So I just made a crazy-ass decision!!

[highwayman]

I live in Michigan...call me a wimp but....I love my Jeep as much as I do my Raider...

[Fn Up]

There have been a handful of times where my car was broken down, and I only had the bike, but I would never by choice only have a motorcycle.

Unless you're in a situation where you don't have to drive much (live downtown apartment, college campus, etc.), I think its very unwise.  Simple things like going to the grocery store are a hassle when all you can transport is what fits on your bike.

I would either buy a cheap car, or sell the Raider, and buy an equivalent cheap bike and cheap car.

No point in riding a $10K bike if you don't have a car.  I'd rather have a $5K car and a $5K bike.

This is about starting over, getting rid of the excess crap (literally and figuratively) and starting over. A mental makeover if you will, a new attitude. I will eventually get another cage but, for now it's two wheels for me. Will this cause some inconvenience, probably but, I'm smart guy. Adapt and overcome!

That being said, I picked up a set of Ogio soft bags (for a little more carrying capacity), Gerbing heated liner and gloves. Thoughts so far? Why didn't I didn't do this a long time ago! I do need a larger winscreen. The Boulevard screen is causing some serious buffeting.

[TRaider_John]

Sorry about the marriage.  That's tough, no matter how or when it happens.

This is gonna sound like your grandpa, but there was a time (30 years ago) I rode my bike year round.  Home-work-school-home was 89 miles a day.  I used a coverall like they use for snowmobiling with a full-face helmet, gauntleted gloves and insulated boots.  I rode home in snow and ice...it wasn't fun or pretty but I had to do it because my wife had the only car we had.  As soon as we could afford it, we got me a car. 

Good luck with everything.

[highwayman]

Sorry about the marriage.  That's tough, no matter how or when it happens.

This is gonna sound like your grandpa, but there was a time (30 years ago) I rode my bike year round.  Home-work-school-home was 89 miles a day.  I used a coverall like they use for snowmobiling with a full-face helmet, gauntleted gloves and insulated boots.  I rode home in snow and ice...it wasn't fun or pretty but I had to do it because my wife had the only car we had.  As soon as we could afford it, we got me a car. 

Good luck with everything.

I cant imagine getting rid of my Raider but...if for what ever reason I could only keep my Jeep or my Raider...I would have to keep the Jeep....riding in rain storms...snow and ice and below freezing weather does not appeal to me in anyway. I too am sorry about your marriage...been there... done that... and it does suck!

[bikertrsh]

Are you kidding me...Pennsylvania...Snow...Ice....Sleet....Hail....Two Wheels? Man, that is a crash waiting to happen, and I don't care how warmly you are dressed. Get yourself and old beater for bad weather driving.

[EZRaider]

I did that for 2 years in the No. Virginia area when I was in High School and for the year after I graduated.  I lived only 5 miles from where I worked and could walk it when it was snowing like crazy.

There is no way in hell I would consider relying on a motorcycle only to get around again. 

I'm now living in Florida and still would not do it. 

I agree with the others, find yourself a clunker for backup and those bad weather days.

[Fn Up]

I know this is an open forum and everyone has there opinion. I was aware of that when I made this post and assumed a certain amount of disagreement/flack. That being said, I didn't post this to discuss whether or not you agreed with my personal decisions. This was about making the Raider more suitable for cold weather riding and nothing more (ie clothing, gear, wind screens, bags, etc).

Fact is, N. Va doesn't have a record for rough winters. We don't normally get a lot of snow. In case of impending snow or extended periods of inclement weather, I have a contigiency plan in place.

Thanks to the few that have offered advice. It is much appreciated. To the others, find something else better to do. I don't want to hear what you "would do".

[EZRaider]

Was just making conversation, having lived in NOVA.

Good luck to ya!