first ride of 2016

[florence]

Well, it isn't raining today so I thought I would take the bike out as I was a little worried about not starting it up since November.  After pulling away the tarpaulin,turning on the petrol, it started third kick, very pleased.

I feel so inspired I might even treat the bike to a new set of rubber gaiters for the front forks.

[Johnwebley]

I managed about 18mls on Monday.dry and the
salt gone.but still cold

Sent from my SM-G361F using Tapatalk

[florence]

not too worried about salt, still has last years' on it.  I just neutralise it with a bit of oil every now and then although I have to say the front mudguard is finally starting to fail after 40 years of faithful service.  It's amazing how hammerite holds things together.

[Trigger]

Went for a 50 mile yesterday, felt like my face was going to fall off with the cold.

[florence]

it must be very cold where you are, it's quite mild here.

[peterengland]

Quite mild here as well. I don't really care how cold it is it just needs to be dry, been out 5 times so far this year. But my 550 is a pig to start in the cold weather, thank god for gel batteries!

[florence]

I have to agree getting wet is pretty boring these days, although I do still go out as long as it isn't raining massively.

[mike the bike]

Great riding weather last Saturday,  bike came out of hibernation and started first prod of the starter (with fresh petrol).   Enjoyed myself down the Red Lion talking about bikes etc. having a pint.  Saturday afternoons don't get much better.

[totty]

Quite mild here as well. I don't really care how cold it is it just needs to be dry, been out 5 times so far this year. But my 550 is a pig to start in the cold weather, thank god for gel batteries!

When really cold. ...Ignition off, full choke, full throttle, 3 to 5 kicks, ignition on, close throttle, prod starter.

[jimv50]

I've been out most Saturday's and had to put the Helly Hansen long johns on, and finally got around to buy a proper three layer jacket and boots.
I always remember my brother riding back on his Benelli 504 from Swansea Uni to Cornwall one Xmas with no proper gear, it took him two days to thaw out 

[florence]

The most depressing weather to ride in is freezing fog.  I remember as a young man watching ice fly off my gloves as I attempted to flex my hand to operate the clutch or brake and on one occasion ice had built up on my eyelashes  to such an extent that while blinking one of my eyes momentarily froze shut.  Leather gloves were always deformed due to putting them on the engine in an attempt to get some feeling back in the hands, and when one finally arrived and warmed up the pain was appalling.  It doesn't seem to get that severely cold anymore and even if it did I wouldn't be foolish enough to try to go out in it.

[flatfour]

I have managed two short trips on the CB500 this week and yesterday took the 750 for a short run, following the rebuild of both wheels with new rims and spokes. Today I hope to go to Krazy Horse Café (Bury St Edmunds) for lunch on the modern bike (Kawasaki Versys 1000).

In the main, weather has recently been mild and sometimes damp here and it's been a case of wait for dry roads, head out and change direction whenever rain is looming!

Having ridden at least one of the bikes nearly every week since the clocks changed (I really don't like to lay them up, it has caused me all sorts of problems in the past) only once have I needed all - weather clothing to deal with the cold. Most journeys are, however quite short, generally 30 miles or so followed by lunch and then home.

Roll on summer!

[SteveD CB500K0]

I ride my Tiger 800 every day. 22 miles each way to work and back.

Heated grips on max and decent winter gloves worked even at -5 last week.

I don't go out if its icy though...

Steve