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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> Cold weather gear
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Message started by Ramsforever on 01/31/10 at 13:22:08

Title: Cold weather gear
Post by Ramsforever on 01/31/10 at 13:22:08

Might need to ride my bike now that my car is dead.

It is about 15-20 degrees lateley.

Question,

Where can I find some heated gear?

Without paying a ton.

Thank you in advance.

Title: Re: Cold weather gear
Post by spacepirates on 01/31/10 at 14:35:27

I ride off and on in the cold, depending on how I feel.

I think the coldest I've ridden in is about 10 degrees farenheit for about 30 minutes. not really the most comfortable ride ever, but i did it in pretty much regular gear (nothing heated).

How i gear up for the cold:
ski mask/balaclava w/ full faced helmet
scarf for the neck
long sleeve shirt/under armor
2nd jacket under my thick leather jacket
glacier gloves (http://www.glacieroutdoor.com/products_cycling.php)
long johns/thermal underwear
leather chaps (cheap and decent, but not great: http://stores.ebay.com/My-Leather-Mall_Leather-Chaps-Pants_W0QQ_fsubZ20787792QQ_sidZ56600365QQ_trksidZp4634Q2ec0Q2em322)
wool socks
winter boots (leather boots with thermal insulation that zip up on the side)

couldn't move my hands all that well when i got where i was going, but it was a great way to wake up in the morning.

a nice trick to keep your hands warm, depending on the number of red lights you get and your gloves, is that you can "hug the jug", or reach down and grip the engine with your gloves. gives you a nice warm feeling.

oh, and this might sound silly, but tuck your shirts in. makes a WORLD of difference.

... back to your actual question, i don't know of any real cheap place, but i usually shop around at http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/ it has some decent deals every now and then.

Title: Re: Cold weather gear
Post by Ramsforever on 01/31/10 at 15:38:06

Unfortunately my ride is 60 minutes. Mostly freeway.

There is just no way I can attempt that without something hooked to my 12 volts ;D

Lot of stuff I see is so freaking expensive.

I am going to take tomorrow off from work, and go look for a different car.

Or make my own clothing. ;D

Title: Re: Cold weather gear
Post by smokin_blue on 01/31/10 at 16:43:47

haven't looked lately but I know Denniskirk.com and I personnaly like
http://www.chaparral-racing.com

I did use heated grips this past week on a sled at 9,000 ft and they were most impressive! (yes it was great - Rabbit Ear's pass in Colorado)

My BMW friends at work all swear by electric gear for cold weather riding.

Title: Re: Cold weather gear
Post by Skid Mark on 01/31/10 at 16:44:02

If you are brave enough to wire your own clothes, be sure to fuse the power to the clothes. If something goes wrong, you could get more toasty than you want to. Personally I would look to some decent snowmobile gear for what you want to do.

Title: Re: Cold weather gear
Post by Skid Mark on 01/31/10 at 16:44:36

Title: Re: Cold weather gear
Post by marine5317 on 01/31/10 at 17:01:28

I bought a pair of Well's insulated coveralls on eBay for $45. They have the knit cuffs and with the right cloths underneath I believe they will do the job. I don't think our thumpers put out enough amps for heated gear.
Ride Safe
Marine5317

Title: Re: Cold weather gear
Post by ls650v on 02/01/10 at 03:30:17

I'm not convinced that the LS650 electrical system has the capacity to keep the battery charged and run electric clothing. You might get away with it on the freeway, but around town I think you will drain the battery.

Title: Re: Cold weather gear
Post by Ramsforever on 02/01/10 at 17:45:59

You are probably correct.

Wasn't really going to try it unless I couldn't find a car.

I paid 3,000 for a 98 Chevy Cavalier.

127,000 miles..... I can smell coolant when I drive it. guessing the heater core is about to blow.

But, I drove it off the lot, so now it's mine ;D

First run tomorrow, wish me luck.
:-X

Title: Re: Cold weather gear
Post by justin_o_guy2 on 02/02/10 at 05:03:07

I lost a heater core in a Mercury Marquis & thats a real mess. Instant "Cant see squat" from steam rolling up the windshield & hot water in the floorboard. You might wanna get that looked at before it goes to heck on you. At 70 MPH & in traffic, that could be quite a hazard.