It’s not cheesy, I had the worst day at work today. I dumped a 5 gallon bucket of paint on a carpet. Then I hopped on my bike and on the ride home I purposefully got lost and by the time I got home my bad day wasn’t so bad anymore.
Old man here. Just remember, no one sees you when you’re riding. Do not fight for your rights when on your bike, even if your right, because the car always wins. Ride safe (sort of 😉) Practice constantly.
If you only saw the bike I had in college.. 1982 Honda CM450E turned into a cafe racer, bondo tank dents, duct tape seat, leaking fork seals, no speedometer, most people didn’t know if it was abandoned or stolen. 😂🤣😂
Two wheels is still two wheels! My first bike was a 74 honda xl125 and i still have it. Now im on an 83 nighthawk 650. You cant beat these old Honda's 👍
I wholeheartedly agree, I'm a committed commuter, and I ride all weather and all seasons in Australia (mind you it's 6 miles to work from home). So in summer, it's really hot (up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 F)) but in winter it can be freezing (down to -5 degrees celsius (23 F)). I have heated grips which get used a lot like this morning (-1 and anything below 8 degrees celsius) and a pair of heated gloves (which I only bother with in -1 or colder). So lots of thermal layers and the right gear. As for the bike mine is an old Yamaha MT-03 (660 cc single), which delivers about 70 mpg and parking is free.
I commute to work and I enjoy it a lot one thing to note and is never rush if your running late just take a car if you have one. Or leave sooner to avoid traffic !
I never thought about riding my bike to works as self care. Now that I’ve heard you say it, it’s so true. I do start my day off doing something that brings me so much joy and then I get to end my work day doing something I love. As soon as I throw a leg over my bike the whole word changes.
Great informative video. Been commuting year round by motorcycle for 13 years except when I needed a car for other issues. I love it even in the bad weather. Riding in the rain is sorta it's own type of meditation (born and raised in the PNW). It's better then a cup of coffee in the morning and helps to de-stress on your way home after work. A car has it's place, but I will choose the motorcycle over the car any time I can. Shout out to the scooter people, that's my second choice over a car.
Commuting to and from college, work, errands, and to friend's houses is always the best part of my day; it conveys sense and gives purpose to my riding, as opossed to riding per se, which has always seemed boring and pointless to me (except for trailriding, which I cannot get enough of) NOT criticising people who ride just for the pleasure of it, mind you; to each their own.
same. personally, I need a *reason* to ride around or drive my car around. I just don't enjoy wandering around without purpose. I will say that I have taken new routes and guessed my way to get places sometimes, like my cousin's a couple times because the exploration was fun. I still had the reason of getting to my cousin's house though. I knew the general direction and quickly checked a map ahead of time, but not the exact route and I didn't take out a gps
Heated gloves are great. Winter gear works. I commute all year. The best part is the excitement of looking forward to your ride. You look forward to the commute. Self care.
@@briizcustoms9543 As long as there is no snow you just take it slowly. Got a lot of rain and cold, some icy roads here too in the winter sometimes, I still ride everyday, the only days I don't ride is when it snows, which, luckily for me, doesn't happen very often in Belgium
You nailed it!!! I used to go to work on my at that time a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic. Even in the rain your still having more fun than any cager could have!
@@fallinginthed33p I think they drive the kids to daycare in full gear using the family car, so that when they get back home, they can get right to riding.
Heated kit, is the way forward if you ride all year. Goretex (or similar) is worth the extra money, especially if it is bonded to the outer material. Being cold, wet and miserable makes you unsafe and stops the commute being enjoyable. It saves you time, when there can be heavy traffic and puts you in a happier mood for the day ahead. Ride safe.
I love your videos. You seem to distill the riding experience down to its visceral basics. I’m not sure how. But when I watch your videos, it always reminds me of the basic bests of why I ride. And I really enjoy your energy.
3 years ago I purchased a CBR650F. I commute to work every day the weather allows. The ride back and forth is pretty much the best part of my day, even after dealing with all the idiots on the road.
Totally agree about commuting to work on a bike ( in my case my Honda Silverwing Scooter). I usually ride my bike to work on Saturdays because I can park it in the small lot behind the building where I work and don’t have to park it on the street like I would during the weekdays. There is just something about putting on all the gear, getting on the bike and hitting the highway on a beautiful morning. When I get to work, I am completely relaxed and get through the day knowing I will get to get back on my bike to go home. Being on my bike is the absolute best part of my day. Thanks for posting this video.
I did it for 2 years going 112 miles round trip 6 days a week and it actually made me not like riding for a little bit but I still love it, all the negatives make you stronger over time
Up until my furlough due to the Lockdowns, I commuted 50 miles round trip to work on mike bike. And you are right, it was the best part of my day. Even when I was sittling in Atlanta traffic or a downpour or just a blisteringly cold day, it was still the best part of the day.
I noticed at least from the view of the video that you ride in the middle of your lane a lot . I was taught a long time ago that that was a bad idea, because if another vehicle were to spill oil it would most likely be in the middle of the road. Just food for thought. I mostly ride along the yellow line. I find that to be the safest. Keep safe and keep enjoying.
Love the STEM shirt. Great message for all. Feel like one of the cold weather riding secrets is Oxford Rainseal Handlebar Mitts (or Muffs?). For less than $50 they allow me to ride with summer gloves down into the twenties. Nothing to plug in, fit around the "bark busters" on my Super Tenere. Love 'em. Keep pushing STEM, Lali and Itchy Boots are my heroes in that regard!!!
Not jst daily commute in winters but i do weekend ride to home on my 155cc single , for like 150 km here in india without all the expensive gears, just a regular leather jacket 30$ + synthetic leather glubs 3$ and rest is jst normal winter cloths. Yup finger tips tend to freeze but becomes hell of an adventurous feel at the same demanding all the focus😄
With some negatives aspects in my life currently, it was refreshing to hear your positive and bubbly video. Thank you for a great job. I love my motorcycle and enjoy riding her. Keep up the good work!
Concerning keeping yourself warm - a layer of newspaper to your chest (beneath your jacket of course) can save you one or two more days of riding when temperatures drop.
That is something that my grandfather told me years ago that I've never forgotten. When he used to ride (way back in the day), if it got too cold, he'd stop and buy a paper to put under his jacket. I thought he was nuts, but it does work in a pinch.
This is making me want to get my license, so many of my drives are routine and while I love driving, I love the idea of having to be completely engaged and connected while riding.
@@AntiParallali ha! This is funny. I started riding about a year after that comment and now I'm starting commuting. Stumbled upon this video and I have no memory of commenting on it before, so thank you again! 🤣
Riding to work and school is the best.Get a lot of respect when you show up on a motorcycle .If road has no snow on it,leather jacket under winter coat and some good gloves maybe a pair under or over leather ones works for me in Canada rode today.
Spot on advice, subscribed! Pre-Covid, I commuted every day I could on my bike. Learned many of those lessons the hard way, but damn was it fun (except the frozen fingers). Prior to that, I rode the bus for ten years. Talk about a change! Loved getting that extra time on my bike, and look forward to being able to commute again in the future. Thanks for sharing this and ride safe.
Your statement about looking through a visor and it just feeling different i understand. After riding with just a hat or beanie it changes everything plus i love how the world noise is muffled.
Check out Doodle's video here for more tips! Also, I fixed my audio so future videos will sound much better! 😅👍 ua-cam.com/video/Oq7n29crLkI/v-deo.html
I started out riding my bike to and from work; at the time it was only 40min. Pretty much forced myself to commute in order to get more comfortable in traffic and being around others. I rode well into November (I live in GA), if there wasn't any rain in the forecast I was on the bike. I froze at night in 30 degree weather but I still enjoyed riding. Now I'm riding 50miles 1 way to work on a Ninja 300. Half my commute is back country and the other is all highway. I'm still loving my commute and will sometimes 'get lost' on the way home.
Exactly how commuting on my motorbike felt. Starting, and ending the day on my bike made the whole day enjoyable, no matter what crap was thrown at me, in between.
Using two wheeled transportation for commuting was a trial and error experience for me. I learned a lot and made plenty of bad decisions. I agree with you that riding to and from work/school does help clear the mind. I did it with a 1982 Suzuki GN125 and I loved it. Love the STEM sweatshirt, if it's related to school....
It’s so great to hear you’re passion for riding. Too often people don’t properly express this sense that motorcycling is so much fun. If only people got it into their heads how much safer riding bikes is now compared to just 10 years ago. Then only the most expensive bikes had ABS, great brakes, sticky tyres and top notch suspension. Today, even base models come with good standard everything, assuming you buy from the most reputable manufacturers. The standard of brakes on most modern bikes are good enough to be extremely safe, then you may also have ABS. My 17 year old has just purchased a 125 which has ABS as standard. As a rider, I think that feature alone will save a lot of novices from taking an almost inevitable spill in their first ever real emergency situation where stopping is a must. Sometimes powering around an object is the best thing to do. I hope you manage to convince more people, and women in particular, to take up what becomes a lifestyle choice and passion. I can’t wait to next commute to work on my new Yamaha XSR900 Abarth. Only problem is work arrives way too early and there are times I don’t want to stop riding as I’m having too much fun. I believe it can be really safe to be a daily rider if you always keep your wits about you. The biggest risk in my opinion is some pond-dweller nicking your bike.
There is nothing like commuting to school to make you friends jealous. I did it in 1972 on a BSA Bantam. Unfortunately there were no GoPros to record the event. None the less it was sooo exciting.
Do you find they drain the battery at all when not in use? Sometimes extra acc cause this weird...vampiric...drain. At least I had some LEDs on my old Ninja 250 that did that
No , the battery voltage stays pretty high between starts. Although I did move the power for the heated grips from the hot battery bus to the lights switch. I replaced the battery with an AGM battery and I bring it inside for the winter and put it on trickle charger.
Hi Lali, you always make me smile, your so full of fun and down to earth advice, and, love the idea of you collaborating with Doodle, I'm a fan, we've a lot to look forward to.
That is a great commute you have to get the school. It reminds me of riding through Salem County in New Jersey to get to Rowan college. Nothing like riding through farmland.
PA scenery is beautiful. Love seeing the farms and cornfields. I would love that commute (except in the winter!). You and Doodle are my favorite! #selfcare
Heated grips are a game changer. They allow me to ride in colder temps with thinner, lighter gloves and when it's really cold the combination of heated grips and heated gloves make for a much better ride.
6:43 I actually have never had that feeling about looking the world through a visor, and having a different perspective/view point from it; interesting. But what I do notice is that the visor is a psychological barrier to me in regards to feeling "safer" and more distant from the car in front of me. When I put the visor up and it's not obstructing my views (glare, or dirty visor), the car feels closer and more dangerous (in regards to braking distance). This makes me hang back farther, which is good.
50 miles is a fair way to commute. I use to commute 45 miles, during the winter in Australia, temps 32 F to 50 F, I used very good gloves and thermal gear. Once it was so cold at night that the skin on my hands cracked, I could not move my fingers, I had to slide my left had off the bar to use my wrist to pull in the clutch, and just use the back brake. Lucky I was riding a Moto Guzzi LeMans Mark V (1000cc twin) and it had a need system where the foot brake worked on one front disc and the back, so I could still stop ok. The normal handle bar brake leaver operated the othe disc on the front. Interesting bike to ride fast, as it also had a massive torque reaction from the fly wheel, and the shaft drive would make the back lift under acceleration, so you could adjust the bikes ground clearance in corners and lean angle by using the throttle.
if you ride in the winter, give up on the leather. Leather get cold out. And it will be like wearing a ice sheet in the winter. You need to go textile. And you could add a simsimpleply battery power heated vest. If your core is warm, your fingers won't freeze up. Heat handgrip are nice, but a nice goretex winter glove can help with commuting if you don't have heated grip.
@@AntiParallali I have been riding for 30 years. And my coldest ride was at -40. That is when I needed 12 volt connected to the bike. But for anything above 20 degree, I find a heated vest power by a 5v usb power banks works well. I got garbing 12v, but for commuting to work, a amazon usb power heated vest with 5 zones does the job just fine for a 30min commute. If you are really sensitive to the cold, you can look at the gerbing 7v system, but you need get additional batteries them from gerbing.
Learned late last year, immediately went on a bunch of journeys, but ... hell, cold crept in fast. Bought a whole bunch of gear/layers to compensate. Thankfully, my used KLR650 had aftermarket heated grips. I rode it all winter as long as it was above 35 degrees with the sun out. Just around town, mostly, but... enough to be therapeutic.
I need to get me some more heated gear too. I just have a heated vest, which definitely helps, but some heated gloves or grips would probably be way better!
DUUDE, I started commuting last year only a month or so after getting my first bike. Them heated gloves and full batwing fairing where life savers! My bike was the only way I had to reach the facility upstate. Terrifying at first but low i love it =D
yeah I think heated gloves are a game changer O.o or even insulated waterproof/windproof ones. Anything other than just leather, lol don't do what I did and ride with perforated leather gloves in the winter aaaaa
@@AntiParallali Haha! For sure! If I am ever up in your neck of the woods! I’m also looking at the Triumph Speed Triple RS. I’m a sport bike guy but I rarely find myself using it the way it should be. I don’t go to the track, but I could with a naked bike. I think the more comfortable riding position and the down lower power is more usable. Don’t need the top end of a sport bike. Basically just trying to look cool. Haha! Do you find yourself riding your R1 much?
Before covid I was doing 20 miles each day mostly highway to downtown. But I would leave at 5am at the latest. I did one summer with a ninja 250 then switched to a vstrom 650. Much less scary on the interstate. I go year round. My cutoff is about 17f or so, no heated gear but definitely muffs and weather king gloves with Klim liners. I have a 34 inseam and I hate the fetal position on a sports bike.
I can relate!!! The perspective from inside the helmet... Specially one with a larger chin.. Focused vision..like a ninja..and like you said..feels out of this world 😅👍
Holy crap! You are a real spaz! Kudos for wearing gear. I wear nothing special when it's hot. Good gear is always a great idea. When it's cool enough, I wear all of it. I must admit I am the guy with shorts and sandals on the sportbike. Mine bike is about to turn 18 years old, no wrecks. So....
I suggest getting a touring jacket. I have 2 alpinestars leather jackets and they are warm but not like my touring one and it's way more comfortable, even with a light sweater underneath. It has tons of vents and 2 liners a warm one and a waterproof one. Love it!
I love commuting on my bike. I live on an island in the gulf of Mexico, so the weather is good for it all year round. My bike is down this week for repairs and it feels so strange driving my car to work instead lol
Comment on self care doesn't sound silly at all, wise head on young shoulders there Lali! I had to get taught what taking time out for self care was by a psychologist in my 40's, wish I'd learned it earlier.
I'm a new subscriber (You can thank Doodle) and I commute to and from work all year long. Ironically, the day you joined UA-cam is the same day I went down on my way to work. I originally thought it was black ice, but the more I think about it, I'm thinking it may have been one of those reflectors in the road. It was around 19 degrees, but the roads were dry. And, of course, I picked up the bike and continued on to work. Worked most of the day and got a ride home, then I went to the hospital. Then I got 2 months off from work. (And, sadly, 2 months without riding).
Oh noo! Was it maybe one of those tar snakes they patch up cracks with?? Those will make you go down instantly if you're leaning on them. I hate those so much!!
I have to agree with you on commuting to work on a bike. I love it even though my bike is considered vintage now... Damn now i feel old. Also love your music tracks. Im going to use them today while i pour copper at work
I think I have heard the work "commute" more in this video than I should in a lifetime lol. I started riding this summer and ride my SV650 every day that is not raining.
I'm finally in a place where I can do the MSF and get my license. I'm actually considering an Iron 883 or an Indian Scout Bobber since I'm looking at mostly highway with a wee bit of back roads sprinkled in. I do my classes next month so until then I'll be window shopping and sitting on bikes to see what's really comfortable for me.
Heated Grips are worth every penny if your bike doesn't come equipped with them already. However gotta wear a liner or rubber gloves under your riding gloves and put them on inside the house before you go out or your finger tips will freeze and that sucks.
From my first winter thus far I've got all gear that have heat liners and heated grips I've rode all the way down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit but it was Definitely veryyy cold even 5 layers deep with heated grips Edit: I've also rode in down pours like 3 different times as I've gotten caught at work in em. Biggest problem isn't that you'll be soaked it's all the other cars that don't use their headlights. Even with no fog on your visor, which there likely will be, it'd hard to see the cars unless they have lights to mark their positions so definitely have to take more time before say turning left in us or right in UK
Hi Lali! I’m a little bit envious of your apparel. I’m going to have last motorbike journey of the year, today (17 degrees C here and 12-14 on the hills) but not so prepared as you are. I wear just a pair of jeans, high neck micropile, a wool sweater and the jackets. Hope not to freeze 🥶. And I find specific boot not to comfortable so I use sneakers. It’s funny when you sing happy tunes. Bye 👋
not crazy at all! That's a pretty reasonable commute to do on a bike, long enough to have fun, but not long enough to really make you tired (especially if you wear the right gear, play some good music, etc :D)
I rode home 40 min drive 18 degrees no heated grips just regular winter gloves I had to keep one hand on the eng to thaw them out 😆 If you get a runny nose it freezes you know it's cold lol
I love riding in the winter, love wearing my protective gear and not getting drenched is sweat...lol. wish they had some light weight breathable protective gear that does not cost more than my bike.
Commuting to work is fun, however it’s a lot more work. Lunch has to be able to fit in my book bag, make sure I have cases of water already at work, spare change of clothes to change into after riding, etc. Then I get to work and have to take all my layers off and change. Now I love riding to work daily, it’s worth all this. However some people aren’t morning people and it can be annoying.
I have 5 bikes... biggest is a ZX14, smallest is a 08 ninja 250. I commute to work 45min. on the little ninja 250 daily. Keep in mind I'm 6'4 215lbs. and it saves me on a ton of gas, plus small bikes are a blast lol
It’s not cheesy, I had the worst day at work today. I dumped a 5 gallon bucket of paint on a carpet. Then I hopped on my bike and on the ride home I purposefully got lost and by the time I got home my bad day wasn’t so bad anymore.
I'm so glad to hear that commuting on a bike is exactly what I expected. Can't wait to finish my license so I can get my bike
YOU ARE GOING TO LOVE IT!
that sounded like a threat lmao...I meant riding is awesome, and the feeling is awesome! :D
Hahahaha, much appreciated 😂😭
Lali you in pa?
Old man here. Just remember, no one sees you when you’re riding.
Do not fight for your rights when on your bike, even if your right, because the car always wins.
Ride safe (sort of 😉)
Practice constantly.
If you only saw the bike I had in college.. 1982 Honda CM450E turned into a cafe racer, bondo tank dents, duct tape seat, leaking fork seals, no speedometer, most people didn’t know if it was abandoned or stolen. 😂🤣😂
as long as is runs....LOL
Two wheels is still two wheels! My first bike was a 74 honda xl125 and i still have it. Now im on an 83 nighthawk 650. You cant beat these old Honda's 👍
Just like my cbr600 beater 🤣
A bike Is a bike at least you were riding
Rode a lot of those bikes. Fun as shit👍
Love the part about putting on a helmet and feeling like an astronaut. Never thought about it, but sooo true.
“Starting your day with something you like to do” what a great way to put it. You look forward to leaving work so you can drive again, too.
I wholeheartedly agree, I'm a committed commuter, and I ride all weather and all seasons in Australia (mind you it's 6 miles to work from home). So in summer, it's really hot (up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 F)) but in winter it can be freezing (down to -5 degrees celsius (23 F)). I have heated grips which get used a lot like this morning (-1 and anything below 8 degrees celsius) and a pair of heated gloves (which I only bother with in -1 or colder). So lots of thermal layers and the right gear. As for the bike mine is an old Yamaha MT-03 (660 cc single), which delivers about 70 mpg and parking is free.
I commute to work and I enjoy it a lot one thing to note and is never rush if your running late just take a car if you have one. Or leave sooner to avoid traffic !
unless you are in California and can lane split to avoid all that traffic haha
@@AntiParallali that's the 2nd biggest reason I ride to work as often as possible
I never thought about riding my bike to works as self care. Now that I’ve heard you say it, it’s so true. I do start my day off doing something that brings me so much joy and then I get to end my work day doing something I love. As soon as I throw a leg over my bike the whole word changes.
Great informative video. Been commuting year round by motorcycle for 13 years except when I needed a car for other issues. I love it even in the bad weather. Riding in the rain is sorta it's own type of meditation (born and raised in the PNW). It's better then a cup of coffee in the morning and helps to de-stress on your way home after work. A car has it's place, but I will choose the motorcycle over the car any time I can. Shout out to the scooter people, that's my second choice over a car.
Commuting to and from college, work, errands, and to friend's houses is always the best part of my day; it conveys sense and gives purpose to my riding, as opossed to riding per se, which has always seemed boring and pointless to me (except for trailriding, which I cannot get enough of) NOT criticising people who ride just for the pleasure of it, mind you; to each their own.
same. personally, I need a *reason* to ride around or drive my car around. I just don't enjoy wandering around without purpose. I will say that I have taken new routes and guessed my way to get places sometimes, like my cousin's a couple times because the exploration was fun. I still had the reason of getting to my cousin's house though. I knew the general direction and quickly checked a map ahead of time, but not the exact route and I didn't take out a gps
Heated gloves are great. Winter gear works. I commute all year. The best part is the excitement of looking forward to your ride. You look forward to the commute.
Self care.
Exactly! Well said
How do you ride a motorcycle on the slippery winter roads?
@@briizcustoms9543 he probably rides in a place that generally hasn't had wet winters or wet weather.
@@briizcustoms9543 As long as there is no snow you just take it slowly. Got a lot of rain and cold, some icy roads here too in the winter sometimes, I still ride everyday, the only days I don't ride is when it snows, which, luckily for me, doesn't happen very often in Belgium
You nailed it!!! I used to go to work on my at that time a Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Classic. Even in the rain your still having more fun than any cager could have!
I walk into daycare in full gear to drop my kids off...and then hop onto the bike immediately when I get back home! Thanks for sharing lady. 🖤
Omg that's amazing! I hope all the kids think you're a superhero
Just curious, your kids are on your bike too? What about riding gear?
@@fallinginthed33p I think they drive the kids to daycare in full gear using the family car, so that when they get back home, they can get right to riding.
Heated kit, is the way forward if you ride all year.
Goretex (or similar) is worth the extra money, especially if it is bonded to the outer material.
Being cold, wet and miserable makes you unsafe and stops the commute being enjoyable.
It saves you time, when there can be heavy traffic and puts you in a happier mood for the day ahead.
Ride safe.
definitely, agreed to all of the above ^
Jokes on you I'm near the equator where it's hot all year
Frrrr going to work on a bike is so relaxing
I love your videos. You seem to distill the riding experience down to its visceral basics. I’m not sure how. But when I watch your videos, it always reminds me of the basic bests of why I ride. And I really enjoy your energy.
Thank you, I appreciate it ❤️
Makes me happy to watch you get so happy over motorcycles.
I love the idea of "starting your day with self care by doing what you love"!! Thanks for the great insight!
3 years ago I purchased a CBR650F. I commute to work every day the weather allows. The ride back and forth is pretty much the best part of my day, even after dealing with all the idiots on the road.
Love that pin.
🇷🇴❤️😉
I’m stupid. What country does that represent?
@@davidschilling4861 It's Romania.
Totally agree about commuting to work on a bike ( in my case my Honda Silverwing Scooter). I usually ride my bike to work on Saturdays because I can park it in the small lot behind the building where I work and don’t have to park it on the street like I would during the weekdays. There is just something about putting on all the gear, getting on the bike and hitting the highway on a beautiful morning. When I get to work, I am completely relaxed and get through the day knowing I will get to get back on my bike to go home. Being on my bike is the absolute best part of my day. Thanks for posting this video.
I did it for 2 years going 112 miles round trip 6 days a week and it actually made me not like riding for a little bit but I still love it, all the negatives make you stronger over time
Up until my furlough due to the Lockdowns, I commuted 50 miles round trip to work on mike bike. And you are right, it was the best part of my day. Even when I was sittling in Atlanta traffic or a downpour or just a blisteringly cold day, it was still the best part of the day.
I noticed at least from the view of the video that you ride in the middle of your lane a lot . I was taught a long time ago that that was a bad idea, because if another vehicle were to spill oil it would most likely be in the middle of the road. Just food for thought. I mostly ride along the yellow line. I find that to be the safest. Keep safe and keep enjoying.
this is probably true for big cities but I rarely find it an issue in the country roads I ride. Only thing we're looking out for is horse sh** LOL
I felt guilty watching Doodle and had to come back to watch you, as ladies on bikes you both rock.😀
we should form a superhero team haha!
Love the STEM shirt. Great message for all. Feel like one of the cold weather riding secrets is Oxford Rainseal Handlebar Mitts (or Muffs?). For less than $50 they allow me to ride with summer gloves down into the twenties. Nothing to plug in, fit around the "bark busters" on my Super Tenere. Love 'em. Keep pushing STEM, Lali and Itchy Boots are my heroes in that regard!!!
Thank you! And i will have to look into those oxford mitts!
Not jst daily commute in winters but i do weekend ride to home on my 155cc single , for like 150 km here in india without all the expensive gears, just a regular leather jacket 30$ + synthetic leather glubs 3$ and rest is jst normal winter cloths. Yup finger tips tend to freeze but becomes hell of an adventurous feel at the same demanding all the focus😄
With some negatives aspects in my life currently, it was refreshing to hear your positive and bubbly video. Thank you for a great job. I love my motorcycle and enjoy riding her. Keep up the good work!
The good thing about commuting in cold temps is that it’s makes riding on nice days that much better
Concerning keeping yourself warm - a layer of newspaper to your chest (beneath your jacket of course) can save you one or two more days of riding when temperatures drop.
That is something that my grandfather told me years ago that I've never forgotten. When he used to ride (way back in the day), if it got too cold, he'd stop and buy a paper to put under his jacket. I thought he was nuts, but it does work in a pinch.
@@thomaswitman8592 Smart Grandfather! :o) Always good to listen to the elderly and more experienced!
Just bought my first bike and am looking forward to when i am confident enough to commute to University. I love your vids Lali! keep riding!
This is making me want to get my license, so many of my drives are routine and while I love driving, I love the idea of having to be completely engaged and connected while riding.
I think you would love it, you have the right mindset for riding already!
@@AntiParallali ha! This is funny. I started riding about a year after that comment and now I'm starting commuting. Stumbled upon this video and I have no memory of commenting on it before, so thank you again! 🤣
Heated grips are awesome! Mine came stock on my GS. Also I have experience with heated grips riding snowmobiles.
Riding to work and school is the best.Get a lot of respect when you show up on a motorcycle .If road has no snow on it,leather jacket under winter coat and some good gloves maybe a pair under or over leather ones works for me in Canada rode today.
Spot on advice, subscribed! Pre-Covid, I commuted every day I could on my bike. Learned many of those lessons the hard way, but damn was it fun (except the frozen fingers). Prior to that, I rode the bus for ten years. Talk about a change! Loved getting that extra time on my bike, and look forward to being able to commute again in the future. Thanks for sharing this and ride safe.
Your statement about looking through a visor and it just feeling different i understand. After riding with just a hat or beanie it changes everything plus i love how the world noise is muffled.
Hi Lali, I loved this video, full of info and advice on beating the cold weather, for all riders, and buying your first bike, a help through the maze!
Check out Doodle's video here for more tips! Also, I fixed my audio so future videos will sound much better! 😅👍 ua-cam.com/video/Oq7n29crLkI/v-deo.html
I started out riding my bike to and from work; at the time it was only 40min. Pretty much forced myself to commute in order to get more comfortable in traffic and being around others. I rode well into November (I live in GA), if there wasn't any rain in the forecast I was on the bike. I froze at night in 30 degree weather but I still enjoyed riding. Now I'm riding 50miles 1 way to work on a Ninja 300. Half my commute is back country and the other is all highway. I'm still loving my commute and will sometimes 'get lost' on the way home.
I commute year round and love every minute of it...minus the subfreezing bike washes to get the salt washed off. Great video!
omg and the gravel they throw down :/ hate that
So miss that 20 min commute. Long enough to switch my brain on especially on mondays. Hate stuck working from home.
Mondays are always the worst
@@AntiParallali unless you show up for a board meeting in pajama pants and a Manchester United shirt
...I...I...😳 *slowly starts singing* 🎵"you'll never walk...aloneeee" 😈
@@AntiParallali Liverpool huh? Least not a City fan😜
Exactly how commuting on my motorbike felt. Starting, and ending the day on my bike made the whole day enjoyable, no matter what crap was thrown at me, in between.
Using two wheeled transportation for commuting was a trial and error experience for me. I learned a lot and made plenty of bad decisions. I agree with you that riding to and from work/school does help clear the mind. I did it with a 1982 Suzuki GN125 and I loved it. Love the STEM sweatshirt, if it's related to school....
I commute pretty much everywhere i dont have to pick up groceries or make large purchases. Its definitely alot of fun even in crappy Chicago roads.
It’s so great to hear you’re passion for riding. Too often people don’t properly express this sense that motorcycling is so much fun. If only people got it into their heads how much safer riding bikes is now compared to just 10 years ago. Then only the most expensive bikes had ABS, great brakes, sticky tyres and top notch suspension. Today, even base models come with good standard everything, assuming you buy from the most reputable manufacturers. The standard of brakes on most modern bikes are good enough to be extremely safe, then you may also have ABS. My 17 year old has just purchased a 125 which has ABS as standard. As a rider, I think that feature alone will save a lot of novices from taking an almost inevitable spill in their first ever real emergency situation where stopping is a must. Sometimes powering around an object is the best thing to do. I hope you manage to convince more people, and women in particular, to take up what becomes a lifestyle choice and passion. I can’t wait to next commute to work on my new Yamaha XSR900 Abarth. Only problem is work arrives way too early and there are times I don’t want to stop riding as I’m having too much fun. I believe it can be really safe to be a daily rider if you always keep your wits about you. The biggest risk in my opinion is some pond-dweller nicking your bike.
Loved commuting to school and work, specially when I rode to work I could get home and back in 30 minutes for lunch time :)
So when I'm riding, I can say I'm training to be an Astronaut? Pretty cool 🤪
There is nothing like commuting to school to make you friends jealous. I did it in 1972 on a BSA Bantam. Unfortunately there were no GoPros to record the event. None the less it was sooo exciting.
Check out BucketListBikers to see what I'm upto today. Next March will be 50 years since I passed my test.
I use to love commuting on my SV650. It's great.
Great commuter bike!
Great video !
I started commuting this year on my KLR 650 . It’s about 48 Kms one way to work. Heated grips are worth it .
Thanks for the inspiration.
Do you find they drain the battery at all when not in use? Sometimes extra acc cause this weird...vampiric...drain. At least I had some LEDs on my old Ninja 250 that did that
No , the battery voltage stays pretty high between starts. Although I did move the power for the heated grips from the hot battery bus to the lights switch.
I replaced the battery with an AGM battery and I bring it inside for the winter and put it on trickle charger.
Hi Lali, you always make me smile, your so full of fun and down to earth advice, and, love the idea of you collaborating with Doodle, I'm a fan, we've a lot to look forward to.
That is a great commute you have to get the school. It reminds me of riding through Salem County in New Jersey to get to Rowan college. Nothing like riding through farmland.
This weekend was good to ride (at least in NY) it was 73° here. 🤙🏼
PA scenery is beautiful. Love seeing the farms and cornfields. I would love that commute (except in the winter!). You and Doodle are my favorite! #selfcare
Heated grips are a game changer. They allow me to ride in colder temps with thinner, lighter gloves and when it's really cold the combination of heated grips and heated gloves make for a much better ride.
6:43 I actually have never had that feeling about looking the world through a visor, and having a different perspective/view point from it; interesting. But what I do notice is that the visor is a psychological barrier to me in regards to feeling "safer" and more distant from the car in front of me. When I put the visor up and it's not obstructing my views (glare, or dirty visor), the car feels closer and more dangerous (in regards to braking distance). This makes me hang back farther, which is good.
50 miles is a fair way to commute. I use to commute 45 miles, during the winter in Australia, temps 32 F to 50 F, I used very good gloves and thermal gear. Once it was so cold at night that the skin on my hands cracked, I could not move my fingers, I had to slide my left had off the bar to use my wrist to pull in the clutch, and just use the back brake. Lucky I was riding a Moto Guzzi LeMans Mark V (1000cc twin) and it had a need system where the foot brake worked on one front disc and the back, so I could still stop ok. The normal handle bar brake leaver operated the othe disc on the front. Interesting bike to ride fast, as it also had a massive torque reaction from the fly wheel, and the shaft drive would make the back lift under acceleration, so you could adjust the bikes ground clearance in corners and lean angle by using the throttle.
if you ride in the winter, give up on the leather. Leather get cold out. And it will be like wearing a ice sheet in the winter. You need to go textile. And you could add a simsimpleply battery power heated vest. If your core is warm, your fingers won't freeze up. Heat handgrip are nice, but a nice goretex winter glove can help with commuting if you don't have heated grip.
I know :( I'm really thinking about the vest Idea that sounds good!
@@AntiParallali I have been riding for 30 years. And my coldest ride was at -40. That is when I needed 12 volt connected to the bike. But for anything above 20 degree, I find a heated vest power by a 5v usb power banks works well. I got garbing 12v, but for commuting to work, a amazon usb power heated vest with 5 zones does the job just fine for a 30min commute. If you are really sensitive to the cold, you can look at the gerbing 7v system, but you need get additional batteries them from gerbing.
Learned late last year, immediately went on a bunch of journeys, but ... hell, cold crept in fast. Bought a whole bunch of gear/layers to compensate. Thankfully, my used KLR650 had aftermarket heated grips. I rode it all winter as long as it was above 35 degrees with the sun out. Just around town, mostly, but... enough to be therapeutic.
I’m in. Been spending the last few weeks easing my loved ones into the idea. Buying licensing program tomorrow !
Great to hear!
I just invested in heated gear - it feels like a lot of work though🤣 definitely agree about the mood!
I need to get me some more heated gear too. I just have a heated vest, which definitely helps, but some heated gloves or grips would probably be way better!
@@AntiParallali girl I was straight out of a Christmas story - literally couldn’t throw my leg over the bike 😂
DUUDE, I started commuting last year only a month or so after getting my first bike. Them heated gloves and full batwing fairing where life savers! My bike was the only way I had to reach the facility upstate. Terrifying at first but low i love it =D
yeah I think heated gloves are a game changer O.o or even insulated waterproof/windproof ones. Anything other than just leather, lol don't do what I did and ride with perforated leather gloves in the winter aaaaa
@@AntiParallali Oh ghod i would have lost fingers!
I commute on my GSXR 1000, but I am contemplating getting an MT-10. Great video!
Please let me ride it if you do 😭😭❤️
@@AntiParallali Haha! For sure! If I am ever up in your neck of the woods! I’m also looking at the Triumph Speed Triple RS. I’m a sport bike guy but I rarely find myself using it the way it should be. I don’t go to the track, but I could with a naked bike. I think the more comfortable riding position and the down lower power is more usable. Don’t need the top end of a sport bike. Basically just trying to look cool. Haha! Do you find yourself riding your R1 much?
Before covid I was doing 20 miles each day mostly highway to downtown. But I would leave at 5am at the latest. I did one summer with a ninja 250 then switched to a vstrom 650. Much less scary on the interstate. I go year round. My cutoff is about 17f or so, no heated gear but definitely muffs and weather king gloves with Klim liners. I have a 34 inseam and I hate the fetal position on a sports bike.
Haha fetal position, we all know that one when we tuck to stay warm on the tank
Watched Doodles video too. Well done ladies.
got an MT-07 few months ago,awesome bike.
I can relate!!!
The perspective from inside the helmet...
Specially one with a larger chin..
Focused vision..like a ninja..and like you said..feels out of this world 😅👍
Astronaut mode activated!
Love the lightmode evo kit
Holy crap! You are a real spaz! Kudos for wearing gear. I wear nothing special when it's hot. Good gear is always a great idea. When it's cool enough, I wear all of it. I must admit I am the guy with shorts and sandals on the sportbike. Mine bike is about to turn 18 years old, no wrecks. So....
Oh no, I'm in trouble, 😂🙈 please don't watch my TCLOCS video 🙈
I suggest getting a touring jacket. I have 2 alpinestars leather jackets and they are warm but not like my touring one and it's way more comfortable, even with a light sweater underneath. It has tons of vents and 2 liners a warm one and a waterproof one. Love it!
I love commuting on my bike. I live on an island in the gulf of Mexico, so the weather is good for it all year round. My bike is down this week for repairs and it feels so strange driving my car to work instead lol
Love this vid! When I get my motorcycle. My main purpose for it is for commuting to work. Thanks for posting. ☺
I take my v-strom everywhere except through the winter months. I may even ride through winter if I had heated grips
Comment on self care doesn't sound silly at all, wise head on young shoulders there Lali! I had to get taught what taking time out for self care was by a psychologist in my 40's, wish I'd learned it earlier.
I'm a new subscriber (You can thank Doodle) and I commute to and from work all year long. Ironically, the day you joined UA-cam is the same day I went down on my way to work. I originally thought it was black ice, but the more I think about it, I'm thinking it may have been one of those reflectors in the road. It was around 19 degrees, but the roads were dry. And, of course, I picked up the bike and continued on to work. Worked most of the day and got a ride home, then I went to the hospital. Then I got 2 months off from work. (And, sadly, 2 months without riding).
Oh noo! Was it maybe one of those tar snakes they patch up cracks with?? Those will make you go down instantly if you're leaning on them. I hate those so much!!
Speaking of going on a trip in a rocketship, imagine The Little Einsteins riding motorcycles & wearing biker clothing. How awesome would that be?
I would watch that episode haha
Glad you where good gear🏃🏻♀️🏍🇺🇸. Ride safe enjoy the ride🎅🏼🏍🇺🇸
Thanks, you too!
I have to agree with you on commuting to work on a bike.
I love it even though my bike is considered vintage now...
Damn now i feel old.
Also love your music tracks. Im going to use them today while i pour copper at work
I think I have heard the work "commute" more in this video than I should in a lifetime lol. I started riding this summer and ride my SV650 every day that is not raining.
You should try a used Honda Goldwing. You can find a good one for $4000-8000.
Great! in the 1980s we had limited gear...I only wore jacket and helmet DUH. HIGHLY recommend (when you can spend) (just do it) get a Helite Turtle 2.
I'm finally in a place where I can do the MSF and get my license. I'm actually considering an Iron 883 or an Indian Scout Bobber since I'm looking at mostly highway with a wee bit of back roads sprinkled in. I do my classes next month so until then I'll be window shopping and sitting on bikes to see what's really comfortable for me.
may have to work but getting to rip before and after always makes a day better
Totally agree with the title of the video
Bikers know 😎❤️
Heated Grips are worth every penny if your bike doesn't come equipped with them already. However gotta wear a liner or rubber gloves under your riding gloves and put them on inside the house before you go out or your finger tips will freeze and that sucks.
From my first winter thus far I've got all gear that have heat liners and heated grips I've rode all the way down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit but it was Definitely veryyy cold even 5 layers deep with heated grips
Edit: I've also rode in down pours like 3 different times as I've gotten caught at work in em. Biggest problem isn't that you'll be soaked it's all the other cars that don't use their headlights. Even with no fog on your visor, which there likely will be, it'd hard to see the cars unless they have lights to mark their positions so definitely have to take more time before say turning left in us or right in UK
Hi Lali! I’m a little bit envious of your apparel. I’m going to have last motorbike journey of the year, today (17 degrees C here and 12-14 on the hills) but not so prepared as you are. I wear just a pair of jeans, high neck micropile, a wool sweater and the jackets. Hope not to freeze 🥶. And I find specific boot not to comfortable so I use sneakers.
It’s funny when you sing happy tunes.
Bye 👋
Nice to see you gear up good for you 👍 👏 stay safe and enjoy the ride from a old man on a motorcycle
Everyone's telling me that commuting to work on my bike was crazy!! (65 KMs one way, so a total of 130 KMs a day. That's about 80 miles).
not crazy at all! That's a pretty reasonable commute to do on a bike, long enough to have fun, but not long enough to really make you tired (especially if you wear the right gear, play some good music, etc :D)
@@AntiParallali Exactly my train of thought! It feels awesome to start your day on a motorcycle!
Thanks for the reply :)
Is very good to commuting by motorcycle!
That's my everyday to work 🥰🏍. And uni before the pandemic 😔
I rode home 40 min drive 18 degrees no heated grips just regular winter gloves
I had to keep one hand on the eng to thaw them out 😆
If you get a runny nose it freezes you know it's cold lol
Totally agree with everything you said here. I am a new sub and already subbed to doodle. 51 y/o FZ1 rider in NZ here.
Hey I like this video my bike is to small to commute next season I will upgrade but commuting is
Nice video your so right about suiting bike to your needs. Textile jacket great all year round.
im getting my first bike soon and i really want a MT03 but theyre sold out here in Ontario Canada.
MT03 is a good option but honestly anything in the 400cc below range (in sportbikes) would be good
Yes, i also ride untill its snow on the streets :D if its a dry sunny day, but its just cold.. well.. its not that cold that you could not gear up ;D
Yep same! ...just have to remember that tires take longer to warm up!
I love riding in the winter, love wearing my protective gear and not getting drenched is sweat...lol. wish they had some light weight breathable protective gear that does not cost more than my bike.
Commuting to work is fun, however it’s a lot more work. Lunch has to be able to fit in my book bag, make sure I have cases of water already at work, spare change of clothes to change into after riding, etc. Then I get to work and have to take all my layers off and change. Now I love riding to work daily, it’s worth all this. However some people aren’t morning people and it can be annoying.
I have 5 bikes... biggest is a ZX14, smallest is a 08 ninja 250. I commute to work 45min. on the little ninja 250 daily. Keep in mind I'm 6'4 215lbs. and it saves me on a ton of gas, plus small bikes are a blast lol
The time your😂🤣 commute takes depends on how much throttle you use
Trueeee lol