How cold is too cold to ride?

[Momma bear]

Got into a discussion with a friend in MA the other night. He said he won't ride his motorcycle when it's below 50 outside. Seems that cuts his riding season way short. I talked to other people you just need sun and dry roads. Seems if you have the right gear and the winds not too bad it be worth the trip.

[wordslinger]

..I ride year round, in central NC..

..with proper gear, I've ridden in 13 degree cold, so far this year..

..nina didn't like it so much, tho...

[houndguy]

Even though I live in Central Florida it has hit temps as low as the mid 30's.  With the right gear and prep work there is absolutely no reason not to ride in my mind.    http://www.2smallerwheels.blogspot.com/2013/12/cold-weather-challenges-part-two.html

That being said, if there is snow or ice on the roads then I think that it makes sense to put the bike away for a bit.  Why risk serious injury if you don't need to?

[donandrews]

Good advice from houndguy. A windshield and skiing or snowboarding gloves help a lot. Be aware of your legs. I have had mine get so numb I almost fell over coming to a stop. And most importantly, make sure that the cold is not numbing your senses. You need to stay alert.
Peace and Ride Safe.

[ts1]

Got into a discussion with a friend in MA the other night. He said he won't ride his motorcycle when it's below 50 outside.

Probably I won't ride at 50 or more. It just doesn't get that hot in middle Europe. 
For me, 40 (°C) is uncomfortable hot enough. Personal riding experience from -27°C to +41°C.
These where at -12°C and fun to ride (and hike):

[joebro]

I ride year long also in NC. Coldest I ever rode was about 6 miles at 4° F and I thought I was gonna die. Maybe my gear was not the best, but I will never do it again unless its a emergency. If I have a choice I prefer it to be 35° F or warmer.

[Porkie]

To cold to ride is when you aren't comfortable or safe because of black ice or snow or hypothermia induced frostbite(:

My Goldwing has heated grips and seat and hot air vents and I have cold weather clothing but I won't ride in 40 degrees or less weather unless I'm caught out in it unexpectedly.

I have absolutely nothing to prove so if I'm uncomfortable with the outside conditions, I take the cage: Why not be safer?

Sam:)

[boo]

55 and above.
Less chance of ice on the road and even with a snowmobile suit, gauntlets, and boots, wind chills below 55 makes the ride uncomfortable.
Other things to consider are wind blast, humidity, and clouds. All make a difference.
I am an older guy and on blood thinners. This has a negative effect on me.

At 55 degrees traveling at 45 mph the wind chill is 33 degrees F.

[paper]

I've ridden down to 7F, but think nothing of riding in the 40's.. I wear snowmobile gear and ride in comfort.

[mnpugdog]

I attempt to ride year round in Minnesnowda. I have really good cold weather riding gear and a bigger wind screen on my DT so cold is not a big issue. I have ridden  down to the single digits above zero. The problem I have is the snow and ice. This year I have not gotten a break because is has been non stop snow and bitterly below zero highs. I'm hoping that later this month things will turn around and I can ride again. This week is again forecasted with below zero crap.

[mrmike]

    Fortunately for me I'm retired. I bought my scooter just for pleasure riding. That being said, I only ride in the warmer weather. If I'm all bundled up and cold, it's not fun for me. I enjoy riding the back roads at a leisurely pace when it's nice and warm. I try not to get caught in the rain if possible. Being 70 years old also plays a factor.  (I'm on blood thinners for my heart)

[blue]

my scoot has been parked because to much ice on the roads.Ill ride all year if the roads are clear.
A little snow is ok but safty frist.

[08087]

I'll ride in any temp. Dress right and your golden, sorry to say we have snow on the ground here for the past few weeks and expecting much more. I don't chance snow and ice, may be grounded for the month of Feb. too.

I've ridden many times in the single digits, full wind screen and coverall's

[Stig / Major Tom]

I saw 6 F on the bank sign the other morning - big smile on my face because it was so good to be riding again.
Smile thawed about 45 mins after I got to work.
2 balaclavas and a wool scarf tied over the lower face, full modular helmet, Frogtogg rain pants (help some), 4 layers under my armored hi-viz jacket, leather gloves (won't hold warmth past 60 mins - but good for work commute)
Frankly I wondered how cold a KYMCO scooter can stand,.....I mean, at what temp is it harmful to the scooter?Any one have knowledge?
Stig

[ts1]

Petrol freezes at about -45°C.
But from my experience it is already hard to start the engine at -20°C. Oil thick, battery weak, not enough compression and spraying of fuel, weak spark.