What is it like riding in Michigan?

[Bionicpork]

I'm considering taking a job in Michigan near Detroit. This would be a pretty major life change for me having lived in SC for most of my life.

I'm interested in hearing life experience from people that live in the area. What's it like riding in MI? I assume winters are a dead season, and I've heard road conditions are pretty awful year round. Car insurance seems insane, does that also apply to two wheelers?

Feel free to toss in some non-riding related advice too

 

[bbbrowles]

I have only lived in Michigan for 9 years this time. This is my second time living in Michigan. I am also closer to Battle Creek then Detroit. I have a 2007 with full coverage and it is only $544 a year. Honestly comparable to when I lived in Maryland and Pennsylvania.

As far as roads…hit and miss. In my area they are tar and chipping everything. So rounding a curve I either see a pothole the size of a buick or tar and chip. I didnt ride for a few years (not the reason) but am noticing it now. I argue they are fixing roads…but that is interstate and I like country riding. I used to ride all year but did get caught in a snowstorm years ago so gave that up. You can ride in November usually. Maybe a day or two in December/January/February but wouldn't count on that. Just my opinion though

I do like Michigan. Cant say I like Detroit…but my nearest neighbor is 1/4 mile away and I can't see their house. I love going up to the UP (Upper Peninsula) and Mackinac Island. I stay out of politics but like everything right now you have a bunch of fanatics on both sides.

Depends on what you like in life, but I wouldn't hesitate to move to Michigan. It wouldn't be a top 5 choice for me, but I like it.

 

[Bionicpork]

Checking back in: I'm officially a Michigander since November. Been a whirlwind of events and haven't been able to spend much time on things like FJR forums. Haven't gone riding in months now and it's grating on me. The combination of insane work hours while I on-board, and the unpredictable wet/cold weather have kept me off.

For those of you from colder climates, any advice for keeping the FJR and MT03 healthy over the winter? They're being stored in a detached garage and have battery tenders running. Do I need to put them on stands? rodent preventatives? etc?

 

[bbbrowles]

Checking back in: I'm officially a Michigander since November. Been a whirlwind of events and haven't been able to spend much time on things like FJR forums. Haven't gone riding in months now and it's grating on me. The combination of insane work hours while I on-board, and the unpredictable wet/cold weather have kept me off.

For those of you from colder climates, any advice for keeping the FJR and MT03 healthy over the winter? They're being stored in a detached garage and have battery tenders running. Do I need to put them on stands? rodent preventatives? etc?

One thing I have always done but not sure if it really matters, is keep it on the center stand and rotate the tires every couple weeks. I was told many many years ago that kept the tires from getting flat spots. I think modern tires probably not necessary. However it gives me an excuse to sit on the bike and go “waaa, waaa, scretch…waa” so why not. I have put moth balls under the seat with mixed success to keep rodents out.

Welcome to michigan.

 

[Bionicpork]

I imagine the man made screeching sounds also help deter rodents

 

[Mr Bill]

rodent preventatives? etc?

I use battery shock traps now. I learned my lesson with pellet poison. The pellets disappeared overnight. More pellets gone. And again. I found all the pellets in spring time opening the air filter cover. It was like a slot machine win! Poison pellets poured out!!!

 

[Bugnatr]

I use battery shock traps now. I learned my lesson with pellet poison. The pellets disappeared overnight. More pellets gone. And again. I found all the pellets in spring time opening the air filter cover. It was like a slot machine win! Poison pellets poured out!!!

They are great as long as you make sure the batteries have a charge. Old fashioned snap traps along the wall/doors and around the bike with dry dog treats as the bait and you're golden. If you have pets stash the traps out of reach, the rodents will find them.