How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
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How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
This is my first winter with the Ural and it's my only vehicle in Seattle. I have the intentions of riding it all year round, my commute is typically 11 miles on Interstate 5. Seattle every now and again gets snowy and icy days in which case I may be able to take the train to work or just go real safe like. Am I being naive? Is this completely feasible or completely stupid? Any winter time precautions that I need to take?
RC20, I saw that you studded your tires and that seems pretty rad, but possibly not necessary for most of my I-5 commuting?
From those of you who have ridden through the winters, anything that I need to keep in mind, change, adapt? So far I keep rubber boots/pants/jacket in the trunk and get real grumpy on my 3am downpour commutes, but what else should I keep in mind?
This is also my first winter through Seattle (previous winters were in Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Volgograd, Switzerland, so I am aware of what snow and cold are), so anything I need to know/expect? I'm expecting it to usually be just barely above freezing, lots of rain/mist/fog with a few surprise days of snow/ice.
I have the mud shin guards in place, and I'm aware that a windshield, guarded handle bars, heated handle bars and clothing would make my life better, but not sure that I need to go down those roads just yet.
I have the gear up, so I figure that if I get into a pinch, the 2WD should help, but will the factory tires be adequate???
RC20, I saw that you studded your tires and that seems pretty rad, but possibly not necessary for most of my I-5 commuting?
From those of you who have ridden through the winters, anything that I need to keep in mind, change, adapt? So far I keep rubber boots/pants/jacket in the trunk and get real grumpy on my 3am downpour commutes, but what else should I keep in mind?
This is also my first winter through Seattle (previous winters were in Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Volgograd, Switzerland, so I am aware of what snow and cold are), so anything I need to know/expect? I'm expecting it to usually be just barely above freezing, lots of rain/mist/fog with a few surprise days of snow/ice.
I have the mud shin guards in place, and I'm aware that a windshield, guarded handle bars, heated handle bars and clothing would make my life better, but not sure that I need to go down those roads just yet.
I have the gear up, so I figure that if I get into a pinch, the 2WD should help, but will the factory tires be adequate???
United forever in friendship and labor.
19 Ural Gear Up
05 Triumph Rocket 3
04 Honda CBR F4i
04 Honda Shadow
00 Yamaha VMAX
19 Ural Gear Up
05 Triumph Rocket 3
04 Honda CBR F4i
04 Honda Shadow
00 Yamaha VMAX
Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
It was 104 F / 40 C today.
If it ever snows I will be reading the responses to this post
If it ever snows I will be reading the responses to this post

2015 Ural EU Tourist -
Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
A windshield makes a huge difference. Other than that dress for the weather you should be fine.
2011 Gear Up - "Erika"
Yorktown, VA
Mains: 127, Idle: 40, Needle: 1 shim
MKIII air filter
110,000 km and counting
Yorktown, VA
Mains: 127, Idle: 40, Needle: 1 shim
MKIII air filter
110,000 km and counting
- Tomcatfixer
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Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
W.a.s.h your bike periodically (or at least give it a good rinse). The steel used in Ural construction is quite prone to corrosion, so don't help it by allowing road salt or calcium chloride to remain on the bike.
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- Chad
Gordonsville, Virginia, USA
Current rides:
2015 Ural cT "Mobile Chernobyl", 2001 Ural Patrol "Little Red Bear", 1999 Ural Tourist "The RPOC", Mid-Nineties Ural Tourist "The Heap", 1994 Honda VFR750F, 2007 BMW K1200GT
Previous rides:
2007 Honda VTR1000 FireStorm (Super Hawk in U.S.)
2001 Buell Blast! - - - - - - - 2005 Yamaha FJR1300
1993 Honda CBR600F2 - -1984 Yamaha FJ1100
Two different 1986 Yamaha FZX700S Fazers
Gordonsville, Virginia, USA
Current rides:
2015 Ural cT "Mobile Chernobyl", 2001 Ural Patrol "Little Red Bear", 1999 Ural Tourist "The RPOC", Mid-Nineties Ural Tourist "The Heap", 1994 Honda VFR750F, 2007 BMW K1200GT
Previous rides:
2007 Honda VTR1000 FireStorm (Super Hawk in U.S.)
2001 Buell Blast! - - - - - - - 2005 Yamaha FJR1300
1993 Honda CBR600F2 - -1984 Yamaha FJ1100
Two different 1986 Yamaha FZX700S Fazers
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Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
I do but not to commute, just for fun. Big difference when you Have-To rather than Want-To. Riding any of my bikes can span from pleasure to challenge.
I'll ride in first-snow's before the salt spreaders get out there. Otherwise cold is just a state of mind, use common-sense on how you dress safely and warmly.
Aircooled bikes love the cold & Winter.
I'll ride in first-snow's before the salt spreaders get out there. Otherwise cold is just a state of mind, use common-sense on how you dress safely and warmly.
Aircooled bikes love the cold & Winter.
Stagewex
2019 Honda CRF450L (Elec Start)
2008 Vespa 150S (Elec & Kick Start)
2007 Ural Patrol (2WD, Elec & Kick Start)
1991 Honda XR250L (Kick Start Only)
2019 Honda CRF450L (Elec Start)
2008 Vespa 150S (Elec & Kick Start)
2007 Ural Patrol (2WD, Elec & Kick Start)
1991 Honda XR250L (Kick Start Only)
- wooden nickel
- Hero of the Soviet Union - 2020
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Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
If you can find one, get a lap robe. For me the robe makes about a 15 degree difference in what feels comfortable. It also keeps snow off your saddle when you park.
I would also look for a heated visor for your helmet. I use a modular helmet and when I ride over 5 miles below 20 degrees even with a balaclava and a full face helmet, I get a cold dagger of wind at the base of my skull. I find that a couple wraps with one of those circular endless scarves at the interface of the helmet to coat, keeps the inside of the helmet comfy.
I would also look for a heated visor for your helmet. I use a modular helmet and when I ride over 5 miles below 20 degrees even with a balaclava and a full face helmet, I get a cold dagger of wind at the base of my skull. I find that a couple wraps with one of those circular endless scarves at the interface of the helmet to coat, keeps the inside of the helmet comfy.
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I may not be good, but I'm slow.
Nick
2014 M70 Retros, the sports car of Urals.
Nick
2014 M70 Retros, the sports car of Urals.
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Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
Tomcat, Love that picture! Reminds me of a video a few years ago. Weather announcer had a background video showing that the interstate through town was closed due to snow, but if you looked close, you'd see a lone Ural!
2015 Ural Patrol (Светлана)
2006 HD Low Rider (sold)
2013 Ural Patrol 'Ursula' (2015 Totaled!)
2006 HD Low Rider (sold)
2013 Ural Patrol 'Ursula' (2015 Totaled!)
Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)

ride in the snow just for fun now but I’ve commuted
ain’t nothing to it but to do it
Mac
13 Patrol T
16 Chief
21 CRF450RL
13 Patrol T
16 Chief
21 CRF450RL
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Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
The road conditions will likely be better than the other areas you mention. However, the drivers will be worse, most do not know how to drive in snow and ice. Be extra careful!dale914 wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 12:38 amThis is my first winter with the Ural and it's my only vehicle in Seattle.
This is also my first winter through Seattle (previous winters were in Idaho, Illinois, Minnesota, Michigan, Volgograd, Switzerland, so I am aware of what snow and cold are), so anything I need to know/expect? I'm expecting it to usually be just barely above freezing, lots of rain/mist/fog with a few surprise days of snow/ice.
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- Comrade Colonel
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Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
I have lived in the seattle area most of my life. We will get snow a couple of times a year, maybe. usually not more than a couple of inches. Last winter we had snow. I took my 2wd URAL out in the 2" of snow and I could not tell any difference using 2wd or 1wd for traction. Then it snowed some more about 6 or 8". I took the Ural out again and got stuck right in front of my driveway. I had the tock tires on. Windshield is a must.
Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
An excellent point. If new, or you buy used, If you can, I’d add to seal all the seams/joints with silicone. Also, do-it-yourself rubberized spray from a big box store for the bottom of the hack, the floor of the tub and trunk.Tomcatfixer wrote: ↑Thu Dec 05, 2019 6:27 amW.a.s.h your bike periodically (or at least give it a good rinse). The steel used in Ural construction is quite prone to corrosion, so don't help it by allowing road salt or calcium chloride to remain on the bike.
2019-12-05 05.23.40.jpg
2011 Gear Up - "Erika"
Yorktown, VA
Mains: 127, Idle: 40, Needle: 1 shim
MKIII air filter
110,000 km and counting
Yorktown, VA
Mains: 127, Idle: 40, Needle: 1 shim
MKIII air filter
110,000 km and counting
- Pterodactyl
- Hero of the Soviet Union - 2020
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Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
I switch from motorcycle gear to snogo gear to stay warm......


Kevin
The Outpost, Silver City, MT
2018 Ural Gear Up, 2017 R1200GSA
After taking several readings I’m surprised to find my mind is fairly sound..... Willie Nelson, Me and Paul
The Outpost, Silver City, MT
2018 Ural Gear Up, 2017 R1200GSA
After taking several readings I’m surprised to find my mind is fairly sound..... Willie Nelson, Me and Paul
- wooden nickel
- Hero of the Soviet Union - 2020
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Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
If you are going to do this, be sure to hit the underside of all fenders too. The spot on the front of the hack fender where it bolts to the hack step seems especially prone to rust.Also, do-it-yourself rubberized spray from a big box store for the bottom of the hack, the floor of the tub and trunk.
I may not be good, but I'm slow.
Nick
2014 M70 Retros, the sports car of Urals.
Nick
2014 M70 Retros, the sports car of Urals.
- SidecarDan
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Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
I got caught by a news camera a few years ago.
When we have snow like that in the video I ride my Ural and leave my Charger at home in the carport.
When we have snow like that in the video I ride my Ural and leave my Charger at home in the carport.
Dan
2012 Forest Fog Gear-Up
128/42 jets
7/64ths drilled slides
2013 branch pipes
Yamaha petcock
2012 Forest Fog Gear-Up
128/42 jets
7/64ths drilled slides
2013 branch pipes
Yamaha petcock
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Re: How many ride all year round? (Particularly in snowy climates)
Daily, year round Puget Sound rider here.
Wet weather is the primary consideration here. A windscreen, and leg guards are the most practical accessories for our environment. Real waterproof commercial fishing rain gear is a big plus too.
Grundens rain gear, and atlas 460 rubber gloves from fishermans supply in Seattle keep me totally dry. A heavy wool coat and silk glove liners keep me warm.
Unless you intend to head up into the mountains on a regular basis to ride in the snow, I wouldn't mess with studs. We don't get much snow in the low lands, and it's typically gone after a couple of days. Expect no miracles with 2wd, but it can make a meaningful difference under certain conditions.
Wet weather is the primary consideration here. A windscreen, and leg guards are the most practical accessories for our environment. Real waterproof commercial fishing rain gear is a big plus too.
Grundens rain gear, and atlas 460 rubber gloves from fishermans supply in Seattle keep me totally dry. A heavy wool coat and silk glove liners keep me warm.
Unless you intend to head up into the mountains on a regular basis to ride in the snow, I wouldn't mess with studs. We don't get much snow in the low lands, and it's typically gone after a couple of days. Expect no miracles with 2wd, but it can make a meaningful difference under certain conditions.
Barry
"Take care, sir," cried Sancho. "Those over there are not giants but windmills".
2007 Patrol 100k km and counting,
2018/20 M70
"Take care, sir," cried Sancho. "Those over there are not giants but windmills".
2007 Patrol 100k km and counting,
2018/20 M70