Just returned from my annual ride from Colorado to St. Louis/Chicago and back.
Since the weather can be hot, I decided to buy a Hyperkewl vest. I'm here to report that it works. Looking up at temperature information provided by banks, I told myself that it sure didn't feel like 96F/35C.
Changed my oil in Chicago and somehow striped the center of the drain plug. Weird...I never stripped an allen fastener before. Ordered a magnetic replacement recommended by Michael Figielski of Bemmer Boneyard fame; except for the magnet it was plastic.....I'm not worried, he's never steered me wrong in the past.
Also....since the bike sat in my brother's garage for 3 days waiting for the plug, more oil was drained than usual. No concern with over-filling. It took 4 quarts with still a little space at the top of the sight glass.
Touring Thoughts - HyperKewl Vest/Plastic Drain Plug
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Re: Touring Thoughts - HyperKewl Vest/Plastic Drain Plug
Haven't heard of the Hyperkewl vest, will have to look into it. It's also been in the 90's here in Boston a lot this summer. I typically ride with a leather jacket but when it gets this hot I change over to an old off-road jacket I have from my trials days as it's much lighter and has some ventilation. I'm always surprised (not really) when I see riders who have stripped down to next to nothing on a bike-the slightest spill would hurt. I manage to stay pretty cool when riding but it's always an eye opener when I stop and can feel the heat coming off of the engine. I took a short ride through NH and Maine over the 4th and not surprising, found a lot of heavy traffic. Temp was in the 90's, sun was out and it was a lot of stop and go. At times it felt what it must be like to be sitting on a hot stove. Ended up getting away from the main roads and found relief once I started moving again.
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Re: Touring Thoughts - HyperKewl Vest/Plastic Drain Plug
Kewl vests are....cool they pack flat, can also be a insulation layer when dry, stay wet for a long time and seriously keep your core temp lower. Another feature is they literally sweat for you so you do not get as dehydrated. I also wear a camel back so I can drink while riding with a full face helmet.
I pack mine in a thick, large ziplock bag. When you stop for gas I take the bagged vest and use the bathroom sink faucet to soak it. Wearing no jacket is actually worse as the sweat evaporates before it can cool you down. I paid less than $50 for mine and have used it for many years on many trips.
I pack mine in a thick, large ziplock bag. When you stop for gas I take the bagged vest and use the bathroom sink faucet to soak it. Wearing no jacket is actually worse as the sweat evaporates before it can cool you down. I paid less than $50 for mine and have used it for many years on many trips.
1974 Kawi H-1 500
1975 Norton 850
2002 BMW R1150R
2008 Suzuki Bandit 1250
2013 BMW GS 650 Sertao
1975 Norton 850
2002 BMW R1150R
2008 Suzuki Bandit 1250
2013 BMW GS 650 Sertao