| Author | Message | ||
     Jeem |
Hey everyone! I recently bought a 2006 Uly, and am planning on riding all through the winter. I live in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Our winters aren't too extreme, with temperatures between 10 to -5 degrees C, and only a few days a year where we'll actually see snow. I have some questions that I've tried to find answers for, but have failed. So lets see what you all think... First off, what kind of tires would you suggest for winter riding in the above mentioned conditions? My main concern is wet pavement. What steps should be taken to prepare the bike for cold weather riding? Oil, suspension adjustments, should I use a battery tender for easier starting? I have installed a heated vest attachment, and am ordering the factory heated grips. Even as the nights get cooler now, I'm starting to notice my helmet fogging up. I've seen on the board a product called "Cat Crap", but have been unable to find it here in Vancouver. Does anyone know of an alternative product to use to eliminate fogging? I'm looking forward to commuting year round with the bike. Thanks in advance for your help! | ||
| Etennuly |
I just run Formula + in the primary. Use 20/50 if using dino oil, any of the synthetics will work. If you ride short distances check the oils regularly, in damp winter conditions, short trips can accumulate moisture and turn the primary oil into a milky frappichino. For tires I would recommend the Pirelli Scorpion Syncs or the Michelin Pilot Road II, they both work great in wet, but I think the Syncs would be better if you got caught in snow. Ice you're screwed (stud screws if you got 'em). I prefer a Big Ass Windshield with my Poly Heaters in the grips. I have a full HD heated jacket and Buell gauntlet gloves. I have HD leather hi top boots. If it gets real cold and damp I will use my rain suit over my other gear and I have the HD rain over-boots. The rain gear really stops any air flow through the clothes. I also wear a balaclava to keep my head and neck warm and that allows me to open my helmet vents to keep the fogging to a minimum. Good luck out there! | ||
| Froggy |
 Ask Jlnance, he is the nutjob that rode in that! | ||
| Gwis2 |
The Uly manual states that H-D Multi-grade oil SAE 10W40 is excellent for temps below 40F (4C) if that means anything to ya. Check out this link for tips... http://www.motorcyclecruiser.com/streetsurvival/ri ding_in_cold_and_snow/index.html | ||
| Crusty |
 I just use 20w-50 and Formula+ in the engine and trans. However, i change my oil more frequently, as sludge will build up faster than in warm weather. I make sure I lube the cables in late fall (I like to use Tri-Flow as a cable lube). This year, I'll be using the heated grips, as well as an Aerostitch Airvantage electric vest. For face shield fogging, I like Fog City inserts. They work well for me. As far as tires go; they ALL suck. Give yourself extra stopping distance, and be gentle with your cornering. Tires that stick like glue in the summer will slide like bowling balls when the temps fall below freezing. | ||
| Alchemy |
Crusty, Do you lower the pressure in your tires? I find my tires seem to get very hard as the temperature drops. The suspension seems to stiffen as well which makes some sense. I have been thinking that the tires might get a little warmer if the pressure was lower. | ||
| Jeem |
Hey, Thank you all for your input, and I love the pics! I will be ordering the taller windshield along with my heated grips. I'm pretty well set up with gear, and hope to pic up a heat vest real soon. I'll look into those tires too! Anyone have any more winter uly pics? | ||
| Ratbuell |
I also ride all winter (too dumb to come in from the cold, according to my wife, co-workers and customers...lol). We don't get nearly as cold as you do, though. On my evo FLHP, I installed an oil pan heater blanket to ease cold starting (evos have a crappy starting system to begin with, and I bumped mine up to 11:1 compression which made it worse). Also used a battery tender each night, but you can decide on that as needed. The heat blanket was about 8"x8", and I used some ultra-gray silicone RTV to adhere it to the bottom of the oil tank. Tucked the plug under a side cover that popped off easily in the garage, and plugged it in. Might wanna use one that velcros on, though, on the swingarm oil tank of a Uly...not the most attractive setup if its permanently attached  But, ride, be safe, and experiment - if it starts OK, leave it be. If it needs a little help, put the tender on it every night. If that's not enough...well, there's options. I haven't had any problems with my Uly (or any of my Buells) yet with dual heated gear (gloves and jacket). | ||
| Gowindward |
Second the Fog City face shield liner. www.modernworld.com/mw2008/index.php | ||
| Hooper |
Ahhhh winter...    And my two babies...  | ||
| Iann8ik |
might wanna take the disk lock off the rotor. easier to ride even in the snow.  |
