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I'm 130 miles north in Tacoma but our weather is similar to Portland's except for one thing. Due to cold air coming down the Columbia Gorge, Portland (especially its eastern suburbs) is prone to ice storms. There will be days when four wheel drive isn't safe, so keep that in mind. Apart from that if you have a good riding suit and electric vest, you should be good to ride all year long.

 

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Oh and before I forget. Buy a copy of Destination Highways for Washington. They haven't put out a version for Oregon yet, but from Portland you have a lot of great roads in Southwestern Washington to ride

http://washington.destinationhighways.com/dh/Volcano_Region/33sum.htm

 

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Re: Thanks All

I never use a rain suit just my 10 year old two piece Aerostich. I think the two piece is a little better at preventing crotch leak through that many Aerostich owners complain about. Also when the weather is a little nicer, I just use the top with a pair of the Aerostich Arborwear Jeans. The 'Stich is roomy enough to put an electric vest under which is important as it has no insulation of it's own.

I also have a 650 V-Strom that works very well in the city and the mountains. I have a taller windshield from Cee Baileys that I use in colder weather or for touring but use the stock shield in warmer weather. The Strom can be equiped with luggage racks and engine guards that you can order via www.twistedthrottle.com