| Motorcycles and Twowheelers: Motorcycle clothing and luggage - "Staying Warm Through The Winter On Your Motorbike" Thursday, 29 July, 2010 | Home | Suggest a Link |
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Most motorcyclists put their bikes away sometime around October or November, and leave them tucked up in the garage until March or April. Some of us are more foolish and ride all year round. Keeping the motorbike in good order through the winter requires work and I hope to write about this soon.
Keeping warm is the other problem. I have been riding through 15 winters now, and I have learnt an awful lot, mostly the hard way. It is a cold and fresh November day as I write this and I've been out on the bike. I would like to tell you I have been snugly warm all day, but I can't. But I have not been painfully cold.
The first thing I understand now though is the concept of layers. Today I have on the following: -
So my body has 4 layers, my legs 2 layers, my feet 3 layers including boots, hands 2 layers and my helmet to keep my head warm. With all this on, I am still not roasty warm, but I am not shivering or uncomfortable. So, let's break all this down.
Boots. Motorcycle boots do not normally come in thermal format. This is the job of the socks. Do make sure your boots are 100% waterproof though. Wet feet, even in the best insulation money can buy, will still get very cold. This applies to all your clothing. Make sure the boot is high enough, or the trousers long enough, to get a good draught-proof seal around the ankle area.
Socks. You can buy relatively thin thermal type socks to wear as the first layer, then thick knitted woollen type socks for the next layer. If your boots are 100% waterproof you do not need to worry about fast drying materials.
Leggings or Long Johns. Possibly the least attractive part of my attire. My girlfriend cringes when I undress at her house. But the fact is they keep my legs warm. Function before fashion I say. I get any old thermals I can find in the shops at a cheap price. I also use those god-awful leggings that were fashionable on ladies in the 80s, I acquired them from an ex of mine. Not as warm, but ok in a pinch.
Cordura Motorcycle Trousers. There are tons and tons out there to choose from. Try to get ones that come up quite high and over any jumpers you may be wearing. This seals in the heat and keeps out the rain, too. Again, they are not the most attractive of items. Make sure they are 100% waterproof, same reason as the socks. Many today will come with removable quilt linings. Obviously, use the linings...
Body Layers. I normally wear a short-sleeved t-shirt, long sleeved t-shirt and a fleece. Try to get the thickest cotton or thermal t-shirts you can lay your hands on. Fleeces come in a variety of thicknesses. Make sure the fleece has a long neck, this helps keep out the wind.
Cordura Motorcycle Jacket. Again, there are hundreds out there on the market. Most will have removable quilt linings, most should be waterproof. Always try on the jacket in full winter get up. It needs to be large enough to go over all your other layers and your big pants! Some Jackets come as a set with the trousers and zip together for a good seal. I've never tried them, as yet I have not found it necessary.
Scarf. Possibly the simplest piece of kit, yet it can make the most difference. Getting a good seal around the neck is vital to keep any draughts off your chest. There are a wide variety of types and materials out there. I've had everything from an old bed sheet right through to fancy fleece items that cover your shoulders and chest. To be honest as long as the seal around the neck is good, there is little difference. Many people like to be able to pull their scarf over their face to keep the mouth and nose warm. This never worried me, but try different configurations to see what works for you.
Gloves. I've spent fortunes on gloves and tried all different kinds. I have reached this conclusion. As long as the gloves are thick and thermal, you have the best already. YOU WILL GET COLD HANDS! Do note this vital piece of information, though. The human body, when it gets cold, keeps its heat in the torso, where the organs required to keep you alive are. Hands and feet become surplus to survival. The body sends as little blood and heat to these parts as it can get away with. If your hands and feet are cold, try warming your torso more!
Other than that...enjoy the challenge of riding over icy roads, watching your bike rust in the salt and going to your local bike haunt to find it deserted 'cos all your mates are fair weather wimps!
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