Winter Riding

[rb608]

Originally Posted by shadowmaker07

Dave, those are def interesting looking but what if you needed your hand right quick for something? Wouldn't seem like you would be able to get it back in too easily or at all (without stopping).

I have a similar product, "Polar Hands", and getting hands in and out is no problem at all. I absolutely love 'em and recommend them to everybody. I couldn't get through the winter without 'em. Some of the thumb functions are a bit more difficult, i.e. turn signals & choke, but it's only a minor inconveniece at times and well worth it for the comfort these things give you riding in cold weather.

[E'ville Rider]

I'd say the biggest problem in getting cold is the wind. The more you can do to keep the wind off of you the better. There are a lot of good recommendations for gear, but for me the best money is spent on deflectors, farings, windshields, whatever will deflect the wind from hitting you.

[wowsley]

The worst part about Colorado is the unpredictability of weather. I don't mind cold as much as I do not having traction, as long as the roads are dry I can go out. Like others, my hands are the first to freeze and that's no fun at all. Good gloves and arctic Carhartt and I'm usually good for at least a short ride.

[arning]

Watch out for ice, it will sometimes appear in places you don't expect it.

[CrazyDave]

Originally Posted by shadowmaker07

And did you otherwise really, truly even half way enjoy it????
Wouldn't seem as tho there are too many admitting to REALLY enjoying the ride which makes me think they are doing it just to prove they're tough guys or have no choice.

Actually if it were not the hands I would have no problems with it.. the torso and leg area is easily bundled, and even the feet can kept warm enough with thick boots and maybe a pair of thermal socks over regular ones.

[herbyreed]

For me I the investment in a good heated jacket and gloves was worth it. It works very well and reduces the "layering up" time considerably. My jacket has connectors for the pants also but I find that a pair of stretch running tights underneath my jeans is quite sufficient. Of course I still don't ride below 40 degrees much. I also wear a neck gator anytime the temp gets below about 55 and that is a big help. I do have a full face shield helmet and a wind screen but no fairing.

Also I would never ride if there is even a hint of ice. Just not worth it. Ice with 4 wheels is bad enough, with 2 wheels it is a disaster.

[- D -]

20 heated socks from dicks sporting goods, heated jacket liner and gloves from gerbing. I have 100 gram thinsalate pants, cheap at sportsmansguide and if needed can put hot chillies under them or wear ski pants. of course you got he face masks etc, good boots etc .. keeping warm is essential to being safe, and remember the rubber dont grip the road as well in the cold

[tcb1100]

or, you could buy any of the bikes from the family shown below. Rumour has it that they are so slow that it takes the wind chill factor completely out of the equation....

[davelisowski]

layers and any way to deflect wind like hand deflectors, windshield, lowers, etc.

i have not gotten into the heated gear that plugs in to the electrical system.

[PA SHADOW 750]

Freeze out Face mask over a full face for me think it's warmer and don't lose the peripheral vision ,have a old one piece carhart that keeps me warm at any temp and when I arrive at destination only takes a minute to step out of it