Motorcycle Riding in Cold Weather

As some of you know, I ride my Motorcycles in pretty much any weather condition, save Lightning and Ice.

I'm a committed believer in the premise that "There is no such thing as bad riding weather, just bad riding gear."; a quote of mine present on this blog and a mantra that keeps me motivated to ride when the mercury takes a nose dive.  
 

Riding Gear is crucial for Safe Motorcycling in general and the Correct Riding Gear is the key to riding safely in Cold Weather.

Here in FlatLand we are enjoying our Winter and experiencing some mighty cold conditions for Central Coastal Florida.  My Commute this Morning was in 31 degrees f. for most of the ride with dips down into the high 20’s f.

My 45 minute commute, at up to highway speeds could expose me to the dangers of Frost Bite, not to mention just being miserably cold for the duration of the ride, plus the time it takes to warm back up to a comfortable level once inside and out of the weather.

To insure I enjoy my Motorcycle Riding and not fall victim to it, I protect myself with the correct riding gear for the conditions.

I wear an Olympia AST Riding Jacket that has body armor built into the critical areas and incorporates a wind-proof & water-proof outer shell that has high abrasion resistance and is reinforced on the elbows and shoulders.

It comes with a nice jacket liner that is wind-proof and insulated to keep your body heat where it belongs, inside the jacket liner.

On Cold Days I also use my Gerbings Heated Jacket Liner.  I don the Gerbings Heated Liner first, then the Olympia Jacket Liner and then the Olympia Jacket Shell.

These layers put the heat next to my skin and help to keep the warm air layer separated from the cold outer layers.

The Gerbing Heated Jacket Liner is powered through a thermostatic controller via a small connecting wire and plugs into the bikes electrical system via an accessory socket.

If it’s cold enough out to warrant it; I also don my Rain Suit Pants for the outstanding wind-proof & water-proof properties they posses.

I also wear a pair of TourMaster insulated Riding Gloves to keep the hands warm and out of the wind.

The Warmth provided by the Riding Gear is further augmented by the ergonomic features of my motorcycles.

The GL1800 has Grip, Seat and Feet Heaters that really enable one to ride comfortably in lower temperature ranges that just your Riding Gear facilitates.

The Motorcycles Wind Management Systems of Windscreen, Fairing and Deflectors also go a long way toward rider comfort and protection.

If your riding with an open face helmet or flip-front helmet; it’s a good idea to use a Balaclava to protect your face from wind burn and frost bite.

Not everyone is of the sort that enjoys year-round riding in virtually all conditions.  But if you are like me and just can't bring yourself to park the motorcycle and opt for a Cage Ride; then take the steps to protect yourself not only from a fall, but from the Cold as well.

With just some simple, common sense steps, you can dramatically increase your Motorcycle Riding Range, Comfort and Enjoyment.

LATER

Technorati Tags: RilySi,Ride it like you stole it,Motorcycle Riding,Motorcycle Commuting,FlatLand,Florida