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Thread: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

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    Default One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    They have excess electrical power, which can be put to good use.

    On Saturday I installed the pigtail connection from the motorcycle battery to the side of the frame, and Sunday I did my first ride with heated gloves. What a difference a few watts in the right place can make. After my last few rides resulting in super-cold hands (even with well insulated gloves) it was really neat for my hands to not be an issue at all.

    The next step is to figure out how to best block the air that sneaks in through the neck area of the helmet and chills the lower parts of my face. A chin curtain might help a bit, but I don't think it will be enough if it's below 40*. A balaclava might help, but I tried the one I use for cycling and couldn't get my glasses on. I might have to get a hybrid helmet with moveable chin-bar so I can put the helmet on last.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    --
    T h o m a s

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    In used to ride thru the winter in DC. I always used a long silk scarf for my neck.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    A lot of bikes don't have sufficient excess electrical power to run a vest and gloves. One of the easiest ways to offset this is to get a LED headlight. Since the LED draws significantly less current, you can use the excess for heated gear.

    For your blustery helmet, I recommend a Windjammer II.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    I had Oxford Heaterz on my SV650. That, along with wind deflectors made winter riding with heavy gloves almost as comfy as summer riding. For the neck/chin, it actually doesn't take much. I have a jersey knit (like T-shirt material) neck gaiter that I can pull up over my chin, even doubled up. Also using a Foggy Mask to keep the shield clear.
    DT

    http://www.mjolnircycles.com/

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    Before croaking my wish is to obtain a latest-gen BMW motorcycle with all the bells and whistles.
    The factory heated grips must be so sweet to really extend the motorcycle season.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    Quote Originally Posted by Blue Jays View Post
    Before croaking my wish is to obtain a latest-gen BMW motorcycle with all the bells and whistles.
    The factory heated grips must be so sweet to really extend the motorcycle season.
    You won't regret it.

    Some poke fun at BMW's oversized controls. They make 'em that way for a reason, and if you've ever ridden in the winter, you'll catch on quick.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    My dad's R1200RT-LC has a heated seat. Now that's what I am talking about.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    I saw a guy on a moto last night cruising through BendOR. 20 degrees and roads still had patches of packed snow and ice. Heated gloves or not that's too damn cold.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    Agreed.
    If there likelihood for ice on the asphalt...no need to ride motorcycle or bicycle.
    There are plenty of dry days to be enjoyed.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    Quote Originally Posted by Too Tall View Post
    In used to ride thru the winter in DC. I always used a long silk scarf for my neck.
    I'm not a motorcycle rider, but this scares the heck out of me. I can't help but be reminded of Isadora Duncan.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    No worries at all, defspace.
    Too Tall is a suave and debonair motorcycle enthusiast.
    He undoubtedly tucked it into his custom leathers.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    Heated gloves are too bulky. The bees knees is heated grips and a heated vest. I rode in many snow storms with that combination when I had a ktm adv..

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    Quote Originally Posted by twowheels View Post
    Heated gloves are too bulky. The bees knees is heated grips and a heated vest. I rode in many snow storms with that combination when I had a ktm adv..
    My heated grips would always result in the odd sensation of having toasty-warm palms and not being able to feel the frostbitten backs of my hands. Yes, it's possible. Never tried heated gloves.
    A heated vest is truly awesome.

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    Default Re: One advantage of motos over pedal bikes in winter...

    My Gerbing heated gloves are significantly less bulky than my warmest non-heated gloves. Part of it is that they don't have much armor, but mostly it's because they need very little insulation.

    The one drawback with the heated gloves (if you don't also have a compatible heated jacket) compared to grips is the hassle of running the wiring, but I think I've figured out a way to make it somewhat easier. I'm going to sew patches as "paths" for the Y cable on a medium thickness fleece top and use that to manage the cable routing.

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