How cold is too cold?

[danh600]

We got our bikes in March so we haven't rode them in cold weather. It's been really hot except for the last two or three weeks. I think I have only been cold on the motorcycle twice. Once about a week or so ago when I came home at almost dark with no jacket. Then there was the nice thunderstorm that soaked me. It's amazing you can actually get cold when the weather is in the 90s.

I have the textile jacket and pants with liners so I guess I will be good for some cool weather. Probably get another set of gloves that are not perforated. I think since I am in South Florida a few layers under the jacket and pants and I should be fine most of the time. Except for maybe right after a cold front. 

Really I have no idea what my tolerance for cold weather riding is going to be.

What temperature keeps you guys off your bikes?

[dt]

I don’t have a specific temp that I don’t go out in. I was out in 30 degrees once last winter, but it was because of a commitment I made to attend an event that started early. That was cold, but it warmed up after the sun was out awhile. Personally, I have a problem with my hands getting cold. I tried two different winter gloves last year and hated both. Neither really worked very good and both were uncomfortable. I’m actually looking at heated gear…liners and gloves.

One other winter item you might consider is a simple $10-$20 neck warmer. I picked up a cheepo Zan Fleece Mask from Leatherup.com that’s come in handy on many occasion. Neck/face/head warmers come in all shapes and sizes. You can even get one with a skellie face. 

[danh600]

I like the looks of this one.
http://www.leatherup.com/p/Facemasks/Micro-Fleece-with-Mesh-Mouth-Black-Face-Mask/96047.html

I tried a pair of winter gloves on at cycle gear. They were pretty thick and kind of hard to bend your fingers. I didn't like them much, but I am sure I am going to need a pair of lined gloves.

Winter riding will be a new experience. Visor fogging and all the cold.

[dt]

That Zan mask looks like it tucks in the jacket better. My half-mask is strapped down with the chin strap, but when I turn my head to look for traffic, changing lanes or whatnot, it pulls out of the jacket collar. Just a heads up, but these masks cause more than normal fogging on full-face helmets because they keep heat in the helmet. Its okay when you’re moving, but I need to open the visor a crack at stops.

[bagobones]

Get yourself some lined sheepskin gauntlet gloves. If you're out after dark, it can get chilly on a bike and you will want to keep the wind out of your sleeves. I bought a pair at a "Hot Leathers" tent in Daytona some years back, and they have been the best $30 I have ever spent on gloves. I also bought a pair of leather "over-pants" that actually look like pants and not chaps. These have saved me numerous times from nasty winds.

Anything above 60 degrees I have no problem riding. I even leave the windshield off. Below 60, and the shield goes back on. Below 50 and I'm doing a gut check to see how badly I want to ride. Below 40, well....I had better want it bad.

When I rode from Chicago to Daytona and back in '05, I wound up riding in sub-30 weather for the last 3 hours. That's the price I paid for the beautiful weather I rode in on the way down. I paid...THE PRICE OF THE STUD.

[danh600]

That Zan mask looks like it tucks in the jacket better. My half-mask is strapped down with the chin strap, but when I turn my head to look for traffic, changing lanes or whatnot, it pulls out of the jacket collar. Just a heads up, but these masks cause more than normal fogging on full-face helmets because they keep heat in the helmet. Its okay when you’re moving, but I need to open the visor a crack at stops.

Good advice. I will make sure whatever I get will tuck in and stay in the jacket.

[maureen]

  Silly boys! There is no temperature that will keep me off my bikes...as long as I have my proper gear, that is! Heated grips and good boots with warm socks. That's all you need. For the past few years, my trend has been to sell off my car(s) and ride the motos during the winter. Not necessarily on purpose but it just happens, so I deal with it. Gear, gear, gear!  

The kicker for me is usually rain/snow/sleet. Couple years back, I was at the last pass before entering Yellowstone Nat'l Park and got turned around because it was raining/sleeting at the time. That SUCKED!  

[dt]

Oh, heated grips. That sounds like a good idea. I shall check...

[dt]

Oh hey, anyone riding to work today?

[mrbones]

Heck no.

I miss my old CX650C where I could put my hands on the cylinder heads when stopped at a light for a quick warm up.

[bagobones]

Took the new scoot for an illegal unlicensed uninsured ride around the block and it was 32 degrees. At least it was sunny.

[maureen]

Took the new scoot for an illegal unlicensed uninsured ride around the block and it was 32 degrees. At least it was sunny.

Oh nooo! You're sooo bad!