this post was submitted on 05 Oct 2023
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Midwest USA here. I heard about some housemates that had a contest every year to see how long they could wait to turn on the heat.
Piling on the layers on top of long underwear makes it possible.
I'll just throw on my near-freezing weather motorcycle gear. I only rode once in the full getup at 35F and had to pull out a layer.
Wow. My limit for riding is 50f. That must be some great gear.
Though not intended as motorcycle gear, the insulated overalls are probbaly the biggest improvement.
Upper part of my body was a Sedici Aventura with all vents closed, water/wind proof liner, insulating liner, and I can't remember what jacket I had on underneath but I think it was a Carhart. I ended up taking out the waterproof liner to get some breathability. Also keep in mind the coveralls insulate your core as well, just not shoulders or arms.
My face and neck were pretty cold though but I think I have a solution.
So that puts my cold weather ability in the 30s and hot weather at upper 80s, I can do 90s but it's not that enjoyable. I need some actual motorcycle pants instead of just jeans, and also a mesh jacket would be nice.
I'm in mostly Texas so this temperature range lets me ride year round except for the hottest part of the summer when I have to do it early in the morning.
I've seen pictures of guys riding all winter in northern states. In a snowmobile suit. Seems crazy to me to even try to ride on snow and/or ice. I'll pass on that.
Without studded tires I don't see how it's possible on ice. Snow, I feel like as long as it's not transitioning surfaces (ex: asphalt->snow or snowy dirt->snowy asphalt) I might be able to figure it out.
I should clarify, that coldest time I went was still a beautiful clear day and it warmed up later.
Only time I was truly miserable was when it was about 40F, on top of a mountain, and started raining unexpectedly (so no waterproof liner). I went back to the cabin as quick as I could and took hot bath.