The Guide to Winter Riding

>> Ashley Benson

You may not have noticed, but the temperature has started to drop. And while sunny San Diego can't really be said to get "cold" like most of the rest of the U.S., we still notice our teeth chatter when we ride to work in the morning. Of course, you could pack it up and go through the motions of winterizing your bike... but what's the fun in that? We'd much rather stock up on the proper gear to keep the cold out and us on our bikes.

Mind you, you may have buns of steel, but there's still a catch to this whole winter riding thing. There is such a thing as too cold to ride in. Sure, you may brag to your buddies or call people some derogatory term associated with a cat on the forums when they talk about packing it in for the winter, but if it's below freezing, you're getting past tough and brave and getting right into downright stupid. Below freezing means snow and ice. Snow and ice mean bad riding conditions. No amount of warm gear will make you feel ok after you've hit a patch of black ice and end up staring at the sky wondering what just happened. So be smart. We won't tell those forum guys but at least you'll live to continue bragging to them about your superior riding skills via computer.



But if ice and snow haven't made their appearance and the chill is your only enemy, there are solutions. Here are a few tips to keep you riding and warm even in the winter:

Remember the kid in the movie A Christmas Story whose mother thought that bundling him up in so many layers he looked like a red version of the Michelin man and couldn't move was a good idea? Yeah... she was wrong. More layers may seem like a good idea, but honestly, it really comes down to quality over quantity in staying warm. Piling on seven jackets will not only fail to keep you as warm as one high quality winter jacket but will also limit your range of motion. And being able to move is kind of an important thing when you're riding a motorcycle.

Instead, wear a high quality winter jacket that has a quilted liner. And if that's not enough, invest in an electric vest. Those simple things can really keep you warm all the way down to freezing without forcing you to give up any range of motion. As for the actual jacket, the material you choose mostly comes down to preference. A good leather offers great abrasion resistance if you find yourself in a tango with the asphalt. And the cow hide will do a great job of keeping you warm. But the advances in textile technology mean that some winter jackets made of a textile will not only keep you just as warm as leather but is just as abrasion resistant without being as thick. Plus they're a little better at letting moisture out while keeping the heat in.

When you find a decent jacket, be sure to check that it's waterproof. Most winter coats will be but you really don't want to find out that you managed to pick out the one that isn't when it starts to drizzle. As if rain while your riding isn't bad enough, if it's really flipping cold, that moisture will suck up what little body heat you have left and make 30 degrees feel like 0. Also, get a jacket that has a good closure system. The zippers, cuffs and collar should be covered and able to synch up tight enough to keep both air and moisture out.

And since even the tiniest bit of cold air can cut like a knife at even moderate speeds, anything other than a full face helmet is just a brain numbing idea. We even recommend throwing on an extra layer under your helmet such as a silk or synthetic balaclava for your neck and face. But stay away from all cottons. It may be "the fabric of our lives" but the stuff has a tendency to catch and trap moisture; keeping it close to your body. And much like the layer of sweat (oh we mean glisten, of course) that sits on your skin after a work out to cool you down; the moisture trapped in cotton will do the same. Instead, throw on a silk, moisture-wicking under layer that may be thinner but will keep you warmer by ejecting that heat robbing body glisten.

So that takes care of your core... but what about the rest? Having cold fingers and toes can not only be excruciatingly painful, they can make it hard to properly use your controls. Silk glove liners can add an extra layer to your hands without making them overly bulky. If that's not enough, invest in heated grips or heated gloves. Sure, the extra wires might be a bit annoying but you'll love them when you're riding and your fingers don't feel like they're falling off.

Toes are the same story with the added moisture factor. Feet have a tendency to get cold quickly but also like to sweat even at lower temperatures. Throw on some winter socks that can wick away any moisture while keeping heat in. But socks aren't enough if you're riding with just any �ol shoe so invest in a pair of riding boots that are insulated. Big plus: not only will they keep your feet warmer, they'll keep them safer too in the even of a crash. If your little piggy's still need a little more warmth while they go to the store or rub all the way home, throw in some foot warmers.

So now that you're body is all geared up and ready to keep you warm, take a gander at your ride. Interestingly enough, different motorcycles will keep your warmer. The key is the windshield. It may be 35 degrees out, but when you add that cutting wind whipping past you as you ride, it'll drop down to a whopping nothing degrees. Check out the chart to see just how much: (If you're a fan of farenheit, we apologize for it being in celsius but you get the picture)



A windshield will help to cut that wind and direct it away from your face and torso. But different bikes have different windshields. Touring bikes obviously aren't lacking in the windshield department and will do a great job of redirecting the chill away from you. Sport tourers are next in line and will have a decent amount of wind breakage. But if you're riding on a cruiser, adding an additional windshield for the winter might be the difference between you packing her up till spring or riding despite the cold. If you're a sport bike rider, well... good luck with that. You can try to install a heftier shield and duck a little lower behind it, but naked sport bikes offer the least bit of protection for bone cutting cold.

It's not over yet. At least not until you're covered in snow and you can't walk ten feet without slipping on a patch of ice. But until then, gear up, stay warm and ride on. Don't let that silly weather man - oh sorry we mean meteorologist - ruin your day.

Winter Motorcycle Necessities: