Clothing issues

[houndog]

Hello everyone. I need spome help.
I have ridden on and off for a number of years, mostly Japanese crusiers, but allways had a car for the bad weather days (namely the winter). I just accuired a 04 rockster and I love it. It is by far the coolest bike I have ever owned. With this being a super reliable bike, I have this idea that I should be able to ride year around to save some gas money. The only problem with that idea is, is that I now own a BMW but I have a 1972 Honda moped budget.
So basically I need help and Ideas on winter riding clothing. Now I have a Vanson leather jacket, some Thinsulate ski gloves, and a pair of old Air Force coveralls, and let me tell you I got cold on the way to work this morning and it was only 54 degrees. Plus I was wearing thermal underware.
So if anyone has any ideas on clothing for this poor little East Texas boy, I would be much obliged. I'd hate to have to park my bike untill spring. I think it deserves better.
Thank you,
T

[DJ Downunder]

I would suggest buying some wet weather gear and use it to keep the cold out..either second hand or new..I find that whenever I wear mine it's much warmer because it stops the cold air getting through.

Congrats on the new bike and welcome.

DJ

[MattPie]

I've been pretty impressed with my Olympia summer jacket with the liner in. I rode most of last week, with the temp in the 40s and 50s and I was warm enough, other than my summer gloves. Only jeans on (yes, I know, ATGATL), but I've riden with "5-pocket" leather jeans when it's 35-40 and that worked out.

Any colder than that, and I start to worry about ice and don't ride.

[riceburner]

The quick and cheap way is a one-piece waterproof oversuit.

If you get the Spada 406 suit where you are I can recommend it. It's actually made so that there's 2 sheets of material between you and the elements, but it's no thicker than a regular un-lined oversuit.

oh yeah, and DON'T make the mistake of thinking that clothing made for skiing or hiking is up to the job - it isn't. Motorcycling is possibly the toughest test of any garment's waterproofing or heat-retaining properties.

Think about it - where else are you going to have rainwater falling onto you at 60mph, windchills of 60mph etc etc....

[Leno]

The quick and cheap way is a one-piece waterproof oversuit.

If you get the Spada 406 suit where you are I can recommend it. It's actually made so that there's 2 sheets of material between you and the elements, but it's no thicker than a regular un-lined oversuit.

oh yeah, and DON'T make the mistake of thinking that clothing made for skiing or hiking is up to the job - it isn't. Motorcycling is possibly the toughest test of any garment's waterproofing or heat-retaining properties.

Think about it - where else are you going to have rainwater falling onto you at 60mph, windchills of 60mph etc etc....

I agree all the way with Ricewind, I've be far colder on the bike then I ever have skiing. The ski gear is also not up to prtecting you in an off. But in comination with a oversuit it could keep you quite dry and warm. Top tips for keeping warm are hands and feet. Keep them warm and the rest of the body will have far easier time. The ugly hand muff things are horrid but effective. Stop drafts and don't wear things too bagy. For myself I've always spent a lot on my winter gear. I ride everyday all year and for me it's worth it.

[drevil]

expensive? yes , 780$. but look at the features. waterproof, super vented, and best of all, very protective in a crash. my brother, who used ot race bikes, has been wearing the same one year round for like 10 years. he says while leather is slightly better in a crash, try wearing it in the rain. also you will want to get som gerbering heated gear. maybe a vest, sock and gloves if your grips aren't heated. i just ordered one and i'll report further when i get a chance to test it this weekend.

[drevil]

oops, i didn't read your post fully. on the moper budget, here is what i did. i went to walmart and bought a pair of carhart like coveralls for 50$ along with the leather jacket, good olympia winter gloves and the activated hot foot warmers in especially cold weather, you'll be fine. i made it to daytona last march in some severe crappy weather, including snow and ice and cold rain in that setup.

[JCsman]

Drevel points out the activated foot warmers. My wife sometimes uses a chemical generated heating pad for her neck.

After I got caught in a sudden cold snap while on the bike, far from home, I got to thinking about that little heater. I did not have the bags on so I had a mesh jacket, mesh gloves, heated grips and no where else to turn for warmth.

I now carry a rain suit, plus (large) ThermoCare - I'm sure there are other brands heating wrap in my bag for unexpected cold bouts. This is the one that is meant for back pain. They make smaller ones for necks, etc.

An electric vest would be better, but this hot pack is always with me. Under my rain gear (and regular riding jacket) it can really help.

Of course I AM in Alabama so "cold" here may be a bit balmier than most experience. FWIW it was 45 degrees this am on my commute. Not another bike to be seen.

[drevil]

http://www.warmers.com/ItemDetails.aspx ... D%7citemid

these are the ones i used. excellent. and you can keep a pair easily under the seat with your tools for an emergency. i got them on sale for like 99 cents each, but i think they are usually a few bucks. well worth using on longer rides in the cold when your feet start numbing out!

[TonyT607]

Houndog, check out the winter gear thread on the main forum.

[Nakigara]

Also something to think about is the GS handguards. They will keep the wind off of your fingers and let the heated grips do their job better. By far the handguards are the best accessory I've bought for the Rock. And yes they do kind of look fugly, but if you bought a BMW then you value function over form!

Dan

[Leno]

The cheap way is to make them out of plastic cartons about a gallon in size. The sort of thing milk or juice comes in. You cut a hole in one side and slit the neck so you can get it over the bars. Then bind the neck end to the bars. At the other end take the screw out of the bar end stick a large washer on and then put the screw/bolt back in to the bottom of the carton.

[drevil]

i bet those look great!

how much are the actual gs handguards?

[Leno]

[quote="drevil"]i bet those look great! quote]

No they are as bad as the house sale board leg shields but they are popular with some of the bike couriers running around London in the winter. There is even a guy with a home made roof like the the one on the C1. I wish I could get a picture. But these guys are on a real budget.

[riceburner]

i bet those look great!

how much are the actual gs handguards?

in the UK they're only about £35 - dunno what they are in the US.

[drevil]

here in DC we have mostly bicycle couriers, and they also have some ingenious low budget accessories. hey, at least the london ones get to ride all day!

[houndog]

I juat ebay'd a set of new outdated Belstaff lined wet weather gear for less than 100 bucks.
Now if I could only get those milk jugs to stay on the bars at 85mph, I'll be set.

Thanks for all your help,
Tommy

[houndog]

By the way,
Does anyone know where I can pick up one of those back seat close out panels? I bought my bike second hand and didn't get one in the deal. I don't like passengers and that looks like a good way to keep them/ my wife from asking. I could check the dealership, but so far I have been able to avoid those guys and would like to keep it that way.
Thanks,
Tommy

[Est51]

You can pick 'em up on e-bay occasionally. Also try mailorder, although they're expensive for what they are [$95 from BMW Santa Cruz]!