First sub 30 degree ride

[N_Lindz]

Got the FJR out of storage last weekend, today is the only day I don’t car pool, and I’ll be dammed if a little bit of cool weather is going to keep me from riding to work (and enjoying the 50 degree early afternoon ride home).

Got up and it was 27 out, figured what the hell… between the heated grips and my insulated Tour Master gear, I should be fine. 50 minutes later I’m at work… wide awake and ready for the day!

Lessons learned:

1. I need some real cold weather gloves and or hand guards. Cortech Adrenaline Gloves (https://preview.tinyurl.com/y9oqwyu) work great in the warmer temps, but just not warm enough. Any recommendations?
2. Neck is cold… must purchase a balaclava.
3. Shield is fogging up at lower speeds, where did I put that anti fog stuff I bought…

Besides the few points above, was a great ride. Once I get the ok from the boss to purchase even more gear… I’ll be able to extend that riding season out a few more weeks.

 

[SacramentoMike]

1. I need some real cold weather gloves and or hand guards. Cortech Adrenaline Gloves (https://preview.tinyurl.com/y9oqwyu) work great in the warmer temps, but just not warm enough. Any recommendations? Grip warmers. You always have them with you and they work fine with the gloves you have--whatever they are. Plus it's better to "feel" the bike with less bulky gloves. IMO the VStrom hand guards don't help cold so much.
   
2. Neck is cold… must purchase a balaclava. Don't you already own a scarf? Easy on, easy off. Keep it in the bag.
   
3. Shield is fogging up at lower speeds, where did I put that anti fog stuff I bought… Doesn't matter. None of that crap works worth a damn.
   

 

[TCMike]

Took a 50 min ride cross town this morning to another forum member's place to get some new rubbers put on. It was 28 degrees when I left, so at freeway speeds I had a bit of a wind chill going. :cold: I bought a balaclava over the winter, and it did it's job, (wear a 3/4 helmet). Wore my rain pants over my riding jeans, but still felt a tad chilly. The worst was, as most people would guess, was my hands. I have a heavy pair for cold riding, but it wasn't long before my fingers started freezing. Some day I'll invest in some heated gear, but for now I'll just hope for warmer weather.

 

[RPrice]

Got the FJR out of storage last weekend, today is the only day I don’t car pool, and I’ll be dammed if a little bit of cool weather is going to keep me from riding to work (and enjoying the 50 degree early afternoon ride home).
Got up and it was 27 out, figured what the hell… between the heated grips and my insulated Tour Master gear, I should be fine. 50 minutes later I’m at work… wide awake and ready for the day!

Lessons learned:

1. I need some real cold weather gloves and or hand guards. Cortech Adrenaline Gloves (https://preview.tinyurl.com/y9oqwyu) work great in the warmer temps, but just not warm enough. Any recommendations?
2. Neck is cold… must purchase a balaclava.
3. Shield is fogging up at lower speeds, where did I put that anti fog stuff I bought…

Besides the few points above, was a great ride. Once I get the ok from the boss to purchase even more gear… I’ll be able to extend that riding season out a few more weeks.

I have a "neck gaiter" that has a thin balaclava like hood that fits under a helmet. It's amazing how much warmer it is when your neck is warm! The gaiter I have is made by "Turtle Fur" and is called a "Shellaclava". If you google that, you'll find some. They are about $20 and come in a variety of colors.

Stay Warm!

Bob

 

[jhinderliter]

it was pretty chilly yesterday morning... my new tires will be in on mon... im assuming you commute on 24.... maybee ill catch you out there B)

 

[N_Lindz]

it was pretty chilly yesterday morning... my new tires will be in on mon... im assuming you commute on 24.... maybee ill catch you out there B)

Sure do. Take 9 out of Canton -> 24 -> 474 ->74 -> 155 into Morton. And then the reverse on the way home of course. Occasionally I'll head home through Pekin and "swing through" Havana to get over the river, then head home.

Putting the tires on yourself or have someone trustworthy in the Peoria area? Picked the FJR up last summer and thinking this might be the last season for that set of tires.

 

[JR'SFJR]

Purchase a Pinlock shield for the fogging.

 

[jhinderliter]

Sure do. Take 9 out of Canton -> 24 -> 474 ->74 -> 155 into Morton. And then the reverse on the way home of course. Occasionally I'll head home through Pekin and "swing through" Havana to get over the river, then head home.
Putting the tires on yourself or have someone trustworthy in the Peoria area? Picked the FJR up last summer and thinking this might be the last season for that set of tires.

sweet deal... i run 24 outta lewistown to the peoria airport... i thought i saw a silver 03 on the 24 last summer with temp tags... mightve been you i suppose... im doin the tires myself...

ride safe B)