I just moved from Seattle to Yakima and I'm curious to know if I am going to need to winterize my 650. I've never lived anywhere but Seattle, so I'm unsure about road salting, plowing, how much snow, how cold, etc. I'm wondering if there's anyone in the Yakima/Tri-Cities/Spokane/Coeur d'Alene area who can give me advice on this. I'm pretty hardcore and have neck to toe heated gear, so low temps aren't an issue. I've just heard horror stories about road salt and ice patches, blizzards etc., and since I'm commuting 80 miles round trip, I'd love to be able to ride the Strom the whole time. Thanks!
brian_fairleigh
To winterize in Eastern Washington?
Yakima and Spokane can get some good snows but they are few and far between in the Tri-Cities. I do not winterize beyond a few extra layers and ride all year. Try the attached link to see the seasonal averages:
http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/D...MS.asp?AirportCode=KPSC&SafeCityName=Kennewick&StateCode=WA&Units=none&IATA=PSC
You'll love the lack of rain.
http://www.wunderground.com/NORMS/D...MS.asp?AirportCode=KPSC&SafeCityName=Kennewick&StateCode=WA&Units=none&IATA=PSC
You'll love the lack of rain.
Just ride it...
...most of the time!
Rode mine most all winter last year, but not when there was the potential for snow...
A couple of those 17 degree Fahrenheit mornings were brisk, but you've GOT to love those heated pants!
If you don't have heated grips or gloves, get some...
...most of the time!
Rode mine most all winter last year, but not when there was the potential for snow...
A couple of those 17 degree Fahrenheit mornings were brisk, but you've GOT to love those heated pants!
If you don't have heated grips or gloves, get some...
Last year snow and ice on the roads from December to April. The last snow left our yard at the middle of May. I hope this year is much better then that.
Last year was not a typical snow year here and it was particularly brutal.
Come late Fall/Winter- We hook up the heated vests and turn on the heated grips and ride down to 17 degrees and sunny as long as the streets are clear.
DL1VroomHilda slept with a full tank and a few ounces of gas preservative for about 110 days on the charger and when spring came in mid April she sprang to life with no problems !!!
Come late Fall/Winter- We hook up the heated vests and turn on the heated grips and ride down to 17 degrees and sunny as long as the streets are clear.
DL1VroomHilda slept with a full tank and a few ounces of gas preservative for about 110 days on the charger and when spring came in mid April she sprang to life with no problems !!!
Winterize
I think it depends on whether or not you want to ride during the winter. I don't mind short trips when it is cold, but I dress for them. So, I try to ride all twelves months as long as the roads are clear. I live in Helena, Montana and did not winterize my DL650 or KLR650 last year. I just made sure that when the ice was off the roads that I took them out for a spin to get the lubricants moving, the gas flowing and the batteries charged. I might consider a battery tender this winter just so I don't have to be so diligent. By the way, a balaclava is a wonderful addition for cold weather riding if you don't have one. Just make sure it is thin enough to fit under your element.
I lived in Steilacoom near Tacoma back in the stone age when I was in the Army. We went to the Yakima Firing Center almost every summer. I always enjoyed Yakima. I guess it has grown a lot in the last twenty years though. Of course I'm from east of the continental divide in Montana so I was probably craving those sunny skies.
I think it depends on whether or not you want to ride during the winter. I don't mind short trips when it is cold, but I dress for them. So, I try to ride all twelves months as long as the roads are clear. I live in Helena, Montana and did not winterize my DL650 or KLR650 last year. I just made sure that when the ice was off the roads that I took them out for a spin to get the lubricants moving, the gas flowing and the batteries charged. I might consider a battery tender this winter just so I don't have to be so diligent. By the way, a balaclava is a wonderful addition for cold weather riding if you don't have one. Just make sure it is thin enough to fit under your element.
I lived in Steilacoom near Tacoma back in the stone age when I was in the Army. We went to the Yakima Firing Center almost every summer. I always enjoyed Yakima. I guess it has grown a lot in the last twenty years though. Of course I'm from east of the continental divide in Montana so I was probably craving those sunny skies.
Hey, thanks for the replies everyone. Based on your advice, I think I'll keep on riding. I have a Battery Tender and full heated gear, as well as a fighter pilot-esque face mask that I snowboard in. That should cover it, and otherwise, I'll play it by ear. Thank you for the help.
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