Calling all Olympia riders

[polaris0352]

Hey all. I'm new to the forum, new to riding, but not new to Harleys. I'll be getting a sportster in March, and I had a question for y'all. Last winter was my first winter here. It was rough, but by no means tough for me. I grew up in Chicago. Anyway, is it feasable to ride year round down here? I know last winter was somewhat abnormal, but to those that have been here a while, is it doable? Warmth isn't an issue, just snow and ice mostly. Oh, and I live less than 2 miles from Northwest HD. I plan on buying from them based on my initial impressions, but what do you guys think? Are there better options? Anyway, I'll definitely post up when I get the bike, and I'm looking forward to meeting and riding with you guys.

[rabidchimp]

I'm about 30 minutes North of you. Cold aside, yes, its feasible to ride year round in our area. For gear, try Eagle leather. They're up my way.
-Aaron

[trosga1]

Welcome aboard. I'm up in Mill Creek but I agree with Rabid, it's possible, and I do get the bike out year round, but definetly get good warm gear.

[polaris0352]

I plan on looking into some heated gear. I definitely want to stay warm. I'm semi making a goal for myself to not start my car for 365 days after I get the bike. Mostly because I think I won't be able to get my butt off the thing but also because I've wanted a bike for so long.

[mjbogrand]

I would say your name on here says it all.
Just dress like you are on your Polaris.

I was going to do the toy run today but at 32f I'm wondering if the roads are all clear.One little spot that hasn't seen sun could be a bad deal.

We don't get snow at lower elevations every year.Last year there was a couple guys trying to ride in it though.

[rabidchimp]

Mike....gonna meet up with other riders at the Grocery Outlet on S Tacoma Way...1030 ish.
-Aaron

[mjbogrand]

Yeah I pussied out:o.I was just too cold:wonderlan to get on the bike and ride 2 hours to Tacoma,then 30min to Oly the 3 hours home.
It's beautiful up here but just way the !!!! out there.In the summer it's no problemo at all.

[polaris0352]

Man alive, I agree. It's been freakin COLD here lately. I had to bust out the BIG coat. I walk to work currently (Just don't feel like wasting gas money when I could be saving up for my sporty) and the wind today was crazy. I heard a few harleys going by my work today.. Guys got some brass balls I tell ya. I only hope my riding is up to snuff after a summer of riding to be able to handle weather like this. Looks like I'll be taking to MSF course in January. Anybody got any tips? I currently have zip, zilch, no riding gear. Gonna go for a FF helmet to start so I can stay warmer. Any advice on a jacket and pants? Something I can layer up with or use to stay warm in weather like this, but also can keep me SOMEWHAT comfortable in the summer? I will have a somewhat limited budget while I make payments on the bike so I'm trying to look for gear that is as multipurpose as possible.

[mjbogrand]

Man alive, I agree. It's been freakin COLD here lately. I had to bust out the BIG coat. I walk to work currently (Just don't feel like wasting gas money when I could be saving up for my sporty) and the wind today was crazy. I heard a few harleys going by my work today.. Guys got some brass balls I tell ya. I only hope my riding is up to snuff after a summer of riding to be able to handle weather like this. Looks like I'll be taking to MSF course in January. Anybody got any tips? I currently have zip, zilch, no riding gear. Gonna go for a FF helmet to start so I can stay warmer. Any advice on a jacket and pants? Something I can layer up with or use to stay warm in weather like this, but also can keep me SOMEWHAT comfortable in the summer? I will have a somewhat limited budget while I make payments on the bike so I'm trying to look for gear that is as multipurpose as possible.

I personally don't like your local dealer(NW HD),but they are way too expensive anyway,for clothes

But as Aaron said,Eagle Leather is a very good place to go.
Go see Erin or Dana (Very cute and friendly as can be.Give them a hug,then tell them Micheal Bogrand sent you!)They have been there for a while but anybody there can show you the good stuff.
There is lots of different styles,so my opinion on what feels comfortable and looks good,to you may be way off.

I like the "jackets" (waist length) cause you have to unzip the bottom on a longer "coat" ,anyway, unless you are real tall.They just push up into my chin.
Get one that has a liner,and most do.Then you can use it most of the year.And I would get it maybe a size larger to layer underneath.

They have lots of great over pants too.I like the one that zip up the entire side.That way you can take 'em off to cool down and not take you shoes off.
Don't skimp any more than you have to if you plan on riding year 'round.You'll just go buy another anyway.

There are other stores around,but not with anywhere near the selection.

See ya on the hiway.

[polaris0352]

Excellent info. Yeah, didn't really plan on buying too much from the dealer anyway. HD branded gear is redonkulously expensive. I only need the bike to be HD branded and well, kinda stuck with the dealer if I want it new. And I DO want a brand spankin new bike. Thanks for all the input guys, you've been most helpful. Hey, anyone planning on going to the bike show in Seattle this weekend? I think I'm goin on Saturday.

[CaptBligh]

Excellent info. Yeah, didn't really plan on buying too much from the dealer anyway. HD branded gear is redonkulously expensive. I only need the bike to be HD branded and well, kinda stuck with the dealer if I want it new. And I DO want a brand spankin new bike. Thanks for all the input guys, you've been most helpful. Hey, anyone planning on going to the bike show in Seattle this weekend? I think I'm goin on Saturday.


I hate NWHD so much I searched and search and finally had a bike shipped from Sun HD in Co. and still paid over 1K less than what NWHD was asking not to mention they were just unreponsive when I first went in and asked "how much for this bike out the door" guy just stood there with crossed arms for a minute then said "uhh, I dont know".

I go up to Destination for parts that cant wait. Plus the crew is better up there.