Cold Weather Tire Traction

I recently met someone who rides year round in really cold weather. He has a heated suit and says when he wears it, he starts to sweat in anything above 18 degrees F. Of course he rides a bike more suited for cold weather than a sport bike, but it’s made me consider trying some cold weather riding. I’m not talking about any thing under freezing, but mid 30 degrees F would extend my riding considerably. And until I move to Southern California, where all those spoiled brats from Sport Rider live   , this may be my only option for more seat time.

My biggest concern is of course tire traction in cold weather. I know a tire has less than 50% traction when its cold, but can you ever really warm up a tire on let's say a 37 degree F day?  

Hey, we can't help it if the winters are mild over here.   On the flip side, at least everyone else doesn't have to deal with a state government that has made aftermarket exhausts illegal for bikes made after Jan 1 2013  

You can get a good sport tire up to operating temperature in very low ambient temps, but it will just take longer than normal. The problem is two-fold: any extended straight-line periods where you're not cornering will allow the front tire to cool off, meaning the next set of corners will require caution. And obviously any areas in the shade or other areas where the temperature can be lower will require extreme caution.  

We had some really cold weather over thanksgiving - low 20's. However, I was able to get out one day this weekend which hit a high of 40F. Extreme caution is required in this type of weather as you said. At these temperatures the roads are generally damp, not wet, but they don't inspire confidence either. I did some test braking at about 50 MPH after about 20 minutes of riding, and easily locked up both wheels. The back felt like it was trying to brake on a patch of oil- very greasy. The front gripped better, but not like a warm day. Some things I experienced... 1) My face shield would fog to almost blind me if I exhaled too much. 2) My hands were cold more from grabbing the brake and clutch handles than from the bars. 3) My vision was decreased due to all the extra clothing around the neck, making it hard to look over the shoulder. 4) Without a heated suit, riding at these temps is best avoided. Also, I can't pin point it, but there is just something about a sport bike that doesn't feel right in these conditions.

Too bad about the aftermarket exhaust issue in California - It's just another example of an out of control legislature. Maybe motorcyclists should just ignore it and pay a fine if you get pulled over. I can’t imagine there will be road blocks to check your exhaust, but who knows?

“It is the invariable habit of bureaucracies, at all times and everywhere, to assume...that every citizen is a criminal. Their one apparent purpose, pursued with a relentless and furious diligence, is to convert the assumption into a fact. They hunt endlessly for proofs, and, when proofs are lacking, for mere suspicions. The moment they become aware of a definite citizen, John Doe, seeking what is his right under the law, they begin searching feverishly for an excuse for withholding it from him” - H.L. Mencken

BTW, just got your January issue and I am really enjoying it. Keep up the great work!!  

I live in N.E (western Massachusetts) and ride all year. I have Gerbing heated gear and my wife has Tourmaster.
We both ride sport bikes. Mine is a 2006 CBR1000RR and Suzanne's bike is a 2009 250 Ninja.
My advice to you would be to get some heated gear, at least gloves and a jacket or vest. I have considered the heated socks but use the toasty-toes instead. These things work great and last about 8 hours. You can usually find them in the camping/sports equipment section of Wal-Mart.
My main concern is very smooth throttle control and road surface conditions. You can corner at a pretty brisk pace but be warned, traction is greatly reduced.
As long as you ride according to your skill level and conditions, you should not have a problem. Ride Safe !!!!  

Thanks. I've looked into Gerbing before. Ive heard their products are very good. Do you use the battery pack or are you hard wired?  

Suzanne and I use the hard wire set up. It runs directly from the motorcycle battery. It uses a 15amp fuse inline and the connector is plenty long enough to do the job.

I also have a heat controller set up on the left side of my bike so I can regulate the vest and gloves separately.

If you decide to purchase the heated gear, I would suggest also getting some type of switch/controller. These items are not included, however the connector that runs from the battery is included with the purchase of every article of heated clothing.  

I didn't like the idea of the battery pack either. Thanks, I 'll look into it.  

Only a few years ago I used to ride quite a bit during the winter months in the Northeast to extend the riding time on my sportbike. Wearing appropriate layers and glove liners helped but electric vests or gloves would have probably been better. However, I never liked the limited protection electric gloves provided so I chose to suffer instead. Electric hand-grips is another option. Good tires that warm quickly help but as Kent noted changing your riding style with consideration to reduced grip is important. I always reduced my lean angles on colder days and was cognizant of possible "black-ice" situations. Also consider giving yourself more braking distance and avoid erratic or hasty movements.  

I crashed during the winter with the electric gloves and they offered the protection I needed.
I received no road rash whatsoever.
On another note, heated grips only warm the palms of the hands and don't offer the heat that the gloves provide.
I have used both and the gloves are a much better choice, IMHO.
Happy Holidays and Ride Safe  

I think normal condition tires goes wrost in the cold weather.... crakes developes resulting the tire becoming useless for the upcoming used... so better to have a all condition tires which last long and are more reliable... good company tires are little costlier but are worthfull!!!!  

Not trying to be funny, but some of us need to proofread what we write before we post it.  

Not trying to be funny either (nor sarcastic), but it appears that English is not mikewayne's first language.  

As for you riding in cold weather - go for it; as for me, that's why I have a cage.

Welcome mikewayne, nice of you to visit.