Dressing for the weather

[spyderjo333]

How do you decide what to wear in colder weather? We bought our Spyder last May when it was warm. We haven't been out recently. My husband
wore shorts and a jacket last time we went out in the fall in 71 degrees, while I was bundled up and my legs were a little cold. I've read that
some people say there is no wind chill involved in riding and others say there is. Is it just trial and error and bringing along extra clothes in case
you get cold?

[Bob Denman]

It's pretty tough to tell someone what they need to wear; we all have different tolerances for heat and cold!
My advice: dress in layers... Remove something when you're warm, and add something when you're cold.
After that; it's an individual trial and error process.
Oh! The operator and passenger often are in completely different conditions when riding. My Missus is always cold about 15 degrees before I am. The pocket of still air that surrounds the rider; isn't quite large enough for two!

[kywinger]

Good Day
You can also get some electrically heated gear, vest, gloves.
There are many different brands of gear.

My wife and I use gear from EXO2 The heat inside, they are in Georgia.
This brand wires to the Spyders battery.

Some brands use a rechargeable battery, can lose charge before your ride is done.

[Saluda]

Wind chill is a factor. Wicking clothing works great with an outer layer that will not allow wind penetration. As said prior layers are the key. Trial and error is a big factor. Good luck.

[blacklightning]

I am now on my 10th bike in 10 years, and I learned early to dress in layers and take extra. The experience is your own, and no one can tell you how to ride. It was 70 here yesterday, and I rode with long johns, and jeans on the bottom. On the top, I had on one of my lighter weight leather jackets and I felt very comfortable. At an exit, I pulled up beside a guy on a R1 with shorts, T-shirt, and tennis shoes. From a safety point, he was not dressed correctly (in my opinion). But from a comfort stand point, I would have frozen. But, you have to do what your body says. With the spyder, it is easy to take extra clothing for those times when you get cold.

[GearHd]

Some sort of windbreaker goes a long way in keeping warm. When it's cooler I wear jeans and then I have Klim over pants that have GoreTex. For my upper body I wear a long sleeve t-shirt, Gerbings heated jacket and then a quality riding jacket. I have either First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket or Klim. If it's real cold I'll put a sweatshirt over the heated jacket to insulate in the jacket heat.

[JayBros]

I agree with Professor Denman. Anyone who lives life outdoors knows the value and convenience of layering. Tolerance for cold is individual of course, excepting the physics of skin and extremeties exposed to cold and windchill that can cause frost bite or frozen tissue. Whatever methods one uses in layering the outermost should provide a wind barrier.

[Bob Denman]

I'm no professor...
What I don't know; could fill volumes!
But I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once!

[Chupaca]

If you have heated gear you can adjust the temps and wear less clothing. If not then dress in layers you can add or remove accordingly. I use the warm gear heated liner and gloves but if you have more drastic weather you can add the pants. Some have heated seats and grips but they do not do the trick for me. RT ryders better benefit from that set up...

[rwc]

I agree layering is the way to go . If in doubt go with more. It is easy to take off and roll up if it is too muck. Something that stops the wind for outer layer leather rain suit etc. If you smoke don't. That will cause the temp of fingers toes and ears to drop at least 10 degrees. Even if you smoke inside then go outside the effect of nicotine last a couple or hours.

[ARtraveler]

Layering is the best way to find your specific comfort level.

Textile gear comes with liners for both the jacket and pants. For me, the liners go in when it gets to 40 degrees or so.

If I am not using textile riding pants, then Kevlar jeans are good, for an extra layer, on go the leather chaps.

No leather for temps below 30 degrees. Then its all textile and liners. Add a sweater and a balaclava for top protection.

Appropriate, heavier gloves are also good.

I do not use any heated gear. Don't like plugging in and out.

[Mr. White]

Good Day
You can also get some electrically heated gear, vest, gloves.
There are many different brands of gear.

My wife and I use gear from EXO2 The heat inside, they are in Georgia.
This brand wires to the Spyders battery.

Some brands use a rechargeable battery, can lose charge before your ride is done.

kywinger, I buy extra batteries and plug them in as needed. A battery will last 6-7 hours and the good part of it is I can use my jacket out in the field on my tractor or four wheeler....not having to fool with wires, etc. Works for me.

[SpyderAnn01]

kywinger, I buy extra batteries and plug them in as needed. A battery will last 6-7 hours and the good part of it is I can use my jacket out in the field on my tractor or four wheeler....not having to fool with wires, etc. Works for me.

That's a good option if you don't travel too far. For me I'd turn that on if I was a bit chilly and by the time it got real cold the battery would be dead. For long distance travel I think plug in is the only way to go. Textile jacket and pants for me with layers underneath.

[LJspydee]

Winter here in Arizona days can start in the low 40's and end up in the 70's. We layer silk long underwear, jeans, long sleeves and Tourmaster jackets and over pants. By afternoon we are removing layers and enjoying rydes!

Sent from my SM-T210R using Tapatalk

[HIspyder]

I'm the wrong person to be answering your question, but I have 2 cents left, so here it is...

Well, if I lacked common sense, I'd wear a t-shirt, shorts and slippers like many do here.

I love my BRP Cruise jacket, even if it's hot and I sweat, I feel somewhat protected. I have yet to use the liner that came with it.

[Bob Denman]

Dress for the slide; NOT for the ride!

[HIspyder]

Dress for the slide; NOT for the ride!

LOL!

[ARtraveler]

I'm the wrong person to be answering your question, but I have 2 cents left, so here it is...

Well, if I lacked common sense, I'd wear a t-shirt, shorts and slippers like many do here.

I love my BRP Cruise jacket, even if it's hot and I sweat, I feel somewhat protected. I have yet to use the liner that came with it.

When we rented the on Maui (no longer available--), We started out with light nylon jackets, fingerless gloves, jeans, and half helmets. Man O Man, we did appear to be overdressed. It was in the high 90's that day. I finally ditched the jacket. And lived to tell about it.

[Deanna777]

Dress in layers!

In the mornings( @ 4:05am when I am going to work/ a cool fall day) up here in Vermont I wear long sleeve shirt, then a fleece with 3/4 zipper or a long sleeve fleece, then my BRP jacket/with a removable liner. I wear gloves w/ thin slate. Boots( leather) with heavy socks, pants: jeans, Tech pants ( 100% water and wind resistance with a Sympatex laminated breathable and windproof lining, shaped legs, all seams sealed, front/and back ventilation at thighs, side zippers just below the waist for easy off/on. reflective cord on side seams. Front/ and back pockets.

Deanna

[HIspyder]

When we rented the on Maui (no longer available--), We started out with light nylon jackets, fingerless gloves, jeans, and half helmets. Man O Man, we did appear to be overdressed. It was in the high 90's that day. I finally ditched the jacket. And lived to tell about it.

It's the Rubba Slipas that really blow my mind when I see riders wearing them here. We've all seen pictures of the de-gloved foot...

[DJFaninTN]

let me be the first to encourage you to go a different route besides the clothing. add yourself some Baker Wings. they are a site sponsor and the wings will cut the wind off of you when you want and add some wind to you when you want it. they are also great for keeping the rain off of you as well.

my wife was out of town one weekend so I installed them on our bike. she got home and wanted to ride. it was in February and the temps were in the 40's. we got going and I asked her if she noticed a difference? she said NO. then I opened the wings up and she popped me on the back of the head and said please close them .. NOW.

from then on she was hooked.

[Cruzr Joe]

I suggest that you always wear long pants at least, if it is cool you will be warmer, if it gets real hot the sun won't bother your legs , and layer up from there.

Cruzr Joe

[Tessgo]

Dress for the slide; NOT for the ride!

Too true, safety should be the primary concern, then comfort, I rode solo for many years, then sidecar outfits etc, even on the Spyder I ride with Kevlar jeans, boots and either leather or newer style jackets with inserts. A spill even at slower speeds can do a lot of damage to bare skin. I've seen people over here in Oz, particularly in Queensland where it can be quite warm riding with little on, scary stuff. There seems to be enough of a variety of gear these days to accomodate both safety and comfort.