Originally Posted By: Trav
In Germany i use to ride all winter up to about 19999-2000, i liked it.
The bikes i had over the years for around town and winter were smaller and lighter, the FJ600 was a good little all rounder as is the CB Seven Fifty, both use carburetors and are air cooled.
These are little bikes with skinny tires that can be thrown around easily and very easy to ride but with about 75 HP they had enough power to get going if they had to.
Temps down to about 20f and up to 2" of slush were okay. 10w30 oil, they they start right up, just let it warm up a little bit and no problems with the machine only from from the complaining neighbors.
No electric anything but good Held Arctic thermal Goretex gloves, Frey Daytona Goretex boots, Rukka outlast Goretex jacket and pants with Rukka thermal underwear did the job just fine, never cold.
Shoei full face with fog shield on the inside of the visor and Rukka thermal neck and chest piece completed my winter outfit.
You will not ride a HD with leather and a salad bowl helmet and goggles in the winter. LOL
A couple seasons ago I rode til mid November,so roughly this time of the year.
I found as long as my hands,feet and head were warm I was fine but if any of those parts got frozen the rest of me froze too.
I ended up buying a heated undercoat and heated gloves and I can truly say I loved riding in the cold.
I shut er down cause I dumped my harley hitting a patch of frozen road and the surface was gravel.
No leather chaps because I was working but I did have my op insulated overalls and 2 layers under that.
I shredded the coveralls and when I finally stopped I was down to my long johns. Since then never again. I love riding my Harley. I love it so much I wanna do it again next season.
Besides my charger spoiled me with its heated seats. Every vehicle I've acquired since the charger has them.
But to answer the question I am pretty sure the morning temps were -20c,as were the evening temps heading home.
The key is wind and blocking it. My leathers are completely wind proof so I don't lose and heat from convection. Layers too are a must.
Sweat prevention is also important. Staying warm when dry is far easier than trying to warm up when even slightly damp.