Whats everyones thoughts on riding on roads that are frosty or ice covered?

The XTs natural high centre of gravity is a natural disadvantage in these conditions anyway, but is it better to stay low on the bike or get up on the pegs?

I had a frosty road earlier and started off sat down but moved over to standing up. Standing up did feel better if I'm honest.

I haven't go the confidence in the XT to go out on the icy roads yet as the bike is new to me and only ridden it once in the past couple of weeks, although I have been riding for a number of years on sports bikes and Harley Davidsons.
So I can't be much help to you on this one I'm afraid.
The Harley is so heavy I would have the confidence in a head on with a bus though. LOL.
On other bikes I have owned with a much lower centre of gravity I am fine but on the XT660X I need some more saddle time before I brave the colder icier and foggier days like today.
Good luck out there and ride safe....

I've been out on my XTX a few times on the ice, it handled OK however I was driving super slow, not much more than 30. I went out today however and as the ice is very minimal (more like frost) I drove like normal and was fine. A lot depends on your tyres too, more slick less grip. I am using my normal summer tyres which are road only, not the best for ice where you want more knobbly tyres like the dual sport type ideally.

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Now have a 2017 S1000XR Sport SE

2006 XT660X - Cat D write off due to someone pulling out on me - Pipewerx carbon fibre exhausts - Snorkel removed and airbox drilled - DNA stage 1 + 2 air filters - Kevs fuel controller mod - Scottoiler V system - Oxford heated grips - HEL braided brake hoses - Wilbers 540 rear shock - Brembo brake pads - AFAM chain and sprockets - Michelin Pilot Street Radial's - Denali DX Xtreme dual intensity spotlights

I take it slow, and use a higher gear to avoid spinning. I also avoid overtaking since accelerating spins the back wheel out of control.
When there are thick, unavoidable, patches of ice I test the back brake, very softly, to see how much traction I have. If the back wheel glides with the slightest push I let the bike slow down enough to continue. Putting the feet down in such occasions help.
But generally when my brakes get ineffective from the ice I stop riding, and get the car that has 4 wheels and tyres with studs.

Keeping the speed down and planning ahead...junctions /bends etc. The good thing with the XT is the engine braking which means you can keep off the brakes as much as poss. And don't be pressurised by vehicles behind you or your speed creeps up and it all becomes a bit nerve racking!! And it's when you realise it's worth spending out on decent tyres. It's definitely a case of slow and steady wins the race! Steve

Currently running the mitas army specials i'll admit they make for a interesting ride in these conditions.

One trick I learnt years ago, if it's a old worn road that has the car tracks smoothed off, ride in the rougher raised centre line, it's less liable to collecting water and the imperfections allow the tyre to contact a little better.

I agree with the XT use the engine braking to your advantage, just remember it has a lot of torque so go gentle.

A mixed blessing I found is the 21" front on the R and Z, the gyroscopic effect will help keep the front stable but needs a bit more care on the turns, if you loose it then it has a better chance to self correct, also stay loose on the bars and relax the arms, but grip the tank with your legs.

If you are going to hit a small ice patch that's unavoidable, so long as you have time to react. relax, neutral throttle, neutral body position, pick the shortest straightest route.

And probably most important thing I've found, stay warm. you can concentrate on the road surface far better if your not distracted by being cold.