Winter warrior
Discussion
Passed my test and bought a bike at the arse end of August this year, no previous on-road experience. Been absolutely blessed with this seemingly non-stop summer so far but this past week has changed things. Went out for a quick blast and could barely feel my hands or feet, and felt a bit rigid on these cold semi-slick roads.
I'm keen not to force myself into being a fair-weather rider so I'm after some generic winter riding advice, be it gear-based or riding tips.
Cheers
I'm keen not to force myself into being a fair-weather rider so I'm after some generic winter riding advice, be it gear-based or riding tips.
Cheers
Heated grips, Oxford sport ones are now £49.
Merino wool base layer.
A good thick neck tube.
Merino wool undergloves if still wearing summer gloves.
Rst thermal socks with another set of small thermal socks underneath as I only have summer race boots.
This and my leathers sorts me out for anything above 5-6 degrees. Under that my tyres don't work so I leave it well alone.
I don't ride on the rain unless I get caught out so have no idea about waterproofs etc
Merino wool base layer.
A good thick neck tube.
Merino wool undergloves if still wearing summer gloves.
Rst thermal socks with another set of small thermal socks underneath as I only have summer race boots.
This and my leathers sorts me out for anything above 5-6 degrees. Under that my tyres don't work so I leave it well alone.
I don't ride on the rain unless I get caught out so have no idea about waterproofs etc
Lukas239 said:
Passed my test and bought a bike at the arse end of August this year, no previous on-road experience. Been absolutely blessed with this seemingly non-stop summer so far but this past week has changed things. Went out for a quick blast and could barely feel my hands or feet, and felt a bit rigid on these cold semi-slick roads.
I'm keen not to force myself into being a fair-weather rider so I'm after some generic winter riding advice, be it gear-based or riding tips.
Cheers
Do not feel the need to ride all through the winter just to prove a point to yourself. If you do feel inclined to ride this winter please try to the following...I'm keen not to force myself into being a fair-weather rider so I'm after some generic winter riding advice, be it gear-based or riding tips.
Cheers
1: Ensure you wear a top and bottom base layer. Something cost effective from an M&S will do.
2: Do you use a winter motorbike jacket? If not please get something *one size larger*. No need to get something insanely priced. Decent goretex jacket is fine.
3: Please wear a mid layer under your jacket. Even a Sports Direct sourced hoodie will do.
4: If your bike can accommodate bar muffs please get them installed. Do not waste your money on winter gloves. Simple bar muffs and your existing motorbike gloves will keep your hands warm.
5: Basic winter motorbike specific trousers are worth every penny, get one.
6: Neck tube and balaclava... these are cheap yet effective.
7: Get an inexpensive one piece fold away rain suit for days when it is raining in the winter... keeps the rest of your gear dry and therefore warmer.
Sounds obvious but in winter be mindful of icy conditions and if there is risk of black ice then don't bike it that day or week if possible.
Hope this helps.
The difficulty with all motorcycle gear is balancing cost, crash protection and convenience. It doesn't always follow that more money = better gear though there is some relationship there.
It's your personal choice where you balance cost and crash protection so I'll avoid both of those. Convenience is defined by how well the kit does its job and how easy it is to use.
For winter, the top priority is to stay dry. It doesn't matter how many layers you have, if you're wet you'll be cold and miserable. Nothing beats Gore-Tex. Best of the lot is Gore-Tex Pro which will not only keep you dry but will also avoid saturated garments that work well when you're inside them but get damp through while hung up at work after a wet ride in. Get Gore-Tex kit all over. Jacket, trousers, boots and gloves all want to be Gore-Tex lined.
Next is drafts. You want as few of those as possible. Again, you can have as many layers on as you like but if there's a constant icy blast running up your back from the gap between your jacket and your trousers, you'll be frozen. Zip together or overlap every "join" you can. Ankles, wrist, waist and neck. A secondary benefit of Gore-Tex is that, as well as keeping you dry, it also keeps the wind off you so a Gore-Tex lined outer layer will do both jobs well.
Finally, the extremities. Hands, feet and head/neck. Decent heated grips are an essential. Used with muffs and they will keep your hands warm in some very cold conditions. Heated inner gloves are another option though I, personally, have never found the need for them.
A decent pair of warm socks inside some Gore-Tex lined boots work well for me. While boots need to fit, don't make them tight by adding too many extra layers.
Finally the neck. A good wind/waterproof neck cover is essential. I've yet to find a Gore-Tex one and so is still the weakest point on my winter clothing. Get a jacket with a storm collar option to go over a good neck cover and you'll be about as warm as you can get.
The only other thing is to ensure your helmet has a Pinlock visor added. There's nothing worse than having to ride with your visor up in freezing drizzle because it's steamed up.
It's your personal choice where you balance cost and crash protection so I'll avoid both of those. Convenience is defined by how well the kit does its job and how easy it is to use.
For winter, the top priority is to stay dry. It doesn't matter how many layers you have, if you're wet you'll be cold and miserable. Nothing beats Gore-Tex. Best of the lot is Gore-Tex Pro which will not only keep you dry but will also avoid saturated garments that work well when you're inside them but get damp through while hung up at work after a wet ride in. Get Gore-Tex kit all over. Jacket, trousers, boots and gloves all want to be Gore-Tex lined.
Next is drafts. You want as few of those as possible. Again, you can have as many layers on as you like but if there's a constant icy blast running up your back from the gap between your jacket and your trousers, you'll be frozen. Zip together or overlap every "join" you can. Ankles, wrist, waist and neck. A secondary benefit of Gore-Tex is that, as well as keeping you dry, it also keeps the wind off you so a Gore-Tex lined outer layer will do both jobs well.
Finally, the extremities. Hands, feet and head/neck. Decent heated grips are an essential. Used with muffs and they will keep your hands warm in some very cold conditions. Heated inner gloves are another option though I, personally, have never found the need for them.
A decent pair of warm socks inside some Gore-Tex lined boots work well for me. While boots need to fit, don't make them tight by adding too many extra layers.
Finally the neck. A good wind/waterproof neck cover is essential. I've yet to find a Gore-Tex one and so is still the weakest point on my winter clothing. Get a jacket with a storm collar option to go over a good neck cover and you'll be about as warm as you can get.
The only other thing is to ensure your helmet has a Pinlock visor added. There's nothing worse than having to ride with your visor up in freezing drizzle because it's steamed up.
I would say the biggest thing from my own experience is learn to be aware of your concentration level.
In winter conditions especially, you need to be able to identify when your focus has dropped and take steps to stay alert. Like others have said, staying warm is key and not just about comfort.
In winter conditions especially, you need to be able to identify when your focus has dropped and take steps to stay alert. Like others have said, staying warm is key and not just about comfort.
Also, learn to trust your tyres. It will give you a lot of confidence.
Go on a ride on a weekend and push the tyres a bit, even better if it's cold or wet. It'll give you a good idea of what the bike and tyres are capable of, and your riding will be more relaxed after.
Most modern tyres are extremely good, although there is one brand I don't touch anymore.
Go on a ride on a weekend and push the tyres a bit, even better if it's cold or wet. It'll give you a good idea of what the bike and tyres are capable of, and your riding will be more relaxed after.
Most modern tyres are extremely good, although there is one brand I don't touch anymore.
Something like this for head/neck makes a significant difference (reduces noise too).
https://www.planet-knox.com/product/cold-killers-h...
Best of luck
https://www.planet-knox.com/product/cold-killers-h...
Best of luck
theturbs said:
Something like this for head/neck makes a significant difference (reduces noise too).
https://www.planet-knox.com/product/cold-killers-h...
Best of luck
The problem I find with balaclavas is, if your helmet fits properly without a balaclava, it's too tight with one, even one as thin as silk.https://www.planet-knox.com/product/cold-killers-h...
Best of luck
The first year I passed my test, I rode all over the winter, I didn't want to be off the bike. I didn't need to, I had a car, and an easy traffic free commute.
One day while riding out on a cold misty Sunday, it started raining, I couldn't see where I was going, I couldn't clear my visor, I got cold, I got wet after a while, and just thought 'what's the bloody point? Turned round, went home, didn't bother again.
I do ride occasionally in winter, but generally don't if I have the option not to.
If you value your bike, make sure you hose it down after each winter ride and maybe use ACF50 or similar. Winter road salt ruins your bike, you'll end up with a scabby old nail very quickly if you don't keep on top of it. Fastners go white and furry, nuts and bolts look scabby, downpipes rust, casings tarnish.
Heated grips make the world of difference. Those pocket warmer sachets you get in outdoor shops are fantastic on really cold days, slip them in your inside jacket pockets and they really help keep your core warm.
One day while riding out on a cold misty Sunday, it started raining, I couldn't see where I was going, I couldn't clear my visor, I got cold, I got wet after a while, and just thought 'what's the bloody point? Turned round, went home, didn't bother again.
I do ride occasionally in winter, but generally don't if I have the option not to.
If you value your bike, make sure you hose it down after each winter ride and maybe use ACF50 or similar. Winter road salt ruins your bike, you'll end up with a scabby old nail very quickly if you don't keep on top of it. Fastners go white and furry, nuts and bolts look scabby, downpipes rust, casings tarnish.
Heated grips make the world of difference. Those pocket warmer sachets you get in outdoor shops are fantastic on really cold days, slip them in your inside jacket pockets and they really help keep your core warm.
black-k1 said:
theturbs said:
Something like this for head/neck makes a significant difference (reduces noise too).
https://www.planet-knox.com/product/cold-killers-h...
Best of luck
The problem I find with balaclavas is, if your helmet fits properly without a balaclava, it's too tight with one, even one as thin as silk.https://www.planet-knox.com/product/cold-killers-h...
Best of luck
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