The CONFESSIONS of a FAIR WEATHER MOTORCYCLIST!

[@janq-h8139]

I am a fair weather rider and I’m proud of it, I don’t enjoy cold and wet weather. I enjoy sunny dry weather, and will continue to ride when I feel like riding.

[@busatrx850]

I agree. I spent many early years in my motorcycling ‘career’ getting cold and wet on my bike as this was my only method of transport. I feel I’ve earned the right to choose when and how to ride my bikes and in what conditions.

[@eleveneleven572]

Last summer I bought a new leather jacket but omitted to treat it. Cue downpour and that jacket weighed a TON. I expect to get caught out from time to time but I avoid bad weather when I can. If I want to get wet and cold I go fishing...and my dog loves it.

[@johnsamson-snell9558]

I’m a proud fair weather rider having started riding motorcycles in 1970. Now I have enough to enjoy a small collection of bikes that I mostly polish and admire. There’s far too much money invested in these to take them out when the weather is bad. I don’t have to , I’ve got a car for that. Mind you, I still manage to clock up about 10,000 miles per year on my bikes. It’s just that I can now choose when I want to ride them.

[@chrisschweitzer8707]

Thank you. Excellent video. It brought back many memories. Started reading at 15 in 1962. At 18 obtained the use of my older brother's second car, just in time for winter. Rain gear at that time was a surplus Army poncho. A Barbour Suit was just too precious for my skinny wallet at the time. Years later, a year or so passed with no car. Riding in cold and snow had long since lost its luster. Now, the worst weather is enjoyed only while traveling. If one goes into the higher mountains anything can be waiting to make your trip a bit more interesting.

[@Karl3642]

I ride all year round, although I won’t generally choose to go out on days when heavy prolonged rain is forecast, or in ice / snow. We live in the UK, so I see it as a waste of half of my life to “put my bikes away for the winter”. Instead, I stand ready to take advantage of any suitable days to ride, and I also enjoy the challenge and adventure that riding in winter brings. I totally get the argument of those that have been there, done it, and really don’t wanna do it anymore. But for those that have never even tried riding in winter conditions, I’d recommend some exposure to it. Primarily for the fact that it will test you, and help increase your all round skills as a motorcyclist. But also because there is some great fun and adventure to be had on the right days.

[@philedwards2679]

Well said, Stuart. When I was a young apprentice, I owned a Suzuki T250 (Hustler) and rode it in all weathers through necessity. I'm now close to 70 and ride my RE Meteor 350 when my joints tell me it's warm enough. My body might be old, but motorcycling keeps me young at heart. Great channel. I love watching your videos. 👍😀

[@MrTeriyakiman]

My name is Allan and I’m a fair weather biker 😊. My story is uncannily similar to yours Stu. I remember riding home one winters night after a 12-hour shift in college. I stopped at a set of traffic lights just as Wigan Athletic’s football ground was emptying and about 1000 angry Chelsea fans were walking towards me. They thought it would be a good idea to throw beer bottles at the soggy biker, and when one bounced off my helmet and another smashed on my front wheel I decided it was time to ride through the red light! 10 minutes later I was pulled by the police for having no rear light (it had been smashed). They didn’t believe my story and I was breathalysed and made to unpack my backpack onto the kerb (soggy books). Like you, I’ve earned the right to only ride only when the sun shines! Great little video Stu!

[@user-yv3mu5vx7z]

Well said Stuart. Having started my motorcycling career in 1974 and I am still riding now. I had to commute to work just the way you did. I now live and work in Australia and, for a while I worked for Australia Post delivering mail and parcels. It was at times a very wet job and I moved on in January 2023. Now, I am a fair weather biker and proud of it.

[@cyclometre]

like you I grew up in the UK and was for a time a GPO messenger boy back in1966 in 'sunny Bolton'. I moved to Australia in 1970 and have continued to ride ever since. I now live in the Blue Mountains, NSW. and proudly affirm that, I too am now a 'fair weather rider'. With a great climate we have here, why would you have it any other way?

[@joereedmusic9853]

In late September I left my cousins farm in NE Nebraska after an early snow storm. That morning we had to climb out of the 2nd story windows and ladder down to the ground being frozen on the ground level. By that time my uncle had made his way to the barn and brought out the tracker and plow and cleared the path to barn and road. He said, "Wait the road till the snow blower goes by and follow it down till it gets to the Interstate". And so I went, between snow plows on the Interstate until I could turn south towards Wichita, Kansas and escape to the warmth on my way back to Dallas. The most brutal, hellish cold I've ever been experienced just because I had to go to work on Monday morning.

[@markfranks1329]

Brilliant. Very well said, Stuart. Fair weather rider here and extremely proud to wear the badge. After despatch riding in the 80's/early 90s, riding the length and breath of this Sceptered Isle in ALL weather conditions, I've EARNED the right, like many here, to choose when I ride. If I get caught by bad weather, fine, that's life. I won't have a hissy-fit. Dry, warm, sunny days only? Bring it on!😊

[@robinwatters572]

Reminds me of going to work one morning in the winter, I was just coming up to a 45 degree junction to join a main road, as I touched the brakes I started to slide. In my peripheral vision I could see a police car coming, I, quite gracefully, almost sideways, slid out just behind him. I could see him look in his mirror, shake his head and carry on!. Fairly common occurrence on the morning ride. Many tales of winter riding.

[@ericramsay2275]

I remember the times when my fingers were so cold that I could not operate the clutch or brake. What was worse, however, was when I got home and my hands warmed up too fast with the resulting agony in my fingers.

[@robynbazlen-weglarz7836]

I wholeheartedly agree with you. I paid my dues back in the 70’s and now that I’m retired, I’m also a fair weather rider.

[@barriewilliams4526]

At the age of 86, I can remember well what it was like in the early days. I too, used a bike as my only means of transport, having to abandon my ride to work on more than one occasion as my journey entailed roads that often got blocked by snow in winter. I still ride today, but only if the weather is nice, and, even at my age I have been accused of being a "fair weather rider" to which I just smile☺

[@ChrisParrett-qo4sx]

One of your very best pieces, Stuart… I too am happy to be called a fair weather motorcyclist. Like you, I feel I've paid my dues. For an 8 year period, I rode 50k miles a year in all weathers as a London based despatch rider, which taught me the art of survival. My worst biking injury was a cracked rib. I didn't get a 4 wheel licence ’til I was over 30. I've always had a bike, and in my seventies now, I can choose when I ride (I don't lay up my bike during the winter). Far from being ridiculed for being a FWM, some of my friends comment that I still ride more often than they do, particularly those who 'mothball' for the winter, but I'll get upset if my bike's 'on the bench' when the sun comes out, or for any reason I have to use my van. I do, however, carry my bike in the van when I go down to the Languedoc for a month or so, to ride with my brother (who lives there), ’cos I can drive from the tunnel to the med in an easy, if long, day's driving… but not on a bike ’cos I hate riding on motorways. Ride safe my friend… and enjoy it.

[@TrevorDodd-ev1sx]

I used to ride in all weathers on a 110 mile daily round trip commute. Not much fun, but it made me become a much better rider. The trick is having decent kit which I couldn't afford back then , but now heated gloves and vest make all the difference.

[@sadewatley]

I live in Southern California, and sometimes the mercury drops down below 70 degrees fahrenheit, and there's cloud cover. I'm no wussie. I fire it up and go out samurai-style. Life is rough sometimes.

[@KO-pk7df]

Depending on ware in southern California you are, it gets pretty cold late at night or early morning. But mostly California is a beautiful place to ride!

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

Biblical rain there lately. Welcome to the full 'UK' experience.....lol

[@terraplane49]

I'm an all-weather rider, but I figure that it's none of my business what others do. The main thing is to ride. I draw the line at ice and snow, but I enjoy it so much that I don't like to let rain stop me. I put it down to a lifetime of cycling, both touring and racing, as well as motorbikes.

[@krumple8560]

There was a portion of my misspent youth that the only transportation I could afford was a motorcycle. It was the 70s and I was living in tidewater Virginia. That part of the United States can see all the winter weather variations, snow, sleet and freezing rain. I learned a lot about riding in adverse conditions the hard way. I no longer plan to ride in conditions that may force me to put those lessons to use. Good episode my friend.

[@danieloconnell4225]

Lived in Scotland and Ireland, and now the west coast of Canada for awhile - all similar climates. I ride all year, all weather - unless there's ice or snow. I do so for two reasons; firstly, the cost of cars is atrocious - my brand new sport bike cost less than a pre-owned Honda automobile would have in my area (truly). Secondly, I am fortunate that my commute is all of five kilometers (three miles) on pleasant roads, and nothing in my city that I go to is more than ten minutes away. A short commute each way in the rain to work and back is hardly a bother when wearing decent wet-weather gear. The way I look at it, I could have gone deeper into debt for a used or new car that I'd have been bored to bits with, or I could have made the choice that I did and gone with the bike which is great fun to ride when it's dry and warm and (at the least) fuel efficient and easy to maintain compared to a car when it's wet and cold - no regrets. I make fairly good money, but unless I had significantly higher income (or significantly fewer expenses) to the point that I could stomach the price of picking up a car, I don't see my opinion on this changing. I'd prefer to ride only in 'ideal' weather (who wouldn't?) but short commutes on a bike in the rain can (oddly) be quite refreshing. When I move back to Ireland in a couple of years, I don't see any of this changing.

[@edmundeverett2938]

Oh so true, Stuart. We certainly don’t have anything to prove to anyone, great video Stuart, many thanks for making and sharing it 😁👍

[@stephenmundane]

You talk about learning from experience, well here's one of my life lessons. As a callow youth in the early 1980s I remember going to take my bike test on a Honda MTX 125 one frozen December morning. I made it the 30 yards to the T-junction at the end of my road but didn't, in fact, manage to make my right turn. Instead, I just span on the spot on the ice, ending up facing back the way I'd come! Suitably educated, I got off my bike, pushed it home then went to the phone box and rang the test centre -- all tests cancelled! What a surprise eh . I got the bus to work on ice- cold mornings after that.

[@quickkwack]

Totally with you on this Stuart, I remember at the age of 18 doing my apprenticeship and having an accident at work splitting my left index finger nearly to the bone, stitched up, and then riding home on my CB250 G5 in 6" of snow, thank god for Bellstaff over mits as that was the only thing I could get on my left hand, rain, fog ice, snow I've served that apprenticeship, Nowadays, I'm defentley a fair weather rider and proud of it. Motorcycling is a life passion, not an endurance test of life 😎

[@tortuga7160]

Fairweather rider here. If I wouldnt wanna loiter in it, why would I want to ride in it?

[@chrisdagnall8666]

I do enjoy your ramblings and this was a great one, thank you. You made a few interesting points about how you define fair and extreme weather and if you don’t go out in snow and ice doesn’t mean you are a fair weather rider you’re just sensible. I think some people have bikes they don’t want to take out when there is salt on the roads or a lot of mud and that is totally understandable. I like to ride all year round and am lucky enough to have 2 bikes and one I don’t mind getting dirty, I would miss going for a ride if I didn’t ride in winter. Cheers.

[@stevew9810]

I remember, in the late 80s, riding my old Suzuki Gp100 (my only form of transport at the time) back from a friend's house 23 miles away from mine, in a torrential rainstorm. Every time I let off the throttle the bike would splutter and die, so I basically had to pretty much keep it pinned all the way home to stop it from stalling. When I finally got home, my leather jacket weighed more than me, I was shivering and chilled to the bone. Due to experiences like that, I became a fair weather motorcyclist pretty much as soon as I passed my driving test - so I was actually only riding in all weathers for six months, but that was more than enough for me! I don't stow my bikes away for the winter, I'll ride them all year round - but only on days that suit me. I have waterproofs (only basic over-jacket and over-trousers) and take them with me on days when the weather is uncertain and I actually don't "mind" riding in the rain - but if it's chucking it down before I set off on the bike, I don't usually bother. I'd rather take the car and stay warm and dry.

[@michaelgwynne8553]

Back in the late 70s I was one of the first civilians to take the police motorcycle training course with Warwickshire police, had a bit of a shock on the day of the test as it had snowed heavily over night but we still had to do the test. As the police Instructor said we have to go out in all weather and to pass the test you do too. What I learnt on that course has kept me alive to this day.

[@geoffparkes]

Well said, Stu. I started my (legal) road riding life in 1971 as I needed a form of transport that was better than pushbike or the rare village bus. Since 1971, I have ridden in snow where it's drifted up to about four to five feet high halfway across the road, I've ridden in fog so thick I ended up tapping my foot along the kerb to find my junction, ridden in rain so heavy I felt like I was being shot blast, ridden in summers when the tank was so hot I burned my leg on it, winters where I lost the feeling in my hands and feet and all because I had to. At 16, I couldn't afford motorcycling clothing so I rode in jeans and anoraks and wore a nan-knitted scarf and my old WW2 RAF greatcoat when it got cold. Waterproofs weren't that great in the 70s so wet feet, wet hands, wet crotch and knees were all par for the course. I'm nearly 69 now and still riding. Those early years have left their mark; arthritic fingers, knees and hips and aches and pains best left unmentioned. I've owned cars with A/C, heated seats and love em to bits but I still ride, albeit a small RE 500 trials replica, to this day. Like you, I now choose to ride for enjoyment and there's nothing enjoyable about the rain, snow, fog, cold or even night-time these days so if that makes me a fair weather rider, then bring it on! Like you, and many others, I've served my time on two wheels and have one or two scars to prove it. Now I can afford to ride, where, when and how I choose. To the knockers and trolls I say this: come back to this page when you are 70 yrs old and tell me that you're not a fair weather rider. Or shut the fcuk up.

[@chrisweeks6973]

Goodness, this one took me back! Having previously learnt on a Raleigh RM1 and a Vespa 125, I bought a Jawa 250 and passed my bike test in early 1963. I had a 75-mile-each-way commute each week to my military base in England, day and night, in snow, ice, rain, hail, fog and occasional sunshine, in open-face helmet, Mk.8 goggles, PVC rain-suit and frequently-sodden gauntlets and boots. So, been there, done that, 60 years ago and it wasn't fun. These days I have no need to be doing that, nor am I masochistic, so I ride my recently-acquired Guzzi Breva 750 for pleasure, in decent weather here in West Australia and I'm happy to be a fine-weather motorcyclist.

[@terryblackman6217]

I have just become a fair weather rider this last week. The other morning I had a very enjoyable Sunday ride across the New Forest. Now when I got home it was all I could do to get off the bike. I was like the stick man. The cold had got right into my leg joints. Yes I am a fair weather rider, but at nearly 70 years old in think I can be forgiven. Another enjoyable video, thank you for sharing. Terry

[@shardlake]

Spot on, having spent 14 years commuting in all weathers, now retired I prefer to ride in better weather, although I decided to sell the car 4 years ago so still take the bike out when needed regardless of the weather, thankfully the gear available now is so much better, heated grips are also a must in my older years :)

[@dasp125]

I’m an all year round rider for work and pleasure. I have had cars and always get bored and end up back on a bike. After 23 years of riding all year, it has never been easier than it is today. Heated grips and fully waterproof, armoured gear mean I am completely dry and not that cold. Tires are amazing in everything other than ice and snow. I really do enjoy riding in all weather’s and I do see a psychiatrist, for different reasons 😂. I don’t judge others for what or when they ride, I just ride and I’ll wave, chat and help any biker/scooter rider I come across. What does get on my t**s is being looked down on by other riders when I ride my classic or 350 scooter, but when I ride my K1200R all the bikers are waving. It’s a sad world we live in!

[@ourmanf1int]

Great video that took me back to my early days of motorcycling. I was doing cold water therapy (on a motorcycle) long before Wim Hof thought of it😂. I’m a fair weather riders these days and proud of it.

[@jonoxford6447]

A well thought out rebuff Stu. Really enjoyed the ride footage with blue skies. Funnily enough I mostly ride in the cooler months of the year which is the dry season here. While the monsoon rain is generally pretty warm in does bucket down, severely limiting visibility and the locals tend drive more erratically, not to mention the need to wash the bike after every wet ride. And I find riding in 100⁰ heat with 80% humidity to be enjoyment limiting. So I am happy to pick and choose when I ride to maximise my enjoyment, selfish I know.😂

[@riderramblings]

Stuart, your reminiscing brought a smile to to my face. It brought back memories of riding in early morning freezing fog on the M1 in the 1980s going to work. This is very strongly not recommended as your visor freezes over (no pinlock in those days, just washing up liquid or potato "juice"). So, you open it, only for the tears in your eyes and your eyeballs immediately freezing - seriously. This affects your vision in seconds to the extent you can't see - something which is really not good on a motorway in fog! Ice isn't too bad provided you know where it is and can ride accordingly. Snow, not a problem provided it's not compacted into solid ice by previous traffic or melted and re-frozen. Ride on the fresh stuff or a clear tyre track. I have yet to have an accident on either snow or ice but, I'm sure it'll happen one day... As to waterproof, I invested in the early 1980s, yes, invested as it was really expensive, in a Belstaff jacket (it lasted over 10 years) and a pair of cheap nylon over-trousers to go over my jeans. Long-johns (Brentford Nylons) were a godsend when it was really cold as were a pair of your girlfriend's tights (just don't have an accident!! 😂). I still have my Franck Thomas boots (my calves have "expanded" so they no long do up) which were liberally coated in dubbin. Your wet police leathers must have weighed an absolute ton! As to the cold, silks under my gloves don't work for me so, again, I invested in a set of heated gloves in about 1985. These were and absolute godsend as well. A (richer) friend of mine had a heated waistcoat as well but, that was way over my budget. Today, I try to avoid snow and ice but will ride in the rain if necessary. Oh, even 40-odd or so years on, I don't own a car, just two motorcycles.

[@fortyfour1654]

' Dubbin ' ....now there's a word I've not heard in a while; and certainly not common parlance with today's youth!

[@keitha6292]

Thanks for the video Stuart and well said. I've had my bike licence since 1978 as a 17yr old and have ridden in all weather conditions the the UK can throw at us. I've pulled up outside of police stations with a covering of snow down my front, something I shudder to think of now;however, at the time, working all three shifts, the motor cycle was a necessity. The only wet weather kit i had then was my dad's yellow National Coal Board waterproof trousers and later a pair of police issue waterproofs. These days at the age of 62, I enjoy riding my Royal Enfield Classic 350 in fair weather only. If it gets wet then it is because I am washing it, or I've been unfortunate enough to be caught out in an unexpected shower of rain. A damp road surface is now my definition of extreme motorcycling weather

[@deangdmppajj4692]

Recently retired and road my bikes to and from work through all weather. On sunny days i would deliberately go a longer way home just for the pleasure of being on two wheels. But now i am most definitely proud to call myself a fair weather rider 👍

[@sportsmanjohn8143]

Spot-on Stu. I started riding in '75 and still riding today. In the early days, I rode in all weather. I used to wrap newspapers around my body for "insulation" before putting on an old Belstaff jacket, and to warm my motorcycle gauntlets I'd put them over the silencer outlets to fill them up with warm air...mmm toasty. Now at 66 I can choose when I ride. Keep up the good work, I always look forward to your videos 👍

[@youngeroldie5089]

Could not have described it better myself. Summed it up perfectly for the majority of us mature riders.

[@kevintracey4644]

I’m with you Stu. I started riding motorbikes in the late 70s, and did my years riding through all types of weather. I’m now a fair weather motorcyclist, as are the vast majority of bikers. The roads where I live in Norfolk are rammed with bikes in the summer months, but most hibernate from late Autumn to early Spring.

[@philthorpe4549]

Oh aye, I remember the 70s...16 years old, riding a Puch moped to work with an open face hemet and third hand leather gauntlets like tennis racquets. Freezing fog and the limited luxury of a fur lined denim jacket! So cold that I could only pull the brake or clutch by hooking the heel of my palm over them :) We've served our time alright, it's nothing under 12 degs now. Thanks Uncle Stu, great video.

[@skyhill4279]

Hi Stuart, totally agree with you on this one. Living A lot further north than you I rode in all weathers, hail, rain, snow and heat. After many years of forking out for rechroming, new paint and bolts and gaining more experience and common sense I realised that riding my bikes all year round was not only expensive but also not a good idea either. I always had 3 of 4 bikes at the one time (and that has not changed) so I always had a bike on the road. I am now a proud member of the "Fair Weather Bikers Club"! If it rains when I'm out I just deal with it but I won't go out if it is raining or icy or just really cold temperatures. Good video Stuart!

[@gunsdonovan9183]

That's my story too.

[@mashm6866]

Totally on the same wavelength.

[@matthewloewenthal5114]

As always spot on and in tune with those of us that have been on the long haul biking journey from a mix of necessity and fun to just fun. We’ve got nothing to prove. What we do have is bad knees hips and fingers that go numb at the slightest drop in temperature. I remember when heated grips were denigrated(did so myself) although strangely ‘Glow Gloves’ were not. I think because they were invented by a rear gunner from a Lancaster and that made them more manly:):):) I now have heated grips and gloves and even use them on a cool morning in July!

[@KO-pk7df]

You and some of your subscribers may find this familiar; I remember I used to buy the yellow rain gear I think were called "Dry Rider", yellow bib-pants and coat just to stay pretty dry. Then blue jeans and insulated coat of some kind. I also remember in the cold having to make the choice do I ride faster & colder to get it over faster or to ride slower & less cold. My lower jaw so cold it was hard to speak properly after a cold ride. All kinds of ways of getting my shopping home on a bike. I felt fortunate to buy a luggage rack to put a backpack on. Now I can really appreciate what a windshield can do for you in the cold and rain!

[@swhedge71]

True words of wisdom spoken by years of experience. Always love your banter Stuart, you're spot on with this one! I think us old 1970's and 1980's generation riders have paid our dues! Cheers from a 'well deserved fair-weathered rider' from Texas!

[@mikeoconnor7745]

Excellent piece Stuart. Having started in 1973 with a Garelli Tiger Cross working through college on a RD250 and as you say for 10 years having no other choice, I think we are a generation who have earned the badge and can now have the luxury of choice. Keep on supplying sound logic on social media Stuart, it needs this sort of input. Thanks.

[@daiman56]

Like others have said, I'm a fair weather rider, at 70yrs riding a GSF 1200s and proud of it. I like others have experienced having to ride in all weather snow and ice, rain etc, on a Honda C90 for a number of years being unable to afford any alternative. Having done all that I ride when I want as its a hobby now and not my main mode of transport. So well said Stuart.

[@brianperry]

l Used to go for ride outs with likeminded retired Brits here in España. We called ourselves 'The fair-weather riders'. For the most part we, like you had crossed that 'right of passage' years ago in the never ending lousy UK weather. Freezing cold, wet, and the tension that gradually built up in arms and upper body when stressed by the cold and the riding conditions. Your analysis of riding in the winter was perfectly put. Who in their right mind would choose to put themselves in such pain unnecessarily... What l remember most was just how achingly cold my knees became. It took ages to thaw them out, far longer than hands.... Now, sixty years later l don't own any foul weather gear... saves a fortune in Euros....

[@tag491a]

That struck a chord with me Stuart, done my time riding in all weathers, arriving home after a 110 mile commute with ice cracking off my riding gear. Now I have time to choose when I ride - and I do!

[@stevef8763]

Spot on stuart, you've just summed up my 50 years of biking, in the 70's I had to commute into London 35 miles each way, day in day out all weathers and whilst all the underpasses and roundabouts were being constructed on the A40. I was an apprentice telecoms engineer and couldn't afford the train fare. My first commuter bike was a Honda CB175 and followed by a Suzuki GS550 when I completed my apprenticeship and could afford a new bike. Great times! 😂

[@shanebradley5064]

Another excellent commentary, thank you. I love going for these sunny rides with you, especially after having ridden to work through an evil storm, this morning. Put me in the, 'mental' category. I've walked past my car to get on my bike this morning because riding makes me happy. I genuinely get restless. if I have to go more than a day without riding; I've never done drugs, but I guess this must be what an addiction feels like. Having said all that, I do have a Fair Weather Bike. My Bonneville is currently under a cover in my garage, hooked to a charger, where she will remain until April. Once again, thanks for another great video.

[@paulbooth1373]

OMG, Stu. How I can relate to all of that! I've ridden through all manner of conditions and weather; fallen off on icy roads, snow, frozen within an inch of survival, etc. But ironically, since my " fair weather" biking by choice started 10 years ago I've lost count of the number of times I've been soaked to the skin! Even collecting my current steed from the dealer in April 2021 the heavens opened shortly after starting my 30 mile journey home. Torrential! So my brand new pristine bike (Trident 660) was a complete mess by the time I arrived home.

[@philcox8771]

G’day, well said Stu, I got my bike licence in early 1970 & worked in remote north west NSW as postman in all weather & black soil, gravel roads.. that kickstarted my motorcycle journey & still have 3 registered bikes in my shed today. I still ride the all weather runs if needed, but I’m basically only riding fair weather runs on my 2 Royal Enfield’s. BTW I’m hooked on your channel after finding your videos

[@christopherlawrence1285]

Hi Stuart - fully agree with your sentiments as I’ve also done my stint as an all weather rider in the past. Motorcycling is still my greatest pleasure - but done on my terms now. Good to see some local roads on your videos (I live in Hessle and use the same great roads myself). Keep up the good work - if we should bump into one another out and about I’ll introduce myself and buy the coffee,

[@danielmcneil3004]

Well said Stuart. I am also a fair weather rider and freely admit it. I get no joy from being pelted with freezing rain and/or icy wind while riding. Defeats the purpose , at least my purpose, of being on my bike ,enjoying the scenery at a leisurely pace feeling relaxed at the end of the ride. Cheers. Dan ✌️🏍🇨🇦

[@BTeamHooligan]

Excellent video sir! I’m about to get my bike (classic 350) at the age of 46. I’ve been a fan of motorcycle ever since I remember, especially classic British bikes. Dad had a TR6 Trophy before I was born and the stories are what must have done it for me. My best childhood mate and his dad were from the UK, and I learned much about British and European bikes from them. I was diagnosed with cancer when I was 5 years old and subsequently lost most of the vision in my left eye. I’ve ridden off road and on the road a number of times in my younger years but never got a bike of my own. In retrospect I was probably better for it. As an untempered youth, I probably would have pushed myself past my capabilities and suffered dire consequences (especially growing up with the lovely Southern California traffic). But the passion never left me. As of the last couple years I’ve been able to work through major anxiety issues I didn’t know I had been living with most of my life. I now have a newer, healthier perspective on things. I became very interested in getting a Royal Enfield some years back, but they were much rarer in the states prior to the update and that put me off at the time. When the redesign came out, I was drawn to it immediately. I want to especially thank you for your videos which I stumbled on to about a year ago. You have helped to reassure me that it’s ultimately about enjoying your machine and your ride, and not caring how others view you. Took my course over the summer, and got my license. About to get a Classic 350 shortly. In fact my new waxed brownGoldtop ‘58 jacket and Bobber gloves arrive today. I’m looking forward to riding when I want, and how I want, and not feeling I have to conform to others opinions of what a motorcyclist should be. Thank you kindly for your videos and the information you provide. It’s the highlight of my week when you have a new one come out. My wife even hears the Heeeey-up, and say “Hi Uncle Stu!” Thanks again sir!

[@borderlands6606]

When a bike was my only form of transport, I never gave the weather much thought. A 70 minute commute in the cold, or hours of buses, trains and walking to get to work. No contest. I was acutely attuned to the road surface, friction coefficients of rain and snow and always rode within them because they meant financial and physical survival. I no longer have those spider senses or have the desire to acquire them.

[@ianhindmarsh882]

A great video, as always, but i feel you may be being a bit harsh to those of us who choose to ride all year round. Everything you said about your early biking years applies, or applied, to me. For 8 years from the age of 17 I rode from South Wales to Portsmouth (ex RN) in all weathers wearing totally useless clothing. However, clothing has improved beyond all recognition and, as a result, I now commute all year round in all weathers and still enjoy it. I draw the line at ice, snow and storm force winds though! Happily the first two are mercifully rare down here on the south coast! I'm not poor, I'm not a beta dickhead and I'm pretty sure I'm mentally healthy. I just prefer riding my bike to driving my car. My son and virtually all my biking friends are fair weather bikers and I 100% get it and have no problem with it. We are all just different, that's all.

[@YorkshireSteve907]

Heyup Stuart As an ex police motorcyclist I concur with all your comments. I started riding in 1966 and am still riding owning a Classic 500 and Super Meteor 650. I feel I have nothing to prove to anyone especially people who passed their test 6 months ago and know everything!!

[@dickiedum]

When I first started riding I had to ride in all weather, it was the only way to get to work. I remember being frozen, soaking wet, too hot etc. I am now of an age where I prefer comfort. A bike is just, for me an expensive toy.

[@seigliere1]

Exactly the same for me. A Despatch rider in London in the late 70’s, dreadful job, cold, wet and fell many times. Now in my mid 60’s I love taking my Rocket 3 GT out for a pleasure ride in sunny Spain. Great roads, fantastic weather!

[@Johnny-sj9sj]

I am 75 years young and I have been motorcycling since I was 16. The only weather I cannot handle when motorcycling is sleet or snow. Visor, no matter what you do with it, will mist up, and without a full face visor, above 25 mph it feels like someone's at the side of the road throwing agonising gravel into your face. A couple of years back, I had to visit a terminally ill friend 100 miles away, and the return trip was horizontal snow and sleet. When I got home, just before I pushed the bike into the garage, I kissed the ground! Seriously! As for hands, cuddly PVC/ sheepskin cover-all handlebar mounted mitts do the job. PS: completely irrelevant, but presently proud owner of a Royal Enfield Pegasus, the elderly gentleman's machine! 🤡

[@shashimenon1000]

Completely agree. Happy to be a fair weather hobby rider who just enjoys himself. Enough done to forget past hard times. All the present riding is pure 'me time'.

[@andreastomblin2137]

Hi Stu great content as usual. Your back story reminded me of when I 1st started riding - a mirror image in fact and at the same time 1980s. Things were so much simple back then. I miss them. Remember getting some water proof leggings from a family friend who was a postman, they were non breathable thick plastic / with a rubber coating but did the job and kept the rain out. Oh happy days, or were they lol. Ride safe!

[@stevegresty4181]

I started riding back in 1975 & it was my only form of transport, every day in all weathers, so been their, done that. I had a Yam DT125 which had a inherent design fault in my opinion in that, it had a form of cap on the exit of the exhaust pipe which was angled inwards towards the rear R/H side tyre wall. Now being a 2 stroke it sprayed a fine mist of the oil directly onto that side of the tyre. Right hand turns in the rain wasn't safe to say the least, lost count of how many front brake levers i snapped off lol. If you're a fair weather rider that's fine by me, I do ride still if it's peeing down, just to keep my skillset sharp though. I'm going to ride the M60 "Ride of respect" on Sunday just under 4k of us last year, & it won't matter to me what the weather is doing. Our fallen hero's didn't have a choice in the weather sat in those trenches, & I will be their to honour them all, stay safe to you all.

[@grahamebradford1028]

I started riding I 1964. It was the only way I could get to work. I vividly remember those cold mornings when I arrived at work and had to run cold water over my hands to stop them warming up too quickly because of the pain. Still ride occasionally now for pleasure but not in the cold or wet.

[@andrewjohnson6633]

I got my first bike when I was 17 ,passed my bike test at 18 and didn't even get my car test until I was 22. From then I occasionally borrowed my dad's car if the weather was extreme but I nearly always relied on my bike for transport until I got my first car of my own at around 30. I've done my fair share of riding in all weathers.

[@richardyardley5127]

Great video Stu and in my opinion a very accurate analysis of both bad weather biking and those people who attempt to mock those who only choose nice pleasant days for a nice ride. There is no joy to be had riding in the freezing cold and pouring rain for any length of time, only suffering. Whilst I am sitting in my nice warm and dry car I feel nothing but genuine sorrow for those forced to endure the misery of riding in terrible weather. I am a fair weather rider and I am also proud of it and very relieved that I have that choice in the matter.

[@brianchapman7484]

I was courier in the mid 80s all year round I've got to the stage in life where I can choose when I ride just 2 weeks ago I rode up to birmingham national motorcycle museum and my all singing all dancing waterproofs arnt waterproof I got soaked to the skin and that's how I will remember that show for squelching about not looking forward to a 130 mile ride home but what an enjoyable day

[@Stevebarker66]

I didn't start riding till I was 24 - and immediately became a motorcycle courier. Ib those days the only waterproof clothing was Rukka or Baleno and you'd sweat like a pig! Over the years I've come to the conclusion that there is nothing that is truly waterproof - it's just a matter of time before you get wet. I don't mind if I get caught out in the rain but (having done MY time riding in all weathers) now I get to choose. And all too often I choose to be a fair weather biker!

[@rhysjones6069]

Spot on, reminded me of trying to get to my night shift many years ago, back then i to had no choice, the snow was getting thicker, and got so deep i was eventually forced to turn back, found a phonebox and rang in to say i couldn't make it in, absolute nightmare👍 great post as always, many thanks.

[@Jim-nm1en]

I well remember riding my Suzuki GT500A one winters day from where I lived through to Edinburgh ( a distance of around 30 miles ) when there was 3-4 inches of snow on the roads. I had to stop a few times to take my leather gauntlets off and place them on top of the cylinder heads to warm them through while I warmed my hands up in my armpits. It took me nearly 2 hours to get to my destination in Edinburgh. My bike jacket and trousers at that time were waxed cotton garments , a brand which you can still buy to this day albeit far more expensive than they were in the mid 1970's, and they kept me warm and dry along with several layers underneath. Wouldn't really want to do that now at 69 years of age but I will ride my current bike in wind and rain.

[@davemitchell2401]

Hi Stu, so well said. I am yet another older rider that started riding in 1975 also as an apprentice rode in all weathers in NZ, which can be like the UK at times very cold and very wet, have black ice, snow, hail sleet etc. As a young man I had a large family and moved to Australia, my daily work transport was still a motorcycle, Australia presented me with different weather extremes to ride in. Now I am much older, I am fortunate to own more than one motorcycle and a car, and I am now a fair-weather rider now because I can be! The only time I ride in the rain is if I am on a motorcycle trip holiday and I have no choice. Please keep up your great well balanced videos Stu. Thank you mate.

[@Beanerds]

Exactly Stuart ! Me as a broke Boiler making apprentice in the 1980's New Zealand , it's cold there in the winter -10 to -15 in the winter , frosts , storms and snow . - 25 with wind chill ! My winter gear was a leather welding jacket , denim jacket , work shirt and Tee shirt , welding gauntlets , ' ridgey' jeans ( never washed so semi waterproof ) and steel cap boots , on the really cold mornings , a sheet of newspaper under the jacket on my chest ,, freezing but like you mate my 1952 500cc ES2 Norton was my only transport and earning a whole $1.32c per hour ! that was me . What I would have given for a jacket , pants and gloves with 3M ' Thinsulate ' and ' Gore Tex ' back then , not that I could of afforded it !! Yes the gear today is impressive as I have it all now and still ride almost every day to and from work . But working and living in OZ now it can be wet but mate ,, it's not as cold as NZ ! Thank you again for a great story .

[@tonydenial1485]

70 years young, on a icy morning as a 16 yr old plumbing apprentice I was riding my honda 50 to the site, as I took a blind corner a school coach pulled out from the left and as I pulled on the brakes I went down, as luck would have it I hit it between the wheels, my honda got jammed underneath stopping me from going under coach myself, luckily the driver had stopped on hearing the noise of impact, when I pulled myself of the floor I looked up to see numerous school kids looking down at me, the combination of 3 jackets, overalls and a army surplus backpack meant I was unscathed, but it was a close one!

[@dennischapman7944]

I applaud every word. As a senior rider and one who has worked and ridden in all weathers for most of my life , I can honestly say you couldn't get me to ride (on purpose that is) on a cloudy day let alone bad weather. Sunshine and blue skys do it for me and blx to anyone who disagrees with that. Arthritis is a bitch. Keep up the good work Stuart , happy fairweather riding.

[@martinholt2844]

I had exactly the same start to you Stuart. I had to buy my FS1E in 1974 to get to work, as after a few months, I went onto shift hours and the buses could not get me there for early shift or get me home off late shift, so for 2 years it was a Fizzy that was my only mode of transport all year round. I then progressed onto an RD200 for a few more years, before I could afford a car and in fact I then kept both and could choose. I now ride for pleasure, which is mainly in the summer months, but also love to go out on good winter days, but not extreme weathers. It’s about enjoying it and not overly increasing your personal risk just to tick a box in someone else’s mind! 👍

[@adrianlw2750]

I’ve never doubted your all-weather credentials, Stu! Whilst not a biker myself, I know what all-weather cycling is like. A few years ago my hands got so cold that when I got back home, it was fully 10 minutes before I could undo the plastic chin-strap clip on my helmet. Control of the bike was never compromised though.

[@mike-the-bike.]

Hey Stuart, My wife & I have recently returned from touring round the entire circumference of Spain, Portugal, back into northern Spain, Bilbao then home. We stored our RE 350 classic in the garage of our motorhome, once parked up we explored together on Ernie the Enfield. We enjoyed 7 weeks of glorious sunshine mid to high 30's and road over 1400 miles together, we come back to Blighty and its pissing down, potholes, leaves & farm mud on the roads - yes I'm a fair weather rider, but were all riders at the end of the day.

[@hb-yv2iu]

I came back to motorcycling after 20 years. I used to ride my motorcycle in all sorts of weather when I was younger but not out of choice!. I am now a ‘fair weather’ rider as I ride for leisure and enjoyment. I like to keep my bikes pristine as it is a hobby I really enjoy . So if I can help it, they stay in the garage when it is wet. Also age and being fortunate to have the choice means I make the sensible choice of using a car when weather is not ideal.

[@iuliamare1580]

Just love your videos! I've been a pillion passenger for about 18 years and I absolutely love it, I'd go with my husband no matter the weather, except for strong winds 😁 since our kid is big enough now and loves motorcycles as well, I decided back in January that it's time for me to learn riding so we can all the three of us enjoy it. It was below 0 when I started training, but I didn't care, I was so enthusiastic and filled with joy that it just didn't matter! I guess there's also a category of riders who just enjoy purely 2 wheels... But at the end of the day, riding in warm and dry conditions feels always better indeed .

[@stuartbrooks8748]

Dear Stuart . Just watched your Video on fine weather riders , and I completely agree with you . I passed my test in 1968 on my Greeves 250cc Motorcycle. Then I bought a 650cc Triumph Bonneville in 1969 . Like you I couldn’t afford any other transport. I used to ride all year round and still do . Used to go to my girlfriends house frozen solid, now my wife . Even road my Greeves for two months with my arm in plaster , with a broken wrist. They’re just trying to wind you up , ignore them . My wife and I gave up Motorcycling over 45 Years Ago . Due to buying a house and having children. We restarted Motorcycling two and a half years ago. I’m now 72 and my wife is 69 . We’ve done 17,000 miles on our Yamaha XJS 600cc Diversion 2010 and 7000 miles on our Triumph Bonneville Newchurch 865cc In all weathers . The best thing we’ve done in years. My wife thinks she’s 16 again. I get the fine weather thing chucked at me sometimes. I think they are jealous and I don’t take any notice. As for our bikes, like yours we clean them regularly and look after them. Ignore Them. Love Your Channel. All the Best Stuart And Linda Brooks. This is the message I mistakenly sent to your community page . 😂😅😂

[@shaunlayton9814]

It’s a personal choice I only past my test last year at 60 so I’m making up for lost time I won’t ride in ice and snow but a bit cold doesn’t bother me I’ve been a roofer for 40 years I’ve got all the right clothes I’m loving it 👍

[@joolz4848]

I started riding in 1973 (Yamaha RD 250), and have served my time with years of motorcycle as my only form of transport, the bus was twice a week from the village I lived in. I am still riding but now am a proud fair weather rider.

[@dr.chrismort8448]

Bang on again Stuart 👍. I also remember having to ride to work in all weathers. Now I decide when to ride😁

[@KRAM-zb2vc]

Brilliant video as always Stuart and I'm a fair weather rider mostly, I don't see the point of taking it out when it's raining, it just gives me a job cleaning it again, and I much prefare riding it 😂👍🏻

[@andrewoffer7369]

Years ago I remember a long winter ride, when I stopped at a petrol station I had to get them to fill up the tank for me and take the cash payment from my pocket as I could not get off the bike, hands and legs just not working properly due to the cold

[@malcolmmyatt9092]

Well said Stu, all those memories came back to me. My first bike in 1968 frozen stiff after returning home from work or girlfriends. Snow rain hail the lot. Feet hanging over to stop falling in the snow. No such thing as winter tyres and if there were I couldn’t afford them anyway. So now I ride when the weather is fair. After all it’s supposed to be enjoyable at my age.

[@daveh1625]

"Me Too" with the 'fairweather rider' option with the caveat that IF it rains once I am out or on holiday it makes no difference to my plans. It certainly improves your riding and 24hrs in the rain, 1000 miles from Denmark to home was 'endured' and now looked back on with rose coloured glasses but no wish to repeat! Having started pre 1970 learning car/motorcycle/moped use at school ( Mr Neil, King John School, Hadleigh) and having to 'winter ride' on my aprenticeship I do not require a re-visit to those times. Lived near the original Greaves factory in Benfleet, Essex and the thought now of teflon tyres, slow action brakes with a total lack of waterproof biking gear without heated grips that never made me 'feel like a man' is something I do not miss.

[@adriangedamke2069]

Stuart you've brought back memories of when I started motorcycling on the road way back in 1979. I started off on a Honda cb250n, your so right when you say the clothes were not all that good. I had a super Argordo helmet that looked like a goldfish bowl 🥣 Belstaff wax cotton jacket & trousers, gold top leather gloves will wool insulation & I think Kett leather boots, I used to think I'm getting wet tradionally. I'm still riding all these years later but now it's just for pleasure. I can remember riding from Ystalyfera to Mumbles in winter & been covered in ice by the time I got there, wouldn't entertain it now not Evan with heated clothing.

[@OatCakeProductions]

Well said Stuart. I started biking in the mid 70's, it was something I was destined to do since I put that poster of a Honda CB750 four on my bedroom wall before I was even a teenager. Like you I have ridden in some horrendous weather conditions, spent days even weeks continuously soaked to the skin. I've ridden in weather so cold that when I stopped for a comfort break I couldn't undo the buttons on my Levi's and ended up peeing myself. 😒 Now I'm well into my mid 60's and retired, i can pick and choose when to go out on the bike, and I feel no shame in that. They can call me a fair weather biker if it makes them happy to do so. Believe me, I've been called a lot worse. One of the big differences between the late 70's and now is, back then my bike cost me approximately 10 times my weekly wage, where as my current bike cost approximately 50 times my weekly pension. Plus I suspect I wouldn't bounce as well as I did back then.

[@neilcauldwell4274]

Yep,been there too.Started out on a FS1E in '78 and on to a RD250 in '79 whilst still working in the building trade (later joining the Ambulance service).Riding in apocalyptic conditions with a rucksack of tools and a 3foot spirit level strapped across my back.Loved it then,and possibly helped to make me who i am.

[@Von-by8xz]

Well said, Uncle Stu.I too rode a borrowed motorcycle for two weeks to go to work 28 degrees ice and slush 15 minutes . Arrived at 630am but I couldn't stop shaking until after 1130am. No wind protection on the little kz 400 at all. I even had to pull over on the shoulder to try to thaw my hands before I got on the highway about half of the distance. My body shook the bike violently. I only weighed 195lbs. For those who make judgment of when or how a human should use his or her own motorcycle, payed for with their own money, you do not own life and you can't live for them. Otherwise, go ride up an avalanche face first into a heavy hail storm then pass your lame judgment whilst sitting by a fireplace.

[@davidbell3016]

As a older rider of course I'm fair weather rider , just rode yesterday. The bike can handle the weather but my bones can't as much as when I was 25. Sticks and stones etc

[@VillageBobby]

Nailed it Stuart, great video. Started at 16 and bike was a daily user and only transport all weathers. Stopped riding 1973. Started again 2015. Now retired (ex expol) and fair weather only rider spending as much time fettling and polishing as riding.

[@MelHayler]

Totally agree with all your points here Stuart, been there, got the t shirt. These days I ride a Trike, and some, right now are going 😮 🤣 😖 without knowing my and my partners reasons for doing so, let's just say both our bodies are not what they used to be! We've had three different trikes since 2020 and we've settled with a 2010 Rewaco RF1 GT which we bought privately last June, the Rewaco suits us both almost perfectly, practically! Yep, we get those "motorcyclists" that ignore us, by not giving a wave or a nod, but they are outweighed by the ones who do acknowledge us, be it on sports machines, cruisers, or your straightforward standard machines from over the decades, and that is wonderful! When we're on stop up and down the country, all three of the trikes we have had have drawn massive attention from all kinds of people of all ages, from little children to people in their 90's, they all love what they see and ask all sorts of questions, yes, it can get tiresome having to repeat oneself because most questions are the same, but, you know what? I prefer the genuine interest from the two lovely ladies in their 70's we met on a ride just recently than the pretentious ignorance by certain bikers we pull up nearby. When it comes to the weather by the way, yes I/we prefer cooler, dry days, summer weather is ok, but heatwaves are a BIG nono for us. We don't purposely go out in the wet for a ride, if we get caught in the rain, then we have to put up with it if we are on the move, there's nothing worse than wearing rain gear all day in our unpredictable climate! Take care!

[@philmorrow2446]

nicely said, Uncle Stu!!! Nothing to prove here. Done it and bought the T Shirt!!!😎

[@xperiakppxperiaphone2807]

Hello Stuart, whilst still at school, I saved up my Saturday job pay, to purchase my P&J a very well used Honda CB125S - my Dad paid the insurance first year. This was my sole form of transport for many years. When I left school and started work, in extreme winter weather I had to go by train and walk the rest of the way to work and obviously in reverse at home time. It was only after 2 Honda Super Dreams (I kept falling off) a CX500, Z750, Z600, TR65 Thunderbird later, Marriage and a mortgage etc we both sold our bikes and bought a well used car. I was lucky enough to be able to keep a run-around bike but only used it in good weather. 40 odd years later I tend to go out in reasonable weather on my Interceptor 650 with waterproofs in my shoulder bag just in case.

[@edz1980]

Right on Brother Stu ✌️and Amen 🙏 in 2024 I will be riding for 40 years. Most of them no option but to ride in foul weather. At the end of every journey alas there was no one to congratulate me, pin a medal on my chest offering a hearty handshake and a slap on the back for riding in the inclement weather. Now one chooses when to ride.

[@BibTheBoulderTheOriginalOne]

I started riding a bike in 1979. Back in those days we rode bikes because we couldn't afford a car. Fast forward to 2023 and trust me, any sign of rain and I ain't interested. And why should I be? I have a tin box with 4 wheels for when it rains, or it's too cold, or it's too windy. If you want to ride in the rain/wind/cold/damp/fog, then good for you. I don't. I won't.

[@stevem9410]

Hi Stu, I can remember having to thaw my hands out on a kettle on many occasions. The worst part being when the circulation started again lol.

[@tinniswood2577]

Back in the day as a 2 stroke head banger the only thing that kept us indoors was snow! I remember mid way through a 60mile pleasure ride I tuned off a very exposed A road onto a section of the older disused road, I got off and ran with the bike as a way of warming myself up! Then cracked on the rest of the way home, good ole days to me :-)

[@ralphrotten6912]

Amen. Been there done that. Hobby means fun, bring good weather!

[@markcowan1788]

Well said Stuart ......my biking history has mirrored yours , even down to the two wheel toboggan run . First bike CB125 at 17 to get to college in 79. Did not pass my driving test until 88. January 2007 Got to the top of a flyover Hammersmith Broadway at 6:40 am to discover the run down to the Broadway was a sheet of ice...... had to go for it ....outcome the same as yours. Had the thinsulate inner gloves ..... rubbish. I totally agree and smiled all the way through your video. Main point for me is to never fall out of love of travelling on two wheels. How you achieve that is down to the individual.