The Ultimate Guide to Motorcycling in Winter
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- Опубліковано 24 гру 2024
- This week on MCrider let's discuss a few cold-weather motorcycle riding tips. I will also tell you how cold is too cold for me to ride.
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Happy Friday!
How cold is too cold for you to ride? Does anyone have any good cold-weather riding stories?
I once taught a new rider class that started the day at 55F on Saturday morning and by the time we were done on Saturday late afternoon, it was 15F!!!! A cold front came in with A LOT of wind and cold. It was not pleasant at all and even worse on Sunday to finish the class. ;)
In case you are interested, the links from today's video:
I REALLY like the Gerbing brand heated gear...Heated Gear: www.mcrider.com/HeatedGear
Wind Shirt: www.mcrider.com/WindShirt
Thermal Shirt: www.mcrider.com/Thermal
Shoei Helmets: www.MCrider.com/Helmet
Yea, left Boston heading west. No heated gear at all. A storm blew in off lake Erie. Spent three days riding slush and wet snow. I heard heated gear comes with a tube of lipstick! Red!
I rode for a charity organization for a few years and live in Minnesota. Volunteering doesn't stop with the weather. The worst I've done was leave my house in the morning when it was 10°F. I do have a Warm& Safe jacket and gloves, which make a world of difference.
The temperature stayed warmer than your class experienced. It was between 45 and 55 F. But it was a cold rain. When I noticed one or two students stopped shivering we stopped the class. All but one or two were cold. There was three extra exercises to do on Sunday.
Skiers and snowboarders tend to show up for motorcycle classes during cold wet weather under dressed. They expect motorcycle riding to be similar to or warmer than skiing and snowboarding. It is not. Motorcycle riding is much colder. There is much less aerobic activity during motorcycle riding. And the wind chill frequently has a greater effect.
Cycle Gear has freeze out layers. ZIP up thin jacket pants with foot stirrups, foot booties, glove liners, and balaclava. I highly recommend these items for Temps your speaking of.
Last Spring I was out for a chilly ride, probably upper 40's in temp. Despite having heated grips, I began to lose sensation in my finger even though I had relatively think gauntlet leather gloves. I've always had poor circulation in my hands but I took notice but just decided to tough it out because I didn't feel like stopping to warm up my fingers. When I finally did make it to my final destination and removed my gloves, much to my shock and horror my fingers had completely lost color and had turned bone white!! Needless to say my fingers on both hands were completely numb by this point. I ran them under warm water but it took some time to get color and feeling back. I do agree with MC rider that heated gloves are the route to go!
Another option (not mentioned in this video) in regards to heated clothing besides the plug in type are batter operated apparel. I have a heated, battery powered heated vest to keep my core warm and it works great!! I rarely use the highest temp setting as it will quickly roast me!!
Thanks for a great and informative video.
Living in Nova Scotia, Canada if you want to get a full riding season you have to be prepared to ride in cold weather. Proper gear is critical along with heated grips, good tires and a well balanced bike (I ride a VStrom 650 in the winter). I can ride 12 months a year but not every day in the winter as I don’t want to ride on ice as we have very twisty and hilly coastal roads. But there is nothing better than a cold day, a hot bike and a warm cup of coffee after a cool winters day riding!
I live in Colorado and it's the same for me. If the roads are fairly dry I'm out and on it. Admittedly so, I ride a Can-Am RTL which is basically the love child of a sassy bike and a G-Kart. The cooler weather is my favorite time to ride, it's like cruising through a Holiday Post Card. So far, I've layered up but I seriously considering heated frig'n Everything this year.
Same here in Ontario. I ride till the first snow. Then they salt. Hell we have some that ride throughout.
I agree!
I was surprised how much difference just the hand guards made in keeping my fingers warm. I love the V-Strom. At 40 degrees I forgot to turn the grip heaters on.
In Michigan, I usually don’t ride my VStrom 650 in the winter. I may ride this winter with heated grip when when the road is dry and temperature is above 0C. 😊
During my military service, the guys in the motorcycle detail-messengers rode all winter; they had automatic Huskies and put little skis on extended engine guards on the sides; awesome riding, awesome guys!
Here in Ireland you need to be careful before you get to winter. Wet leaves on the road at this time of year are as slippery as ice so temperature isn't the only consideration.
I just slipped on some leaves the other day. Dropped my ne ZX14R the 3rd day I had her.
Same here in New York. Leaves every fuckin where.
This was a long time ago, but during my military service I bought a 49 cc moped. I rode over to visit some friends, and the weather changed, had to get back with ice on the roads. I put my feet out to the sides while accelerating from a stop sign, right in the middle of the intersection I lost traction and I did a 360° spin! Fortunately a sympathetic MP saw me and helped me stuff the moped in the trunk and took me back where I needed to go.
Lmao
I live in Florida, but I watched this video anyway. 😁
You should be a comedian😂. God bless you and your love ones.
You know you've maximized your biking season when you come home from riding in the Christmas parade (and a little ride thru the country in the dark to entertain those who might see you all decked out in white lights looking for all the world like the ghost rider) and once you've got into the garage, gotten your gear off, you walk outside into heavy snow. Mission accomplished!
Amherst Nova Scotia Canada
See you on the road!
I rode to the south coast in UK, a round trip of 250 miles. I started off at 6.00am with the temperature at -6degC (21degF). My Strada textile suit has an optional quilted liner and I used a pair of HG Pathan semi-mittens that kept my hands toasty warm all the way, I don't have the need for heated anything, the kit does it all. However, on the return journey the same day, when the sun went down it got bone chilling cold particularly on my chest so I stopped at a services and bought a couple of broadsheet newspapers and laid those on my chest under the quilted inner jacket, which cured the problem. Newspaper is a surprisingly good insulator and wind break.
One point I found was that on the trip down at about 7.00am on the motorway (freeway) I was giving a wide berth to a truck and enclosed curtain side trailer. All of a sudden a sheet of ice about the size of a double bed and about 2" thick slid off the roof of the trailer and shattered on the road just behind me. Had I been 2-3 secs later passing the truck, I would be dead! Anyone in a car following could have also died such was the weight and force of a mass of ice travelling at 60mph. The truck driver can't be blamed because I doubt he could see what was on the trailer roof and the rising morning sun must have melted the connection between ice and trailer roof. Since then I have been super wary of those conditions.
Thanks for that lifesaving info mate
No bugs is a plus for cold weather riding
The best cold weather base layer for motorcycling I've found is the Freeze-Out line (now called Axial Base) from CycleGear. The thing that makes it superior to other cold weather base layers, even the really expensive stuff from major sporting goods retailers, is that it has a windproof membrane layer on the front side of the shirt, pants, and balaclava, and the top side of the boot and glove liners. This nearly completely eliminates the need for a separate wind break layer as Kevin suggested. I've been able to ride with just the Freeze-Out base layers, jeans, a sweatshirt, and leather chaps and jacket, with the balaclava under a modular/full face helmet, down to sub-freezing temps - no heated gear needed.
Kevin didn't mention boots, but a good set of waterproof motorcycle boots will also be windproof. I can wear regular cotton socks in mine down to the low 40s Fahrenheit, then go to wool socks below that, supplementing with either boot liners (see above), thin wicking athletic socks, or both, as needed.
The other suggestion that I have is don't drop a lot of money on expensive cold weather gear that claims to be for motorcycling. Check out snowmobiling gear, which is purpose built for cold and wet conditions, and, in most cases, is a lot less expensive.
But I will agree with Kevin about cold weather road conditions. I general don't ride when the temps are below freezing, because it can be almost impossible to determine "Is that just a wet spot or is it black ice?" I'll make exceptions for special events, like a Christmas toy ride or a New Year's Day Polar Bear ride, but otherwise, I'll wait for the temps to get above freezing.
Sometimes I'll pick a route, slow drive it then, if all clear, go back and drop the hammer a bit. Probably just like everyone else.
I have the Axial base layer top and bottom. The top is more like a shirt, that zips up to be like a turtleneck. Plus, under that I wear the Alpinestars tech performance base layer. Made with their Dryarn fabric. That makes for a good combination.
Michael, your post gave me more useful information than 10 videos that I've watched in the last hour or so. AND, you didn't come across as an eleven minute advertisement for selling stuff on your UA-cam channel. Thank you kindly. Rubber down and heads up!
I ride year round, 365, and take my bike to work every day.
It helps that I live only 10 minutes from work, and I wear snowmobiling gear....
I work all day, so I don't ride all day.
But the bike makes my life a lot easier.
Passed my test about 5 hours ago. Thank you MCrider, you gave me the confidence to try techniques that made me nervous. I had 5 points for a foot down during a tight turn but everything else was smooth thanks to you and a few other instructors.
Great!! Congrats! Be safe out there.
👍
Welcome fellow bikeahaulic.
Congrats Bro!!
Are u riding a motorcycle now
Good advice about riding in the morning after a hard freeze. Another potential problem, especially on the freeways around DFW, which have questionable engineering and construction, is groundwater drainage on road surfaces that are in the shade. So even if the air temperature is above freezing, those areas in the shade may remain frozen. Ride your own ride. Stay safe.
Another great video! My rule of thumb is not to ride if the temperatures drop below freezing. I too have hit patches of ice unexpectedly and nearly crashed. I wear heated gear (gloves and jacket) and like you, Kevin, I wear a balaclava, full helmet and good, warm boots to keep out the cold. My leather riding jacket works great as do chaps on my legs. Everybody keep safe out there!
Hey community,
I really appreciated your detailed snow-riding video prep-it offered me some great practical advice and highlighted the challenges of riding in snowy conditions. I’m preparing for winter riding myself and need some expert input on choosing between two classic European cross mopeds. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Here’s what I’m considering:
Derbi Senda 2002
Price: 15,000 SEK (approx. $1,350 / €1,250)
Year: 2002, fully restored in 2022
This moped is a classic European cross bike known for its off-road capabilities. The restoration includes a powder-coated frame, swingarm, rims, and front fork with zero rust. The engine has been rebuilt with new bearings, a crankshaft, a cylinder head, and an oil pump. It also features new tires.
Current setup:
- **Engine:** 80cc cylinder
- **Speed:** Reaches about 55 mph (88 km/h)
- **Registration:** Originally registered as a Moped Class 1 (requires a plate), but should be classified as Moped Class 2 (30-moped), meaning no plate is needed under pre-2003 rules.
- **Parking Fees:** Due to incorrect registration, outdoor parking is around 3-5 SEK ($0.25-0.45 USD / €0.20-0.40 EUR) per hour or 550 SEK ($50 USD / €46 EUR) per month in a garage.
Honda MT50 (1992)
Price: 16,900 SEK (approx. $1,520 / €1,420)
This moped is another classic in the European cross scene, recently renovated.
- **Engine:** 50cc cylinder with a bore of 39mm
- **Speed:** Reaches around 37 mph (60 km/h), even with the restricted CDI box
- **Transmission:** 4-speed
- **Sprockets:** 14-42
- **Condition:** Rust-free; includes both restricted and unrestricted CDI boxes
- **Registration:** Registered as Moped Class 2 (30-moped), so free parking is applicable.
I’m seeking advice on which of these mopeds would perform better in snowy and icy conditions and any tips for winter maintenance. Thanks in advance for your insights!
Another winter hazard to be aware of is salted roads. I live in Maryland where roads are heavily salted in the winter. Often, there’s more salt on the road than snow! When you’re riding a motorcycle, salt on the road is just as unnerving as gravel.
Plus the damage it does to your machine
The salt does damage when there's water present if the salt is just on everything if you wipe it off and really really get it all off with water so there's no salt left then you're okay but if the salt sits there with water it becomes a solution which then can lead to the corrosion
Always prepare for whatever conditions you might face. Several years ago while riding through the Sierras in May, the rain quickly turned to snow. Luckily for myself and wife we had our heated jackets, heated seats, and heated grips on the BMW kept us warm. Temperature stayed at 33 for hundreds of miles until getting to lower elevations. Gerbing is the best!
Added heated grips to my Indian Super Chief and they are an absolute game changer. I can bundle up pretty much everywhere else but even glove liners never helped much for my hands.
I agree, heated grips are so nice. Well worth the purchase.
Amen!
If I'm worried about "black ice" which is common here in Indiana I take my infrared gun out to the road and check pavement temp. If it's 34 or below I don't ride. Before I started doing this I was riding to work one predawn morning running around 60 and noticed my revs abruptly changing. I realized it was when I rode over culverts (black ice) and my tire momentarily spun. I kept my speed up to get over them quickly but started using the heat gun after that.
We had a week of winter last year (in central tx). So much ice that you couldn't drive a car much less a motorcycle. Just have to wait a week and temps are back in the mid-70's. Winter is actually the best time to ride here in my opinion, contrast to summer days that are typically 100+ degrees (and always at least 90+ degrees).
I enjoy riding in all seasons. I just try to avoid driving in rain in winter (then it gets too cold).
I grew up in Texas on motorcycles and you are spot frig'n on!
I'm a light weight. You won't see me out there when temps get into the 40's or below. But I would like to offer up a bit different theory I learned in cold weather survival training. It's true, you want to keep your torso warm, but your body will move blood from cold extremities to your torso to warm it up. A better approach is to keep your extremities very warm, head, hands, feet. Electric gloves and socks are your friend.
IDK what you do with the helmet (you'd think there would be helmets that have heat and defrost but I digress), but for guys who commute on their bikes or just regularly ride in REAL COLD to extend their riding season, heated gloves and socks should allow you to have less bulk around your torso and arms and legs. You still need that insulative and windproof gear, but if you keep your head, hands and feet warm, you will be ahead of the game.
I had a similar experience. I used to ride well below 20 F, but even when there is no precipitation, several of the roads around where I currently live will "leak" water overnight, and if it is below 30 F, it will often freeze. One of the worst offending roads for me is square in my commute, so I made the decision to not ride when it is below 30.
Perfect advice. I did these tips and I am down to 37 degrees now and still comfortable
Thanks!
I rarely drive a car, even in the winter. I'm in Michigan. About 80% of days in the winter still have bare pavement on the roads. I only really worry about ice on the roads. The temps really don't stop me. With just heated grips and a decent jacket and overpants I'm OK riding down to 10*F so far (haven't had the chance to try lower than that).
For me keeping my hands warm is very important - if you can't feel your fingers, you can't safely operate the bike's controls.
When I was bicycle commuting, I rode regardless, one day at -25*F. That required EXTREMELY careful dressing because you can get frostbite in just a few minutes if you leave any skin exposed. On a bicycle I had an advantage because I was making my own heat, and for bicycles you can get extremely good carbide studded tires, so good that the real danger was when you stopped and couldn't stand up on what you've been riding on.
I’m a New Jersey year round rider . I’ve been using Gerbings heated jacket and gloves for the last eighteen years .Fantastic gear. Coldest temp I rode in was 12 degrees. I only ride if the pavement is dry thought (no ice or snow )Two years ago I did go down on ice and hurt my foot , luckily non permanent.
I used to have an old Kawasaki that would get totally gutless in temps below 20 degrees F. I asked a mechanic about it, and he told me to ride when it's warmer. Lol I decided to follow his advice, never having that issue again. I wish I still had that old Kawasaki.
@MCRider Freezing temps or overnight air that gets close will certainly give me second thoughts about riding. Above freezing and I'm good provided that I have dressed accordingly. Nothing makes for more of an unpleasant ride than a cold, wet, cloudy day and you are traveling through an area. Got caught once in the Sierra Nevada mountains in late spring and between the cold 38 degree rain and no sun, I was not very happy riding. Thanks Kevin for what you do and bringing great tips to the motorcycling community.
I used to ride all winter long. My record was 18F. I had a lot of overpasses and bridges on my commute to work. After going down on a bridge that had iced over on my way home one evening, I decided I would only ride the commute if the temperature is above 32F.
My record is around that too :)
Early morning commute in winter. Felt like a block of ice after 30min.
Oh man that’s not something I have ever thought of someone spilling something on the road. I ride in the cold all the time. These are great tips thanks for sharing your valuable experiences.
Rode today to work at 30F here in CO. Have heated gloves,socks, and jacket will be in on Thursday. Wore a gator and was pretty nice. Getting a bigger windshield as mine is pretty small. Have a shiver 750. Worr just my socks and gloves on their lowest setting going home and it was fantastic.
We prefer to eliminate winter road conditons all together. Simply rent a motorcycle trailer(s) and head south a few times during the winter months/holidays. So many folks work from home now and can easily transition to a motel with wifi in a warmer, safer climate. Always interesting and informative, thanks!
Yup, I've done this annually since 2014 when I retired... keeps me sane and causes me to enjoy the bike even more. Ended up buying a trailer at Tractor Supply a couple years ago. Makes things perfect for a long, long drive.
A few buddy's and myself ride year round (Northwestern Pennsylvania) we use windshields and gear up. I typically throw my leathers on the outside to break the colder winds and snowmobile gloves and also face masks. I try to keep above the freezing points but doesn't always happen haha
We do that too. Adds an extra layer of excitement to the event.
You can now get heated visors to keep them from steaming up in weathers where a pinlock isn't enough. And in addition to heated gloves you can get heated socks to stop your feet freezing.
We ride year round and it's good to remember that where there is shape from houses and trees, commonly going into a curve that black ice and wet leaf micro environments can be present quite some time after the road has dried and cleared.
Love the humor in the beginning of the video. Great intro to a serious subject. Thanks, MC!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Some Garbing pants also have a power cable down the legs to the ankle where you can plug in your garbing heated boot liners.
I have found that Carhartt coveralls work great in SC riding to work and stayed warm on mornings down to 13 degrees.
I was riding home one night from work at Gallo winery (after midnight) and it was raining heavily. That night it rain 6 inches in 3 hours and two times on the way home the bike hydroplaned. This was the first and only time I had that happen. Then another time I left for work partly cloudy and by midnight it started to snow. I worked in Modesto Ca at 240 feet above sea level and lived above Twain Harte at 4500 above sea level. Riding home at 1 AM in the snow is not my ideal of a fun ride. I made it home but that was the last time I rode to work if there was any chance of rain.
Longjohns top and bottom, rain pants to keep the wind out, all the liners in my riding jacket, a lightweight balaclava (much better than a neck gater) and heated gloves, and I'm good for an hour at 30 degrees F with little or no wind protection.
My pinloc helps, but still wants to fog up occasionally. For my legs, the best thing I've found were snowmobile pants. You'll want riding pants under them for abrasion protection, but they are designed to keep you warm in wet, cold environments and work amazingly well on my bike. I'm with you though, cold isn't an issue, but ice is a no no, so I take the car if there's a chance of any.
That’s what I use, too.
I use a winter riding jacket with a thin vest and ski pants but wearing wet gear on top of it prevents all cold air from coming in. I don’t like layers that restrict movement. As long as the insulation maintains the body heat, the plastic wet gear stops the cold air and I’m good for 2 hours on the saddle
So I live in the North East region of the USA and I love riding as much as possible if I don’t have to carry much luggage. Regardless, if you’re wrapped up in high tech weather proof fabrics and layered up with your favorite hoody under your riding jacket which is under your wind proof shell- you’ll be fine; do not allow exposure to wind, wear something to protect your neck, your wrists, your ankles. Just rode in 32 degrees. Couldn’t feel the weather with the right gear, but my hands would occasionally get cold. Pro tip for anyone on a super sport without heated grips; wave your hand over your muffler as necessary- preferably before early stages of frostbite. The lower the muffler the harder it might be to do on the move… The faster you go the colder it gets, especially if you’re wet- so stay dry. Something’s to mention about road condition: roads were salted 2 days prior. Some roads are completely dry because snowfall was not that bad the other day. Water from streets connected to puddles were tracked on the roads- it’s 7am and I was not the first vehicle on the road but the roads are still pretty fresh. Definitely doable, but be sure to take care of yourself and prepare prepare prepare. Also; listen to some of the other guys up there^ the biggest issue below 32 is ice. Try to avoid doing anything if the risk is unnecessarily high
The best neck gaiter is a Dickie from Shampa. Seals your neck and up to the helmet and seals under the jacket. Only about $30. Here in NJ I ride all winter for fun. Love my Gerbings gear.
Thanks Kevin!!!
I have never owned a faired bike. Until yesterday, (it’s still in the showroom)
What do you mean by cold?
When I was at collage, I rode a little KZ because it was all I could afford, I rode all winter rain or shine. My gear was ok not great, but good enough for where I lived(Glasgow).
I used to ride to school most days, Full face helmet. I had never heard of a pin lock. So never had one. It would steam up at lights but clear when moving. My HJC could get pin lock I haven’t bothered. I just crack visor at lights and close when moving. Wash visor with Johnson baby shampoo let a thin layer dry on, Worked with a dive mask, I found it helped .
Bellstaff waxed cotton jacket, Couldn’t afford the pants so my jeans got wet. And cold. old fashioned fur lined steel toe leather ridding boots. Same with gloves.
Bellow zero, I didn’t ride, it was to scary when I hit ice, not to cold. I tried ridding home in wet snow once. Abandoned the bike. Just to scary. Not to cold. So I don’t ride if it’s bellow freezing.
Still wore my bike gear when I had to walk, always got an empty seat beside me on the bus.
My girl friend hated it, After we got married moved to Canada and stopped riding she chucked it, wish I still had it.
Biggest mistake so far ridding this time, I rode to work in Port Hardy and back through the mountains in summer with my in town ridding gear. Jeans, Gloves, Full face, Good cordura fabric Jacket with inner liner billed as waterproof.
Ok heading up island. I was shivering pretty good after the sun set so I slowed right down for the last bit.
It was my first long MC trip. About 500km each way.
Way home. It rained hard. Port Hardy to Campbell River in summer. I don’t know air temp not all that cold just wet.
A little over 2.5 hours through the mountains in heavy rain at highway speed with ok for city riding jacket but just jeans.
I could barely stand and couldn’t walk when I stopped for gas in Campbell River. I was definitely well into the early stages of hypothermia. My buddy was quite worried about me.
I got warmed up a little with a coffee at the gas station. Most of my gear in my back pack and bag was soaked through.
So my buddy went and bought me a complete set of cheep clothes from my socks underwear out. Which I changed into. (I gave him the cash)
When I got warm enough to walk and think straigh ect. I went and bought a full set of light weight Helly Hansen rain gear. At local marine supply store.
I put that over my new pants and old jacket and rode to Vancouver. In the same rain on highway at highway speed no bother.
The Helly Hansen Gear stays with the bike. Never had a problem since. It’s quick and easy to put it on over my regular cordura jacket and riding jeans. It stop the wind and rain.
My t shirt and sweatshirt under my regular fabric riding jacket were damp not soaked through it had only real got through to my skin near zippers.
But the outer layer of jacket was completely wet, also while ridding fast I believe a lot of the rain was evaporating of partially drying my outer layer and pulling heat from my core.
It doesn’t have to be cold out to get to cold.
I was being dumb and stubborn carrying on when my gear wasn’t good enough for the ride I was doing, I could have waited. I just dint want to. And 1O0 to 120 k down a mountain highway in heavy rain probably wasn’t wise and wasn’t necessary. And I wouldn’t have gotten as cold.
Since then I still ride long distances in the rain, on my way to or from work. I bought a full set of good heavy weight cordura multi layered with inner water proof liner. The outer layer also waterproof with waterproof zippers ect.
When it’s heavy rain I put the Helly Hansen on top.
I still wear the original cordura jacket under the Helly Hansen gear, sometimes even when it’s not raining. I adds an extra layer it keeps the wind off. The pants work well over riding jeans.
My buddy from the east coast would ride, on hard packed snow, he tells me it’s not slippery. I’ve never tried and think that’s what snow mobiles are for. I am from Scotland where it’s windy and cold wet but not much low temperature now I live on the west coast of Canada. Where it’s much the same.
I’ve never bought or used heated gear. I’ve worked the Arctic, Baltic, Lakes and St Laurence in winter until it froze. Cold is ok if you are wearing good layers. So long as you stay covered from the wind and wet. I’ve spent most winters skiing, never really found it a problem. So long as I stay dry. If I get wet I get bit cold.
My opinion the best way to stay warm is to stop the wind and stay dry. Lots of layers a good outer water proof layer which helps stop the wind,
Even when you get wet, if you stop the wind, you won’t get to cold, if the water stays in place. It’s better to be dry but a layer of water, will still keep you warm.
Back when I was young I couldn’t afford the fancy breathable gear.
The modern breathable gear the sweat doesn’t stay it doesn’t condense on you or it wicks away. And the rain doesn’t get in.
When riding in winter in the Black Forest region in Germany the key is also tyres, sure if you hit ice unless you have spikes it really doesn't matter but as you illustrated it's the exiting fro m that situation which causes the outcome. Another tip is to rain guard your visor as there is a lot of spray on wet winter roads
In Texas many people leave their lawn sprinkler systems on during winter which can leave icy spots on neighborhood streets after a freezing night
My observation is the snowmobile gear was the best for cold weather. Especially if it's 40 and raining. Keeps you warm and dry, and the helmet has a breath box to keep the visor clear. Good tips!
Agreed.
It has been over a decade since I rode in temperatures below 30 deg F.
Many riders find Hippo Hands helpful.
Darkness makes it much harder to spot slippery conditions.
There can be ice in the shadow even with air temperatures in the 40's (F) if an overnight freeze happened.
Watch out for micro climates. Some small areas can have considerably different weather than the areas around them.
💯
Also if you're riding in the hills (where microclimates are a big thing) you've also got to be aware of the temperature change with a few extra meters/feet in altitude. I think it's around 0.8 degrees C per 100m in altitude (on average).
My limit is 30 degrees, and that still depends on weather conditions. I prefer 34+ degrees hoping that it means no ice, but any time I'm riding at the threshold of freezing I tend to be even more cautious. I find that driving the route I want to ride first to see what the conditions look like, especially shortly after a recent storm or near the end of winter, gives me peace of mind knowing what I'm up against on two wheels.
30 degree's is hot for UK unless your talkin about America?
@@steve00alt70 Ha! Good point. I'm referring to 30 F. :)
@steve00alt70 when you’re watching a UA-cam video that originates from Texas, USA… You should figure they mean 30° Fahrenheit.
@@jhask64he just assumed you guys are smart and use accurate measurements like the rest of the world.
Great advice. As a new motorcycle rider (1 year) and starting riding at an advanced age (54), I really appreciate your knowledge. Thank you.
I Live in NC and use leather chaps and jackets. They say to minus 20* from the actual temperature to plan for the Wind Chill.
I once hit an ice patch in town, on a downhill slope leading to a stop sign. What to do? The rear brake wasn't slowing the bike enough to make the stop sign. I needed a little more, so I used just a wee bit of front brake. Front brake on ice is a recipe for disaster, but if a little bit is all you need, then by all means. It worked. No issue.
I had my motorcycle slip right out from underneath me while attempting a right turn one winter day in Fort Knox Kentucky. A water main was weeping water that froze on the street surface I never saw the ice till after I went down. Fortunately I was barely injured and there was not much damage to the motorcycle.
I had an issue 2 yrs back. Outside Air Temp was 41~42 F, and the roads bone dry. headed towards downtown, about 8 miles. Stopped at the light, made a right turn two blocks then a left turn at a light. It's now about 10 AM and this area still hadn't seen sunlight yet, so I was going about 10 mph, then a fellow in a motorized wheelchair shot across the intersection in front of me. I could'n't stop as when I tried to apply some brakes my rear started to sway. So I did clutch in, throttle down and aimed for the space behind him. Made it through, but since then, if the OAT is colder than 45 F, I stay off the bike. 50 F or better is my mantra now.
I just rode 4 consecutive iron butts (Burgman 650) last month from Carrollton out west. High was 107 in Arizona and low was 33 in Breckinridge. I’m not a fan of shaking like a leaf when riding but I had a blast!
I'm an older rider (78 years old) and in the 60 plus years of riding, have encountered a variety of winter conditions over that time. Once drove in a freezing rain storm with hail pelting down on me actually leaving some bruise marks. Drove through that with two feet on the ground ..... thankfully I was almost home at the time. Believe that was on a Honda 360. I've driven through snow that was at least 4 to 5 inches deep....again with two feet on the ground and at slow speeds. The nice thing about really bad weather is that the traffic around you also slows down for the conditions. Neither of these experiences are something I care to repeat......but be prepared if you drive in winter.
Currently drive a Kawasaki Vulcan Voyager which protects me quite well from the wind......use a high windshield in the winter. My heated gloves (have two pairs....one battery operated and the other hardwire to the battery) do a pretty good job but I have added hand guards to keep the fingertips from freezing.
I still ride all year but I judge the road conditions in the winter before I venture out...typically later in the day when the roads have cleared.....never drive at night in the winter. I live in Toronto and the roads here are heavily salted with either road salt or a brine solution....neither of these are good for the bike itself so I limit myself to riding on days when the roads are somewhat clear. The road salt leaves salt dust on the bike which I immediately blow off when I'm back in the garage.
I live in Canada and got my license last spring. I wanted to keep riding as long as possible into the fall and I did until the end of November when temperatures were just around 0 Celsius/ 32 Fahrenheit and maybe a bit lower. Your story about the ice on the road will make me think more carefully. I also just got a pinlock visor and am excited to try that out early in the spring when I start riding again as my helmet was fogging up really bad in the fall and I was having to open the visor. I wasn't sure if it would work but I feel better about spending the money now that I know you recommend it. Heated gloves (battery powered) also helped me extend the riding season by a LOT.
My favourite is Marino wool base layer.doesnt smell as bad as those technical base layers.after a few hrs out on road
I used to ride all year around but now I leave off in about early November. The reason here isn’t the cold; it’s the rainy season and wet, cold icy leaves on the streets are deadly.
Even better than heated gear, get a chrystler Sebring convertible. You can blast the heat with the top down, and you have a stereo and cup holders
Good timing. I just removed the battery from my bike and wrapped it up for the Winter. We got a little snow up here in northern Idaho just a few days ago. So, I decided to put my baby to bed. Good night, my love. See you in the Spring. 🤗
I miss northern Idaho. Lived in Kellogg, Wallace, and Coeur d'Alene back in the 70s. 👍
A base layer of merino wool long johns from REI and some Highway 21 rechargeable heated gloves made all the difference for me. If it's below freezing I stay off the roads. Too hard to see ice on the streets.
Hi....i'm in the UK.....always thought Texas was warm all year round....just shows what I know.....love your vids.
Winter riding is in my Ram 1500 with the heater on surround setting. Can't face temps below 19C now, and no snow tires available for my street bikes. If I need to wear a space suit, I'd prefer to go to space. I see the view is really good from there.
I rode up to Tennessee last year from Miami. Had plenty of gear. 22 degrees in Tennessee and all was good except the hands and feet. Went to a ski outfitter and bought ski gloves and wool socks. Best investment I made on that trip. I could ride all day. Oh, layer up. Legs, I wore thermals, jeans and chaps. Upper body, t shirt, flannel, lined jacket.
If there’s not a pinlock option for your helmet there are also some peek and stick universal fit visor inserts out there. Just added one to my helmet and made a huge diff in the fogging.
I have ridden in the winter, in rain, snow, I got hypothermic once. I was living in Texas, it was a 75-80 degree day, had to go into work for a few hours on a Saturday. I rode to work, did what I needed to do and started back home, a storm blew in, temperature dropped into the high 60s/low 70s and halfway home I got rained on. Not a soaking rain, just enough to get me wet. I made it another 10 miles or so before I was shaking so bad, I had to drive in the breakdown lane to make sure I didn't get run over or hit a passing car. I got to the nearest phone and called my wife to come get me. I was unprepared, no rain gear. Totally dumb mistake now I have a rain jacket at a minimum when I ride, even if it is 100 degrees.
My wife and I rode into a squall in mountains not far from Jackson Hole a couple of months ago. It was a horror show. Rounded a curve, hit with a gust so hard it picked me up and tossed me to the right of the machine, thankfully my leg hooked the tank and prevented me from a full dismount. (riding a Can-Am RTL, 2 wheels upfront/one in the rear) Stopped, turned around and dropped the hammer trying to outrun the nightmare. Now, soaked to the bone, flashers on, we're freezing, 3-4 inches of rainwater on the road, automobile traffic also trying to outrun the storm forcing us to maintain 45-55 mph, visibility of about 50 feet. All you can do in these situations is fully compartmentalize the whole thing. Allowing no thoughts into your brain other than what Exactly is happening right now and what can you do about it. 2 1/2 hours later we got back to our hotel. After securing the machine, the adrenaline dropped and I could barely move an inch due to the level of shakes.
Thanks for the info Kevin
In upstate New York I ride into early snow I have a nice set of winter Harley like snowmobile bib overalls heated vest and gloves just like a toaster on 2 wheels
I am in Mexico. In December the heat is about 80° F. during the day. I think I'll be able to make it through this winter, although it gets down to about 70° at night. I'm thinking about getting some tire warmers so that my tread is ready when I first start riding. Nothing worse than losing traction on those cold 80° tires.
Silk first layer including gloves. With no heated gear, 10 hour hot pockets work wonders. Wrapping the hand grips with hot pockets work also. (I tape them on)
Compression knee socks over silk socks are the ticket. After all your layers then finish of with a rain suit to stop all wind then your PPE.
I also have a " Surf- fishing jacket " that has rubber around the neck and arms made to keep water out, but also keeps winds out. made of neoprene. Manufactured by STORMR.
I once rode by in a snowstorm past a pickup in a ditch but try to stop riding once the salt gets on the road. It gets too cold to wash off at the start of the cold season. In the spring I start out by a trip down a muddy road to protect the bike from any salt.
I live in a part of the Appalachian Mountains where springs are part of the scenery. Winter ice will swell in and through the aquifers pushing water that might otherwise sink away into soil or culverts up and out to ditchlines and all over the road, so you're never really sure you can stay dry... BUT whether you can get caught by oncoming traffic and a perfectly (?) timed puddle, you just sweat unless you're freezing to death, or weather can change patterns from sunny to downpour in a handful of minutes, I simply can't recommend WOOL enough. Even with your heated liners and gear, any wool will add to insulation, EVEN WHEN IT'S WET... AND of all the wool I've worn over the years, ALPACA WOOL is TOPS. They advertise that it's 5 to 7 times as insulating as Sheep's Wool, but I'd argue that's a conservative estimate... SO the "Boot Socks" for $20 a pair (or two on sale) and sweaters (usually about $50 ea.) are worth THEIR WEIGHT IN GOLD!!! I AM allergic (mildly) to Sheep's Wool, and at least mild to moderately to just about every other fur-bearing animal in the world... BUT I don't break out from the Alpaca's for some reason. I can't (at least, not in good conscience) advertise it as "hypoallergenic", since to my knowledge there is NOT SUCH THING as hypoallergenic "fur"... BUT it's a solid bet that Alpaca wool probably won't bother you as much as you might suspect. It's also softer and more luxurious than Sheep's Wool. I've yet to try Llama... BUT I wouldn't be surprised if Llama Wool was similarly useful in layers. Judging from the prices I have seen, Llama is probably somewhere between Sheep and Alpaca... BUT that's also just a guess.
Last year, I was able to ride year round, even down into single digits fairly deep, so I wouldn't have to "put the bike into storage"... Granted, I wasn't "day tripping" all over the state, BUT hitting the road for a solid 50 - 100 mile jaunt wasn't out of the question about as often as I rode through most of the summertime... AND I didn't have any heated gear or liners. ;o)
I've ridden on a 35 degree night with my scubapro 1mm wetsuit on underneath my riding gear and on top of two of every clothing article that still wasn't enough to keep warm on the highway, when it's that cold you need heated gear
In Victoria, BC, we are lucky to have decent winter weather but there are days when in the morning the roads tend to get frosty. Some areas in sun are bone dry but shaded areas can still be slippery. I prefer to wait until the ambient temperature is above 7celcius before cool weather riding, just to be safe.
My cold weather was a long time ago when I was young and dumb. left one day for work @ 0°. It seemed like a little frost on the grass. As I drove to work and got on the highway which an about 750 higher than my house, it was snow on the ground and had frozen to ice. I like you pulled the clutch and coasted over the ice, but the car behind me went over the edge. One other one that I have was @ 34° when I left my house. The problem as I was driving, drove into a fog bank. The roads were colder than the air and formed ice in the shadows. I was coming to a stoplight and realized that there was ice. Made a good stop, but pulled over called work to say I was going to be late due to the ice. Now I do not ride anything below 50°
My hd road glide limited runs great in the cold...
Last Spring I was out for a chilly ride, probably mid 40's in temp. Despite having heated grips, I began to lose sensation in my finger even though I had relatively think gauntlet leather gloves. I've always had poor circulation in my hands but I took notice but just decided to tough it out because I didn't feel like stopping to warm up my fingers. When I finally did make it to my final destination and removed my gloves, much to my shock and horror my fingers had completely lost color and had turned bone white!! Needless to say my fingers on both hands were completely numb by this point. I ran them under warm water but it took some time to get color and feeling back. I do agree with MC rider that heated gloves are the route to go!
Another option (not mentioned in this video) in regards to heated clothing besides the plug in type are batter operated apparel. I have a heated, battery powered heated vest to keep my core warm and it works great!! I rarely use the highest temp setting as it will quickly roast me!!
Thanks for a great and informative video.
I agree, good tips. A few remarks. I commute on my RT except when the temperature drops below 3 degrees Celsius. I ride to work very early (4 AM, serious) and around and below that temperature the dangers of frozen road surface is real. Also they tend to throw salt on the roads where I live and that really destroys parts of your bike. Heated grips versus heated gloves: I tend to share your opinion that gloves are better than grips. Till I started riding the RT. It is an older model yet it came with 2 setting heated grips from the factory. Also, because of the fairing design, wind is directed away from your hands. Thus far I find that I do not need heated gloves on the Beemer and I have already driven it during daytime around 0 degrees Celsius. I also have the impression that factory fitted heated grips are much better than after market ones, I have tried those too.
Heated grips/gloves, and a good winter pants/jacket, and you're good to go. The 'too cold' temperature is when there's a risk of finding ice/frost on the road. I live near the appennines, so i mainly ride in the mountains. If in the night the temperature goes under 0° C, there's a good chance you'll find frost on the road somewhere in the shade, even if it's sunny. I won't ride in temperatures lower than 5-8°C anymore, since the risk of going down in case of ice is just too great. I fell down once because of ice, about 10y ago, and that was it.
For me, -20F is about my limit, but I'd prefer the number at least stay above 0. Heated vest and pant liners, heated grips with gloves designed to make them work the best, and windproof gear all over and I do okay. The other thing is tires... the colder it gets, the less sticky the rubber gets. I've found Michelin Road series to be the best in the cold, I barely notice a loss of grip. Fun story, I drove my Sprint ST home from the dealership in a snowstorm, had to go about 20 miles including some freeway, but fortunately it wasn't sticking or freezing until I was into my neighborhood so I could take it pretty easy by that point. The Road tires (I've had the 2, 3 and 5's so far) I fitted to it after have always given better cold grip than the Battlax's it came with from the factory.
To follow up on the helmet, I find in extreme cold I can overwhelm a pinlock (but they're great) so adding a breath deflector or breath box definitely helps the pinlock work best.
Opted for auxiliary lights instead of heated grips. I need to find some good heated gloves.
Insulated leather chaps work well when it gets cold also.
Thanks Kevin! Been there with the water on the road, a truck lost some water at -7 Celsius. Was lucky it was a 60K zone and was straight road, lost my nerve a bit that morning.
One thing surprised me about cold weather was in Northern Utah. I was working at Morton Thiokol and got off at midnight. I was dressed for sub zero weather. Took off to Brigham City. But my carburetors froze pretty near full throttle. So there I was going 110. Saw red lights and siren behind me and tried to slow down and stop. But only control had for that was shut off the ignition. Opened up the throttle further and was doing 140. Lights behind me disappeared. And that caused the carbs to thaw. At Brigham City reduced speed to 30. Cops lined up. But I acted or rather really was cold. And they let me through.
Should mention that another employee had frozen his hand to the door knob on the inside and we thawed that with a propane lighter to get him loose
No more winters for me. I live in Costa Rica. Never gets colder than 54F never hotter than 87. But hills here of up to 41%
Definitely gotta watch the isolated patches, I think that's scarier than just snow or slush because like you said, it's not the slip, it's the sudden return of traction that creates the real issue.
Heated suit/gloves. Heated grips. Full fairing helps. Ear Warmers. Sealed goggles or glasses. As long as the roads are dry with no ice, I ride down into the 20s and am quite comfortable. Still riding in December, 2023 using the above. ;)
I ride year around. Don't have a car. I ride in the summer in the US then go home to Argentina for the very long summer there. I got caught in the US during the pandemic and rode til the end of January in NY. Heated grips made a huge difference.
Can't remember the christmas when we got a short ride with my friend around the city while 25F but it warm up to 30 and started icy rain :)
You should do a video on how to mitigate condensation in a full face helmet
Good tips Kevin for colld weather. It's Spring where I am, looking forward to the warmer months.
I’ll ride my Heritage Classic usually in temps down to a little below freezing. Coldest I got it started was 27 degrees. I live in somewhat NE Georgia. I could start I suppose with the fickle charger still hooked up but don’t like to do that too often. I will layer up a bit and wear a leather jacket. I also wear a FF helmet in the winter and could reall use a pin lock visor for my HJC. For the most part I’m good for a short 20 minute ride into work. If I don’t have a car, I will start it on the trickle charger. Stay safe and stay warm everyone.
What is this "winter" you speak of? -South Texas
In all seriousness, great info.
I like using a balaclava and those gel hand warmers on the tops of my hands, between glove liners and winter gloves
I live off-road in the mountains of Mongolia. Winter is similar to the Northern Territories of Canada.
I ride off-road pretty much all year round and our low temps average -30C (-22F) in January, daytime highs -20C (-4F). I don't commute or use roads but I can't resist doing some off-road riding on thin snow - about 10cm (4 inches). My main trick is to wait until mid-afternoon. I don't want to buy expensive heated gear because I'm only out for an hour. Standard mountain gear over body armour is fine. My body stays reasonably warm but my hands can be an issue. I made my own hand muffs out of mylar backed foam, added some low-cost USB type glove liners (7V) and put oversized off-road gloves over those. I've got some USB heated socks (7V) but they're really not necessary for an hour.
My speeds aren't high so there isn't much added wind chill. Controlling a bike on snow is an interesting technique, perhaps similar to sand. Standard knobbies are good enough. I keep my bike at room temperature right until I go out.
I did try to ride on a hard-packed dirt road last January, after a recent snowfall. I took my adventure bike with 70% on/ 30% off road tires. Big mistake. The snow hid an icy patch and I went down at slow speed. The front tire just washed out. I would've been okay - the fall was uneventful - but my Honda Transalp's engine case landed on my ankle and snapped it. Simple fracture so not too bad but I couldn't ride for a few weeks of the winter. After about 6 weeks, I rode my mountain bike instead.
I routinely ride in low 30's to include just below freezing. I have FirstGear heated gear for more than 10 yrs now... Liner and gloves. Have socks as well, but have never used them. Ride a Goldwing (4th one). Heated seat and gripes are only minimum benefit in weather below 45. Will ride as long as no snow or sleet. Avoid freezing weather after dusk due to the black ice.
Here in Houston you can ride year round
Love the video. Good information. Coldest I've ever rode was 19 with a windchill of 6, but I was working and my Sgt's rule was, if it's not pouring rain or if it's not frozen, we rode. That's what we signed up for. Nowadays seems like the more grey hairs I get, the less I like riding in the cold. But this is Texas, so wait a few hours and it'll warm up. Thanks Kevin.
Living on Long Island I had my share of cold weather riding. I never had the fancy heated gear. Layers , long johns, gloves , my bright orange Hunting jacket and some leather. The coldest morning in 85 was 15 degrees with a wind chill of -2. I went to a diner for breakfast maybe 10 miles but I was a bit frozen and when I parked the bike, my knees didnt want to bend, along with Head freeze. lol The people in the diner probably thought I was crazy and maybe so but the bike was all I had at the time. It was a 79 GL1000 Goldwing fully dressed Windjammer fairing and Samsonite luggage. On longer rides I would pull over out of the wind, take my glove off and stuff them near the cooling fan and wait a few cycles to heat them up. One night, hanging out with friend at a local pub, we walk out at 3am to find about a inch and a half of snow on the ground {no I was not drinking} and rode it home slowly with no problem. I think it was because that GL1000 had a very low center of gravity . The one thing to remember is when you do park a bike in very cold weather is, the Battery better be in good condition or it may not crank over, like a car on a very cold morning. However in 2019 I moved to South Florida and This is the best time of the year to ride. Peace
Thanks my friend for your support but for me our country not that cold so for us I believe the thermal underwear will be fine , by the way could you please advise me for safety jeans 👖 my best greeting
Kevin, I always enjoy your words of wisdom. I ride all year if I can, the only time I can’t is when my driveway is covered with ice usually in January. Your tips for riding in cold weather are spot on. I use Hippo Hands to cover my heated grips on my 1250 GS. I can wear summer gloves all winter which gives me better dexterity. I’ve considered the heated jacket and I just might get one; so far I’ve been able to manage without one as long as I eat a good breakfast to give me the fuel to stay warm.
Thanks again. God bless you.