Author Topic: Riding in cold weather  (Read 5641 times)

Offline ScooterNSticks

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Riding in cold weather
« on: November 11, 2019, 10:34:12 PM »
I've been trying to determine the temperature limits of my 1992 K75C with no electric gear.  At 34F I've been comfortable with my overpants, boots and First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket.  Hands are a problem but I can manage 20 miles or so with my cool weather leather gloves.  I'll have to try the Gerbing Electric Gloves though for any extended riding.  Beautiful weather of late and a pleasure to ride.

  • Boalsburg, PA
  • 1992 BMW K75, 2006 Vespa GTS 250ie
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Offline Martin

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #1 on: November 11, 2019, 11:38:08 PM »
Even though I live in QLD, it can get cold of a nighttime or when going inland. I managed to score a new set of OEM handguards which have cancelled the need for thicker winter gloves. Back in the 70's when wet weather gear and cold weather gear was not that good or probably I couldn't afford it. I used an OZ army greatcoat which was warm but not waterproof, so I resorted to wearing a 1/4" thick neoprene wetsuit which worked well in the southern states in winter. If my cheap wet gear leaked it didn't matter as I was still warm. It did however come with a couple of downsides, going to the men's room took planning ahead. And at times overheating could be a problem. The strange looks when I took off my jacket revealing the wetsuit were priceless.
Regards Martin.
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Offline Chaos

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #2 on: November 12, 2019, 12:22:04 AM »
I've found ski gloves and mittens more effective than winter motorcycle gloves, they don't have the protection but at least your digits don't go numb.  When it gets really cold I put the Vetter HippoHands on the Ural and park the K.  So far I've resisted the urge to electrify, though many folks swear by it. 
  • sw ohio
1987 K75S    VIN 0231
Original owner, Original litter
200,000 miles (plus or minus) and 5 paint jobs
sold 6/23
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Offline Martin

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #3 on: November 12, 2019, 12:39:20 AM »
I bought some of those chemical pocket warmers a couple of years ago, but I didn't end up using them. I seemed to have misplaced them but I might give them ago just to see how effective they are, when I find them.
Regards Martin.
  • North Lakes Queensland Australia
  • 1992 K75s Hybrid, Lefaux, Vespa V twin.

Offline K1300S

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #4 on: November 12, 2019, 09:06:27 AM »
just install grip heaters.  simple mod.  lots of generic aftermarket kits to do this on any MC.
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Offline koapono

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #5 on: November 12, 2019, 10:44:40 AM »
Once you "go electric" you'll wonder why you waited so long.

heated grips: plenty of options out there.
I use an electric vest (older Widder) over a cotton long-sleeve shirt and then leather jacket over that.

combination works well for me riding around in the 30's.

Watt's keeping you warm?
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Offline johnny

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #6 on: November 12, 2019, 11:15:52 AM »


warm n safe remote dual heat troller...

warm n safe jacket linor...

warm n safe insouls...

warm n safe gloves...

ld comfort unders...

neck toob...

head sock...

https://www.warmnsafe.com

https://ldcomfort.com

nuff said...
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Offline mw074

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #7 on: November 13, 2019, 08:48:16 PM »
  I'll have to try the Gerbing Electric Gloves though for any extended riding.

I have Gerbings heated gloves that I am listing.
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Offline Chaos

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #8 on: November 13, 2019, 09:03:17 PM »
50 km today in -4 C snowy weather, had a blast.  Ski gloves, rain boots, wool socks, jeans, leather jacket, pinlock.  When it gets colder hippo hands, insulated jeans and more layers. Big windshield on the Ural helps.  Electricity is for wimps!!  (OK, so is a third wheel, but I'm old and my bones are brittle)  Up to +5 C tomorrow, hope to do 50 km or more on the bicycle. 
  • sw ohio
1987 K75S    VIN 0231
Original owner, Original litter
200,000 miles (plus or minus) and 5 paint jobs
sold 6/23
2023 Ural 2WD sidecar (BMW's bastard step child)

Offline mw074

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #9 on: November 13, 2019, 09:18:24 PM »
  Electricity is for wimps!!
C'mon, Really? I ride in Michigan.
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Offline The Mighty Gryphon

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #10 on: November 14, 2019, 11:00:19 AM »
I've been in southern Ohio in January.  Winter down there is kinda wimpy compared to what comes down from the Great White North(a.k.a. Canada) to punish the more northern parts of this great country.
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Offline bocutter Ed

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #11 on: November 14, 2019, 12:08:22 PM »
I use snowmobile gloves ...
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Offline volador

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #12 on: November 14, 2019, 12:20:01 PM »
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Offline Laitch

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #13 on: November 14, 2019, 05:59:15 PM »
A sleek Kappa Pair of hand protectors for motorcycles and scooters (KS603) in lieu of Vetter Hippo Hands
A matching umbrella would clinch the deal for many consumers.
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Offline ScooterNSticks

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #14 on: November 20, 2019, 07:39:12 PM »
I've ridden now on several days in the 33F to 44F range.  I now have a good idea of what gear makes sense.  My Classic Leather Gerbing gloves are more than sufficient to keep my hands warm to the freezing mark.  I run the wiring through my jacket, tuck the troller into the straps that cinch the jacket tight, and plug into the power outlet on the dash by the ignition.  At half power, they heat fine.  And that's at 70mph on the freeway as well.

I don't anticipate riding the K75 much below freezing but I expect at full power the gloves would be adequate to 20F.  The rest of my gear is adequate at those temperatures as well.  Below 20F I'll be riding my Vespa GTS which is outfitted in the winter with bar muffs, heated grips, weather apron and Heidenau snow tires. 

  • Boalsburg, PA
  • 1992 BMW K75, 2006 Vespa GTS 250ie
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Offline BrickDad

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #15 on: November 28, 2019, 11:16:51 AM »
Our now-departed Dad, a motorcyclist in Central Europe in the 1940's - 1960's, swore by the old-time equivalent to today's Hippo Hands for Winter riding.  Coupled with BMW heated handlebar grips, it'd seem to  A). work well in very cold temps, and B). be practically unbreakable, and  C). "rider-proof".
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Offline ScooterNSticks

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Re: Riding in cold weather
« Reply #16 on: December 29, 2019, 02:46:31 PM »
I rode for a few hours at 29F last week.  All I had was my Gerbing Electric Gloves for my hands.  I was fine with the controller at about 1/3 power.  I suspect I can ride at 20F at full power. 

I know the bar muffs and hand protectors work but don't feel any need to ride at colder temperatures so I'll stick with the gloves.

  • Boalsburg, PA
  • 1992 BMW K75, 2006 Vespa GTS 250ie
My Blog: Scooter in the Sticks
https://scooterinthesticks.com

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