Wouldn't you want a 750lb, $20,000 ADVENTURE bike with street tires?
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Who's still riding? Fall & Winter 2022 (& 2023!) edition!
- Thread starter PrivatePilot
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Mad Mike
Well-known member
I ride a little street legal version of a DR125 Enduro in the winter, 200lbs, 150cc, Shinko SR244 tires.
Bikes top speed is 110kmh, rarely go beyond 70 in the winter.
I bought Shinko 705s thinking the large off-road lugs would give traction if it unexpectedly snowed while I was out. BAD mistake.
The first cold wet day my back wheel slid out while turning a corner. I barely kept the bike up by steering into an empty oncoming lane.
After that, I began a weeks long search for real winter tires, which, incredibly, are not available in North America. I found a shop in Cambridge, England that was willing to ship Anlas Winter Grips across the pond. Those tires are awesome! I road in light snow, slush, and through snow drifts on country roads, and never slipped. Well worth the extra money, and they cost less than I expected. I was willing to spend up to $1000 after I found out I'd have to get them shipped from overseas. The ended up costing me around $600.
Weirdly, winter scooter wheels are available in abundance.
The photos show the two tires mounted.
Attachments
Just an FYI, the bike I posted above is an '01 GSX750F. I rode it all last winter. I expected after one winter I'd have some cleaning to do to keep it in good shape, and get the rust and corrosion off, but I had far more corrosion than I expected. To be clear, any part of the bike not painted, and with even the slightest scratch, was rusted or corroded, with rust already bubbling under the paint. I had pressure washed it a couple time, but it doesn't penetrate all the fairing, and I'm not gonna remove fairings at a carwash booth.
Luckily, I had an '03 Kanata as well, which was in better condition, which I was gonna use as a parts bike. I've now reversed the rolls. The '03 is my daily, and the '01 is gonna be my winter rider.
No parts bike since I realize now that I'd rather buy new parts anyway. I can swap parts for troubleshooting, then buy if needed.
Luckily, I had an '03 Kanata as well, which was in better condition, which I was gonna use as a parts bike. I've now reversed the rolls. The '03 is my daily, and the '01 is gonna be my winter rider.
No parts bike since I realize now that I'd rather buy new parts anyway. I can swap parts for troubleshooting, then buy if needed.
Thanks man!
Re: scooter tires having winter options, yeah, it kind of makes sense. Scooter people are really budget focused, so they're more likely to want to ride as much as absolutely possible. It's kind of like Anlas making their winter tires almost exclusively in ADV bike sizes. Just keeping the product in line with the consumer for it, so it just makes sense.
Sincerely,
- A scooter and ADV bike person who is out there braving the cold with ya
If you want to get started on the cheap and easy, used scooter! Especially something like a Vespa with long flat smooth surfaces that are easy to wipe down.
Most of the important bits are tucked away and covered up. You'll want to hose off your brake calipers and in the spring time when it warms up just give them some TLC.
Also, a lot of scooters have skinnier tires than most motorcycles (except for dual sports). These are able to slice through the snow/slush a lot better than fatter tires.
People seems to be focused on tread and compound for winter tires in their cars and trucks. IMO, they should also look at the width of their tires. I always opt for pizza cutters on my truck for winter rubber.
People seems to be focused on tread and compound for winter tires in their cars and trucks. IMO, they should also look at the width of their tires. I always opt for pizza cutters on my truck for winter rubber.
Check out footage of old model Ts in the winter.Tall skinny tires.
Mad Mike
Well-known member
Skinny tires are way better in snow, on bikes and cars.
My winter bike is a small 200lb enduro with snow ripping 15hp. I use Shinko 244s because they are skinny and grippy in snow.
And stupid cheap.
Karfanatik
Well-known member
Today MIGHT have been the last day of the season for me. Awesome weather to get a good rip in and do the standard winter stuff. Bike washed, chain cleaned and lubed, oil changed, fueled up and stabilizer added. Now just deciding when to rearrange the garage for the Mazda
bigpoppa
Well-known member
whoa whoa whoa, brian, on an ADV bike?!
Norcorider
Well-known member
Nice last ride around Barrie, Shanty Bay.
Was too cold on the way back, I am done for the season.
Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
Was too cold on the way back, I am done for the season.
Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
Nice last ride around Barrie, Shanty Bay.
Was too cold on the way back, I am done for the season.
Sent from my Pixel 6 using Tapatalk
This weather shouldn't be too cold. Heated grips, a layer or two, and something for your neck do wonders. Consider a heated vest. Give 'em a try! I ride twelve months a year, never cold or uncomfortable, and I don't look like the Michelin man.
bigpoppa
Well-known member
on a guzzi no less!
Not exactly a beater!
Norcorider
Well-known member
Bonnie, not Guzzi.
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