WARM riding gear advice needed

5042 Views 51 Replies 36 Participants Last post by luna, Apr 9, 2006

bdog1234

Discussion Starter · Dec 16, 2005

I bought my first Harley today and want to ride as much as possible but it is freaking cold. I thought I was going to get frostbite on the way home with the bike today. Since I just bought the bike funds are low, but I am looking for a warm jacket, gloves, and pants, or coveralls? It is in the 20's in the mornings and going 70 it just plain hurts. I have a full face helmet and that keeps the head warm, but I need advice on gloves, pants(chaps?), and most importantly jacket.

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03GLIDE_

· #2 · Dec 16, 2005 (Edited)

Just keep riding, You will go numb and wont feel it as bad.

Sorry when it's that cold I don't ride. 20* sheesh. Im glad it will never be that cold here.
I ride down into the 30s and just layer the clothes on. I also wear Gortex gloves with thinsulate lining

ratt

· #3 · Dec 16, 2005

04GLIDE said:
Just keep riding, You will go numb and wont feel it as bad.
Sorry when it's that cold I don't ride. 20* sheesh. Im glad it will never be that cold here.
I ride down into the 30s and just layer the clothes on. I also wear Gortex gloves with thinsulate lining

The only real way you will stay warm riding any distance is electric riding gear ,,,,,start with the vest or jacket liner .they are the most effective.. If you really need to go hard core ,,, jacket liner , pants gloves and socks. Maintaing your body core temp is the primary goal ....you can go all day in the 30s with just a heated jacket liner .....by the time we get 20s here in michigan the roads are so polluted with salt ,, you really dont wanna take a bike out unless its a real beater ... rat

Fourcats

· #4 · Dec 16, 2005

Eat something before you leave, it will warm from the inside. Layer up good.

Cdouthitt

· #5 · Dec 16, 2005

I like a nice big bean burrito before those cold trips :brows: keeps me nice and warm...vvrrrtt! :fart:

Fourcats said:
Eat something before you leave, it will warm from the inside. Layer up good.

Shutterbug

· #6 · Dec 16, 2005

For anything below 40, I highly recommend electric gloves and a lined jacket. I have one of the FXRG lightweights and with the liner, I can't feel the cold between my neck and my waist. Chaps, boots with thick socks and if you can get some, lined pants. The key is layers. Also, something you can put around your neck and over your chin...full face helmets can still let in air under your chin unless you have a wind block. Try a Fog City shield on the visor to prevent fogging.

cwo2lt

· #7 · Dec 16, 2005

I wrap myself up in a nice warm Dodge:xhere: :hystria:

Seriously, leather is the only way to go. Layer up underneath. A hint for gloves, the motorcycle doesn't care if they are labeled as motorcycle gloves

Just find a good insulated pair with gauntlets.

xxxflhrci

· #8 · Dec 16, 2005

Electric is the only good way to go. None of that layering up B.S. to where you feel like a Michelin man. You can go in somewhere while on your ride without either burning up or having to shed a laundry basket full of clothes. IMO, it is the best riding gear money you can spend.

cwo2lt

· #9 · Dec 16, 2005

HEY! All you electric clothes guys! He said his funds were low.

8-Ball

· #10 · Dec 16, 2005

Cdouthitt said:
I like a nice big bean burrito before those cold trips

What octane are those burritos????

SLOWHOUND

· #11 · Dec 16, 2005

I dont wear electric anything and I ride into the low 30's for 25+ miles at 70mph,I wear and HD openface helmet,with shield,and a nose ski mask from the ski store,a carhart insulated coat,and bib overalls,and a pair of ski gloves,gauntlet style,I also have a pair of riding gloves,that are covered in body armor,they arnt as warm as the ski gloves,just cooler looking

ratt

· #12 · Dec 16, 2005

SWDONAHUE said:
I dont wear electric anything and I ride into the low 30's for 25+ miles at 70mph,I wear and HD openface helmet,with shield,and a nose ski mask from the ski store,a carhart insulated coat,and bib overalls,and a pair of ski gloves,gauntlet style,I also have a pair of riding gloves,that are covered in body armor,they arnt as warm as the ski gloves,just cooler looking

Layering will work for a mini ride like 25 miles ,,just fine ,, it takes more than 25 miles for your body to get behind on keeping its core body temp ,,,,, its kinda like firewalking .....you can do it ,, but you aint going to do it very long. For a short ride to work such as yours ,,,,, layer up and go for it ......if you really are going to go somewhere ,,, it takes electrics to fight off hypothermia ...... rat

swmnkdinthervr

· #13 · Dec 16, 2005

SWDONAHUE said:
I dont wear electric anything and I ride into the low 30's for 25+ miles at 70mph,I wear and HD openface helmet,with shield,and a nose ski mask from the ski store,a carhart insulated coat,and bib overalls,and a pair of ski gloves,gauntlet style,I also have a pair of riding gloves,that are covered in body armor,they arnt as warm as the ski gloves,just cooler looking

Oh geez...don't go out like that...you'll catch your death....:hystria:

Fourcats

· #14 · Dec 16, 2005

The only thing I considered on my outing last week was "Hippo Hands". They have some for H-Ds, $70 to your door.

Retrax

· #15 · Dec 26, 2005

Do you have a windshield?

Didn't catch what model you were riding. I grudgingly added a detachable windshield on my Fatboy (didn't like the look of the shield at first) but it really added a month to the beginning and end of my riding season. Break down and get a heated jacket liner. I tried the vest, and the full liner. I went with the HD heated jacket liner. I liked it better than the vest because it has full length heated sleeves with cords that you can also plug into heated gloves if you want. It also has a nice tall collar, that zips up around your jaw and lower face. The entire liner, sleeves, and collar are heated. If you add an adjustable thermostat control knob you will be set.

I take the regular liner out of my leather jacket, put on a long sleeved shirt and the heated liner and I am set to go. Can ride all day long in 20 degrees with insulated Danner boots, thinsulate gauntlet gloves and a wool hat. I stop riding after they lay down the first batch of salt on the roads here to melt the ice, then get back out in the spring after the first good rain to wash the roads. You'll never regret the investment in the heated jacket liner! Keeps you warm without a lot of bulk.

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msscull

· #16 · Dec 26, 2005

I use the FirstGear Kilimanjaro Jacket & FirstGear HT Overpants. I found some good HD Goretex gloves at the local dealer.

The FirstGear stuff is pretty much all-weather, well at least until the 90's, then it gets a little warm. Allows me to carry minimal stuff to deal with weather & gives more room for other junk. Good padding & excellent cold & rain protection. The jacket has vents in the front, arms, & back to open up & let air in as it warms up. No complaints.

I do keep leather for around town.-2$en#e-

shinbone1028

· #17 · Dec 26, 2005

Union suit,,,$12.00 at sportsmans guide. Last layer in Leather

seamonkeyman

· #18 · Dec 26, 2005

My turn....Most bang for your buck is undoubtedly a Detachable windshield. Also in this order:

THERMAL UNDERWEAR - Just dont be in a hurry to whiz or poop
More layers...
Chaps, Heavy leather jacket with a leather or other neck "kerchief" to keep the wind out, plus gauntlet gloves.

I don't have any fancy heated nuthin' worse comes to worse I wear a windproof/waterproof HD rainjacket.

If you are on a budget check EBAY for bargains on leather, who cares if it ahs a bug splat on it!

Just my two bob-

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SC_Compact

· #19 · Dec 27, 2005

Here's what I wear.
- Cabelas' Polartec Fleece jacket, Cabela Down vest and a Cabela snowmobile jacket
- Jeans, Cabela Polartec 200 fleece pants and a pair of chaps
- Cabela silk glove liners and Cabela GORE-TEX® Pinnacle Gloves
- Two pair of socks and a pair of 20 year old Dunham work boots (Chipewa Harness boots in warmer weather)
- 10 year old AGV Full face Helmet with scratched visor (can't find replacements anymore) and silk Balclava. I wear a half helmet when the temps warm up.

I know I sound like a Cabela Add but their stuff is good for the money.

I can ride about an hour with temps in the teens and two to three hours with temps in the 30's with this gear.

Captain Bligh

· #20 · Dec 27, 2005

Below 40 degrees, I stay home and read forums.

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