|
|
Cruiser
Posts: 102
Madison, AL | My previous cold weather riding has been, bundle up, stay warm for awhile, get cold and start to shake so bad that the Harley smoothed out.
Looking at getting electric heated riding gear but have no experience with the stuff. I would like to ride for most of the winter and plan on doing my Christmas rounds on my new sled. Any tips would be appreciated. |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 600
Linwood, MI | How cold are we talking? What part of the country are you in?
|
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 320
Savannah, GA -Year round riding!! Yay! | How cold are you talking? What region are you in? The Vision offers good protection from the cold, between the fairing and the heated grips/seat, in my region (coastal SE US). I still get cold, but Tour Master insulated overpants, and either a First Gear Kilamanjaro jacket or Tour Master Trinity jacket is enough on my Vision. Now, on my VTX, I look like the Michelin Man. I personally haven't tried heated gear, but that's because it would be overkill here, on this bike. We sell the Tour Master Synnergy gear at my store, which just came out last year. They make gloves, a vest liner, full sleeve jacket liner, full pants liner. From what I hear from people that buy it from me, it doesn't get quite as hot as the Gerbing gear ( Tour Master said that they were going to be reworking it over the warm season, so it may be a better), but the plus is that it comes as a complete set up, the controller is included in the price, as opposed to having to be bought seperately with Gerbing. Also, the elements are a carbon fiber, which draw less off of your bike's electrical system than the Gerbing, so it's wired right into your battery, no need to boost it up. So, depending on how cold you ride in...
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 115
Victoria, BC | I have the Gerbing full-sleeved heated jacket liner with the variable controller. The main problems are that you have to have it as close to your skin as possible (long sleever T-shirt?) to stay toasty. However, once you get off the bike, you no longer get any heat from it (unplugged). In the past, I just used to put multiple layers on under my riding gear - which is what I'm going back to this year. On or off the bike, I'll be warm. <grin> |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1632
Jasper, MO | I've been using a Widder heated vest on my cruiser for years. It works very well. If you keep your trunk warm, then the rest of your body will stay much warmer. I believe Mr. Widder passed away recently and the business has been closed. He invented heated motorcycle clothing and had good products. Gerbings are good, according to all that I have talked to who use them. Any heated clothing works MUCH better if it is close to the skin under other layers. I wear my vest right over a Tee shirt, with a long sleeve shirt and leather jacket over it. Heated outerwear works, but requires much more amperage from your bike's charging system. I've not yet ridden my Vision in winter, but I do not anticipate needing heated clothing, as the weather protection is so good. If I need more, then the heated vest should be plenty. We also have First Gear Hypertech one-piece riding suits. I can ride my cruiser in temps down to freezing, without getting cold, while wearing it. No need to layer. It's amazing. With the suit and the Vision, I'm looking forward to some winter riding. Check out the First Gear suits. Many people prefer the two piece bibs and jacket over the one piece suit, but the cost is much higher that way. Either way, you'll stay warm and dry. I got mine from Tonker http://www.tonker.com click on First gear. There's lots of places to get Gerbings heated gear. One is http://www.cyclegadget.com They cater to the touring bike crowd, and I've already been down there with my Vision and a few suggestions for Vision accessories. They're watching the Vision to see what the market share might become. I encourage everyone who has a Vision to call them up and talk to them about the Vision. They like the bike, and are willing to support it if there is enough demand. They specialize in farkles for the BMW and Goldwing. The Vision deserves the same attention. They are good folks. As I said, they are gauging the Vision. Give them a call, and tell them you have a Vision and want some "Goldwing" stuff for it. The products already exist. They just need to be adapted to the Vision. 877-742-3488
Ronnie
Edited by rdbudd 2008-10-04 12:28 PM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Roadkill wrote an article on this topic a while back. You can check it out using the link below.
http://www.polarisindustries.com/en-us/VRA/VRiderOfTheMonth/Roadkil... |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Before I got the Vision, low 50's was pretty cool, 40's was cold. I've ridden at 19 degrees on the Vision with no heated clothing. I really don't even bundle up until it hits the 30's. Two main reasons: 1) The heated grips/seats 2) There is basically no wind chill on the Vision. On my other bikes I would dress for 15 degrees colder than the actual outside temp to make up for the 70 mph windchill. With the Vision, I dress for the actual temp. I talked to a motorcycle cop and asked him how he stayed warm without looking like the Michelin Man. He said his most important piece of warm gear was a windblocker turtleneck shirt. Then he pulled up his pants leg and showed off his fleece lined windblocker jogging pants under his uniform pants. He also had nice winter lined leather Harley gloves with big gaunlets to go over his jacket sleeves. Here is my personal gear: Underarmour cold gear short sleeve shirt, turtleneck, Victory Platinum jacket (2 different liners) (just retired a Tourmaster 3/4 jacket), Underarmour longjohns, jeans, merino wool socks. Held leather gloves for 90% of the time and Tourmaster Elite winter gloves for below 35. Fleece neck gaiter is also important. When I want to really bundle up I'll put on a fleece pullover and add a pair of windblocker jogging pants under my jeans. The coldest part of your body will be your feet and you will only notice that because everything else will be so warm.
I have walked in to work after a 25 minute commute on a 30 degree day with my cheeks a little pink and someone will inevitably say "Man, you must be freezing!" I put my hand on their neck (as they flinch and expect the worst) then watch their jaw hit the floor because my hands are actually toasty. Probably warmer than theirs. I can take the jacket off and I'm comfortable indoors. My best friend has Gerbings jacket, gloves and pants. Really nice stuff. Rides a Bandit 1250 and needs every bit of it. I think with the neck gaiter and some good quality under garments, gloves and socks you will surprise yourself on how comfortable you can be on the Vision in cold weather. You can't go wrong with Tourmaster, Widder or Gerbings electrics but like Trixie said, I think it's overkill.
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Yes, how cold, where and for how long? My personal experience has been under 5 hours, some starting in the teens and warming up into the 40's. Starting off warm is key. I would wear long johns, sweat shirt, leather jacket and then insulated overalls and good insulated winter gloves. The wind is the determining factor and the Vision offers excellent protection. Describing my wear above I believe I could ride all day in the teens or lower provided I had a 30 minute warmup period ever 3 or 4 hours. It also has to do with toleration. I will not start really dressing warm until the temp is in the 30's, until I'll ride with Leather jacket and chaps with long sleeve T and long sleeve shirt and blue jeans. I look for the layer affect in what is easy to take off, such as dressing warm then putting on the coveralls outside ready to saddle up. That way I'm not sweating and my core temp is good. You never want to be hot and sweaty before hitting the road as all of the above has little affect. My 2 cents... |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 102
Madison, AL | I make my winter commute from TN to FL for Thanksgiving and Christmas (8-12 hour trip depending on which relative and weather). This Jan I got caught in light rain/sleet/snow (helping a sibling move)... it was miserable, the thing that saved me the most was a nice pair of gloves. I was driving my M109R and was bundled up with long johns, Shirt, pants, jacket, and rain gear. I had my -30 snow boots on so the feet kept warm, but after a few hours the hands really got cold, and I started to get miserable. Drove in that junk for 9 hours. Finally got to my folks and took a warm shower to heat the body back up. One of the reasons I've gone to a big touring bike is to make the trips to my Southern Kin more comfy. Two great things about riding the bike for such visits, one is the cost of gas and having some fun getting there (when it isn't snowing, raining, etc); two is I don't get loaded up with junk to bring back to the house. This week it was in the 40s when I rode to work and I dressed like I did on the 109 and I was too toasty. Having a windshield and faring to block the wind makes a huge difference. I now have power outlets that I have never had before and wondering about gear to use with them (i.e. heated vest etc.). I think the holiday trips this year are going to be much more fun. I have been looking at the tourmaster stuff and items from Polaris, this stuff gets expensive in a quick...but if you are going to need it then the price is worth it. Just don't want to spend money to get experience on stuff that doesn't work or isn't worth the cost. Thanks for the tips. |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 600
Linwood, MI | I live in Michigan and here's how it's gone for me so far...
Up until a week or so ago it has been in the 50s-60s. I was still wearing my normal riding gear: boots, leather vest, half-helmet. About a week ago it started getting a little colder. I work at night and it's been in the low 50s going in and low 40s to mid 30s coming home. This was getting a might cold, so a traded the leather vest for my unlined leather jacket and leather gloves. This has worked thus far, though I'm thinking that for November I might have to go to a long-sleeved shirt because my arms just a tad cold. Oh, and I think I might get one of those scarf thingies to cover my lower face because my chin is getting a little cold. Heated grips and seat on, of course. 
I'm planning to ride as long as it isn't snowing, so I'm sure I'll have to adjust my gear a little more. I might be switching out my leather jacket for my regular winter coat. So far I don't think I'll need heated clothing, but that might change once the temperature gets down to 15 or 20. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 423
northwest florida | I have the Gerbing full sleeved jacket liner or you could get the armored riding jacket they sale with the electrics already installed.
http://www.gerbing.com/Products/Outerwear/armoredHeatedJacket.html#
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1436
| I did 200 miles the other night with temps between 34-38 degree's. The heated grips allowed me to wear my fingerless gloves and with the heated seat a pair of long johns were enough. A couple things that are a must for cold weather riding, warm hands, warm feet and warm head. If any of these body parts become cold you'll tense up and eventually begin to ache all over. What folks don't often think about is the neck and chin so a good cover for this area is necessary.
As far as heated gear? Well Gerbing is by far one of the best but rather pricy. That said if you can afford it by all means get it. Here we have a outlet store that sells a lot of tourmaster bike gear at BIG discounts, so it makes sense to snag it up at a savings. I would caution you to NOT mix and match brands. If you buy Gerbing pants get their top and gloves, if Tourmaster do the same. Just remember whatever you buy will last around 4-7 years depending on use before needing replacement.
Another thing to keep in mind is road conditions. While roads may be clear there is always patches of ice you may or may not see. You'll need to take a more aggressive rider position (forward w/feet under), brake much sooner, and accelerate smoother. The E3's react completely different when cold, less traction and stick so ride accordingly. Also talk with your dealer about possibly changing to a different weight oil depending on how cold you plan to ride. I've ridden in single digit temps but its not really fun so decide when enough is enough. Don't forget that when temps fall below 40 even a very slight breeze can make it feel much colder. And lastly make sure yo fluid up. Some folks think because its cold you won't dehydrate, wrong. You are just as likely to dehydrate (maybe more likely because of thought) in cold temps as you are in high temps.
You'll need to experiment with gear and temps but better to have on too much than not enough, layer...... hope this helps...... T |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | teach you and songfan must have a very high metabolism or something to keep your hands so warm. It was dipping into the high 40's this morning and I was wanting to look for my light winter gloves. The mesh gloves, BRRRRR. With the heat on high, the chill at least gets knowcked off.
Good info, folks, I've enjoyed most of the commentary. The silk though I don't understand. I bought the Under Armor long sleeve shirt and pants, thought I was gonna freeze on the ride in. Don't know what the difference was or why it acted like that, but it was like I had a chill all the way down my back and inside my jacket. Maybe I'm still doing something wrong.
Last year, I wore pants, sweat pants over, then ski pants over for wind protection. Ski pants are not waterproof, maybe water resistant, I don't think so. Top, I wore - t-shirt, turtle neck sweatshirt, then double layer ski jacket (two jackets, one inside the other), ski gloves, till it rained and I bought the Victory All weather gloves. Had the half helmet till it just got tooooooo dang cold, then I bought the Nolan flip up. So, I stayed pretty toasty a little chilly at times. Rode down into the mid 20's, BRRRRR. Songfan was right there along with me, except he wasn't wearing as much ski stuff and he was comfortable. One day, I'm gonna grow up and be like him. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | Hey Po, Ain't no growin up to it. I've just reached the point in my life where I'm done nickle and diming stuff. New hi-tech materials really do a great job of wicking prespiration away and then put a thin windblocker material over that. It all packs down to nothing. The new Victory Platinum jacket is amazingly nice. Heading for New England on Tuesday and everything I'm going to carry (including sleeping bag and extra helmet) will fit in the saddlebags and trunk. Leaves are turning. Can't wait! p.s. As for the chill down your back, get a neck gaitor and see if that seals the back of your jacket better.
Edited by SongFan 2008-10-05 4:37 PM
|
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Po, underarmor is great for summer riding but you'll freeze your personals off riding in cold weather with it. You could try the suggested neck gator (couldn't remember the name when I posted earlier, thanks SF) if it was just your back, but I've had no luck with underarmor and cold weather. Wind plays as much a part as temp, even a very slight wind.
If you get cold easy I would highly recommend the plug in gear be it tourmaster or Gerbing. I had the Gerbing sales rep for the east coast offer me a free set and like a dumb*** and without thinking said no thanks (met him on a ride from down south back north to PA in a roadside rest, we had both been interstate rain riding for better than an hour & took a quick smoke break). You'd be surprized at how nice heated gear works even on spring/summer days when you get in a cold rain shower. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm slowly working up to the high dollar stuff, but I've weathered 19 degrees so far with what I bought at Wal-mart. Long johns, jeans, long sleeve shirt, sweat shirt, leather jacket and $50.00 insulated coveralls. Also, thick coldweather socks, boots, good gloves and something to seal the neck, which I use a stretchy multipurpose thingy (?) Oh, one more thing, I used the hunter boot warmer things that come in a small pack and make sure they are under my toes in the boot. That is my main problem, the toes get cold and then I'm really uncomfortable. I rode in below freezing with this gear for about 3 hours, and made a stop to rehydrate, warm up and then continue on my journey for another 3 hours. If you have any breezy feeling, stop and fix it right away. As it gets warmer, off comes one layer after another. This year I'm going with chaps instead of the coveralls this year and see how far I get. They have removable liners. SongFan, I wish I was going with you. Sounds like you're going to rough it with just a sleeping bag. Have a safe trip. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 3204
Memphis | varyder, A big part of my buying the high dollar, thin layer stuff is psychological. There is nothing like getting off the bike on a 30-something degree day with what appears to be nothing more than street clothes on and blowing peoples minds that I'm actually warm, not just trying to survive. (Not to mention the look on any non-BMW riders face as I blow by them sitting straight up, not hunkered down behind the windshield.)
Not really roughing it. A couple of nights in KOA Kabins and the rest on various couches if need be. Jacket is the pillow. Staying w/family and friends 7 out of 9 nights.
How long do those foot warmers last?
Edited by SongFan 2008-10-05 7:43 PM
|
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 293
Arkansas | I just use my leather jacket with the liner in and a Gerbings jacket liner,
Polartec-lined jeans, unlined deer-skin gloves with separate thin wool liners.
With this I'm good to go in 30 degF all day long. And not just getting by- I'm
talking toasty!!! Just not going to do the bulky stuff. |
|
| |
|
Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | SongFan - 2008-10-05 7:20 PM varyder, A big part of my buying the high dollar, thin layer stuff is psychological. There is nothing like getting off the bike on a 30-something degree day with what appears to be nothing more than street clothes on and blowing peoples minds that I'm actually warm, not just trying to survive. (Not to mention the look on any non-BMW riders face as I blow by them sitting straight up, not hunkered down behind the windshield.)
Not really roughing it. A couple of nights in KOA Kabins and the rest on various couches if need be. Jacket is the pillow. Staying w/family and friends 7 out of 9 nights.
How long do those foot warmers last?
I'm glad I tolerate the cold a little because down to 32 I'm fine with just long john's so I don't get that bulkiness. If it is to work I'll come out of them as soon as I get there so I don't sweat and if it is still around the freezing mark when I get off, then I'll put them back on. Sitting and riding I don't have a problem, but I heat up fast when i start moving around and then I'll sweat, that is when I have problems. That is one of the reason I've not gone high tech just yet, because they may make me too warm and make me sweat faster, but I've still got them in mind. I find the foot warmers will last a few hours. One major problem is that they have to interact with oxygen, but there is not a whole lot in the bottom of a boot. If you curl the toes a few times it keeps them activated, at least for me. They are my indicators when to stop because if the toes are getting cold the rest of me is already there after those 3 hour rides. I would say though, without the footwarmers I don't I would have gone two hours. |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 319
| Layer clothing and keep the seat and grips on high...........man I love that heated seat & grips!! |
|
| |
|
New user
Posts: 1
| I ride in northen minn and ND. Recently bought a victory heated jacket and this spring on a trip around lake superior in May it was worth every Penny! I was on a vegas with heated grips and the heated jacket and my buddy was on a kingpin with a full shield but no heat. We pulled into Duluth when it was 38 degrees and raining. Lets just say i was comfortable and my buddy was about ready to call the coroner! Heated grips and the heated jacket were a lifesaver for me on that trip and I will never plan a trip in cool weather without saving room for my heated jacket. I'm not sure if i'll need the heated jacket on the vision but I'm going to wire in the outlet for sure this weekend. In my experience you can ride in awfully cold weather (near freezing) by just layering up, but if you are on a trip where you are on the bike all day you WILL eventually get cold after about 3-4 hours. With the heated gear you can go all day without getting the chills. So if you enjoy touring when the weather is cooler, then I can guarantee you won't regret the money for a heated jacket.
It also makes long rides in the cold rain much more tolerable, provided you have a good rain jacket over the top.  |
|
| |
|
Iron Butt
Posts: 669
Peachtree City, GA | One word - Gerbings.
After 24 years of riding I finally broke down and bought some Gerbings.... Since = I have wondered why I waited so long... |
|
| |
|
Tourer
Posts: 374
Tucson, AZ | Heated Vest, Heated Gloves, long johns...even though i live in Az. there have been mornings at 17 degrees, and also trips through the mountains that will freeze ya. I have the dual controller so its not just on and off, but I can dial the heat to where i need it. Mine is HD from previous years but Gerbings makes for HD and you wont be paying for the danged name....
mike |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 95
Alberta, Canada | I live in Canada, (Red Deer, Alberta) and road my bike until December 4th last year. The cold didn't stop me but the snow did!!! I wear an IKON insulated pant, a Victory insulated jacked and leather gloves (unlined), as well as a belecava and long underwear under my jeans. I find that with this gear on the heated seat and grips on, I am always toasty warm and we are talking 30 degrees F. And on the other end, I had a great bike ride to BC this summer and encountered 101 degree F weather. I prefer the cold weather to be honest!! You can always dress for colder weather but you can only take off so many articles of clothing. On another note, hit 10,000 K this summer and still haven't had any problems none what so ever with my Vic. Happy motoring all!! |
|
| |
|
Cruiser
Posts: 59
Pocono Mountains of PA | When I left for Bike week at 08:00 on March 3rd this year, the thermometer read 3 F. I had the prerequisit long underware, turtleneck, flannel lined jeans and Columbia two piece pants and jacket. (I was too cheap to spring for the electric heated stuff)I had those chemical heat packets on my toes in the boots and sheep wool lined mittons with more heat packs, and a balacava and full face helmet. I was plenty warm for most of the trip. It had warmed up to 30F by the time I got to Rocky Mount NC for the night. I was fine. The heated seat and handgrips worked GREAT! I did get plenty of looks here in PA on the highway with the temps in the single digits!! |
|
| |
Cold Weather Riding Tips, Wanted.
