A lot of really good advice here + 1 on everything Spyug posted , and will add the colder weather will tax you quicker, make you less aware. Plan on making a lot of stops to keep hydrated and just for rest as you will need it even though you may feel you do not, VERY IMPORTANT for a long trip.
+ 1 on anything you can do for your hands, without heated grips or heated gloves my finger tips were always the coldest part of me on winter motorcycle trips. Must make sure you can still use controls easy, will take a little time to get acquainted with larger gloves.
Have always read that the core is the most important thing to keep warm and though a heated vest is so highly recommended If it outside of your budget dress in layers but must be the right kind of layers. Even with a heated vest dress in layers.
What I ride In during the winter, or at least below freezing.
Turtle polertec fleece hat, turtle fleece neck gaiter, long sleeve t shirt, short sleeve t shirt over, cold weather windproof dirt bike jersey, polertec fleece over that, then a insulated wind proof abrasion coat over that.
Smallish sweat pants that fit under jeans, jeans, goretex snowboard pants.
If you have armor pants that will fit under your top layer I would recommend.
For boots I just wear my trusty all leather slip resistance combat boots, but my feet are pretty warm to begin with. Not recomended for you though, make sure your boots are not to tight or steel toed.
You must try to dress right and still have good movement, not as easy as you might think.
When it is cold your visor on helmet will fog up real quick.
Use your helmet that has the best ventilation. Be able to lift visor quickly every time you stop/really slow down as it will fog up without the movement. I think you can buy spray on stuff to help with breath on visor.
Be very weary in the winter as there are always more debris on the roads! Wash out from rain storms, salt and cinders from past snow/ice, salt and cinders fall off cars at stop signs and lights and collect more so breaking easy is recommended. Thing that were ice like to melt during the day and run onto the roads and then refreeze in the shadows. And you thought you were invisible on a bike in the warm weather!
Have worked at ski resorts half of my life and always out in the cold, Was a lift mechanic and also made snow and 12 hour days making snow is cold. One winter all I had was a motorcycle and a hour drive each way. For longer tripps you must stay as warm as possible as the cold will sap your strength and leave your brain a little foggy and you wont even realize it, so stay rested and don't push yourself to far as you may regret it.
Do you know any people who live close by to the route you will be taking?
If so let them know you may be stopping by to visit a hour or so.
Your forum name is Motorcyclebaby so I figured I was allowed to mother you a bit
Be safe and have a good time.
