Winter : the lonely season

[VtSTROM-K5]

we all know it's on the horizon and we all realize that it means reduced or no STROM RIDING
how are you going to fill in the empty hole that was previously filled with the Vee or Wee in your life ???
I am going to attempt to design & Build a rack system for the 1K
install a 12v. powerlet & then I'll hopefully be ready to ride again
Now lets hear your ideas :D :wink:

[jackpiner57]

Re-jet the KDX for cold weather and put on some Trelleborg ice tires!

[water warrior]

Jackpiner, what's the scoop on the Strom, fixed/not fixed ??

[dmf109]

I'm doing a short vaca in FL at the end of November. I plan to rent a bike for a day ride. Other than that, I still need to install the clutch on my DR350. I also hope to finally fix that coolant leak on my Strom.
Ahh, nothing like engine work when your fingers are numb from NE winter!

[garry]

I ski when winter hits and sneak out for a few hours on the bike on those rare weekend days when the roads aren't too crapped up and over 40.

[rodentinaz]

I miss the snow guys, and I used to ride well into October in Denver, but now in Phoenix? It's 365 riding weather all the time....

Sorry to gloat.. bout the only fun I have been able to have lately...LOL

Seriously, I have been wondering about some traction aids for snow/ice riding on the strom. Interesting ideas anyone?

[VtSTROM-K5]

HMMMM Trelleborgs & STROMS????? :?
:roll:

[tmcgee]

With no particular timeframe in mind:

I have new tires coming, new chain, 16T sprocket, new rear axle, PIAA 510 lamps, and I have to make the 2 meter radio more permanent.

My Roadcrafter one piece shipped on Thursday and I've got a dual controller for electric gloves and jacket liner to get rigged.

I'll ride until the roads get snowy and icy. I suppose I should clear space in the shed for when that happens.

[spongebob218]

I would ride all winter if PennDOT didn't salt the roads everytime the weather forecast called for more than a flurry. They use ALOT of salt. I get to see on a daily basis what it does to the cars in this state, and I don't want it touching my baby.

I will brave the winter without the Wee by adding some more farkles(like I don't have enough already). Some small driving lights on the forks, maybe some hyperlites, and...and...and...we'll see what else.

[BHazz]

My ride to work is only 1 1/2 miles so, I ride all year long. Last year, in CT, we only had a few days where snow, ice or sand was on the road and I couldn't.

To fill the winter down times, I purchased a digital-slr camera (Nikon D80) that is cabable of taking incredible pictures, especially for an amateur. So, I will be learning more about photography and the camera. I migt take photography class to better capture those "Stromtrooper" moments.

We have so many photo ops along our Stromtroopers rides and I wanted more than just snapshots. I would like to enlarge and frame some of the scenic pictures.

Other than that, I am a big college basketball fan, UCONN. I spend much of my winter time watching college basketball, some pro.

[Jantar]

We've just come through winter, and now heading into spring. So far I've only managed 5000 km since I bought the bike in July, now I may be able to get into some real riding.

[VtSTROM-K5]

BHazz < how is the ride report progressing??? I 'm anxious to see the photos and the report..........:lol:

[JohnS.]

Well, I've been wimping out lately. After the 35-40 degree ride to the last Strom Gathering, I've been a little gun-shy about getting that chilled again. However, I keep leaving the Aerostich catalog open to the heated vest/grips pages, I think my wife is getting the hint. After the cold ride out and meeting you all (well, some) I knwo she's found religion with the heating systems. She may be lurking here, so I guess the hint's not so subtle any longer...

So other than installing some Christmas presents, I've got a perfectly fine motorcycle I no longer ride since I bought the DL1k. A 1998 Suzuki Intruder 800. The poor thing just sits there in the barn and watches me take the DL out again and again. It might have gotten 600 miles this year. My thought for this winter was to turn it into a Cafe' racer. Somehting a little different than your typical chop. We'll see how it goes and how the time holds out... I've got some good ideas in my head, but turning them into metal is where I find I'm a better craftsman in my head than I am in real life. We shall see. You'll still have me along for a group ride if I don't bring the Strom?

John.

[dmf109]

Pretty cool layout here. Anyway, I think we should also spend the winter planning the NE Stromtrooper trip to end all trips! Something in early May that'd be more than just a weekend. Something international! (well, Canada, anyway). What do you guys think?

[VtSTROM-K5]

dmf109 Count me in......P.E.I. , Nova Scotia , Quebec, Ontario , I can't wait!!

[VtSTROM-K5]

JohnS : could I intrest you in a set of Magura "Clip-on's" for that Cafe???

[JohnS.]

Sure, I'll take clip ons. The goal is to do it on the cheap, do as much as I can myself... I'm still conceptualizing at this point. One of these days once I get it nailed down, I'll probably post sketches here and at Intruderalert.com...

I'll have to measure the fork tubes, but I'll be in touch.

[RedAnt]

Pretty cool layout here. Anyway, I think we should also spend the winter planning the NE Stromtrooper trip to end all trips! Something in early May that'd be more than just a weekend. Something international! (well, Canada, anyway). What do you guys think?

I think we should consider heading South to extend the season, not North. How about we go visit Bhazz? How did Western Mass turn out, perhaps there's another destination there?

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for a Canada trip, but it'll be more fun in good weather. I'm all for heading up about the time we start getting Black Flies. I'd be willing to bet that they get them later, and it's always better to camp without them!

I'm still trying to figure out what's too cold. With my FirstGear Trekker Jacket (liner-in) and FirstGear HT2.0 pants (liner-out) I'm comfortable down to near 30F. I bought a thin ski mask like liner for under helmet use, but the limiting factor is still gloves. I did buy North Face gauntlet style gloves but it's just not enough at 70-80mph. I want to try some of those Moose Paw things that cover the entire grip area. It seems like that would be the best solution, just keep the to cold air off my fingers. Or just admit defeat and buy some heated grips.

My brother bought one of those toy-hauling RV's. I'm wondering if I'm going to get to take a trip South sometime this winter. I think my Wee wouldn't mind being trailered south with a Ducati instead of sitting in the garage all winter.

[dmf109]

I think we should consider heading South to extend the season, not North. How about we go visit Bhazz? How did Western Mass turn out, perhaps there's another destination there?

That's actually a good point. But when I think good riding, I think north. That, and to really get a significant weather advantage I think we'd need to head further than CT, no? Maybe not. I say we experiment with a ride this month down to BHazz's hood (I'm really, really looking for a reason to go ahead and buy those tires).

As for the cold, my biggest discomfort is the very tips of my fingers and toes. Otherwise I'm fine if I dress for it (which I didn't the last ride). I think a heated vest and grips are the way to go!

[sdorleans]

Pretty cool layout here. Anyway, I think we should also spend the winter planning the NE Stromtrooper trip to end all trips! Something in early May that'd be more than just a weekend. Something international! (well, Canada, anyway). What do you guys think?

Early May might be a little iffy on weather depending on where you are going. There's still a chance of frost overnight until about mid-May around my place (just outside of Ottawa, Ontario), but it could be really hot too.

By mid-June it's quite nice with some really warm days, but the further north you go, the cooler it gets. For example Algonquin Park can be a little chilly in a tent in mid-June depending on the year. By July you'll be melting in the same spot.

Sue

[VtSTROM-K5]

Sue, I am familiar with your area as I lived for 8 years in the Ogdensburgh,N.Y. area. and your SO right about the change in temps from mid May to July. But we wouldn't much of an adventure -touring group if only rode when the temps were 65f. and above would we...:rolleyes:
Besides temps in the high 30's to mid 40's reduces the number of incedents of Black Flies & Skeeter's that make breakfast & dinner time a b...h .
But Maybe we could get some guided tours of the Great White North ?

As for the right gear you guys , I was comfortable last saturday all day. I layered the clothes just as I would if I were backpacking or snowmobileing. I started with (top ) Capaliene long underwear, light weight synthetic tee, turtleneck ,New Joe rocket jacket w/liner. (bottom), Capaliene's, fleece pants , E.M.S. snow boarder pants that I always wear, Merill goretex boots.
Gloves ,Joe rocket (Summer weight) w/ Jacob Ash Mylar/Pollypropylene glove liners from "DICKS " .
Tom & I rode at 50 - 60mph some times but averaged probably 45-50 most of the ride. Tom was however considering a set of Hand Guards:-D .( See ride report for Podunk)

[VtSTROM-K5]

Ok fellow N.E. Troopers I'm trying to get an Idea of who is PLANNING to attend the Tellico Tn. Rally next June-July....I have to figgure out Which ?/ How many Long Trips I can Afford to take.. :???: ( this Excludes weekends with the New England Troopers) :rolleyes:
So If Your Planning to attend post or P.M. me ( Would be Nice to go AS a group I think.) jack

[BHazz]

Ok fellow N.E. Troopers I'm trying to get an Idea of who is PLANNING to attend the Tellico Tn. Rally next June-July....I have to figgure out Which ?/ How many Long Trips I can Afford to take.. :???: ( this Excludes weekends with the New England Troopers) :rolleyes:
So If Your Planning to attend post or P.M. me ( Would be Nice to go AS a group I think.) jack

I don't think I am going to Tellico but I would loke to try something new and exciting.
I have been investigating the possibiliy of a train/motorcycle ride where you can actually bring your motorcycle on the train. So far I haven't found much and I thing that it would be expensive. Heck, I would even go on a cargo train if I could travel across the country.

Does anybody else have an idea - Something new maybe?

[Tige]

Ok fellow N.E. Troopers I'm trying to get an Idea of who is PLANNING to attend the Tellico Tn. Rally next June-July....I have to figgure out Which ?/ How many Long Trips I can Afford to take.. :???: ( this Excludes weekends with the New England Troopers) :rolleyes:
So If Your Planning to attend post or P.M. me ( Would be Nice to go AS a group I think.) jack

I plan on it. If memory serves, the idea to have it over a long weekend right?

Do you have any more details at this point?

Tige

[VtSTROM-K5]

I don't at this time. We're doing a ride saturday and I'll try to get more input fromTom ,Dan, Bruce and the others as the fall progresses. I want to go:???:
I plan to go :rolleyes: . Jack:-D

[VtSTROM-K5]

tighe, as I said earlier we went riding the 18th , so far only dmf109 & myself are positive of going jackpiner57 was interested but uncertain at the time and thats where we are at this time... :)
I THINK I saw a post about calling for reservations after Feb. 07 ? but I haven't done a search at the moment.
Hope you all hada good & Safe Thanksgiving....jack

[sdorleans]

Well VtSTROM-K5, I could probably show some spots around here and might be game to going with you guys for a bit depending on where you're touring to. I've only been riding since the end of June but have almost 12000km on the bike now and since I've got side cases now to go with the top case.. I just need an excuse <laugh>
Sue

[VtSTROM-K5]

sdorleans: the route for the trip is in the knock around stage at this point . :)
but the idea is to go across maine to Nova Scotia, over to P.E.I. , into N.B.,
cross over to Quebec ,into Ottawa, down into New York state and home.
Deffinately not a weekend ride..:rolleyes:.
I believe BHazz is going to do a couple prelimanary trip GPS map plot's to get get input for but that should get the ball rolling. :D
Everyone is welcome to add their Input and to join in for all or a part of the ride..

[tmcgee]

Just to add that the US/Canada border should be easier with a passport. If you don't have one, it takes some time to get one. Forms are available at US post offices or online. Starting sometime in January 2007, you need a passport for air travel between Canada and the US. If you have to leave the bike there and fly home for some reason...

http://travel.state.gov/passport/forms/forms_847.html

If you have AAA, they offer free passport photos (and applications).

[crowtdog]

Well it looks like winter starts tomorrow here. Flurries all week and high temps of 30-36F. The end of the riding season is very near. Got 11,400 miles in,so I can't complain at all.

I've got some tinkering planned for the Strom over the winter. In addition to all the general maintenance items, I've got new tires to mount, dual Fiamm horns and a "Back-Off" LED license plate frame to install. I'm going to convert the front turn signals to dual element bulbs so they'll act as running lights too. I'll also be addressing the fuel injector wiring harness issue.

The bike will be pointed toward the garage door all winter. Ready to ride at a moments notice.

I put a bunch of compact camping gear on my xmas list. So I'll be able to suffer with the rest of you Knuckleheads next year.:grin:

Hope to see you all soon, Dave

[VtSTROM-K5]

Well I took the Strom out today to Lake George for some Christmas stocking stuffers for My son Ryan . Went the longway thru Whitehall, Ticonderoga ,
Lake Luzerne , Lake George, Fort Anne , Comstock , Granville, Hampton, Poultney , Fair Haven .......and back Home .... The simi final mileage total for 2006 is duunduuhdaada, 10465 miles since April 28th....;)