Comments on: Two Motorcycles in the Cold

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 15:08:53 +0000

In reply to RichardM.

I’ve looked more than once at those Roadcrafter suits. My the prices make my eyes water.

I have heated gloves, grips, and bar muffs on the Vespa. It’s really the cold weather machine. I’m riding the Himalayan in the cold just because it’s new and I’m excited to ride!

-15F was about as cold as I would ride. Mostly because that was about as cold as it got here. A heated shield would have been really nice.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 15:06:15 +0000

In reply to Jim Zeiser.

Bud Eakins was bringing more than a Triumph Trophy to the party. He could have jumped that fence in a whole lot of machines. Skill can overcome a lot of moto shortcomings. I think Bud also did the beach riding scenes in the opening to “Then Came Bronson.”

As I move forward with the Vespa and the Himalayan, it’s likely the Vespa will become the road bike. It’s just nice, smooth, and comfortable for long days on the road. I really want to use the Himalayan for long trips in the mountains. Just need the ice to clear on those No Maintenance roads.

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 15:02:46 +0000

In reply to David Eakin. I recently purchased KemiMoto gloves and socks. Battery powered. Easy to use. I like them a lot. If you order them before March, the code RONIN will save you 30 percent off your purchase!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 15:01:29 +0000

In reply to lostboater.

53F would be a joy to me right now. But I understand the reluctance to cold. And we all have our unique limits. Mine is slowly climbing. Before long I may be just like Bill.

Momma is always right Ken.

Triumph in the 80s was a disaster. But the more modern ones — they shift and ride like butter. So smooth.

Hit at 80mph. Geez!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 14:55:22 +0000

In reply to Mick.

A goose-down snowsuit! I haven’t seen one of those. I bet it’s nice at -20F.

I used to have Arctic blood but a heart attack and blood thinners have caused it to disappear. Now even the thought of cold can make me shiver.

I think the auto industry must lobby for more salt on the roads. In Pennsylvania, it’s not uncommon to see rather new vehicles rusting out.

I’m still trying to figure out how and what to make with video. I watch McRider sometimes because he has good stuff related to riding strategy and staying safe on the road. I probably watch Itchy Boots the most. Her adventures at times give me vertigo as she rides along the most dizzying roads and mountain passes.

Take care and hope you get two wheels on the ground soon!

By: Steve Williams

Steve Williams — Sat, 19 Feb 2022 14:49:30 +0000

In reply to Paul Ruby.

I think even with the “right” gear the cold has affected the way I think about riding in the winter. Comfort in the warmth of home has won out over the thrill of riding when it’s cold.

You’ll find the right bags for the bike. They’re out there and you love the search!

By: RichardM

RichardM — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 21:30:15 +0000

I found the uninsulated Roadcrafter Light more than sufficient for all temperatures. If it’s cooler, add a fleece. Colder use a heated liner and lined jeans. If it’s really cold, use both a heated liner and a fleece jacket. This was sufficient down to about -30°F. A neck gaiter is used if needed along with heated gloves, grips, and Hippo Hands type of cover. With the grip covers and heated grips, light summer gloves are usually sufficient.

Below -30°F, I would use a different jacket instead of the fleece. Oh yeah, a winter helmet with a heated shield is a nice addition.

By: Jim Zeiser

Jim Zeiser — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 17:39:18 +0000

It all depends on your point of view as to whether a bike looks right. While the Himalayan is a good dual purpose machine. But,,,, Bud Eakins had no trouble jumping a wooden barrier in The Great Escape on a Triumph Trophy. Nor did they flinch back in On Any Sunday to race in the desert on bikes that were fairly similar in appearance to Paul’s or a Triumph Scrambler.
The Himalayan is the right machine for what you’re doing. The BMW was/is an excellent Sport Touring machine for trips to Gettysburg, Fort McHenry or Williamsburg not to mention many other sites. The Himalayan is a better machine for exploring the goat paths and dirt roads in your back yard. It should be a source of excellent prose in the future.

By: David Eakin

David Eakin — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:49:26 +0000

In reply to Paul Ruby.

I would think the Triumph would be somewhat compact for your height. The universal cure for cold weather riding seems to be either a complete heated gear suit, or handlebar muffs (Kemimoto is recommended – https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/kemimoto-handlbar-mitts.1540751/) with heated grips.

By: lostboater

lostboater — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 16:45:10 +0000

When Bill and I ride he thinks 53 is the coldest temperature ever and hesitates to ride in anything below that. I did coaxes him out this week but only has he was desperate for a long ride. In the end we were both glad for the four day trip. I have ridden in your weather before but my Momma says you can’t make me do it anymore.

I had a brand new Bonneville that I did not like (the BSA was much better) in Europe in the early 70’s. Fortunately it was hit by a BMW doing about 80mph. Fortunately I was stationary and hit just in front of my knee and I just got knocked down with just some bruises. Fortunately the Bonneville was not as lucky and I kissed it goodbye.