Cold Weather Gear
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2020
Posts: 42
Likes: 5
From: Toronto
I live, work and ride in Canada. When I was younger I rode year round including days and nights at 20 below (0 for you Americans) Heated gear taxes your bike I've had nothing but trouble with it and never really had the money for it. 45 min isn't a huge commute so personally, I wouldn't overspend. I wear long underwear pretty much from October to April, one piece if it's cold. I wear warm waterproof boots so my feet are not cold riding or otherwise. I used to wear my regular Jacket and fleece lined jeans and put a Big B or whatever they call them these days (A one piece snowmobile suit) over everything for riding. Hippo hands or handlebar muffs or wear ski or snowmobile gloves. Obviously some sort of balaclava. Unless you leave exposed skin you won't be cold.. Now that I'm older I have First Gear Kilimanjaro pants and jacket.. Spendy but I'm pretty toasty..
Watch out for ice patches and ride safe..
Watch out for ice patches and ride safe..
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
Fleeced lined under armor base layer is awesome!
Hate chaps and most leather is too heavy and cold.
Dont forget socks. Expect to spend $40 bucks for good socks but they will pair for themselves many times.
Freeze Out base layer top and bottom. These things are very affordable.
. I usually have two to three pair (various weight) on the bike at any given time.
Heated gear:
Helmet: I really like a modular in the winter cold months or when raining. I use a Schuberth C3 Pro which has a great seal all around the shield and most importantly a pin lock anti fog shield.
Water proof boots are a must. I wear the same boots year round. Mine are also CE rated for safety.
Ride safe
Hate chaps and most leather is too heavy and cold.
Dont forget socks. Expect to spend $40 bucks for good socks but they will pair for themselves many times.
Freeze Out base layer top and bottom. These things are very affordable.
. I usually have two to three pair (various weight) on the bike at any given time.
Heated gear:
Helmet: I really like a modular in the winter cold months or when raining. I use a Schuberth C3 Pro which has a great seal all around the shield and most importantly a pin lock anti fog shield.
Water proof boots are a must. I wear the same boots year round. Mine are also CE rated for safety.
Ride safe
Good thick socks are a must too.
I wear waterproof boots year-round. Summer showers can pop up in an instant.
I quickly learned that when using heated gear you MUST use a Thinner First Layer ( to protect in case of burn from bad heating element), but also to let the effect of the heating get close to your body. A long sleeve t-shirt or Freeze Out base layer is good with a heated jacket liner.
I have 2 or 3 pairs of gloves all the time in my Tour Pak. In case of rain, I can get a dry pair back on after the first pair gets soaked. I don't have heated gloves yet..I'm still thinking about that. I think I'm going with First Gear or Warm& Safe. But really, if it's THAT cold, I don't enjoy riding much. And I definitely don't ride when it's a chance of ANY kind of freeze. Me and Ice Patches have an agreement..if they're on the road, I will not bother them by riding and I let them have the road by themselves.
And your last statement is VERY important, Cosmic. IF you must ride in the cold, and many really enjoy colder weather, please make sure that you have the right gear to keep you comfortable. It allows you to concentrate on the ride and safety things that you have to do.
3rd Gear
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 7
Likes: 13
From: memphis
I run California Heat Clothing for winter riding. Have their jacket liner, outerpants, gloves, and socks. If you ride when its cold, it's the gear that you need. They have big and tall sizes also.
https://www.california-heat.com/heated-clothing
https://www.california-heat.com/heated-clothing
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 393
Likes: 33
From: Lansdale Pa.
I and the wife run Venture Heated Clothing for winter riding. Have their jacket liner, pants, gloves, and socks and heated seat .
https://www.ventureheat.com/collections/motorcycle
https://www.ventureheat.com/collections/motorcycle
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 385
Likes: 37
From: Two Rivers, WI
I've been riding for years in the winter, and here's what works for me. First a set of long johns, tee shirt, flannel lined jeans, and my leather jacket.. My Gerbing's jacket liner and heated gloves with a dual thermostat that will control both items. I don't like or wear chaps. And some form of head covering under the helmet. I've found this setup to work for me when the air temp is into the low 20's. I've tried layering up and it does work but, when you get where your going it's a PITA to get undressed and redressed. When we do Polar Bear rides we might be in the restaurant for an hour or more and then you'll start sweating. Then the cold will feel worse when your damp. The heated gear is light weight and you don't need any additional clothes to stay warm. There really is no need to wear everything you own, to stay warm anymore.,,,
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Oct 14, 2014 12:56 PM
