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Well, since this is turning into one of the rare (GASP!) "On Topic" threads , - what do all of you year 'round riders wear in the cold?
"Wet" is another topic, for another time.
I've got for my own personal defense:
>Three different weights of long underwear - varies depending on ambient temperature.
>An old Eclipse 'lectric vest, unknown wattage, unknown age (got it 2nd-hand). Worn over work clothes
This vest uses the SAE-type connectors. It came with a coiled cord and a crappy inline "lamp-cord" style switch. My major problem with the vest has been the cord flexibility - I move around so much, the copper wires in the switch terminals keep breaking. Any suggestions for an inexpensive (but not cheap!) replacement? I mean, fer crissakes - it's just a Four-Asterisk'n switch - why in the Four-Asterisk does everybodies switches cost $150 and up?
>Joe Rocket Ballistic jacket - gimme from a friend who didn't like it.
I didn't think I would either, but it fits me surprisingly well. It feels "secure", keeps wind out, and is advertised as "waterproof". I have to say; it is - for at least a moderate rain, ~1hr or so (haven't "tested" longer). So far, it's reasonably warm down to about ~40deg F with the liner, and without the 'lectrics - haven't tested it colder yet.
>MotoGP Jacket armoured jacket (can't 'member the model - it's the OD Green one with the retro-reflectives)
Got a deal on it for No-name-brand snowmobile/ski gloves - work passably well, down to ~25deg F.
>"****ies" brand insulated coveralls. I've been considering getting a set of insulated "bib overalls" to replace these - less bulk under the armoured jackets. And, with my 'lectric vest, somewhat redundant.
As my overcoat, I used to use an old Navy-issued Arctic jacket - it was my Dad's when he was sent on an Icebreaker in the '60s in an attempt to circumnavigate North America. Since he's gone now, I decided to retire it to occasional non-moto duty (some of you old-timer Navy guys might recognize it - the one with the "Life Preserver" foam liner). Replacing this was actually why I bought the MotoGP jacket.
>Dual-temp grip heaters
I haven't actually installed these yet, several reasons. One pretty good reason - WHY doesn't anybody carry some frakkin' stock-style handgrips? I mean, you can find frakkin' fuschia pink ones in every dealership in the nation - but NOTHING that looks like, fits like, or works as well as the stock grips (for a reasonable price! $35 for a set of stock grips is NOT reasonable!)
The closest I've come is these silicone Pro-grips. Grippy, squishy, fairly easy to install. But they don't look quite like the Yamaha stockers.
I've also been considering a set of "bark busters", but nobody seems interested in making a set for my commuter (FZ6). I've looked into adapting a set of the ones Suzuki uses on the WeeStrom/VeeThurmond twins, but the local dealer I tried to discuss it with hires Idiots. I believe they still think that I'm trying to trade my FZ6 for a DL650. I never DID even get a price on the parts.............
I have poor circulation in my hands, and a mild case of tendonitis - keeping them warm goes a LONG way toward maintaining feeling in my hands during the ~50-min/35mile commute. (one way - you gotta slow down for those small towns, or Deputy Fife will add your revenues to his own)
"Wet" is another topic, for another time.
I've got for my own personal defense:
>Three different weights of long underwear - varies depending on ambient temperature.
>An old Eclipse 'lectric vest, unknown wattage, unknown age (got it 2nd-hand). Worn over work clothes
This vest uses the SAE-type connectors. It came with a coiled cord and a crappy inline "lamp-cord" style switch. My major problem with the vest has been the cord flexibility - I move around so much, the copper wires in the switch terminals keep breaking. Any suggestions for an inexpensive (but not cheap!) replacement? I mean, fer crissakes - it's just a Four-Asterisk'n switch - why in the Four-Asterisk does everybodies switches cost $150 and up?
>Joe Rocket Ballistic jacket - gimme from a friend who didn't like it.
I didn't think I would either, but it fits me surprisingly well. It feels "secure", keeps wind out, and is advertised as "waterproof". I have to say; it is - for at least a moderate rain, ~1hr or so (haven't "tested" longer). So far, it's reasonably warm down to about ~40deg F with the liner, and without the 'lectrics - haven't tested it colder yet.
>MotoGP Jacket armoured jacket (can't 'member the model - it's the OD Green one with the retro-reflectives)
Got a deal on it for No-name-brand snowmobile/ski gloves - work passably well, down to ~25deg F.
>"****ies" brand insulated coveralls. I've been considering getting a set of insulated "bib overalls" to replace these - less bulk under the armoured jackets. And, with my 'lectric vest, somewhat redundant.
As my overcoat, I used to use an old Navy-issued Arctic jacket - it was my Dad's when he was sent on an Icebreaker in the '60s in an attempt to circumnavigate North America. Since he's gone now, I decided to retire it to occasional non-moto duty (some of you old-timer Navy guys might recognize it - the one with the "Life Preserver" foam liner). Replacing this was actually why I bought the MotoGP jacket.
>Dual-temp grip heaters
I haven't actually installed these yet, several reasons. One pretty good reason - WHY doesn't anybody carry some frakkin' stock-style handgrips? I mean, you can find frakkin' fuschia pink ones in every dealership in the nation - but NOTHING that looks like, fits like, or works as well as the stock grips (for a reasonable price! $35 for a set of stock grips is NOT reasonable!)
The closest I've come is these silicone Pro-grips. Grippy, squishy, fairly easy to install. But they don't look quite like the Yamaha stockers.
I've also been considering a set of "bark busters", but nobody seems interested in making a set for my commuter (FZ6). I've looked into adapting a set of the ones Suzuki uses on the WeeStrom/VeeThurmond twins, but the local dealer I tried to discuss it with hires Idiots. I believe they still think that I'm trying to trade my FZ6 for a DL650. I never DID even get a price on the parts.............
I have poor circulation in my hands, and a mild case of tendonitis - keeping them warm goes a LONG way toward maintaining feeling in my hands during the ~50-min/35mile commute. (one way - you gotta slow down for those small towns, or Deputy Fife will add your revenues to his own)
