Talk me down

[Tchap]

Ok guys, I rode to work this morning at -16f. Suffered a small bruise spot under my left eye. Nipped but not bitten. I’ve biffed it three times so far; always on the way to work, though I ride faster going home. I think that I am in danger of getting cocky. And maybe want to push the limits. Am I being too conservative? I think I’m getting to where I want to push the speed. You guys know what I mean. Should I just push it and be prepared for some kind of shoulder injury? What are the probabilities).

 

[m in sc]

one of the main reasons i don't ride in really cold weather is.. cold pavement and tires. they are slippery. get stickier tires. might help.

 

[bryanchurch06]

As someone who is dealing with a lifetime of impact related injuries I say crash as few times as possible, you will feel all these minor crashes when you get older I promise.

 

[oldskool]

There is confidence, there is cocky and then there is just plain gambling.

 

[Tchap]

Ok. Thanks guys. I may have lost sight of my priorities a little bit there. I’m not going to push it until I get negative feedback from the roadway. Slow and steady.

 

[Cpd419]

I’m 30 years past riding below 50f.

 

[m in sc]

i rode yesterday, it was a high of 41, on the tzr. i was -very- careful but had fun, test ride on a new ignition tune. did about 20 miles, so short ride.

just be careful. IMHO, there no bragging rights on riding when its cold, or rainy. No one cares but the rider. But it happens sometimes.

 

[dmonkey]

If you're uncomfortable while riding then you're distracted while riding. There's a lot that can be mitigated though riding gear, equipment on the bike, practicing for hazards, etc. but there's also times when the risk isn't acceptable. If you're repeatedly biffing it then take some time to do an after action review of what's happening there, what are the hazards, what is the cause, and what if anything can be done to mitigate it. Some things are also just going to be outside your control. If there isn't a route where I can avoid traffic then I don't ride when it's that cold out. In bad weather other drivers are not anticipating there to be a motorcyclist and plenty of them are driving around with frosted windshield and mirrors where you don't have a chance of being seen.