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Driving in the winter

Posted: Mon Oct 30, 2006 5:10 pm
by shoto
Hey all, I'm a new motorcycle driver, but I have graduated from the NovaScotia Bike Course thingy, for new riders.

The question is now, should I buy a bike. I have to take the bus 3 hours a day, or I could drive to my College in about 20 minutes. I also realise that the winter is upon me, and cannot afford a car (gas, insurance, parking, eww).

So, I was wondering, would it be a smart idea to purchase a bike, ride through the winter, but take the bus on the days that are paticularlily harsh?

This is the bike I'm getting, is it a good deal?
http://halifax.kijiji.ca/c-ViewAd?mpnam ... Id=6786892




Thanks for the feedback!

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 6:36 am
by jstark47
Hey, you're the one that lives there, you tell us: how bad does it get in winter in Nova Scotia? I ride all winter long, but I'm 5 degrees of latitude south of you -- there's generally only a couple of weeks I can't ride in the winter. I surely wouldn't buy a bike now and just have it sit all winter ('though you'll probably do better on price now than in the spring.)

Posted: Tue Oct 31, 2006 8:22 am
by Sev
Ice + 2 Wheels = Pain.

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 4:15 pm
by stephen85858585
nice bike, the windshield looks bad but it`ll keep you a lot warmer in the winter as it will cut down on the wind that hits your body.
_________________
schrom pics

Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 6:19 pm
by Gadjet
I've seen pics of how severe the weather can get in your neck of the woods. Save your money for now and get the bike in the spring. Get yourself a beater car that will be cheap on insurance and gas and will be enough to get you through the winter.

Riding a bike on ice is not very fun unless you have the right tires (studded), and even then, it's not for the noob. Experienced riders only should be trying to ride on ice.

Even if the roads are dry, riding when the temp is below freezing is downright painful, even with layers and an electric vest - I know, I've done it. While the body stays nice and warm, the fingers can get real cold real fast, and this will have a severe impact on your ability to control the bike. Even with my electric gear, the coldest that I will ride in is -5, as it just gets way to cold below that when you factor in windchill.