The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycling in Winter
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- čas přidán 27. 10. 2022
- This week on MCrider let's discuss a few cold-weather motorcycle riding tips. I will also tell you how cold is too cold for me to ride.
Links in this video
Heated Gear: www.mcrider.com/HeatedGear
Wind Shirt: www.mcrider.com/WindShirt
Thermal Shirt: www.mcrider.com/Thermal
Shoei Helmets: www.MCrider.com/Helmet
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Happy Friday!
How cold is too cold for you to ride? Does anyone have any good cold-weather riding stories?
I once taught a new rider class that started the day at 55F on Saturday morning and by the time we were done on Saturday late afternoon, it was 15F!!!! A cold front came in with A LOT of wind and cold. It was not pleasant at all and even worse on Sunday to finish the class. ;)
In case you are interested, the links from today's video:
I REALLY like the Gerbing brand heated gear...Heated Gear: www.mcrider.com/HeatedGear
Wind Shirt: www.mcrider.com/WindShirt
Thermal Shirt: www.mcrider.com/Thermal
Shoei Helmets: www.MCrider.com/Helmet
Yea, left Boston heading west. No heated gear at all. A storm blew in off lake Erie. Spent three days riding slush and wet snow. I heard heated gear comes with a tube of lipstick! Red!
I rode for a charity organization for a few years and live in Minnesota. Volunteering doesn't stop with the weather. The worst I've done was leave my house in the morning when it was 10°F. I do have a Warm& Safe jacket and gloves, which make a world of difference.
The temperature stayed warmer than your class experienced. It was between 45 and 55 F. But it was a cold rain. When I noticed one or two students stopped shivering we stopped the class. All but one or two were cold. There was three extra exercises to do on Sunday.
Skiers and snowboarders tend to show up for motorcycle classes during cold wet weather under dressed. They expect motorcycle riding to be similar to or warmer than skiing and snowboarding. It is not. Motorcycle riding is much colder. There is much less aerobic activity during motorcycle riding. And the wind chill frequently has a greater effect.
Cycle Gear has freeze out layers. ZIP up thin jacket pants with foot stirrups, foot booties, glove liners, and balaclava. I highly recommend these items for Temps your speaking of.
Last Spring I was out for a chilly ride, probably upper 40's in temp. Despite having heated grips, I began to lose sensation in my finger even though I had relatively think gauntlet leather gloves. I've always had poor circulation in my hands but I took notice but just decided to tough it out because I didn't feel like stopping to warm up my fingers. When I finally did make it to my final destination and removed my gloves, much to my shock and horror my fingers had completely lost color and had turned bone white!! Needless to say my fingers on both hands were completely numb by this point. I ran them under warm water but it took some time to get color and feeling back. I do agree with MC rider that heated gloves are the route to go!
Another option (not mentioned in this video) in regards to heated clothing besides the plug in type are batter operated apparel. I have a heated, battery powered heated vest to keep my core warm and it works great!! I rarely use the highest temp setting as it will quickly roast me!!
Thanks for a great and informative video.
During my military service, the guys in the motorcycle detail-messengers rode all winter; they had automatic Huskies and put little skis on extended engine guards on the sides; awesome riding, awesome guys!
Living in Nova Scotia, Canada if you want to get a full riding season you have to be prepared to ride in cold weather. Proper gear is critical along with heated grips, good tires and a well balanced bike (I ride a VStrom 650 in the winter). I can ride 12 months a year but not every day in the winter as I don’t want to ride on ice as we have very twisty and hilly coastal roads. But there is nothing better than a cold day, a hot bike and a warm cup of coffee after a cool winters day riding!
I live in Colorado and it's the same for me. If the roads are fairly dry I'm out and on it. Admittedly so, I ride a Can-Am RTL which is basically the love child of a sassy bike and a G-Kart. The cooler weather is my favorite time to ride, it's like cruising through a Holiday Post Card. So far, I've layered up but I seriously considering heated frig'n Everything this year.
Same here in Ontario. I ride till the first snow. Then they salt. Hell we have some that ride throughout.
I agree!
I was surprised how much difference just the hand guards made in keeping my fingers warm. I love the V-Strom. At 40 degrees I forgot to turn the grip heaters on.
In Michigan, I usually don’t ride my VStrom 650 in the winter. I may ride this winter with heated grip when when the road is dry and temperature is above 0C. 😊
The best cold weather base layer for motorcycling I've found is the Freeze-Out line (now called Axial Base) from CycleGear. The thing that makes it superior to other cold weather base layers, even the really expensive stuff from major sporting goods retailers, is that it has a windproof membrane layer on the front side of the shirt, pants, and balaclava, and the top side of the boot and glove liners. This nearly completely eliminates the need for a separate wind break layer as Kevin suggested. I've been able to ride with just the Freeze-Out base layers, jeans, a sweatshirt, and leather chaps and jacket, with the balaclava under a modular/full face helmet, down to sub-freezing temps - no heated gear needed.
Kevin didn't mention boots, but a good set of waterproof motorcycle boots will also be windproof. I can wear regular cotton socks in mine down to the low 40s Fahrenheit, then go to wool socks below that, supplementing with either boot liners (see above), thin wicking athletic socks, or both, as needed.
The other suggestion that I have is don't drop a lot of money on expensive cold weather gear that claims to be for motorcycling. Check out snowmobiling gear, which is purpose built for cold and wet conditions, and, in most cases, is a lot less expensive.
But I will agree with Kevin about cold weather road conditions. I general don't ride when the temps are below freezing, because it can be almost impossible to determine "Is that just a wet spot or is it black ice?" I'll make exceptions for special events, like a Christmas toy ride or a New Year's Day Polar Bear ride, but otherwise, I'll wait for the temps to get above freezing.
Sometimes I'll pick a route, slow drive it then, if all clear, go back and drop the hammer a bit. Probably just like everyone else.
I have the Axial base layer top and bottom. The top is more like a shirt, that zips up to be like a turtleneck. Plus, under that I wear the Alpinestars tech performance base layer. Made with their Dryarn fabric. That makes for a good combination.
Michael, your post gave me more useful information than 10 videos that I've watched in the last hour or so. AND, you didn't come across as an eleven minute advertisement for selling stuff on your CZcams channel. Thank you kindly. Rubber down and heads up!
This was a long time ago, but during my military service I bought a 49 cc moped. I rode over to visit some friends, and the weather changed, had to get back with ice on the roads. I put my feet out to the sides while accelerating from a stop sign, right in the middle of the intersection I lost traction and I did a 360° spin! Fortunately a sympathetic MP saw me and helped me stuff the moped in the trunk and took me back where I needed to go.
Lmao
You know you've maximized your biking season when you come home from riding in the Christmas parade (and a little ride thru the country in the dark to entertain those who might see you all decked out in white lights looking for all the world like the ghost rider) and once you've got into the garage, gotten your gear off, you walk outside into heavy snow. Mission accomplished!
Amherst Nova Scotia Canada
See you on the road!
Here in Ireland you need to be careful before you get to winter. Wet leaves on the road at this time of year are as slippery as ice so temperature isn't the only consideration.
I just slipped on some leaves the other day. Dropped my ne ZX14R the 3rd day I had her.
Same here in New York. Leaves every fuckin where.
Always prepare for whatever conditions you might face. Several years ago while riding through the Sierras in May, the rain quickly turned to snow. Luckily for myself and wife we had our heated jackets, heated seats, and heated grips on the BMW kept us warm. Temperature stayed at 33 for hundreds of miles until getting to lower elevations. Gerbing is the best!
Good advice about riding in the morning after a hard freeze. Another potential problem, especially on the freeways around DFW, which have questionable engineering and construction, is groundwater drainage on road surfaces that are in the shade. So even if the air temperature is above freezing, those areas in the shade may remain frozen. Ride your own ride. Stay safe.
I rode to the south coast in UK, a round trip of 250 miles. I started off at 6.00am with the temperature at -6degC (21degF). My Strada textile suit has an optional quilted liner and I used a pair of HG Pathan semi-mittens that kept my hands toasty warm all the way, I don't have the need for heated anything, the kit does it all. However, on the return journey the same day, when the sun went down it got bone chilling cold particularly on my chest so I stopped at a services and bought a couple of broadsheet newspapers and laid those on my chest under the quilted inner jacket, which cured the problem. Newspaper is a surprisingly good insulator and wind break.
One point I found was that on the trip down at about 7.00am on the motorway (freeway) I was giving a wide berth to a truck and enclosed curtain side trailer. All of a sudden a sheet of ice about the size of a double bed and about 2" thick slid off the roof of the trailer and shattered on the road just behind me. Had I been 2-3 secs later passing the truck, I would be dead! Anyone in a car following could have also died such was the weight and force of a mass of ice travelling at 60mph. The truck driver can't be blamed because I doubt he could see what was on the trailer roof and the rising morning sun must have melted the connection between ice and trailer roof. Since then I have been super wary of those conditions.
Thanks for that lifesaving info mate
I had a similar experience. I used to ride well below 20 F, but even when there is no precipitation, several of the roads around where I currently live will "leak" water overnight, and if it is below 30 F, it will often freeze. One of the worst offending roads for me is square in my commute, so I made the decision to not ride when it is below 30.
We had a week of winter last year (in central tx). So much ice that you couldn't drive a car much less a motorcycle. Just have to wait a week and temps are back in the mid-70's. Winter is actually the best time to ride here in my opinion, contrast to summer days that are typically 100+ degrees (and always at least 90+ degrees).
I enjoy riding in all seasons. I just try to avoid driving in rain in winter (then it gets too cold).
I grew up in Texas on motorcycles and you are spot frig'n on!
Oh man that’s not something I have ever thought of someone spilling something on the road. I ride in the cold all the time. These are great tips thanks for sharing your valuable experiences.
@MCRider Freezing temps or overnight air that gets close will certainly give me second thoughts about riding. Above freezing and I'm good provided that I have dressed accordingly. Nothing makes for more of an unpleasant ride than a cold, wet, cloudy day and you are traveling through an area. Got caught once in the Sierra Nevada mountains in late spring and between the cold 38 degree rain and no sun, I was not very happy riding. Thanks Kevin for what you do and bringing great tips to the motorcycling community.
I rarely drive a car, even in the winter. I'm in Michigan. About 80% of days in the winter still have bare pavement on the roads. I only really worry about ice on the roads. The temps really don't stop me. With just heated grips and a decent jacket and overpants I'm OK riding down to 10*F so far (haven't had the chance to try lower than that).
For me keeping my hands warm is very important - if you can't feel your fingers, you can't safely operate the bike's controls.
When I was bicycle commuting, I rode regardless, one day at -25*F. That required EXTREMELY careful dressing because you can get frostbite in just a few minutes if you leave any skin exposed. On a bicycle I had an advantage because I was making my own heat, and for bicycles you can get extremely good carbide studded tires, so good that the real danger was when you stopped and couldn't stand up on what you've been riding on.
I’m a New Jersey year round rider . I’ve been using Gerbings heated jacket and gloves for the last eighteen years .Fantastic gear. Coldest temp I rode in was 12 degrees. I only ride if the pavement is dry thought (no ice or snow )Two years ago I did go down on ice and hurt my foot , luckily non permanent.
Passed my test about 5 hours ago. Thank you MCrider, you gave me the confidence to try techniques that made me nervous. I had 5 points for a foot down during a tight turn but everything else was smooth thanks to you and a few other instructors.
Great!! Congrats! Be safe out there.
👍
Welcome fellow bikeahaulic.
Congrats Bro!!
Are u riding a motorcycle now
Perfect advice. I did these tips and I am down to 37 degrees now and still comfortable
Another great video! My rule of thumb is not to ride if the temperatures drop below freezing. I too have hit patches of ice unexpectedly and nearly crashed. I wear heated gear (gloves and jacket) and like you, Kevin, I wear a balaclava, full helmet and good, warm boots to keep out the cold. My leather riding jacket works great as do chaps on my legs. Everybody keep safe out there!
Love the humor in the beginning of the video. Great intro to a serious subject. Thanks, MC!
Glad you enjoyed it!
We prefer to eliminate winter road conditons all together. Simply rent a motorcycle trailer(s) and head south a few times during the winter months/holidays. So many folks work from home now and can easily transition to a motel with wifi in a warmer, safer climate. Always interesting and informative, thanks!
Yup, I've done this annually since 2014 when I retired... keeps me sane and causes me to enjoy the bike even more. Ended up buying a trailer at Tractor Supply a couple years ago. Makes things perfect for a long, long drive.
A few buddy's and myself ride year round (Northwestern Pennsylvania) we use windshields and gear up. I typically throw my leathers on the outside to break the colder winds and snowmobile gloves and also face masks. I try to keep above the freezing points but doesn't always happen haha
We do that too. Adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.
Thank you! Glad your safe from that incident. 😊
Thank you always for your presentations! Your efforts have been honest wise useful enlightenment for how to and use of these types of rolling machines.
Kevin, I always enjoy your words of wisdom. I ride all year if I can, the only time I can’t is when my driveway is covered with ice usually in January. Your tips for riding in cold weather are spot on. I use Hippo Hands to cover my heated grips on my 1250 GS. I can wear summer gloves all winter which gives me better dexterity. I’ve considered the heated jacket and I just might get one; so far I’ve been able to manage without one as long as I eat a good breakfast to give me the fuel to stay warm.
Thanks again. God bless you.
I used to have an old Kawasaki that would get totally gutless in temps below 20 degrees F. I asked a mechanic about it, and he told me to ride when it's warmer. Lol I decided to follow his advice, never having that issue again. I wish I still had that old Kawasaki.
very helpful tip, thanks a lot
I'm a light weight. You won't see me out there when temps get into the 40's or below. But I would like to offer up a bit different theory I learned in cold weather survival training. It's true, you want to keep your torso warm, but your body will move blood from cold extremities to your torso to warm it up. A better approach is to keep your extremities very warm, head, hands, feet. Electric gloves and socks are your friend.
IDK what you do with the helmet (you'd think there would be helmets that have heat and defrost but I digress), but for guys who commute on their bikes or just regularly ride in REAL COLD to extend their riding season, heated gloves and socks should allow you to have less bulk around your torso and arms and legs. You still need that insulative and windproof gear, but if you keep your head, hands and feet warm, you will be ahead of the game.
I live in Florida, but I watched this video anyway. 😁
Another winter hazard to be aware of is salted roads. I live in Maryland where roads are heavily salted in the winter. Often, there’s more salt on the road than snow! When you’re riding a motorcycle, salt on the road is just as unnerving as gravel.
Plus the damage it does to your machine
The salt does damage when there's water present if the salt is just on everything if you wipe it off and really really get it all off with water so there's no salt left then you're okay but if the salt sits there with water it becomes a solution which then can lead to the corrosion
Thanks, the information in this video is very helpful-particularly your experience with the “leftover freeze” from the night before. 👍
Definitely gotta watch the isolated patches, I think that's scarier than just snow or slush because like you said, it's not the slip, it's the sudden return of traction that creates the real issue.
My limit is 30 degrees, and that still depends on weather conditions. I prefer 34+ degrees hoping that it means no ice, but any time I'm riding at the threshold of freezing I tend to be even more cautious. I find that driving the route I want to ride first to see what the conditions look like, especially shortly after a recent storm or near the end of winter, gives me peace of mind knowing what I'm up against on two wheels.
30 degree's is hot for UK unless your talkin about America?
@@steve00alt70 Ha! Good point. I'm referring to 30 F. :)
@steve00alt70 when you’re watching a CZcams video that originates from Texas, USA… You should figure they mean 30° Fahrenheit.
@@jhask64he just assumed you guys are smart and use accurate measurements like the rest of the world.
Thanks for the info Kevin
Thanks Kevin!!!
I rode up to Tennessee last year from Miami. Had plenty of gear. 22 degrees in Tennessee and all was good except the hands and feet. Went to a ski outfitter and bought ski gloves and wool socks. Best investment I made on that trip. I could ride all day. Oh, layer up. Legs, I wore thermals, jeans and chaps. Upper body, t shirt, flannel, lined jacket.
Good timing. I just removed the battery from my bike and wrapped it up for the Winter. We got a little snow up here in northern Idaho just a few days ago. So, I decided to put my baby to bed. Good night, my love. See you in the Spring. 🤗
I miss northern Idaho. Lived in Kellogg, Wallace, and Coeur d'Alene back in the 70s. 👍
Good tips Kevin for colld weather. It's Spring where I am, looking forward to the warmer months.
Great advice. As a new motorcycle rider (1 year) and starting riding at an advanced age (54), I really appreciate your knowledge. Thank you.
Wow, good advice!
Love the video. Good information. Coldest I've ever rode was 19 with a windchill of 6, but I was working and my Sgt's rule was, if it's not pouring rain or if it's not frozen, we rode. That's what we signed up for. Nowadays seems like the more grey hairs I get, the less I like riding in the cold. But this is Texas, so wait a few hours and it'll warm up. Thanks Kevin.
Rode today to work at 30F here in CO. Have heated gloves,socks, and jacket will be in on Thursday. Wore a gator and was pretty nice. Getting a bigger windshield as mine is pretty small. Have a shiver 750. Worr just my socks and gloves on their lowest setting going home and it was fantastic.
If I'm worried about "black ice" which is common here in Indiana I take my infrared gun out to the road and check pavement temp. If it's 34 or below I don't ride. Before I started doing this I was riding to work one predawn morning running around 60 and noticed my revs abruptly changing. I realized it was when I rode over culverts (black ice) and my tire momentarily spun. I kept my speed up to get over them quickly but started using the heat gun after that.
Hi....i'm in the UK.....always thought Texas was warm all year round....just shows what I know.....love your vids.
Gerbing gloves & vest are the the bomb! 🔥
Added heated grips to my Indian Super Chief and they are an absolute game changer. I can bundle up pretty much everywhere else but even glove liners never helped much for my hands.
I agree, heated grips are so nice. Well worth the purchase.
Amen!
Great video Kev! I'm making my list for Santa 🎅 👍
I ride year round, 365, and take my bike to work every day.
It helps that I live only 10 minutes from work, and I wear snowmobiling gear....
I work all day, so I don't ride all day.
But the bike makes my life a lot easier.
We ride year round and it's good to remember that where there is shape from houses and trees, commonly going into a curve that black ice and wet leaf micro environments can be present quite some time after the road has dried and cleared.
Thanks!
I'm an older rider (78 years old) and in the 60 plus years of riding, have encountered a variety of winter conditions over that time. Once drove in a freezing rain storm with hail pelting down on me actually leaving some bruise marks. Drove through that with two feet on the ground ..... thankfully I was almost home at the time. Believe that was on a Honda 360. I've driven through snow that was at least 4 to 5 inches deep....again with two feet on the ground and at slow speeds. The nice thing about really bad weather is that the traffic around you also slows down for the conditions. Neither of these experiences are something I care to repeat......but be prepared if you drive in winter.
Currently drive a Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager which protects me quite well from the wind......use a high windshield in the winter. My heated gloves (have two pairs....one battery operated and the other hardwire to the battery) do a pretty good job but I have added hand guards to keep the fingertips from freezing.
I still ride all year but I judge the road conditions in the winter before I venture out...typically later in the day when the roads have cleared.....never drive at night in the winter. I live in Toronto and the roads here are heavily salted with either road salt or a brine solution....neither of these are good for the bike itself so I limit myself to riding on days when the roads are somewhat clear. The road salt leaves salt dust on the bike which I immediately blow off when I'm back in the garage.
Good advice, I retired in the Philippines and rode year round even in a couple typhoons (not fun). But I just recently returned to the states and a motorcycle is my means of transportation. This winter will be an interesting experience. I've ridden in snow years ago but on a much lighter bike than what I now own. So I'll just ride easier when it gets colder. Thank's a million and ride safe.
I live in a part of the Appalachian Mountains where springs are part of the scenery. Winter ice will swell in and through the aquifers pushing water that might otherwise sink away into soil or culverts up and out to ditchlines and all over the road, so you're never really sure you can stay dry... BUT whether you can get caught by oncoming traffic and a perfectly (?) timed puddle, you just sweat unless you're freezing to death, or weather can change patterns from sunny to downpour in a handful of minutes, I simply can't recommend WOOL enough. Even with your heated liners and gear, any wool will add to insulation, EVEN WHEN IT'S WET... AND of all the wool I've worn over the years, ALPACA WOOL is TOPS. They advertise that it's 5 to 7 times as insulating as Sheep's Wool, but I'd argue that's a conservative estimate... SO the "Boot Socks" for $20 a pair (or two on sale) and sweaters (usually about $50 ea.) are worth THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD!!! I AM allergic (mildly) to Sheep's Wool, and at least mild to moderately to just about every other fur-bearing animal in the world... BUT I don't break out from the Alpaca's for some reason. I can't (at least, not in good conscience) advertise it as "hypoallergenic", since to my knowledge there is NOT SUCH THING as hypoallergenic "fur"... BUT it's a solid bet that Alpaca wool probably won't bother you as much as you might suspect. It's also softer and more luxurious than Sheep's Wool. I've yet to try Llama... BUT I wouldn't be surprised if Llama Wool was similarly useful in layers. Judging from the prices I have seen, Llama is probably somewhere between Sheep and Alpaca... BUT that's also just a guess.
Last year, I was able to ride year round, even down into single digits fairly deep, so I wouldn't have to "put the bike into storage"... Granted, I wasn't "day tripping" all over the state, BUT hitting the road for a solid 50 - 100 mile jaunt wasn't out of the question about as often as I rode through most of the summertime... AND I didn't have any heated gear or liners. ;o)
My observation is the snowmobile gear was the best for cold weather. Especially if it's 40 and raining. Keeps you warm and dry, and the helmet has a breath box to keep the visor clear. Good tips!
Agreed.
Very good advice, thanks from the Isle of Skye 👍😎
I used to ride all winter long. My record was 18F. I had a lot of overpasses and bridges on my commute to work. After going down on a bridge that had iced over on my way home one evening, I decided I would only ride the commute if the temperature is above 32F.
My record is around that too :)
Early morning commute in winter. Felt like a block of ice after 30min.
Getting older so in Minnesota on roads 32 and dry roads. Living in Minneapolis you watch for deer along freeways. So at 68 and working part time riding in at 4 dark 30 am keep it safe.Yes studded up dirt bikes on frozen lakes as a kid. Know your limits, good video.
Heated suit/gloves. Heated grips. Full fairing helps. Ear Warmers. Sealed goggles or glasses. As long as the roads are dry with no ice, I ride down into the 20s and am quite comfortable. Still riding in December, 2023 using the above. ;)
I’m so happy it’s getting cold, finally I can ride more living in the Mojave desert this when more riding happens
I just rode 4 consecutive iron butts (Burgman 650) last month from Carrollton out west. High was 107 in Arizona and low was 33 in Breckinridge. I’m not a fan of shaking like a leaf when riding but I had a blast!
Great suggestions Kevin. I ride all year. Been out into the teens. Heated gear makes it feel like cheating... same way good waterproof gear makes rain riding fun. 😉👍
You can now get heated visors to keep them from steaming up in weathers where a pinlock isn't enough. And in addition to heated gloves you can get heated socks to stop your feet freezing.
So I live in the North East region of the USA and I love riding as much as possible if I don’t have to carry much luggage. Regardless, if you’re wrapped up in high tech weather proof fabrics and layered up with your favorite hoody under your riding jacket which is under your wind proof shell- you’ll be fine; do not allow exposure to wind, wear something to protect your neck, your wrists, your ankles. Just rode in 32 degrees. Couldn’t feel the weather with the right gear, but my hands would occasionally get cold. Pro tip for anyone on a super sport without heated grips; wave your hand over your muffler as necessary- preferably before early stages of frostbite. The lower the muffler the harder it might be to do on the move… The faster you go the colder it gets, especially if you’re wet- so stay dry. Something’s to mention about road condition: roads were salted 2 days prior. Some roads are completely dry because snowfall was not that bad the other day. Water from streets connected to puddles were tracked on the roads- it’s 7am and I was not the first vehicle on the road but the roads are still pretty fresh. Definitely doable, but be sure to take care of yourself and prepare prepare prepare. Also; listen to some of the other guys up there^ the biggest issue below 32 is ice. Try to avoid doing anything if the risk is unnecessarily high
Excellent strategy taking the power off the rear wheel…. We’re headed to warmer climes when it gets cold here! Been wearing electrics for many years 👍🏼
Greetings from the pprc great video. I live in Northern California 200 miles north of Sacramento anything lower than 40 degrees is to cold for me.🏍🇺🇸
Can't remember the christmas when we got a short ride with my friend around the city while 25F but it warm up to 30 and started icy rain :)
Pinlock is amazing! Now if I can just keep my sunglasses from fogging up, I'll be all set...
Thank you
I was riding home one night from work at Gallo winery (after midnight) and it was raining heavily. That night it rain 6 inches in 3 hours and two times on the way home the bike hydroplaned. This was the first and only time I had that happen. Then another time I left for work partly cloudy and by midnight it started to snow. I worked in Modesto Ca at 240 feet above sea level and lived above Twain Harte at 4500 above sea level. Riding home at 1 AM in the snow is not my ideal of a fun ride. I made it home but that was the last time I rode to work if there was any chance of rain.
The best neck gaiter is a Dickie from Shampa. Seals your neck and up to the helmet and seals under the jacket. Only about $30. Here in NJ I ride all winter for fun. Love my Gerbings gear.
My pinloc helps, but still wants to fog up occasionally. For my legs, the best thing I've found were snowmobile pants. You'll want riding pants under them for abrasion protection, but they are designed to keep you warm in wet, cold environments and work amazingly well on my bike. I'm with you though, cold isn't an issue, but ice is a no no, so I take the car if there's a chance of any.
That’s what I use, too.
I use a winter riding jacket with a thin vest and ski pants but wearing wet gear on top of it prevents all cold air from coming in. I don’t like layers that restrict movement. As long as the insulation maintains the body heat, the plastic wet gear stops the cold air and I’m good for 2 hours on the saddle
Hahahaa, I had to PAUSE to get my POPCORN to watch this style of video you posted. Good Job ;-)
Another great video! We don’t get snow in Phoenix, but when you’re conditioned for very warm weather…temps falling into the 60’s gets your attention. Some riders out here may want to plug in with an electric jacket to keep the chill off when temps drop into the 40’s or below. Thanks Kevin 👍🏾
Temps falling into the sixties gets my attention too.
Let’s take a road trip on the Voyager!! Sixties is perfect riding weather to me.
But rain on the road In Phoenix the roads get real greasy
When riding in winter in the Black Forest region in Germany the key is also tyres, sure if you hit ice unless you have spikes it really doesn't matter but as you illustrated it's the exiting fro m that situation which causes the outcome. Another tip is to rain guard your visor as there is a lot of spray on wet winter roads
Funny, I just ordered a pair of heated gloves before viewing this. I have heated grips, but am getting older and less tolerant.
I wear a light & thin puffy mid layer under my jacket and have been otherwise snug as a bug …
I love single digits on dry Texas days, and fortunately never had the same experience, but am now having serious second thoughts. Thanks for the wise counsel, and glad nothing bad happened to you.
Some Garbing pants also have a power cable down the legs to the ankle where you can plug in your garbing heated boot liners.
Longjohns top and bottom, rain pants to keep the wind out, all the liners in my riding jacket, a lightweight balaclava (much better than a neck gater) and heated gloves, and I'm good for an hour at 30 degrees F with little or no wind protection.
Good tips. Thanks, MC Rider. I think snowmobile suits could use a mention. They are the way to go if you don't want to layer up or buy heated gear. I ride all year and I typically just bundle up in layers. My parents bought me a snowmobile suit for Christmas one year. That thing is toasty, and highly recommended if you plan to try winter riding or if you have a long period of single-digit weather to get through. I have no need to layer at all inside that thing. I made the mistake once of layering up under it and arrived at work a sweaty mess. My only issues are that they are not reinforced or designed at all for hot exhaust pipes (I had to make repairs to the suit a few times) and they have zero armor in them (buy one size larger if you want to wear an armored shirt/jacket under it). Other than that, they're great. That suit with good gloves and boots will get you through the cold comfortably for sure. I also have a fairing and windshield. As MC Rider mentioned, this makes a huge difference in winter. I ride through all 4 seasons with the same half-helmet. I obviously wrap my head, face and neck well in winter, but the windshield blocks so much wind, the cold air is easily manageable in a half-helmet. If you don't have a fairing/windshield, definitely use a full face helmet. The cold air is brutal in a half-helmet and no windshield (I'd get to work and literally couldn't move my lips to talk until my face defrosted). I also used insulated Carhart Overalls one winter. Not bad, but the snowmobile suit wins by a mile (lighter and more range of movement).
Ready set go
Thanks Kevin! Been there with the water on the road, a truck lost some water at -7 Celsius. Was lucky it was a 60K zone and was straight road, lost my nerve a bit that morning.
I’ll ride my Heritage Classic usually in temps down to a little below freezing. Coldest I got it started was 27 degrees. I live in somewhat NE Georgia. I could start I suppose with the fickle charger still hooked up but don’t like to do that too often. I will layer up a bit and wear a leather jacket. I also wear a FF helmet in the winter and could reall use a pin lock visor for my HJC. For the most part I’m good for a short 20 minute ride into work. If I don’t have a car, I will start it on the trickle charger. Stay safe and stay warm everyone.
Yep, I'm with you on watching the temp before riding. I find here where I live in Idaho if it hits 40s It is pretty safe from ice. Still have to watch the shaded areas though.
No bugs is a plus for cold weather riding
I ride. I'm a firm believer in 2 wheels are way better than 4 so I go unless it’s pouring down rain when I leave the house. In the winter I agree with you Kevin. Hard freeze overnight rule. One morning I rode to work when it was about 30 degrees thinking “the streets are still warm, I’m good.” I hit a patch of ice in the parking lot at work!
I’ve bumped up my cold day threshold!!
I’m like u..
If it’s not pouring when time to go to work.. riding !
If it’s gonna pour on way home .. so be it.
I’ll ride in the cold but once there is risk of ice or salt has been down .. time to keep it in the garage until we get some winter days that aren’t filled with ice or black ice etc
I have ridden in the winter, in rain, snow, I got hypothermic once. I was living in Texas, it was a 75-80 degree day, had to go into work for a few hours on a Saturday. I rode to work, did what I needed to do and started back home, a storm blew in, temperature dropped into the high 60s/low 70s and halfway home I got rained on. Not a soaking rain, just enough to get me wet. I made it another 10 miles or so before I was shaking so bad, I had to drive in the breakdown lane to make sure I didn't get run over or hit a passing car. I got to the nearest phone and called my wife to come get me. I was unprepared, no rain gear. Totally dumb mistake now I have a rain jacket at a minimum when I ride, even if it is 100 degrees.
My wife and I rode into a squall in mountains not far from Jackson Hole a couple of months ago. It was a horror show. Rounded a curve, hit with a gust so hard it picked me up and tossed me to the right of the machine, thankfully my leg hooked the tank and prevented me from a full dismount. (riding a Can-Am RTL, 2 wheels upfront/one in the rear) Stopped, turned around and dropped the hammer trying to outrun the nightmare. Now, soaked to the bone, flashers on, we're freezing, 3-4 inches of rainwater on the road, automobile traffic also trying to outrun the storm forcing us to maintain 45-55 mph, visibility of about 50 feet. All you can do in these situations is fully compartmentalize the whole thing. Allowing no thoughts into your brain other than what Exactly is happening right now and what can you do about it. 2 1/2 hours later we got back to our hotel. After securing the machine, the adrenaline dropped and I could barely move an inch due to the level of shakes.
I also have a " Surf- fishing jacket " that has rubber around the neck and arms made to keep water out, but also keeps winds out. made of neoprene. Manufactured by STORMR.
Great suggestions for staying warm. Something to consider beside air temp if riding in the mountains is elevation. I've experienced temperature shifts of 20 degrees or more when crossing a mountain pass, as well as snow at the higher elevations even during summer months.
Good point 👉
My winter driving rule has always been that, 'if I need gear to keep my body warm, then it is too cold to be riding.' May cut my season a little short but living in Colorado at 6000 feet above sea level, you never know what the next turn is going to bring. We can get snow on one side of town the the other half may be clear. Yesterday was a great example... we did not get any snow where I live but 10 miles south they had 4 inches of snow during the day. Better safe (and warm) then sorry. Thanks for all the great advice.
One side of the street!
For me, -20F is about my limit, but I'd prefer the number at least stay above 0. Heated vest and pant liners, heated grips with gloves designed to make them work the best, and windproof gear all over and I do okay. The other thing is tires... the colder it gets, the less sticky the rubber gets. I've found Michelin Road series to be the best in the cold, I barely notice a loss of grip. Fun story, I drove my Sprint ST home from the dealership in a snowstorm, had to go about 20 miles including some freeway, but fortunately it wasn't sticking or freezing until I was into my neighborhood so I could take it pretty easy by that point. The Road tires (I've had the 2, 3 and 5's so far) I fitted to it after have always given better cold grip than the Battlax's it came with from the factory.
To follow up on the helmet, I find in extreme cold I can overwhelm a pinlock (but they're great) so adding a breath deflector or breath box definitely helps the pinlock work best.
Klim makes a storm collar that is a complete game changer for cold weather.
I live in Southern Nevada and get to enjoy the riding season all year long. Lake Mead National Recreational Area North Shore Road is a beautiful ride if you ever get to Las Vegas. You can rent a bike and go for a ride or bring your own. Chris Angel's Breakfast, Lunch, and Pizza is a favorite for bikers to stop for lunch in Overton Nevada.
Silk first layer including gloves. With no heated gear, 10 hour hot pockets work wonders. Wrapping the hand grips with hot pockets work also. (I tape them on)
Compression knee socks over silk socks are the ticket. After all your layers then finish of with a rain suit to stop all wind then your PPE.
I live in Miami. It's finally getting cool enough to ride here.
It has been over a decade since I rode in temperatures below 30 deg F.
Many riders find Hippo Hands helpful.
Darkness makes it much harder to spot slippery conditions.
There can be ice in the shadow even with air temperatures in the 40's (F) if an overnight freeze happened.
Watch out for micro climates. Some small areas can have considerably different weather than the areas around them.
💯
Also if you're riding in the hills (where microclimates are a big thing) you've also got to be aware of the temperature change with a few extra meters/feet in altitude. I think it's around 0.8 degrees C per 100m in altitude (on average).
I live in Canada and got my license last spring. I wanted to keep riding as long as possible into the fall and I did until the end of November when temperatures were just around 0 Celsius/ 32 Fahrenheit and maybe a bit lower. Your story about the ice on the road will make me think more carefully. I also just got a pinlock visor and am excited to try that out early in the spring when I start riding again as my helmet was fogging up really bad in the fall and I was having to open the visor. I wasn't sure if it would work but I feel better about spending the money now that I know you recommend it. Heated gloves (battery powered) also helped me extend the riding season by a LOT.
I rode, occasionally, through January last year in Northern Michigan. Getting ready for a ride right now at 36 f, XL1200C no wind screen, just in case it is my last. I layer up but an electric jacket and bibs would be awesome.
Ha ha 'Ice alated' incident very funny good one
I remember when I was younger I would ride year round. Once I had to dig my bike out because the tires were frozen in the ice. Now not so much 😂
Heated grips/gloves, and a good winter pants/jacket, and you're good to go. The 'too cold' temperature is when there's a risk of finding ice/frost on the road. I live near the appennines, so i mainly ride in the mountains. If in the night the temperature goes under 0° C, there's a good chance you'll find frost on the road somewhere in the shade, even if it's sunny. I won't ride in temperatures lower than 5-8°C anymore, since the risk of going down in case of ice is just too great. I fell down once because of ice, about 10y ago, and that was it.
In upstate New York I ride into early snow I have a nice set of winter Harley like snowmobile bib overalls heated vest and gloves just like a toaster on 2 wheels
Living on Long Island I had my share of cold weather riding. I never had the fancy heated gear. Layers , long johns, gloves , my bright orange Hunting jacket and some leather. The coldest morning in 85 was 15 degrees with a wind chill of -2. I went to a diner for breakfast maybe 10 miles but I was a bit frozen and when I parked the bike, my knees didnt want to bend, along with Head freeze. lol The people in the diner probably thought I was crazy and maybe so but the bike was all I had at the time. It was a 79 GL1000 Goldwing fully dressed Windjammer fairing and Samsonite luggage. On longer rides I would pull over out of the wind, take my glove off and stuff them near the cooling fan and wait a few cycles to heat them up. One night, hanging out with friend at a local pub, we walk out at 3am to find about a inch and a half of snow on the ground {no I was not drinking} and rode it home slowly with no problem. I think it was because that GL1000 had a very low center of gravity . The one thing to remember is when you do park a bike in very cold weather is, the Battery better be in good condition or it may not crank over, like a car on a very cold morning. However in 2019 I moved to South Florida and This is the best time of the year to ride. Peace
Doing my first winter here in sweden with only a bike this year. Being in the cold isn't all that bad in my opinion. But I am noticing tires are super important. So as soon as I can afford it I'm ordering some good winter tires and then I reckon riding in the winter can be a lot of fun! I ride a Kawasaki Mean streak 1600. Just got to be a bit more careful and really keep the distance to all other vehicles.