Cold weather ride

I’ve found the lowest temp range I can go with my R18 Classic is 20F. Below that and heated grips and battery powered gloves can’t overcome the onslaught of cold air. But, the OP’s Bagger has much more wind protection. 40F, I‘m still riding my S1000R & I’m fine without any heated gear other than hand grips.

I‘m of course assuming proper cold weather riding gear is used though. I use windproof base layers for my legs and a heated shirt and socks, plus battery heated gloves on the R18. I’m powering the shirt & socks thru the Powerlet port, so I’m limited to 5A, thus why only those two articles of clothing are heated.

On my GSA, I have a plug going to the battery, so I can use heated base layers shirt and pants, plus full gloves. The extra wind protection of the fairing/windshield and the hand guards means I’m good to much lower temps. Last year I rode in 3F weather on that bike.

Wow!!!! Below 32F I am more worried about ice. Not many days below 32F here in AL so I can actually ride my bikes year round. I have ridden my ZX-6 from San Antonio TX to Biloxi MS in 18F weather but that is a 300lb bike, so no worries of holding it up if I happen to stop it on ice. My primary issue for the post is to state there is a noticeable difference going from my K1600 to the R18 wearing the same gear. With my K1600 I have ridden to work and not noticed it was cold out until I got off the bike at work to go inside. With my R18, I noticed the cold before I even got out my neighborhood.

harrisrc740 said:

Wow!!!! Below 32F I am more worried about ice. Not many days below 32F here in AL so I can actually ride my bikes year round. I have ridden my ZX-6 from San Antonio TX to Biloxi MS in 18F weather but that is a 300lb bike, so no worries of holding it up if I happen to stop it on ice. My primary issue for the post is to state there is a noticeable difference going from my K1600 to the R18 wearing the same gear. With my K1600 I have ridden to work and not noticed it was cold out until I got off the bike at work to go inside. With my R18, I noticed the cold before I even got out my neighborhood.

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My rule of thumb is as long as it’s not wet and below 40, I can ride. So, rain or snow below 40, I don’t ride. If there is snow or ice on the roads, I don’t ride. But there is plenty of time in the winter where the roads are clear, but it’s just cold temperatures.

Different bikes can have big differences on what temps can feel comfortable. Wind protection and any built-in heated gear like grips or seats really do help. K16 and GSA both have some great leg protection. But, some simple cold weather gear can make it much more comfortable with each of your bikes. I wrote an article about how you can extend your riding season, so hopefully some of the tips there are helpful even if you don’t have too many freezing days in Alabama: https://www.tankofcoffee.com/blog/cold-weather-riding-in-the-northeast

Randy Kahn said:

You might check out a ski shop for gloves. I was an avid skier and the tech now is better than it was then. I had some gloves that were agile enough you could use them to ride, and my hands were warm in very cold weather.

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There is a new glove from Seirus, called Hell Fire. It claims some impressive stats. So, yes, ay be warm, but I would like for to have the typical protective features of a Motorcycle glove. Not sure the Hell Fire has them.

Another one I watched reviews of is the Keis 701 and it's a proper motorcycle glove. It's about $300, but shipping is $60 to Texas-USA.

I can manage the purchase price, but not keen on forking out $60 to exchange it or send it in for warranty claims. Wish Revzilla sold this brand.

BTW- I don't ride in temps below 35, not in rain or snow. I drive my truck on inclement weather days.
My hands get very cold if I ride for an hour on a cloudy 40 degree day, even here in Texas. The pursuit of heated gloves is a comfort / nicely for me.

MoonGod said:

There is a new glove from Seirus, called Hell Fire. It claims some impressive stats. So, yes, ay be warm, but I would like for to have the typical protective features of a Motorcycle glove. Not sure the Hell Fire has them.

Another one I watched reviews of is the Keis 701 and it's a proper motorcycle glove. It's about $300, but shipping is $60 to Texas-USA.

I can manage the purchase price, but not keen on forking out $60 to exchange it or send it in for warranty claims. Wish Revzilla sold this brand.

BTW- I don't ride in temps below 35, not in rain or snow. I drive my truck on inclement weather days.
My hands get very cold if I ride for an hour on a cloudy 40 degree day, even here in Texas. The pursuit of heated gloves is a comfort / nicely for me.

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Hippo Hands for bar muffs; Warm & Safe for heated “mitts.”