Having missed riding all last week, I figured that I need to get in a little more before winter really sets in. It was a bit chilly this morning but only my neck felt cold. Otherwise, it is a clear, sunny morning with 200+ miles of visibility. From the forecast, it looks good for the next couple of days. I had to run a couple of errands before noon today and it had warmed up into the mid-20s so I took a scenic route back to the university. I don't think the tires ever really warmed up so I took it pretty easy in the corners. Maybe, I'll try out the grip warmers on the way home. Until I get the charging system upgraded, I've been reluctant to use them as the battery voltage drops unless the rpms are kept above 3k. These old bikes only have a 280 watt charging system and I think it only puts that out around 4k. There are a couple of aftermarket systems that put out around 450 watts.Monday evening - Tried out the grip heaters and they get really warm. Gotta admit, feels nice. The volt meter drops down to under 12 volts while they are on and rpms under about 3500. I suspect they won't get much use for now. The temperature warmed up to around freezing by 5:00 so I took the scenic route through the Goldstream Valley on the way home. A wonderful ride.
Good for you taking the bike out in those temps. When we have those temps here they usually are accompanied by ice...definitely not riding material. :) So staying slow and safe with cold tires...is there any moisture in the air or on the ground producing little ice crystals? -Lori
ReplyDeleteRichard:
ReplyDeleteyou're making us feel cold. How about using those disposable hand warmers that you snap to activate. They have small ones for use in gloves.
You could also buy those reusuable ones that can be regenerated by boiling in a pot of hot water. You snap a metal disk inside the plastic and when the liquid turns cloudy it generates heat by a chemical reaction. then, when you get home you put in boiling water to "reset" to use again.
Every year around Christmas I see them for sale so if you want, I can keep an eye out for a set. A large one can be put under your riding jacket to keep warm
bob
bobskoot: wet coast scootin
I keep forgetting to ask for a picture of those 200+ mile views! Even on top of "the rock" we couldn't see 200 miles with the smog and humidity. -Lori
ReplyDeleteNo ice or frost as the air is pretty dry.
ReplyDeleteThank you Bob for the offer but so far, I haven't "needed" the grip heaters. The fairing and windshield offer a lot of wind protection so my hands haven't felt cold. This mornings ride in was about 25 miles in 17F and no issues. A beautiful ride.
Today wasn't 200+ visibility. If you can see Mt. McKinley, then it is over 200 miles visibility. On those days, you can see the Alaska Range all the way to the horizon.
Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Richard