How low can I go

[DanTheMan]

Dan, can I assume you don't have any electrical issues with the Widder vest? I actually have one but I have always been concerned that our meager GS charging systems might not be able to handle the extra drain of heated clothing. Do you leave it on when you are city riding and/or idling?
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I haven't had any problems with the Widder. I turn it and my heated grips on when I leave the house on a cold day, and turn them off when I park the bike somewhere ( I have forgotten to turn off the grip heaters on ocassion....somewhat embarassing). When the rpm is less than 4k, the voltage drops and wavers between 12 something and 13 something, extended idling would probably drain my battery, but overall it's been just fine. Running down the road at 4-5k, the system is always around 14 volts, it handles it well.

[DanTheMan]

BTDT. Lived there about a year. Gyrene Airhead.


BTDT too. Got caught in the rain with no rain gear. About 50 degrees. Sucked the heat right outa me. Thats the coldest Ive ever been.

There Dave, I fixed it up for ya!!!!!

[dpep]

I haven't had any problems with the Widder. I turn it and my heated grips on when I leave the house on a cold day, and turn them off when I park the bike somewhere ( I have forgotten to turn off the grip heaters on ocassion....somewhat embarassing). When the rpm is less than 4k, the voltage drops and wavers between 12 something and 13 something, extended idling would probably drain my battery, but overall it's been just fine. Running down the road at 4-5k, the system is always around 14 volts, it handles it well.

Thanks, good to hear. Of course it isn't quite the issue for me here in Florida as it is for you in Minnesota. Here in the Northern part of the State we can get a few days in Jan-Feb down into the 30's and even an overnight freeze or two. Your experience gives me the confidence to pick one of those snaps and try out the vest.

[madjack57754]

2X the heated grips. Can be had cheap by buying used snowmobile handle bars with the grip heaters still in place (usually about 5 bucks).That and cut down 2 empty antifreeze jugs and make wind deflectors, hose clamping them onto the handlebars, through the pour spout of the jug. If I wasn't at work I'd have pictures. Think big hand guards on bark busters to get an Idea of what they look like

[123repeater]

I was riding in Feb here in MI, layer upon layer and still pretty cold... I've found that ANY exposed skin is a bad thing!!! Oh! and that a hot bath after the ride is great..

[sschering]

I try not to ride below 32 but one morning my house was the warm spot in town. It was 19 by the time I got to work and I had ice inside my visor...

Last winter I wore a 3/4 winter coat over my mesh riding jacket..
Balaclava to keep the wind off my neck and a little fog control.
It's really quite warm. I don't have winter gloves but a few seconds on the engine will warm your gloves up real quick.
I also found that putting my feet on the passenger pegs will get your legs down into the warmer air coming off the engine.

Every little bit helps.

[Skateguy50]

I think its great to keep riding if you can but got an ad in my email for winter gear and found the cover picture a bit much. Cold is ok, snow is just unsafe.

[DanTheMan]

I think its great to keep riding if you can but got an ad in my email for winter gear and found the cover picture a bit much. Cold is ok, snow is just unsafe.

Isn't that rider on a BMW? Beemer riders can do anything, go anywhere, no matter the weather, as long as they've got new 'Stich clothing on and the GPS is working properly...................

[Skateguy50]

maybe but the site didnt offer studded tires anywhere

[duaneage]

I rode my bicycle at 28 degrees last year. Try that sometime.

[bradleymaynar]

Single digits, but my commute is 5 or 10 minutes. I'll ride every month of the year as long as the weather is decent and the roads/streets are clear.

Brad bk

[Rkt-Rch]

Been riding for the last couple of weeks in 25-35Deg... Brrrrr... Oh yeah did we all forget that we have a wind/speed/chill factor involved! Did a 65mile ride in 31deg-rain... That @$#@ed. Had more problems with the helmet fogging up then any thing else, and keeping the back wheel from spinning when taking off and crossing the painted marking on the road..
Slow...Slow.. and slower...

[madjack57754]

..... Electric riding gear. Snowmobilers have eletrics wired into helmets to keep shields clear, 'lectric socks, pants, vests, and even gloves in addition to heated grips

[marvinsc]

..... Electric riding gear. Snowmobilers have eletrics wired into helmets to keep shields clear, 'lectric socks, pants, vests, and even gloves in addition to heated grips

No way a standard GS charging system would handle even half of that amount of draw.

[toejams1]

Wow

I haven't logged in in a couple of weeks and see this thread is still alive. I realized that 32 will be my cut off. Because I don't have a windshield, and that other little annoying thing about water freezing below 32, that just may have to be my limit for now. Though I have to admit, I kinda enjoyed seeing the faces of other drivers when I am out on my bike on those cold mornings, and they are in their car with the heat on and a cup of coffee in their hands. You know, the "that guy is freakin' nuts" kinda look.