Cool Weather Riding Clothes

[Xdot]

It was 45F/7.2C this morning on the R1150R. Not frigid but it's going to get worse before it gets better. Anybody have some recommendations for a good pair of zip-off pants, neck gaiter, riding suit, boots, etc. I've not ridden in cold weather before so I'm starting from square one on learning about what's available. Thanks!

Of course the tradeoff is brilliant sunshine and a perfect 70F/21C afternoon ride home.

-john

[Biff's R]

I have had a couple of pairs of Firstgear HT overpants. They are easy to get on and off since they unzip from ankle to hip. I have a gerbings heated jacket liner for my upper body that is one of the best things I have ever purchased.

What do you wear for regular riding?

[Buckster]

http://www.schampa.com/product_p/ng001.htm
It is awesome. I do use a full face helmet in which they recommend the single layer gaitor. I found no issues with the double layer.
I got this last year and love it. I do not have any electrical heated clothing. I would also recommend the GS hand guards. Blocking that wind does alot to keep the hands warm. I also added some rubber flaps to the tops of the guards to block even more wind. I also use a fleece jacket that I got from LL Bean that has a wind blocker in it. I wear that underneath my riding jacket.

[omg1010]

In addition to the (removable) padded inner lining of my clothes (Rukka) the colder it gets I use an additional layer of underwear from Dainese and if gets really cold I have an airvantage vest which I can inflate. Great stuff ...

Brgds
Oliver

[redwing]

I got hand guards like Buckster recommended and they help a lot. I got a gaitor from Walmart for 3 bucks and it works very well. I pull the gaitor on and cover my mouth (not noise because it fogs my glasses) and ears and neck. Hold gaitor in place with a balaclava...very warm. Flannel lined cargo pants and a leather jacket. Under the jacket a sung tee-shirt a thick sweater like shirt or long underwear. Under the lined pants perhaps 2 pair of long underwear. Redwing work boots and knee high, thick socks. So far to the low 40's is good.
Me I'm poor and layered for me works well in Central Louisiana.
Another choice is a specific motorcycle winter suit. I guess about seven hundred plus but great winter insulation. There are many sellers of mc suits.

http://www.newenough.com/street/closeou ... seout.html
http://www.aerostich.com/aerostich-suits/roadcrafter
http://www.britishmotorcyclegear.com/jackets.asp
http://www.compacc.com/Apparel-Mens-Str ... ed-Apparel
http://www.newenough.com/street/suits/suit_liners
http://www.sierrabmwonline.com/index.ph ... 2ef83172d9

See what you think...it's only money.

Robert

[FrozenRat]

for a neck warmer/chin warmer I had a large Tuque and i cut the top off it worked great for my winter ride. Layer you clothing i start with a pair of mountaineer polyester long johns the shirt is hooded and fits in the helmet then i put on overtop of the poly a layer of fleece long-johns and then i put my North 49 ATV suit http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/A ... ?locale=en
My Boots were Sorel http://www.getoutsideshoes.com/product.php?id=5144
this was toasty warm at -61 deg.
My ride in the winter was across Canada and very extreme you might not need this type of protection but i can tell you that i would rather be toasty warm than cold.I did have to adjust my shift lever for the large boots.
I used Hippo Ears for my hand protection http://www.hippohands.com/

[Airman]

I'll add my thoughts to all the good advice. To me the Gerbings jacket liner and heated gloves are key components to a comfortable winter ride. My winters have temperatures with the high in the 40s so I don't need insulated pants very much, but there is frequent rain. I wear Aerostich Darien riding pants, a sturdy Gore-tex garment that keeps the wind and rain at bay. I bought a First Gear Scout IV leather jacket a couple years ago, and it's proved such a useful and comfortable jacket that I've nearly abandoned textiles. When rain threatens I pull on my Frogg Togg jacket over the Scout and find the combination warm and waterproof. As well, the hood of the Frogg Togg jacket is cut to be worn under a helmet. For the neck and lower face protection I use a Balaclava that is thin over the head and face, but has Polartec in the neck area. A sport touring friend at work believes in the full Gerbings setup: heated jacket liner, gloves, pant liner, and the heated insoles. This lets him make those December Christmas toy rides in thermostatically controlled comfort. I can't fault his reasoning on those cold long rides, but it's an expensive solution.

[spoon]

Layering is key I think. The neck gator is a must and when the temps get below mid 40's F. I need gators on my legs. Keeps the drafts off my legs. I wear FirstGear HT pants and a Tour Master Flex jacket. This year I replaced the quilted liner with a Warm & Safe 90 Watt liner. On a 80 mile run today with the starting temp about 28 (sun shine) I never turned the heat more than 1/3 of the way up. Full face helmet and heated gloves. I need the heated gloves, grip heater's will not do it for me.

[redwing]

viewtopic.php?f=20&t=21958

Thought I might add this link. It strarted out as a number and ended as a discussion about cold weather clothes.

Robert