts coming through them seems to defeat the point so took them off again last year.
I am looking at a decent waterproof jacket if. I can find one to zip to my leather jeans. Still not totally convinced about textiles in an accident situation though.
My commute is thirty miles each way, mix of dual carriageway and then through the centre of London.
These days when there is snow on the ground I take the train option, been there and got the t-shirt before, don't need another one
I am looking at a decent waterproof jacket if. I can find one to zip to my leather jeans. Still not totally convinced about textiles in an accident situation though.
My commute is thirty miles each way, mix of dual carriageway and then through the centre of London.
These days when there is snow on the ground I take the train option, been there and got the t-shirt before, don't need another one
skahigh said:
Do you wear any anti-abrasion layers under textile jackets?
I've only ever worn a waterproof over the top of my leathers and the few times I have been off the waterproof has ended up with holes in it from the friction while any of the leathers that have made contact have only had light scuff marks.I have read a few articles where the armour in textiles works fine but the material around it cannot contain it properly so it moves or gets torn out, rendering it useless.
What do you ride? Do you make any alterations to it for winter?
i turn on the heated grips. Could do with hand guards to take the chill off.
What do you wear?
bmw winter gloves, alpine stars andes textiles
What does it have to look like outside the window in the morning for you to finally concede and not bike in?
only snow or ice, cold and rain are not an issue.
i turn on the heated grips. Could do with hand guards to take the chill off.
What do you wear?
bmw winter gloves, alpine stars andes textiles
What does it have to look like outside the window in the morning for you to finally concede and not bike in?
only snow or ice, cold and rain are not an issue.
Desiato said:
Still not totally convinced about textiles in an accident situation though.
Can't comment on their performance vs leather, but in my crash and subsequent VERY long slide at about 70mph a couple of years ago, my Richa gear held up very well. The pants was worn at the knee till the plastic protector, but other than that everything held up. I think the point is that textiles slide better, so higher risk of sliding into something, but lesser risk of tumbling?So I did 2 years before I stopped commuting all together.
Gear
Summer - Leather trousers with pockets a plenty, leather jacket, summer gloves and full boots.
Winter - Full Goretex Performance shell textiles, with winter liners, base layers and thermals as necessary, Goretex Boots and gloves. When it was really cold heated inner gloves (rechargeable battery powered). Pinlock is a must.
Mid-Season - Bit of a mix between the above.
Bag - Kreiga R30 (the one with a full dry bag).
Bike
It was a Ducati Monster M600. Never let me down. A bit of Pro FST every tank and it started and ran really well. Come winter I did put a front screen and cowl on it, just to redirect some of the cold air. My mate made some nice looking hand guards to take the brunt of the wind off hands, but I stopped commuting before he finished them.
I ran with Michelin Pilot Road's at the time, and then Pilot Power 2Ct's. No real issues as it was a commute into London and speed never really got up to more than 40-50mph on a bit of dual carriage way.
Musts for me were:
Pinlock visor insert, nothing else is as good for anti-fog.
Decent winter gloves (which I only discovered this year post commuting; my Held Arctic GTX's are awesome in 0 degrees, no real need for heated inners now unless I am doing distance and I have a car for that)
GoreTex - Mine has been great. Came off in it once and fared better than in leathers, although I did need new ones.
Decent neck buff
A truely waterproof bag. Nothing worse than getting to work and finding your shirt soaked.
For me it was pretty much my only way into work and it was snow or extremely cold conditions (ice formation) that stopped me. I was lucky to have a covered garage for the bike at work and places to change and dry off kit. Most of this was because it was a 20-25 min walk to the station anyway. So in the rain I would be half way to work on the bike.
If I did fancy a beer after work I could leave my bike in the carpark indefinitely. My ZX6-R lived at work pretty much all winter.
Gear
Summer - Leather trousers with pockets a plenty, leather jacket, summer gloves and full boots.
Winter - Full Goretex Performance shell textiles, with winter liners, base layers and thermals as necessary, Goretex Boots and gloves. When it was really cold heated inner gloves (rechargeable battery powered). Pinlock is a must.
Mid-Season - Bit of a mix between the above.
Bag - Kreiga R30 (the one with a full dry bag).
Bike
It was a Ducati Monster M600. Never let me down. A bit of Pro FST every tank and it started and ran really well. Come winter I did put a front screen and cowl on it, just to redirect some of the cold air. My mate made some nice looking hand guards to take the brunt of the wind off hands, but I stopped commuting before he finished them.
I ran with Michelin Pilot Road's at the time, and then Pilot Power 2Ct's. No real issues as it was a commute into London and speed never really got up to more than 40-50mph on a bit of dual carriage way.
Musts for me were:
Pinlock visor insert, nothing else is as good for anti-fog.
Decent winter gloves (which I only discovered this year post commuting; my Held Arctic GTX's are awesome in 0 degrees, no real need for heated inners now unless I am doing distance and I have a car for that)
GoreTex - Mine has been great. Came off in it once and fared better than in leathers, although I did need new ones.
Decent neck buff
A truely waterproof bag. Nothing worse than getting to work and finding your shirt soaked.
For me it was pretty much my only way into work and it was snow or extremely cold conditions (ice formation) that stopped me. I was lucky to have a covered garage for the bike at work and places to change and dry off kit. Most of this was because it was a 20-25 min walk to the station anyway. So in the rain I would be half way to work on the bike.
If I did fancy a beer after work I could leave my bike in the carpark indefinitely. My ZX6-R lived at work pretty much all winter.
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