DO's & DONT'S for Riding in Snow & Ice

[Grendel]

Just wandering if there is a DO's & DON'T list for riding on snow/ice road conditions since not overly confident on slippery roads at 7am in the morning when half asleep since Tourance tyres are great in the dry but found can give you a sideways drift on corners which is a tad un-nerving on very cold mornings.

[jamie92j]

Originally Posted by Grendel

Just wandering if there is a DO's & DON'T list for riding on snow/ice road conditions since not overly confident on slippery roads at 7am in the morning when half asleep since Tourance tyres are great in the dry but found can give you a sideways drift on corners which is a tad un-nerving on very cold mornings.

DO

be very gentle on all the controls, brakes, throttle clutch etc
keep in low gear downhill and just allow the engine breaking to keep you at a slow speed

DONT

apply much pressure on front brake or the front wheel will just lock up, same goes on the back wheel although the back is easyer to control in a slide

give it any throttle or the back will spin up and probly spit you off

lean the bike at all on ice, keep the bike upright and strait as best as you can




just practice on snow and ice and you will get the feel for it!

nothing more fun then a dirt bike in the snow!

[angelo]

Imagine a glass of water balanced on the tank and you need to have it still full when you get to your destination - oh yes and you need to be still on your bike when it arrives as well.

Gently Gently Gently - Smooth is the rule and remember those tyres will not warm up and so not grip - the combination of this and ice is a recipe for disaster for the inexperienced and experienced alike - black ice is the real danger area so assume it is all black ice and ride accordingly.

Snow is a lot easier and quite good fun!

[Grendel]

Just though i'd add not forgetting to salt infront of your garage door so you dont slip onto your arse when getting the bike out in the morning

[Yeti]

DO

....be prepared, wrap up warm, and expect to drop the bike and pick up the odd bruise on the way!

....have fun! It is normally only once a year you get to go out and hoon around in the snow and ice, and probably make an arse of it in the process!



DON'T

....be afraid of dropping the bike! if you are then leave the keys in the kitchen draw, go by car, bus, train, even on foot, or stay home. If you are scared of damaging your pride and joy or can't afford to un-bend it then don't.

......be a wuss! Get out and play!!

[jasonbc]

Originally Posted by Grendel

Just wandering if there is a DO's & DON'T list for riding on snow/ice road conditions since not overly confident on slippery roads at 7am in the morning when half asleep since Tourance tyres are great in the dry but found can give you a sideways drift on corners which is a tad un-nerving on very cold mornings.

I had an off last night on way home from work, very slow speed negoitiating manhole covers whole junction was just froze over. Microseconds and i was picking the bike up, guess enduro tyres not the best thing for these conditions. I lost the front end and it just low sided

[Paul-S]

Which one did you drop?

Hope you're OK

I have the K60 Enduro's on and they are a bit skittish in this cold snap we're having

[jasonbc]

Originally Posted by Paul-S

Which one did you drop?

Hope you're OK

I have the K60 Enduro's on and they are a bit skittish in this cold snap we're having

It was the Xr thank god no damage just a scuffed and grazed helmet

[Grendel]

Well experience my first icy road wheel lock up on the bike this morning going to work when the moron in front decided to stop without warning. Back wheel locked and started skidding didn’t dare touch the front and slid with the back wiggly (and me swearing at the driver) for around 3 metres towards the idiot’s car. But thankfully managed to hold it up.

Not looking forward to tonight’s ride home at 10pm with all the rain & ice since we seem to be seeing endless amounts of broken wrists ankles Etc from the slips and fall on the icy pavement in Southampton today so heaven knows what the roads on the way home will be like.

[tramp]

yeh , Grendel ,
The ride home tonight at 4pm down the M27 eastwards in the snow storm was hairy , really am thinking of alternative transport for the winter months, maybe a quad or a old trail bike with nobblies. Mothing to special as its bound to be thrown down the road just something to do the 20 mls comute down the motorway and side roads.

Anyone got a sugestion- prefare 2 wheels to 4 so I can still filter the traffic, aint got the hange on riding 4 wheels on 2