Thanks for everyone sharing their winter riding threads. I haven't posted much, but after riding through hit and miss slick spots tonight, I was looking to see what others do. I did pass a scoot here on my way home and I waved, but I know we were both white knuckled.
I do agree with what others say when the people in cars are beside you, that you are either stupid crazy or are braver than them. I don't have allot of options, so it is a mix of both. This is my second winter on the Scoot and I have wised up allot.
Here is a tip ... for those with full face helmets. Using some cheap shaving cream, wipe it on your pull down visor and wipe it off to clear. It will not fog up, however, if you leave your helmet in the 'trunk' in the cold, and it has time crystallize, then you are back to square one.
For work, I wipe it on about once every other day, my helmet stays in my trunk at work and I ride home almost full up, but the drive In is allot easier. I guess I could take it in with me, but I don't for some reason.
Layering - I learned last year's winter (my first winter) - the best layering (for me) is two zip up hoodies, with a wind breaker. The wind breaker is key. I have less than 3/4" from me and the elements, but I never go cold. Fingertips and knees get cold before upper body - which is for Gloves and Thermals. Also under my helmet, I have a double layered ski mask. Make sure to tuck that into the windbreaker to cover the front neck.
Knock on wood for me, I have not laid down the scoot one time and have rode it everyday for almost 2 years. Last year, though inexperienced as I was ended up in some awkward situations. I describe it as riding a 10 speed bike across a frozen lake. Today, I am looking 100 yards down the road at any given time. At night, and I know you guys know, you rely on reflections of light on the road to determine if what you are coming up to is a frozen or slick part or just water. So hard to determine that, so we slow down and be safer than sorry.
Also, I noticed with my Agility 50 is that you should start it everyday, even if you don't ride it. When a first snow hits (this year), I go ahead and take the bus, because it is an option and I wait out the snow plows and salt trucks, but I still start it everyday and way until it idles. This has worked for me in the sub-zero temperature to ensure it starts when I want it to. Some days is a manual though.
I don't have a shed or garage to put mine in either, so make sure you have a cover for it. Last year, I had allot of problems with water in the throttle handlebar and it was frozen. I cover that more than anything.
Thanks
ttys
