Ever ride in the snow?

[RiverRat]

I have rode in most conditions, but I have never rode in the snow before. And to be honest with you, I hope that I never have too. Even the thought of doing that scares the heck out of me

Two skinny ass Sportster tires just isn't enough traction IMO!
But how bad is it, I sure some of you have been caught?

[BUCK]

Many years ago I would ride a 250 Enduro Yamahopper in new snow, crazy, but then I was a kid. Once the snow packs down its just like ice, now thats just stupid. Gave that up. I would never try it with road tires.

[paid4c4]

Riverrat; I certainly appreciate your picture. We had a houseboat on the Ohio River and it was a large hole which took our money. I also noticed that once I got it cleaned up, gased up, and the frig stocked I had all kinds of help, go figure! In the 70's I rode full time for a PD and rode funeral escorts. When it snowed we would add side cars and ski the darn things, I was young and dumb, not smart and good looking like I am now!
Bill

[sfarson]

Oh yes, most often unintentionally. A couple of times when I took the bike to the airport because of a favorable weather forecast. WRONG. Returned to heavy snow. I'm 75 miles from the airport. Made it home but it was serious butt clenching time. The bike is cool looking when at a gas station steaming from the snow melt on the hot engine/pipes.

Icy and snowy roads are where I generally draw the line. Temps aren't an issue for me. Sometimes I go out knowing there is an icy patch I need to go through to get to main roads... I straighten the bike up, and ride very smooooothly. Try to coast through if I can... no brakes or acceleration.

Some snow can actually be quite crunchy and provide some traction. Especially on dirt roads here in Colorado. Still, as a rule, avoid the ice and white stuff.

[wteagle103]

I have...It's not fun. I was on a Honda 700 a couple of years ago. I needed to use it while my vehicle was being fixed. Cold usually doesn't bother me and weather forecast didn't show any preciptation. Unexpected snow on way home from work. Not much, like a dusting. I took it really, really slow, but it was really the caggers that made it dangerous. I would never do that again. Plus the clean up.

Yup, by accident. Went autumn bike-camping too late in the season, too far north. Woke up wondering what that white glow was outside the tent ....

[BUFFY]

Did it once.................. Lessoned learned - Once was too many times!

Sphincter muscle was sore for two days!

[Flyer]

I did a trip from Vancouver to Calgary in early April. 100 miles east of Vancouver I hit snow. It never quit till Banff. Was prepared though. Wearing the right gear and all. The ride was unforgettable (in every sense of the word). When I pulled up to Rogers Pass summit (the Lodge) I had everyone stare at me like I was some kind of nutcase.
Best part? Being out there..Body gets supertuned to every move the bike makes. After a while learned to relax.
Worst part? Having a row of semis on my tail as I'm going through the snowsheds at 20 mph, when the speed limit reads 60. All the traffic gave me lots of space though. Oh..and the pavement. What pavement? Never saw asphalt for 500 miles.
Trip took 2 days. Better than a dogsled..
Would I do it again?....let me think about it

[1999 RoadKing]

happened three times and all by accident. I had a police escort on two occaisions though.

Not only is it scary as hell from the lack of traction but the number of idiots in cars that can cleary see you are having trouble but still tailgate you.

[RoadHogRic]

Great question RiverRat!

No, I have not ridden in the snow and I certainly wouldn't purposely do it on a Road King. I would, however, love to try a dirt bike in the snow, in a safe area, just to see what it feels like.

I think about what happens when backing my RK out of the garage and my feet slip on a little sand and Whoa! Almost feels like yer gonna drop it.

[HarleyHetz]

This very morning!! Left home, was riding for maybe 5 minutes, the snow starts falling, I considered turning around, but opted to keep going. It was kinda surreal, but scary as he!! Luckily, traffic was light (for the holiday), none of it stuck, and the ride home should be much more enjoyable!! I guess if I ever got caught out in it (where it was sticking), I would HAVE to continue on, but I wouldn't like it!!

[MountainMan]

Yep, rode all year long back in Norway...but not on a 700lb bike

[nodoze]

Yup, when I was in college I road my V65 to work, while there snow & freezing rain fell. The ride back was not fun.

[petelogan]

Wife is a Finn. Forty years ago her dad built a clip on set of skis for the front of his IC350.

Things were spring loaded so you could lean the bike, and locked up for when you got to the tarmac.

Pappa used to take the two smallest girls on the tank, next two between the twin saddles sitting on a horse yoke, wife on the rear seat and son rope-towing on skis behind.

I wish I had a picture of that

This contraption is still in the family museum, though the bike is long gone.

Pete

[Twin Cam]

Yes,last year,end of January,on the way to Elefantentreffen meeting in Germany.

We arrived late in the night with 2" of snow on the road and there was a medium grade on the last three miles.

1 BMW GS 1150,1 Honda CB 750,1 Kawa Vulcan 800 and my fatty Heritage Springer that was the only one able to climb without pushing it.

So I think heavies HD's perform well under extreme conditions.


Regards

Twin Cam
FLSTS '01