| Author |
Message |
    
Gearheaderiko
| | Posted on Sunday, February 02, 2014 - 03:35 pm: | 
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I tried the Invision anti-fog insert. It works, not perfect, but it helps.
I also tried an anti-fog 'pin-lock' insert since my Nolan was equipped for it. It works, not perfect, but it helps.
They both work about the same. They also work much better in the daylight than at night.
Definitely a worthwhile improvement.
Thanks again for everyones input. While some consider a motorcycle a Summer "toy"  it doesnt have to be. But there are challenges!
FWIW: I'm good down to about 23F now. Colder than that, I'm not so sure I want to be stuck on the side of the road if anything happens. My mission now is for more lighting to avoid hitting the ever present deer. |
Vicenzajay
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2014 - 01:16 am: |
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I definitely hear you....the deer just don't stop here as well (Pacific NW). Twice this year they have made me test my brakes (and braking skill) all the way to a complete stop from as high as 70 mph. Lots of fun...
So far the visor insert has been absolutely awesome for me....today I rode with it down to 25 degrees with zero fog issues. Will wring it out again tomorrow and Friday with the long commute - temps in the 20's all day and into the teens at night (although I won't be riding at night if I can help it).
For me this winter it's been the combination of 200g Thinsulate gloves (First Gear), Hippo Hands, a full head mask that opens for the eyes and nose, The Invision anti-fog visor insert, River Road Taos pants over long underwear for the legs, Harley 3-layer textile jacket over a turtle neck over long underwear, and double socks inside of X-Element leather boots. So far this has made it into the 20s for over an hour at highway speeds (actually more than that, but some of my commute is on back roads, there's a ferry involved, you get the idea).
I'm ready for Spring, though, regardless of the fact that I'm relatively happy that I've "soldiered" through the winter commute on the Blast. So far I've only used the car for two weeks of the past 30 or so since we returned from deployment. Next week is probably going to be the 3rd given the amount of torrential rain in the forecast.
(Message edited by vicenzajay on February 05, 2014) |
Cgent
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2014 - 09:03 am: |
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In Indiana we have a foot of snow on top of ice and tonight's forecast is -8 F.
... how would you dress for that ???
JEEP !!! |
Blueblast
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2014 - 11:55 am: |
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In a heavy-metal type outfit with lots of studs and spikes - that way when you fall down you don't slide as far into the other lanes  |
Vicenzajay
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2014 - 08:12 pm: |
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On the commute down today it was 14-18 degrees (F) with some 10-15 knot winds as well.
Loads of fun...
Gear did fine - toes were getting a bit uncomfortable by the end... |
Kenny_gilgore
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 05, 2014 - 08:51 pm: |
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Jay,
Make sure that your riding boots are long enough so that your toes and socks are not quite touching the end of the boot.
Kenny G |
Vicenzajay
| | Posted on Thursday, February 06, 2014 - 11:27 am: |
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Kenny G,
Roger that - they are...there's a gap...that being said, I think the wind chill at 55-60 mph at those ambient temps is something like -5 to -10 degrees. I had two layers (boundary and wool) of socks, but I think I've found the design limit of cold resistance on that boot/sock combo!
I'm going to get some inexpensive feet warmers to throw in the boots when it's this cold....:-)
Jay
(Message edited by vicenzajay on February 06, 2014) |
Kenny_gilgore
| | Posted on Thursday, February 06, 2014 - 12:05 pm: |
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Jay,
The Harley dealer, Ray Texter, in Lancaster, PA made boot warmers as far back as 1960. He used two layers of Dr. Sholl's insoles with resistance wire between the layers, and a short cord came out of my boots to plug into the motorcycle. It was a very simple setup and I am sure one of the electrical engineers on the forums can figure out how to do it.
In this day and age someone may already manufacture something like Tex made.
I know I could ride the whole way from Lancaster to Dayton Beach for bike week and never think about cold feet.
Kenny G |
Vicenzajay
| | Posted on Thursday, February 06, 2014 - 05:41 pm: |
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Sounds great - would be good to have something like that (simple, easy to use). I'm really trying not to have to mount heat controllers, etc. all over the bike...
I am, however, considering heated grips...as long as the system was internal to the bars...would be another way to make things just that much more comfortable. Couple that with a system like you describe and things would be toasty! |
Gearheaderiko
| | Posted on Friday, February 07, 2014 - 09:14 am: |
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They make heated everything. Cycle gear had some electric insoles (I think) in their last flyer.
For 12 volt hook up or battery powered.
Fwiw: I've never felt cold handlebars through good gloves. A good set of electric gloves will keep your hands warm with or without the power on. Rely on heated grips only and if the power goes, you're cold! You can also use gloves from bike to bike. (That's my opinion).
But everybody has their preference and its really great to hear how everybody solves the hypothermia problem! |
Vicenzajay
| | Posted on Friday, February 07, 2014 - 11:13 am: |
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Completely concur. I spent some decent coin on the glove search this year. Settled on some First Gear 200g gloves that are working well. Most of the newer winter gloves, though, do not use any Thinsulate, etc. on the palms just for the purpose of letting the gloves work well with heated grips when available.
I was thinking more of "both/and" vice "either/or". I'm not giving up the winter gloves...and I'm really not planning on getting any heated gear. Just dreaming a bit. |
Gearheaderiko
| | Posted on Friday, February 07, 2014 - 06:32 pm: |
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Well, you're doing darn well without it!
It does spoil you though. Mine came out of necessity first, I needed a heated vest to keep my back and neck muscles from tensing up aggravating previous injuries. I also found the necessary bulk in order to keep warm aggravated those same injuries. There isn't anyway on I wouldnt have believed I could get away with just a shirt, electric vest and jacket in temps down to the low 40's. I added an under t-shirt and cut-off sweatshirt over the vest and it got me down to the low 20's. |
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