| Author | Message | ||
     Nytrashman |
i was just wondering what type of gear everyone uses who rides in cold weather. i typically dress like this when it is below 40: good quality long underware bottoms, jeans and then a pair of ski pants over the jeans to block the wind. good quality long undeware tops (2 pair) followed by a polar fleece and then a good wind proof/insulated jacket. a pair of cold weather gloves like my new tour master polar tex. before the helmet goes on a balaclava goes over my head. so far this has always worked out pretty well but lately my feet have been getting cold in spite of wearing a heavy, good quality cold weather sock. anyone have any recomndations for a good cold weather boot? BTW: temp right now is 34 and in two hours i leave for a 2 hour ride up state where it is even colder. temps are supposed to rise into the upper 40's today so the ride home should be nice. this will be my first winter with my blast, anyone have any advice for keeping my bike running good all winter long or any cold weather maintenance tips specific to the blast? | ||
| Buellistic |
Nytrashman: Check out www.aerostich.com as the have motorcycle "COOLD"/warm weather gear that will STAND THE TEST AND OUTLAST THE REST" ... Oil for real cold weather is a must as in 5W-?? ... Warm weather is 20W-50 ... THIS ALSO APPLIES TO TRANSMISSION IF YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO SHIFT WELL !!! In BLASTing LaFayette | ||
| Henrik |
If your charging system can handle it, the very best option I've come across is heated gear. Absolutely no substitute for riding longer distances in the cold. The best $$ I ever spent on aftermarket gadgets went to heated grips. I use the "glue under the grip" style and like them. The wires on the throttle side holds up for a couple of seasons, but can be re-soldered for another couple of seasons of service. I also use a Widder System2 vest with their arm chaps. Great quality stuff in a reasonably non-dorky design.The arm chaps can be a tad tricky to put on, but not a big deal. Get an electronic temp controller as well. Worth the $$. Henrik | ||
| Xgecko |
So far this year I have ridden in weather in the 20's a number of times. I have a Joe Rocket Ballistic 5.0 jacket (the old model there on 6.0 now)) with a zip in liner and a pair of Ballistic 5.0 pants (the new model). I usually dress normally Cargo's, a t-shirt and some sort of long sleeve shirt. My commute is 20-30 minutes and my torso doesn't get cold...so far. I have room under both for more layers if needed. My feet so far are fine with wool socks in my Joe Rocket Reactor Boots...rain however leaves me in my Belleville combat boots, which are warm and completely waterproof. Hand wise I have tried a number of options the best of which was using Mountaineering mittens when I riding in Japan...my hands were never cold but there is little use of the hand just the ablity to hold on. Which prompted me to buy Aerostich heated grips (like what Henrik has) which the Blast's charging system can handle. I'm not sure that it can handle the addition of a vest...I mean were not talking BMW or VFR here with charging system that handle tons of gadgetry. For me the choice between grips or a vest was a no brainer. (Message edited by xgecko on November 22, 2006) | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Electric vest..Electric vest..Electric vest! For years I went without one, but now I cant believe the difference. Keep your neck and head warm. You'll lose a lot of heat that way. I used to think a full face helmet was the way to go, but I found that all it seemed to do was direct the cold air to my neck. I found that a half helmet with a beanie underneath and scarf worked much better than a full face. A 'balaclava' type pullover (head cover with neck cover also) can really work well. Try to stay away from the stiffer type bandanas or other neck covers as they dont conform well and leave air gaps. A windbreaker over or under your jacket can help cut wind chill and a one piece rainsuit can really cut the wind especially if you find yourself with out enough cold weather gear packed. I spent quite a few years with just a leather jacket, scarf, long underwear and good gloves. The hands were the hardest to keep warm during those years. Lastly, STOP before you get too cold. I've had 2 dangerous things happen. Once, while traveling cross county in November, the pain became so bad in my hands from the cold that I almost passed out.It just snuck upon me. Another time when it was "just a few more miles till we're there" it was literally like driving drunk. 80 mph through the twisties felt like a video game. It was surreal, disconnected and rational thought began to disappear. And I really didnt feel all that cold. | ||
| Xgecko |
Oh yeah I forgot about my neck gaiter...my helmet is too small for a balaclava to feel comfy and I hate the way it puches breath onto my faceshield causing frost. A guy in my office has this polarfleece gaiter that is basicly a 24"x4" double thinkness band that velcro's around his neck. Well he paid $20 for it but since I have a sewing machine and fleece I made one with the addition of a piece of canvas sewn in between for wind deflection. I wore it for the forst time this morning and wow is it nice...no more cold neck or cheeks from updrafts. | ||
| Mabueller |
Do the under-grip heaters work well under the Buell Traction grips? | ||
| Xgecko |
I don't know...I do know that they work well under Progrip Superbike Gel's and well all of the ProGrip's | ||
| Swampy |
POLYPROPYLENE! Long Johns and tops. Put it right against the skin and then a turtle neck over it. Wool Socks, the higher the percentage the better. Then look at www.newenough.com They have some spanking deals on overpants and gloves and helmets. Look at the Tourmaster Caliber overpant. I wear wool socks all year long and polypropylene most of the time. Keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. | ||
| Nytrashman |
thanks for all the responces on this. yesterday the temp never got out of the 30's but i was comfortable except my feet were a bit chilly. i need to get a good pair of insulated boots, the ones i was wearing were not insulated at all. i am also going to look into getting a pair of "elephant hands" even though they are ugly i know they work quite well blocking the wind. with the temps climbing back into the mid 40/low 50 the next few days i should be fine but i best prepare for the winter now so next week i think i will change the oil/tranny fluid. | ||
| Gearheaderiko |
Follow the manuals recommendations for oil weights. | ||
| Buellistic |
Nytrashman: Below 40 degrees "F" 10W40 per Factory Service Manual ... In BLASTing LaFayette (Message edited by buellistic on November 23, 2006) |
