[JohnN]

I have a Sedici set (relatively cheap) with a zip in rain liner and a zip in thermal liner. A week or so ago I went to meet my daughter to ride up to Alice's Restaurant and go to Santa Cruz to ride highway 9. When I left Sacramento is was 36 and very foggy. I wore a t-shirt and shorts and was fine except the moisture on my face shield. On the way back, I had to unzip a few vents and could have taken the rain liner out but it really helps to stop the wind. Was a 360 miles round trip. I purchased that Russel Daylong that was on here the other day, what a fine seat. I would need better gloves if it was much colder.

My daughter is in Tanzania right now on a group ride. Thank lucky ..........................!

 

[Johntheskier]

I found a set that are 7.4v battery, like my current textile gloves, but also a separate connector for 12v.

What brand?

 

[KLRider]

I salute you for your arctic cold riding...I wish I could but the cold, add wet and my joints go to hell in a hurry. Arthritis flares to point can hardly manipulate handlebar controls. Stupid old-itis..grrrrr.
Man, that wind chill factor must be off the charts...

I still give it a go in the cold now and again but NOTHING like you describe....scary you had to get off and exercise to get that core temp up....yikes...be carfeful as I know you will of hypothermia..

Some things I have done when gotten "chilled" or to help prevent getting chilled...

I agree with many, Bibs are great...have a pair I bought in Colorado when working a project there...many, that wind coming off the Rockies on the "plains" side...it was like a knife...I bought some high viz hunting bibs and have worn on the bike, with base layers, these have the "wind stopper" membrane and that seems to be a key factor, stopping that wind.

I have used these, easy to carry on the bike or your person...

they come in various sizes ...have used small ones in the glove, between glove and liner for hands...and if you put them under your jacket and base layer shirt pocket...you would be surprised...I have an stretch belt with pockets, designed to hold ICE packs for lower back pain...it works GREAT to hold a couple of these right over your kidney area...helping keep that blood flowing warm...easy to put on over your base layer (they say not to put it direct contact with skin)....if I even THINK it might get cold I carry these on the bike...the down side, no heat regulation...being chemical reaction....but they have been a Godsend more than once....I keep them in my 4 wheel vehicles as well in the emergency kit....for use under a space blanket or wool blanket... I have taped them on top of my hunting boots in a deer stand once when I thought my toes were going to drop off ahahah..

Trash bag, the HEFTY black large one....cut a hole, put it on under jacket..at least the torso is getting some wind blockage...I guess that would be an emergency wind block..but it works in a pinch...lesson learned about rain gear when I was all knowing and said I don't need no stinking rain suit....many decades ago...gear has some a long way...

I favor merino wool johns and tops, socks, over synthetics....just me...the old wool will insulate even if wet axiom I guess...

Yep, using the rain suit OVER the other gear to block wind...have done that as well...

You mentioned BLACK ICE....that is something that I am " a feared of" as they say...if its cold enough for black ice...I won't be on two wheels and even on four....find that super scary...take caution my friend..as I know you will

I use a thin balaclava (is that the right word?) under helmet sometime....and or a neck gaiter thing to plug that bare skin spot under the chin / throat...but I don't like the gaiter thing as it restricts my head movement somewhat...rare I use it, just keep it if need it..like I noted, if that cold I would be in pain and the ride would not be fun for me....

STAY SAFE and Warm

Oh, one other thing...HOT liquids...soup, coffee, hot chocolate or whatever you poison might be...ability to heat a cup of whatever might be a booster for warmth...


If your are a cold weather rider...I am positive you know all about this but someone might find it of use....now I have to go find another sweater to put on...got cold just thinking about it

Hypothermia - Symptoms and causes

www.mayoclinic.org

 

[howard]

I salute you for your arctic cold riding...I wish I could but the cold, add wet and my joints go to hell in a hurry. Arthritis flares to point can hardly manipulate handlebar controls. Stupid old-itis..grrrrr.
Man, that wind chill factor must be off the charts...

I still give it a go in the cold now and again but NOTHING like you describe....scary you had to get off and exercise to get that core temp up....yikes...be carfeful as I know you will of hypothermia..

Some things I have done when gotten "chilled" or to help prevent getting chilled...

I agree with many, Bibs are great...have a pair I bought in Colorado when working a project there...many, that wind coming off the Rockies on the "plains" side...it was like a knife...I bought some high viz hunting bibs and have worn on the bike, with base layers, these have the "wind stopper" membrane and that seems to be a key factor, stopping that wind.

I have used these, easy to carry on the bike or your person...

View attachment 55428
they come in various sizes ...have used small ones in the glove, between glove and liner for hands...and if you put them under your jacket and base layer shirt pocket...you would be surprised...I have an stretch belt with pockets, designed to hold ICE packs for lower back pain...it works GREAT to hold a couple of these right over your kidney area...helping keep that blood flowing warm...easy to put on over your base layer (they say not to put it direct contact with skin)....if I even THINK it might get cold I carry these on the bike...the down side, no heat regulation...being chemical reaction....but they have been a Godsend more than once....I keep them in my 4 wheel vehicles as well in the emergency kit....for use under a space blanket or wool blanket... I have taped them on top of my hunting boots in a deer stand once when I thought my toes were going to drop off ahahah..

Trash bag, the HEFTY black large one....cut a hole, put it on under jacket..at least the torso is getting some wind blockage...I guess that would be an emergency wind block..but it works in a pinch...lesson learned about rain gear when I was all knowing and said I don't need no stinking rain suit....many decades ago...gear has some a long way...

I favor merino wool johns and tops, socks, over synthetics....just me...the old wool will insulate even if wet axiom I guess...

Yep, using the rain suit OVER the other gear to block wind...have done that as well...

You mentioned BLACK ICE....that is something that I am " a feared of" as they say...if its cold enough for black ice...I won't be on two wheels and even on four....find that super scary...take caution my friend..as I know you will

I use a thin balaclava (is that the right word?) under helmet sometime....and or a neck gaiter thing to plug that bare skin spot under the chin / throat...but I don't like the gaiter thing as it restricts my head movement somewhat...rare I use it, just keep it if need it..like I noted, if that cold I would be in pain and the ride would not be fun for me....

STAY SAFE and Warm

Oh, one other thing...HOT liquids...soup, coffee, hot chocolate or whatever you poison might be...ability to heat a cup of whatever might be a booster for warmth...


If your are a cold weather rider...I am positive you know all about this but someone might find it of use....now I have to go find another sweater to put on...got cold just thinking about it

Hypothermia - Symptoms and causes

www.mayoclinic.org

Thanks for the input. I to fear black ice hence my detour east. i wasn't risking it lol.
My dad teaches winter indurance camping for trail life USA (basically Christian boy scouts) here In the South Eastern region of Wyoming. Something he explained to his troops was that cold fingers are just a tell tale sign of a dropping core temp, as the body restricts blood flow to keep core temp up. So when my fingers got cold, rather then trying to warm my fingers up I would raise my core temp and let the blood warm my fingers. On the return trip as I approached chadron headed south i question if it was even 20° but I was stopping about every 25 miles to warm up my fingers, just because I didn't want to risk hypothmic shock. The wind chill of 20° at 70mph is pretty aggressive lol. A balaclava to keep the wind off my neck would be nice, the sweatjacket I had under my skid gear had a pretty big hood that when folded down fills the void between helmet and collar pretty well but there's still some leakage

 

[KLRider]

Thanks for the input. I to fear black ice hence my detour east. i wasn't risking it lol.
My dad teaches winter indurance camping for trail life USA (basically Christian boy scouts) here In the South Eastern region of Wyoming. Something he explained to his troops was that cold fingers are just a tell tale sign of a dropping core temp, as the body restricts blood flow to keep core temp up. So when my fingers got cold, rather then trying to warm my fingers up I would raise my core temp and let the blood warm my fingers. On the return trip as I approached chadron headed south i question if it was even 20° but I was stopping about every 25 miles to warm up my fingers, just because I didn't want to risk hypothmic shock. The wind chill of 20° at 70mph is pretty aggressive lol. A balaclava to keep the wind off my neck would be nice, the sweatjacket I had under my skid gear had a pretty big hood that when folded down fills the void between helmet and collar pretty well but there's still some leakage

Understood.
Yep, you stayed "flexible" and made good decision making doing the detour it sounds like.
Like you said, when getting hypothermia, folks often make bad calls, leading further down "that road".
That is awesome your Dad teaches survival tactics.
I can't say I am "Jeremiah Johnson" or anything of the sort so learning new survival skills is noting but a good thing I would think. Esp. to younger folks.
You would be surprised how many folks, get a flat in their SUV on some remote road and have no idea how to change the spare tire!!
If I lived in snow country...I would have a 3-5 day "kit" in my truck..and probably...a 4x4..never needed one before...but there...I would think yep (with winch and all that good stuff).
I have read, heard or just imagined....the number one thing that kills folks lost in the wilderness...panic.
But knowing how to keep warm, find food, navigate, distress signals...get water...all great skills. Good on your Dad for doing that.
Have a safe and happy T day.

 

[unsteadyrider]

For the two years I had the klr and the 10 years after on a 82 Goldwing in San Joaquin County California I wore Walmart thermals, Walmart winter work suit (coat and Overalls), Zip up sweatshirt, balaclava, neck scarf winter insulated motorcycle gloves and fullface helmet. When the temps went below 35 I pot hot hands in the gloves.

 

[Mazikeen]

What brand?

Milwaukee Leather MG7513SET

 

[Johntheskier]

@Mazikeen Thanks!

 

[badlandstom]

Is your Rain-Suit large enough to be put on over the rest of your gear? That would have blocked the wind from getting thru and made a huge improvement of your comfort.

Even this skinny guy can begin to look like the Michelin guy, Bipp I think is his name.

I wear waterproof Snowmobile bibs on cold rides.

I attended my fiftieth high school class reunion this past September. One of my classmates brought up the fact that I road my Kawasaki 250 "enduro" to school every single day it was in session. This was in rural Minnesota and it wasn't unusual for school to be cancelled due to snow storms. This was the early seventies, and like most rural families, we had a snowmobile. I learned how to dress for riding snowmobiles and simply followed suit when it came to cold weather motorcycling. I did need to weld an extension onto the shifter for my big pack boots to work. Occasionally I've worked year round outdoors in the north country. Oil fields, connecting steel, and carpentry. The evolution of "heated" gear has been a dream come true in those situations. Knowing the importance of dressing in layers and realizing that moisture, usually from perspiration, is your worst enemy. Another little trick I always carry in my tank bag are those little shaker pack hand warmers. I'll slip those inside my gloves on frosty mornings when the hands get cold and start cramping up from holding onto the handlebars. Bibs and jackets made for snowmobiling don't have armor, but they sure keep me warm when riding when it gets serious cold out

 

[Rags]

Loved reading through all of this, as late season cold riding is a great pleasure for me... except for the one nagging problem I've yet to deal with effectively: steamed up visor! I've tried all the commonly available recommendations and nothing has worked 100%, once the temp dips below 40°F or so. I've come to the conclusion that I need some kind of snorkel device that redirects my exhales completely outside the helmet, but have yet to find anything like this. I know they existed at one time, as a friend showed me his he used for an Alaska round trip many years back. Looked kind of like a cross between a scuba mouthpiece and a gas mask. I suppose I could fabricate something out of a diving snorkel and some vac hose, but then I'd have to breathe only from the mouth and deal with the inevitable nasal drip. That will gum up the old mustache...

 

[howard]

Loved reading through all of this, as late season cold riding is a great pleasure for me... except for the one nagging problem I've yet to deal with effectively: steamed up visor! I've tried all the commonly available recommendations and nothing has worked 100%, once the temp dips below 40°F or so. I've come to the conclusion that I need some kind of snorkel device that redirects my exhales completely outside the helmet, but have yet to find anything like this. I know they existed at one time, as a friend showed me his he used for an Alaska round trip many years back. Looked kind of like a cross between a scuba mouthpiece and a gas mask. I suppose I could fabricate something out of a diving snorkel and some vac hose, but then I'd have to breathe only from the mouth and deal with the inevitable nasal drip. That will gum up the old mustache...

Yep, I was going to ask about this actualy lol, I had to have the visor cracked open pretty much the entire time to keep the fog under control lol, I was looking at a dual sport helmet at Sturgis motorsports and I can't for the life of me remember what it was called, but it had a "flap" if you will that set down over the nose and across the tops of the cheeks that would prevent exhailed breath from ever making it into the visor area. Would be interesting to see how that would work

 

[HighwayTroll]

Loved reading through all of this, as late season cold riding is a great pleasure for me... except for the one nagging problem I've yet to deal with effectively: steamed up visor! I've tried all the commonly available recommendations and nothing has worked 100%, once the temp dips below 40°F or so. I've come to the conclusion that I need some kind of snorkel device that redirects my exhales completely outside the helmet, but have yet to find anything like this. I know they existed at one time, as a friend showed me his he used for an Alaska round trip many years back. Looked kind of like a cross between a scuba mouthpiece and a gas mask. I suppose I could fabricate something out of a diving snorkel and some vac hose, but then I'd have to breathe only from the mouth and deal with the inevitable nasal drip. That will gum up the old mustache...

Not sure if you live in an area that has snowmobile shops or not but that's the place to go.
Find if a heated visor is made for your helmet. If not find a "Breath box" that works with your helmet,

If none of those options work try a no fog contraption such as this

NO-FOG 7D Fog Exterminator

They look goofy but they work.

 

[Mazikeen]

Loved reading through all of this, as late season cold riding is a great pleasure for me... except for the one nagging problem I've yet to deal with effectively: steamed up visor! I've tried all the commonly available recommendations and nothing has worked 100%, once the temp dips below 40°F or so. I've come to the conclusion that I need some kind of snorkel device that redirects my exhales completely outside the helmet, but have yet to find anything like this. I know they existed at one time, as a friend showed me his he used for an Alaska round trip many years back. Looked kind of like a cross between a scuba mouthpiece and a gas mask. I suppose I could fabricate something out of a diving snorkel and some vac hose, but then I'd have to breathe only from the mouth and deal with the inevitable nasal drip. That will gum up the old mustache...

Interesting, once I went to a pinlock system I've not had a concern with visor fog. I can get a bit on occasion hitting thermals in the mountains when foggy outside, usually early AM, quick crack of the visor and it clears fast till the next one, that is an exception however and not related to general riding.

 

[Rags]

Thanks, fellas... I have pinlock, but apparently I'm too heavy a breather! That Fog Exterminator looks promising; very similar to my friends rig, except his had a flap valve and a short section of hose hanging out under it. I'll check that out.

 

[Rags]

Howard, my one helmet, a Z1R Solaris, does have a breath deflector "flap" device. It consists of 3 parts: 2 "wings" (my description) that attach loosely to the helmet, and the deflector, that attaches to the wings via magnets. It's better than nothing, but as the temp dips lower, the effectiveness goes south with it. Plus it is a bit fiddly; seems like I'm constantly adjusting it. Great idea, but could use some refinement. Maybe neoprene and duct tape. My other helmet, a Fly Racing Odyssey, is preferred, especially for the beak that is highly effective against low sun and glare, but the helmet has no effective breath deflection. I followed the link to the Fog Exterminator (thanks, HT)... sold out. There should be some reviews somewhere. Do you have and use this device, HT? And the snowmobile shop suggestion; doh! Why didn't I think of that?! It seems to me those folks would have to be regularly dealing with foggy visors. I do happen to have a shop 20 miles or so up the road; I'll have to stop in next time I'm up that way to see what they have.

Meanwhile "the white" has settled in with a vengeance. Time to retreat to the woodshop until the next thaw.

 

[howard]

Howard, my one helmet, a Z1R Solaris, does have a breath deflector "flap" device. It consists of 3 parts: 2 "wings" (my description) that attach loosely to the helmet, and the deflector, that attaches to the wings via magnets. It's better than nothing, but as the temp dips lower, the effectiveness goes south with it. Plus it is a bit fiddly; seems like I'm constantly adjusting it. Great idea, but could use some refinement. Maybe neoprene and duct tape. My other helmet, a Fly Racing Odyssey, is preferred, especially for the beak that is highly effective against low sun and glare, but the helmet has no effective breath deflection. I followed the link to the Fog Exterminator (thanks, HT)... sold out. There should be some reviews somewhere. Do you have and use this device, HT? And the snowmobile shop suggestion; doh! Why didn't I think of that?! It seems to me those folks would have to be regularly dealing with foggy visors. I do happen to have a shop 20 miles or so up the road; I'll have to stop in next time I'm up that way to see what they have.

Meanwhile "the white" has settled in with a vengeance. Time to retreat to the woodshop until the next thaw.

Thanks. I'm glad I didn't blow a bunch of money trying it out, lol. I've got the Fly Racing Trekker helmet, and I absolutely love it. It fits me super well, but it fogs like nobody's business when temperatures fall much below 40. I do not have much in the way of snowmobile shops right close, but I'm not too far from the Front Range/Rocky Mountains area, so I'm sure I could probably find something down in Fort Collins or there about.

 

[unsteadyrider]

Fog and pinlock.
I wear glasses and my breath will fog them. But, HJC has breath guards for all there helmets.

 

[TallBoy 650ABS]

View attachment 55373
Story time, feel free to skip to the end if you want

A couple days ago I made a 300 something mile trip to South Dakota on my 1988 klr650, and things didn't go as well as I would have liked.

I got sold on the Klim carlsbad pant/jacket set, which was supposed to be excellent for cold weather riding with only a light underlayer (or so I was told).

I was skeptical so I wore a heavy weight full Marino wool base layer from top to bottom. T shirt over that, heavy long sleeve shirt. And a mid to heavy hoody before throwing on the jacket over top. Fit was a bit snug because of the hoody. But I had all the vents closed, the waist drawn up and the pants/jacket zipper done up to form a giant onesie. After putting on my boots (heavy leather thorogood boots, not motorcycle specific), I latched down the pant cuffs with the zipper and set the snap as tight as it would go for a solid seal between the boot top and the pants.

As I set off from Wyoming things were looking good, with winds in the 20s and temps in the mid 50s, I observed that the jacket let a fairly substantial amount of air through the shell itself, but with the sun on my back, it was comfortable,and I was staying warm.

However as i approached the black hills and the sun began to settle to the west, the lighting was holding out, but the ambient temps began rapidly dropping. This was when the shell airflow became vary apparent, and very not good, after about 50 miles in low 40s upper 30s I was frozen through. So I stopped and went for a run to get the blood pumping, and my core temp back up. With 60 ish Miles remaining I set off again, temps continued to drop into the mid to low 30s and I was forced to stop again with 30 miles remaining because I could no longer feel my fingers. After warming up again, I set out for the now hellish 30 mile trip to my final destination.

So the question. What do you guys wear for cold weather gear?

What has worked best In your experience?

View attachment 55372
View attachment 55371
Any advice is appreciated, thanks

First: Nice pics.

Second: I would've died of heat stroke with all u had on and it was only 50 degrees...😄

Last: I wear gore-tex Guidewear by Johnny Morris (Bass Pro). Labeled rain gear but coat is lined so it works in cold too. Wrists strap tight w/velcro, zips up as well as buttons, with draw string hood (permanent). Also has 2 pockets large enough to hold ski gloves & skull cap in one (front two pockets at bottom • velcro), 2 chest pockets (zippers) can accommodate items the size of a Galaxy A15, 3rd chest pocket (zipper) for items credit card size, and an inside pocket (zipper), again, able to slide in a cellphone. Bottom is drawstring as well as inside waist. Another great feature; all designs & labels are reflective so u WILL be seen at night!



The latter is same for the overalls. Have two chest pockets (zippers) able to hold anything credit card size. Two thigh pockets (velcro) big enough to hold multiple items in each including cellphones. Waist adjusted by velcro straps & ankles have zippers but no way to draw them in so on cold days u would wanna wear boots that are at least, 6 inches high, or more. Best part, it has a pee hole (zipper). I fiound easiest access comes with wearing sweats underneath. For hands, I simply wear Redhead ski gloves (Bass Pro). However, I did just order a pair of Columbia Omni-Heat Touch Glove Liners for just in case purposes.

I'll end with this: Under my coat I normally wear a Champion track jacket, long sleeve tee & undershirt and under the overalls I rock a pair of nylon sweats covered by cotton sweats. Ride on champ...💪🏾
#imsopgcounty

 

[sumbubba]

Living in the South, I would just love to see what is normal for you! What a beautiful mountain stream. I would wander around there for hours.

 

[Bigsingle]

View attachment 55373
Story time, feel free to skip to the end if you want

A couple days ago I made a 300 something mile trip to South Dakota on my 1988 klr650, and things didn't go as well as I would have liked.

I got sold on the Klim carlsbad pant/jacket set, which was supposed to be excellent for cold weather riding with only a light underlayer (or so I was told).

I was skeptical so I wore a heavy weight full Marino wool base layer from top to bottom. T shirt over that, heavy long sleeve shirt. And a mid to heavy hoody before throwing on the jacket over top. Fit was a bit snug because of the hoody. But I had all the vents closed, the waist drawn up and the pants/jacket zipper done up to form a giant onesie. After putting on my boots (heavy leather thorogood boots, not motorcycle specific), I latched down the pant cuffs with the zipper and set the snap as tight as it would go for a solid seal between the boot top and the pants.

As I set off from Wyoming things were looking good, with winds in the 20s and temps in the mid 50s, I observed that the jacket let a fairly substantial amount of air through the shell itself, but with the sun on my back, it was comfortable,and I was staying warm.

However as i approached the black hills and the sun began to settle to the west, the lighting was holding out, but the ambient temps began rapidly dropping. This was when the shell airflow became vary apparent, and very not good, after about 50 miles in low 40s upper 30s I was frozen through. So I stopped and went for a run to get the blood pumping, and my core temp back up. With 60 ish Miles remaining I set off again, temps continued to drop into the mid to low 30s and I was forced to stop again with 30 miles remaining because I could no longer feel my fingers. After warming up again, I set out for the now hellish 30 mile trip to my final destination.

So the question. What do you guys wear for cold weather gear?

What has worked best In your experience?

View attachment 55372
View attachment 55371
Any advice is appreciated, thanks

I'm not sure if you can get under garments in possum / merino very fine knit and warm .