MOPED ARMY

i don't ride in the winter either,

but how about a "Mopod" (see attach)

I saw these at Daytona Beach this past spring, classified as mopeds.

Jamie,

I don't know how bad the weather is where you are, but in Michigan, we have relatively cold winters and I ride (mostly a motorcycle) any time the pavement is dry. A snowmobile suit and a sunny day can improve your whole attitude and riding through the winter means you do not have to winterize.

Ron

Don,

If you can wait for the winter sales, as I did, I picked up a 100% thinsulate suit, not at all bulky like the old ones, I can even get my leather jacket on over the top of it (I am slimmer than you : ), for $100.00. Easy to get in and out of and has enough zippers that you can get some ventilation if it is not too cold out. I can handle about 30 minutes on my motorcycle at 18 degrees without severe discomfort. I do have a handlebar windshield but at 55-70 mph, there is plenty of wind around me.

My litmus test for the suit was to find one that I could not blow through the outer fabric. Some suits advertise wind resistance but you can feel your breath through the fabric. This does not work when travelling at any speed. The ones you can not blow through are also waterproof if the seams are sealed.

You may get some wierd looks as you are kissing the suits, but hey, this will be a long term relationship, you need to establish compatibility. : )

Ron

Actually mine gets stored in a heated garage and I run it briefly every 2-3 weeks, so no need to winterize (me, put my baby out in the cold? Never!)

Actually if my area had less traffic and better drivers I'd probably still ride... but black ice and bad drivers make me nervous :)

Jamie,

If you don't go for a ride when you start it. Just drain the carb and leave it til spring. Even in a non-heated garage, the acids and condensation caused by starting it are more detrimental than prolonged idleness.

Ron

Problem here with snowfall is there's just as many morons, but all of a sudden they're spinning out of control :) (But I'm also right downtown, and downtown streets when plowed get unpleasant for mopeds... basically icy streetcar tracks bordered by waist high frozen solid walls of snow and ice.)

Might go a bit longer next year for the moped season mind you... have been pushing it a bit more each year.

Jamie! It's mostly your Gov't's fault for not allowing studded tires!Good grief! We're talkin' Canada here! They let me run `em from Nov.15 -April 1st.in SOUTHERN OHIO !!

Actually I don't mind that so much... after all it hurts less getting your foot run over by a regular tire ;)

That's true! I believe we've hit on the Canadian Gov't's reasoning here.You're not by any chance a retired Mountie are you?

Sad,but true,Jamie! Whilst the commoners(taxees)languish in commonymity,the taxers see to it they STAY commoners.But ice is the great equalizer in the Frozen North and commoners may be better drivers.

Simple...yer local hardware store.

There's a type of flat-link ornamental brass chain that's sold, the links are about 1/2" long, mayhaps 1/4" wide...you'll know it when ya see it.

You buy a whole crapload of it, cause it wears out, so have plenty handy.

Wrap about 3-4 feet of it around each wheel, tire, rim and all, and secure it with S-hooks.

It's soft brass so it don't scratch up the tires or nothin, might scratch up the paint on the rims a bit, but that's the price ya pay.

They'll last about two days if yer a throttle gorilla like me (ungh, fasta, fasta!) about four if yer more rational.

As fer traction, they'll handle ice, uphill, on a pretty fair incline, so no worries.

-R

Yes,Mr.Band! Put the correct amount of `Sta-Bil' fuel stabilizer in the tank and top it up.Then close the fuel valve on the tank and run the `ped until you know it's about to stop.A full tank won't rust.Make sure to only use quality gas with NO ETHANOL.Ethanol attracts moisture into your gas.Let excess air out of the tires,down to about 20 lbs. is o.k.,and lube the chain with grease or 90 W gearoil.Spray inside the cables with silicone spray or light oil.Remove the spark plug and pour in a little 2-cycle oil and turn the engine over with the plug removed.Then replace the plug.Make a list of these things you've done for future reference and don't forget to air up the tires in the spring or whenever you plan on using it.