Todays query.... Riding in Snow and Ice

I tend to adjust my hold on the throttle so that it never gets slack, keeps things smooth on tricky surfaces.
Of course it goes without saying, don't overdo it!

Originally Posted by simon-temple

SV tyres don't have the tread pattern to bite through the snow and lower pressure will lengthen the contact patch and increase the floating effect over the snow.

Im really glad the more I read this thread Im on the honda
dont care if I drop it - may improve its appearance - short seat - easy throttle...

[Big Bad Al]

I just slip my clutch when engine braking on ice is likely to be a problem...... thought that's what everyone did

Have done a lot of snow riding and hovering feet and keeping speed down real low is a necessity. I have it good authority that the only way to get up some icy hills is to let some air out. Makes sense really....

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

When you say take the slack out of the throttle, do you mean physically tighten the throttle cable, so there's less slack or just adjust my riding style so I'm pulling the slack out when "off" the throttle? thanks

What Bagazee said, use your hand.
If you do the TPS mod on the FI bikes alot of the snatchiness disappears.

Quote - I just slip my clutch when engine braking on ice is likely to be a problem...... thought that's what everyone did - Quote

That's exactly what I had to do this morning to get out of my overshadowed, hence VERY icy, cul-de-sac. What normally takes 30 seconds, took over two minutes! but once on the main roads it was no prob.
Only reason I chanced it was in order to get me first new tyres (Metzeler Z6s) fitted before my second adventure to the "glow in the east" known as Londinium. VERY impressed, even after 30 odd miles.

I now understand the term "planted"

Originally Posted by Baldyman

I now understand the term "planted"

Where I come from it means "buried", as in "he was planted in the far corner of the churchyard back in '76"

Actually, I can see how the two uses are not miles apart

Those tyres are on my shortlist, but Hornet riders only seem to recommend Bridgestone and Avon. Guess I might have to be a guinea pig

-Mental picture - Guinea pig on a Hairnet............yeah go for it

Originally Posted by lynw

Glad to be on the honda -
started first time without choke on - never would have happened on the SV....
low seat height I can get my foot down better than the tip toes Im on with the SV...
easier to manouvre at slow speed than the SV I find....

do you know... Im REALLY starting to love that bike...

ditto

basically i personally wouldnt adjust tyre pressure as this can affect the way water is displaced from your tyre.

and beware of the strong engine brake on the SV as this may cause the rear wheel to skid a bit.

keep a massive distance between you and the car in front.

basically what everyone else has said.

if it gets really bad - stick it on its centre stand. lean back so the rear wheel touches the ground and slide along the road on the centre stand*

basically id opt for public transport when the snow and ice sets in.

*dont take this seriously , please.

Originally Posted by Baldyman

-Mental picture - Guinea pig on a Hairnet............

As opposed to a slug, you mean?

I read an article on tyre pressure recently that said in the wet , and I'm assuming it may be similar on snow , lowering the tyre pressures actually lowers traction because the tyre is less "stretched" and the tread pattern closes as a result therefore not dispersing water. I assume that a closed tread will be more like a slick on snow then a nice tready tyre too.

Just an observation , not backed up by any experience.