Riding Into The Winter On The Cheap (Motorcycles)

[Altec]

Staying warm in the winter on the cheap. Any tips, ideas? This year I'm gonna try to ride as far into winter as I can without spending a ton of money on gear. IE: No expensive heated jackets, and no $150 gloves.

My current gear...

Leather "Scooter" Jacket
Half Helmet
Sunglasses
Mechanix Gloves
Leather Chaps

Plus hoodies, long sleeves, etc.

These are the things I'm looking at adding.

Neoprene Mask
Wiley Goggles
Glove Liners (I've heard good things about silk glove liners)
Wide Terry Cloth Wristbands (For better jacket seal)''

The only things I don't want to change is my half helmet, and no crazy thick gloves.

Right now mid-40's mainly has my face cold... I ride 45-55mph roads for 25-45 minute rides at a time.

Here is my bike. No windshield.

[Clyde65]

All I can say is your a brave soul!

[chevy_man5]

Sounds like you have it covered.

I wear jeans, chaps, t-shirt, insulated leather jacket (heavy), gloves, neoprene/fleece mask, dark/amber/clear glasses depending on the time of day, driving gloves w/ cheap brown cloth work gloves as a liner, and a leather do-rag, and can ride down to 30-35 degrees for similar conditions as you stated. I do have a windshield though!

The only part that really gets cold is the upper part of my nose, above my mask, and below my do-rag.

I usually don't ride when it is below 35 though, just because of freezing on the road. A little slip in a car is no big deal, on a bike, you have a BIG problem!!

Just remember if you stop somewhere, take off your mask and glasses if you go into a convenience store. I forgot once, and the girl behind the counter freaked out for a second, until I remembered to take them off. Head to toe black leather with a mask on. I apologized A LOT!!! She always remembered me though!

Keep the shiny side up!!

[propanemudtruck]

I rode down to 12 degrees the first winter I had my bike, whenever snow wasn't in the air I was on the bike. lotsa layers and no windshield... you learn to find the hot spots on the engine and exhaust in a quick hurry!

[NONHOG]

Use to ride in the cold. If I started getting too cold I'd stop at a mini mart and grab a few local want ad papers and line between my shirt and jacket.
Helped insulate real well. Even better if you got caught w/o a 'good' jacket.

[project 67 sub]

i have heard that latex gloves inside your regular gloves works pretty good for keeping your hands and fingers warm, but i cant say if that is true or not as i have no first hand experience with it...

[70-Shorty]

I know you want to keep the half helmet but losing that would be the best thing u can do. I rode many years with many different styles of half helmets from novelty beanies to DOT legal ones. I've got tired of wind noise and extreme cold and got a full face helmet and your ears will thank you, not to mention laughing (inside your helmet) as hard objects bounce off the helmet that would have been destined to pelt u in the face!!! I acquired a pair of gauntlet gloves that were one size too big and i wear some thin very flexible gloves under them, keeps my hands pretty warm. Other than that as others said, layers help. Ive ridden down to the low thirties with snow on both sides of the road but thankfully that ain't very often, that full face helmet really helps. SERIOUSLY.
Tim

Riding thru Yosemite in Thanksgiving after a storm the day before...My helmet aint pretty (nor am i) but it sure works. I don't ride rice either...i'm on a 2000 Road King.

[Altec]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

All I can say is your a brave soul!

Haha, thanks...I think...

Originally Posted by chevy_man5

Sounds like you have it covered.

I wear jeans, chaps, t-shirt, insulated leather jacket (heavy), gloves, neoprene/fleece mask, dark/amber/clear glasses depending on the time of day, driving gloves w/ cheap brown cloth work gloves as a liner, and a leather do-rag, and can ride down to 30-35 degrees for similar conditions as you stated. I do have a windshield though!

The only part that really gets cold is the upper part of my nose, above my mask, and below my do-rag.

I usually don't ride when it is below 35 though, just because of freezing on the road. A little slip in a car is no big deal, on a bike, you have a BIG problem!!

Just remember if you stop somewhere, take off your mask and glasses if you go into a convenience store. I forgot once, and the girl behind the counter freaked out for a second, until I remembered to take them off. Head to toe black leather with a mask on. I apologized A LOT!!! She always remembered me though!

Keep the shiny side up!!

I really don't wanna ride below 35 either. I think I'll mark that as my cut off, and start hoping for spring...

Good tip on the mask! I'll also have to dig up a pair of brown gloves.

Originally Posted by propanemudtruck

I rode down to 12 degrees the first winter I had my bike, whenever snow wasn't in the air I was on the bike. lotsa layers and no windshield... you learn to find the hot spots on the engine and exhaust in a quick hurry!

Always have layers! I had a long sleeve, hoodie, and jacket today. Jeans, and chaps on the legs. Around 50*, and I was toasty besides my face.

Originally Posted by NONHOG

Use to ride in the cold. If I started getting too cold I'd stop at a mini mart and grab a few local want ad papers and line between my shirt and jacket.
Helped insulate real well. Even better if you got caught w/o a 'good' jacket.

Even more ghetto then I was shooting for, but I like it! I'll keep that in mind if I ever get stuck in a cold patch on a road trip! Thanks!

Originally Posted by project 67 sub

i have heard that latex gloves inside your regular gloves works pretty good for keeping your hands and fingers warm, but i cant say if that is true or not as i have no first hand experience with it...

I've heard the latex gloves thing, too. The reasoning I heard was to purposely make your hands sweat, or something like that. Last thing I want is to sweat while in the cold... The latex gloves may have a wind breaking element, though. I will have to try!

Originally Posted by 70-Shorty

I know you want to keep the half helmet but losing that would be the best thing u can do. I rode many years with many different styles of half helmets from novelty beanies to DOT legal ones. I've got tired of wind noise and extreme cold and got a full face helmet and your ears will thank you, not to mention laughing (inside your helmet) as hard objects bounce off the helmet that would have been destined to pelt u in the face!!! I acquired a pair of gauntlet gloves that were one size too big and i wear some thin very flexible gloves under them, keeps my hands pretty warm. Other than that as others said, layers help. Ive ridden down to the low thirties with snow on both sides of the road but thankfully that ain't very often, that full face helmet really helps. SERIOUSLY.
Tim

Riding thru Yosemite in Thanksgiving after a storm the day before...My helmet aint pretty (nor am i) but it sure works. I don't ride rice either...i'm on a 2000 Road King.

I do have a full face, and a motocross helmet if I get to that point. Got the "DOT" helmets, too. *Wink* I just want to stick with my bucket if I can for a couple reasons. I can see better, and I can hear better in the populated city areas. The trade off is wind noise, and being pelted with dirt from time-to-time. Being that I mainly ride on back roads I don't have to much of the flying crud, and kicked up rocks. If I venture into more interstates, and freeways I consider grabbing the full face.

Keep any ideas coming! I guess I'll have to start testing out the ideas, and reporting back.

Someone needs to call the Mythbusters...

[special-K]

Heated gloves and heated vest. They make a huge difference. Remember,windchill loses it's affect over 40 mph. So go fast,you won't get any colder and you'll reduce the time being cold.

[Indian113]

Do you have a good Rain suit? Believe it or not it will stop the wind ,I've wore mine on top of my leather and started to sweat at slower speeds.

[67sub]

Personally I couldn't imagine not having a full face helmet in the cold. Coldest I've ridden was 17 degrees F, and even with multiple layers it was extremely cold. I tried the latex gloves and couldn't tell a difference as far as the temp or wind, only in how bad my hands moved inside my real gloves when I had the latex on.

[Altec]

My Dad was able to pick me up a very nice balaclava through his work. Haven't had a chance to take it on the road, but will be doing a 50 mile trip including a good stretch of doing 75mph, so I'll get a good test! Still going to pick up a Neoprene mask to try.

Looking at sealed glasses right now.

Anyone used Under Armour brand glove liners? Is it worth going name brand?

[Altec]

Sorry about the double post, but I thought I'd give a update on the trip.

Gear:

Head:

• VEGA Half Helmet
• Balaclava
• Snug Fitting Safety Sunglasses

Torso/Arms:

• Heavy Weight Long Sleeve Cotton Shirt
• Heavy Cotton "Hoodie"
• UNIK Leather "Scooter" jacket (With Liner)
• Mechanix Gloves

Waist/Feet:

• Levi Jeans
• UNIK Leather Chaps (Liner is MIA)
• Cotton Socks
• Old Ass Boots (Falling Apart/Very Comfy)

Riding Conditions:

• Temp: 43-45* F
• Ride Time: 1.25 Hours
• Mileage: 45 Miles
• Road Speeds
  • 14 Miles: 70mph
  • 15 Miles: 40-45mph
  • 16-ish Miles: 50-55mph

Results:

Not bad.

• Torso was toasty.
• Legs were a little chilly. Think I may pick up some long johns to wear for that problem.
• Wrist area was a little cold from the wind getting in. Need them terry cloth bands...
• After riding the 70mph stent I had to ride a few miles at 60mph (I mean 55mph, of course...), then go through a toll plaza. I kept the money in my glove. My hands were claws at this point, so it made getting the money...interesting. Bottom line? Need to try liners, and maybe break down and use the gauntlets...
• Face was decent. The Balaclava, and well fitted glasses did the do. The Balaclava I have however won't cover your nose. Well, it will but it isn't comfy, and the air from your nose goes right to the glasses. Makes a nice fogger...

Bottom line:
Bottom line is my gloves are the worst part. Everything else I feel I could go down to high 30's with. Little tweaks I want to make are some more leg warmth, and doubling up masks with the Balaclava, and a Neoprene. That'll fix the nose problem. Sealed goggles would be a nice luxury item... My hands are simply a HAVE to do something about. In the 40's I rode it was the sort of thing that it sucks until you can't feel it anymore...

On a side note my bike has a small oil leak. Although I can't tell if it is from the oil tank breather (It is a little over full), or the oil change drain line...again... Gotta get that taken care of!

[Altec]

Thought I'd update that Santa got some new gear for me!

A Neoprene mask.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-1-Reversib...item256a50c499

Long Terry Cloth Bands.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/7-inch-Long-...item588fba2b68

KD's.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/KDs-Original...item43aaad8824

I had to modify the mask a little. The breathing was restricted so I cut a V shaped chunk out of it to open it up more. The Terry Cloth is what it is. No problems! Same with the KD's. I needed something for nightriding. I got stuck one night wearing my tinted sunglasses at night... Kinda sucked...

Rode Test:

The Mask worked pretty good. I thought the holes around your mouth was kinda silly. The only provided places for air to get in. Didn't help. Confirming what I read in reviews a little air from your nose makes its way up to your eyes. Which will fog non-sealed glasses This was ten times worse before cutting! It now only happens when stopped and breathing normally. Breath light at stop lighting, and it won't be a problem. Speaking of glasses. They do press the temples into your head a tiny bit. Which isn't a big deal, it isn't bad if your temples flex. KD's don't flex... I think this thing begs to be worn with goggles.

Side Note: I tried putting the mask on, then my Balaclava over top. I think this will offer the best of both words, but sure is a snug fit... I'm not claustrophobic, but it sure is a weird feeling. I can't imagine a problem riding, but if you have issues with confined spaces, go another route.

I couldn't fully test the wrist bands because I'm a retard and didn't zip the sleeves on my jacket, so they weren't sealing as well as they should... However one obvious thing was that they kept my under shirts from pulling back because they are tucked under the wrist band. No cold wrists! Kept the back of my hand warmer too.

Didn't wear the glasses. I feel safe in assuming I'm gonna have wind funneling into my eye balls.

Ride safe!

[72freak]

Originally Posted by Indian113

Do you have a good Rain suit? Believe it or not it will stop the wind ,I've wore mine on top of my leather and started to sweat at slower speeds.

right on!....Rain suit, jump suit, plastic bags...I have used them all.

[chevy_man5]

Went for a 60 mile ride on the 24th. Wore what I spoke about above, and wasn't too bad. Between my eyebrows and my fingertips were all that really got cold. When riding my do-rag was down low over my glasses. In the bottom picture, it was 35 degrees at 3:14 when I stopped by my moms house.

Glad to hear you have it just about figured out!!

[Altec]

Thanks, chevy_man5! Pretty much seems like you have what I've been putting together!

Maybe I should pick up some mechanix gloves that are one size up, and try brown gloves under them. If I'm lucky it'll be a nice medium between hand cramping puffy gloves, and frozen hands...

If I can get down to 35* with close eyebrows, I'll be down right gitty!

[Altec]

Funny update. I've been resting my left hand on the engine while cruising, and I believe I cauterized the palm of my glove without noticing! haha!