What's too cold?

[exharleyfan]

I see people talking about winterizing bikes and I've never done that. In Co. it snows a bit but the roads clear

off in a few days usually and you can ride less agressively (sand, ice spots etc.).

My question is how cold can the bike handle before it has problems?

When I left for work yesterday it was 20 but the bike runs great.

I just can't leave the thing alone for long!

 

[Geezer]

The FJR can take it if you can.

 

[Checkswrecks]

The FJR can take it if you can.

+1

I was riding to work at 17F last year & the bike was fine - just have to watch the tire traction.

Plenty of folks wrote about riding in the negatives.

You, on the other hand, might want an electric jacket liner & gloves at that point.

 

[Toecutter]

Too cold is when there's the possibility of ice on the roads....

 

[Ignacio]

Low temperatures will not be a limiting factor for the FJR itself. Finding enough wattage for electrics and layers of clothing for you will.

It's a water-cooled engine with a thermostat and a radiator...it's for all intents and purposes the same as a car.

 

[exharleyfan]

I used to have trouble with my Goldwing icing the carbs at low temps so that 's why I was asking.

Sorry to end up NEPRT. I did not find the answer in my search.

 

[Ignacio]

I used to have trouble with my Goldwing icing the carbs at low temps so that 's why I was asking.Sorry to end up NEPRT. I did not find the answer in my search.

Your carbs won't ice up on the FJR....because.....ummmmm....why was it? Oh yeah, there aren't any.

Try +coldest +riding in the Search and you'll see a thread about riding 10+ miles....plus others with variations. It's a subject repeated at least three or four times each season.

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

I used to have trouble with my Goldwing icing the carbs at low temps so that 's why I was asking.Sorry to end up NEPRT. I did not find the answer in my search.

Your carbs won't ice up on the FJR....because.....ummmmm....why was it? Oh yeah, there aren't any.

The FJR's throttle bodies could ice-up, too -- due to 'the Venturi effect' -- just like carburetor (variable) venturis. The laws of physics require the velocity of a gas/fluid to increase through a venturi thereby lowering the temperature enough to cause 'icing' (if enough water vapor is present in the air?).

'Carb-heat' is the cure for such a condition -- altho, 'icing' hasn't been a commonly reported FJR malady... :blink:

 

[exharleyfan]

That's what I was looking for if anyone had it happen since there is no provision for heated air like autos have.

Thanks

 

[Rogue]

I've ridden at 17 degrees F. IIRC gas freezes at about -150F so I wouldn't advise riding when its colder than that.

 

[Patriot]

if ya balls fall off, then it was too cold to ride... :yahoo:

 

[Duezzer]

TBs will ice up on the FJR

Gas line anti will help to a point - at which you may want to switch to a sled with heated gear

 

[Fred W]

As has been stated, the bike will run at pretty much any temperature. The limiting factor around here is that, once the white stuff falls in earnest, they use (a butt load of) salt on the roads to get them, and keep them, clear and safe for the motoring public.

While the roads may subsequently dry off between storms, there is still a nice coating of dried salt on the surfaces. I've seen what happens to my cages underbodies. I choose not to have that happen to my bike just for the sake of a miserably cold mid-winter ride.

Y PMS MV

 

[beemerdons]

if ya balls fall off, then it was too cold to ride... :yahoo:

Well Mike, it explains Bustanut joker, and fact Mizz Bustanut took them away from him. But what about RadioHowie in Florida?

 

[Geezer]

As has been stated, the bike will run at pretty much any temperature. The limiting factor around here is that, once the white stuff falls in earnest, they use (a butt load of) salt on the roads to get them, and keep them, clear and safe for the motoring public.
While the roads may subsequently dry off between storms, there is still a nice coating of dried salt on the surfaces. I've seen what happens to my cages underbodies. I choose not to have that happen to my bike just for the sake of a miserably cold mid-winter ride.

Y PMS MV

+1 I don't normally ride when it's below freezing because I'm afraid of patches of ice on the road. And once the snow brings out the sand and salt trucks I'm done until the spring rains.

 

[MojaveFJR]

Too cold is when there's the possibility of ice on the roads....

ditto..

 

[jason389]

I've ridden as low as 50 degrees with no problem! Ha!

-sunny Savannah GA.............................................(although not today so much)

If I'm not boating or biking, I could be doing something better!

 

[Wanderer]

I don't think there's a minimum temp. but I do get really cautious about WHERE I ride and stay on dry pavement if it's under about 35.

I personally have ridden the 12 miles to work in 14* temps. The gate guards at Ft Carson gave me the crazy eye and didn't want to let me on post.

 

[kawabeemer]

I remember snow in Savannah the week before Xmas, and shirt sleeves for Christmas day. Probably in back in '66 or so. I remember 'winter' being 5 days in a row in the forties.