Cold Weather Riding Gear
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
Are they any suggestions for something to wear under your jeans that the wind can't cut through ? My upper body stays warm the leather jacket does a great job but I need something for under my jeans to keep my legs from getting frozen and really can't get myself to do the chaps thang even though I know its the sensible solution 
http://www.compacc.com/p/Sliders-Kev...of-Quest-Pants
http://www.olympiamotosports.com/men...rangerpant.htm
Last edited by fat_tony; Nov 25, 2010 at 10:04 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 901
Likes: 4
From: NH
I was out cruising last night in 25* weather and surprised at how warm I was with regular long undie lowers, jeans, and leather chaps over 10" boots....t-shirt, high necked sweater and leather jacket with a full face hoodie that goes down into the sweater and helmet. Leather makes a world of difference.
2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Yep - for stopping the wind chill leather is the go. I ride year round here in Victoria (Australia) and while it's not as brutal in winter I can get away with wearing thermals under my draggin jeans when it starts to get cold in Autumn (Fall) ... then will switch up to leather pants over full length thermals when it gets real cold in Winter.
I also find skins compression garments are good under your jeans or even a T shirt.
The key in avoiding heat loss is keeping the air close to your body warm with layering without restricting your movement too much with bulky clothes.
I also find skins compression garments are good under your jeans or even a T shirt.
The key in avoiding heat loss is keeping the air close to your body warm with layering without restricting your movement too much with bulky clothes.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,395
Likes: 153
From: Utah
Silk long underwear like skiers use...
I think that layering with leather on the outside is the most important, as long as you have bags so that you can mix and match as the weather conditions change. I always carry rain gear in my bags. In a pinch, you stop and put the rain gear on over the other stuff you're wearing, even if it's not raining. I carry a head cover, too... one that you can wear as a turtle neck, or open faced but all of the rest covered, or even cover all but your eyes. Best flexible tool I own.
When I got my new '06 Harley (first new one ever) I invested in FXRG leathers (an outrageous expense to me but I was 'going for it'). They have proven to be the best cold weather investment I ever made, also. Are they overpriced? You bet. I didn't look for anything equal that didn't say HD on it, though. They are well thought out, heavy, and durable.
Unbelievably, HD cuts costs in the wrong places, however. In general, their zippers stink. Many people don't realize that how a zipper is made makes a HUGE difference in its performance. To them a zipper is a zipper is a zipper but that's not true. When my favorite 'old' leather jacket's zipper finally quit, I went to a good leather shop and they educated me on Mr. Zip's invention. I spent as much on the zipper as I originally did on 'old faithful' but the zipper has been just as good as the original zipper, a rarity these days.
Old faithful is what I wear instead of the FXRG jacket except in really, really cold weather just because of the zipper. The FXRG does outperform old faithful, though, in terms of keeping me dry and/or warm.
I think that layering with leather on the outside is the most important, as long as you have bags so that you can mix and match as the weather conditions change. I always carry rain gear in my bags. In a pinch, you stop and put the rain gear on over the other stuff you're wearing, even if it's not raining. I carry a head cover, too... one that you can wear as a turtle neck, or open faced but all of the rest covered, or even cover all but your eyes. Best flexible tool I own.
When I got my new '06 Harley (first new one ever) I invested in FXRG leathers (an outrageous expense to me but I was 'going for it'). They have proven to be the best cold weather investment I ever made, also. Are they overpriced? You bet. I didn't look for anything equal that didn't say HD on it, though. They are well thought out, heavy, and durable.
Unbelievably, HD cuts costs in the wrong places, however. In general, their zippers stink. Many people don't realize that how a zipper is made makes a HUGE difference in its performance. To them a zipper is a zipper is a zipper but that's not true. When my favorite 'old' leather jacket's zipper finally quit, I went to a good leather shop and they educated me on Mr. Zip's invention. I spent as much on the zipper as I originally did on 'old faithful' but the zipper has been just as good as the original zipper, a rarity these days.
Old faithful is what I wear instead of the FXRG jacket except in really, really cold weather just because of the zipper. The FXRG does outperform old faithful, though, in terms of keeping me dry and/or warm.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 3
From: DFW Metroplex
Good leathers are the key. Having a quality set: Jacket, Chaps, Gloves....this is the "outer layer" under which everything else is configured. Keep them clean, oiled and conditioned....and they will keep you protected from the rain as well. Make sure they're a little on the big size to accommodate what comes underneath.
Once you have the "outer shell"...next depends on just how cold it is. For me personally, my leathers are good down to 55 or so, depends on how long the ride is and how fast. Once we get into the 40's, I'll start layering: flannel lined jeans, heavy sweatshirt.....in the 30's: thermal long johns, flannel jeans, heavy fleece jacket, turtle fur neck gator.....
You get the idea....everything changes under the leathers depending on conditions....and you can change this as the day goes on and the temps change as well.
I highly recommend "gauntlet gloves". Once you stop that wind going up your sleeve....makes ALL the difference.
Once you have the "outer shell"...next depends on just how cold it is. For me personally, my leathers are good down to 55 or so, depends on how long the ride is and how fast. Once we get into the 40's, I'll start layering: flannel lined jeans, heavy sweatshirt.....in the 30's: thermal long johns, flannel jeans, heavy fleece jacket, turtle fur neck gator.....
You get the idea....everything changes under the leathers depending on conditions....and you can change this as the day goes on and the temps change as well.
I highly recommend "gauntlet gloves". Once you stop that wind going up your sleeve....makes ALL the difference.
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