Cold weather riding?

[scalewag]

Well I just bought a bike yesterday, a 2000 Ninja 250. I didnt get a chance to ride it yesterday, because of a dead battery that needed charging and a stinkbug infestion. Today, the battery is fully charged and there are no stinkbugs. But its like 45 degrees outside, and this will be my first time riding a bike on the road, although I have ridden dirtbikes before.

Im wondering if 45 degree F is too cold for me, or the bike. Also, Im only going to be staying in my neighborhood and not going much faster than 40 mph.

[Johnj]

Hello and welcome to the forum. 45° F isn't too cold to ride, as long as you dress warmly. Make sure you cover exposed skin, a bandana for your neck, gloves for your hands, & maybe some long johns. Good luck.

[noobie]

Hiya scalewag,
I live in Seattle and usually ride my Honda to work a good portion of the time.
My limitations are nothing under 45 degrees - no winds over 10mph - rain…eh - I can't avoid it here.
One thing I do is put those little 'hotties' in the tops of my gloves - make all the difference. If my hands get too cold, I feel like I can't control the friction zone or the break.
That's my two cents… enjoy your new bike!

Peace Out,
Noobie

[noobie]

Oh hey scalewag,
I forgot to mention... I'm new to street bike's too. I'm used to motocross.
A word of advise - don't put your foot down on a corner - hehehe
Oh and - no breaking on a corner... and, and... gravel is BAD for street bikes.
Quite a different animal all together actually - you're gonna love it!

Noobie

[totalmotorcycle]

to the TMW motorcycle community!!

Mike

[gsJack]

Bought my 1st bike in late July 84, an open face helmet, leather jacket from a mall leather store, and boots from a discount shoe store and went riding at age 52. Come November and temps in the 40F's I had no intention of stopping. So I bought a full face helmet and long johns and have been riding year around here in N E Ohio when streets are free of ice and snow and temps are above 20F ever since, even the salt water on the streets will freeze below 20F if there isn't enough traffic to warm it a bit. Last couple years I've rarelly gone out in below freezing temps due to advancing age.

So the short answer is NO, 45F is not too cold to ride at any reasonable speed. Just keep in mind your reflexes will slow a bit after a while when it's much colder than that. Stay alert for black ice, only hit it once in all those years myself.

[sunshine229]

Hi and weclome!

You will be fine as long as you are dressed for it. When living in Calgary I used to commute down to -5C (as long as there was no ice!), which is probably just sub 30F.

Have fun!

[havegunjoe]

I've ridden to work in the upper 30's. Keep your hands, neck and face covered and you should be alright. Cold hands I can't tolerate. Around the neighborhood you should be fine as you won't be going all that fast.

[totalmotorcycle]

Hi and weclome!

You will be fine as long as you are dressed for it. When living in Calgary I used to commute down to -5C (as long as there was no ice!), which is probably just sub 30F.

Have fun!

Ya, good ol' Canadian riding, trying to stretch that riding season as early and as late as possible.

Mike

[roscowgo]

I'm good down to 28 without heated gear.

As I don't have any heated gear I aint real sure what I'm ok with while wearing it.