We get very little snow, and it's usually relatively dry during the winter. Just got to watch it in the mornings when it's pitch black out.

A patch of ice will wake you up in a hurry.

 

Keep in mind that the colder you are the slower your reaction time. It's a big distractor

 

Then why ya using the thermal digs. Wanna feel like a caveman, strip down and go for a ride.

 

I only have the heated gloves. I have ridden and thought I was warm until I stopped, and started shacking all over. I now wear a shirt with two breast pockets under my leathers with a chemical hand warmer in each pocket. They really help to keep your core warm. My next purchase will be the heated jacket liner.

 

So far the only thing I've ever had problems with is my finger tips. So numb they hurt for a couple of hours or for more then a day after (not good in my opinion). I paid $110 for my Gerbing T5 gloves. The $ I spent on them is nothing compared to the cost of fuel for my truck that I would need to drive if I did not have the heated gloves. So I can now extend my riding season and start earlier next year. A good investment in my opinion.

 

If you are warm and comfortable you will enjoy the ride a lot more. Without as many layers on you will be able to maneuver better. Until about two years ago I rode without heated gear. Then I tried heated gear and instantly fell in love it. It extends the riding season.

 

so I guess it boils down to the haves and have nots then

 

I'm not riding unless I'm comfortable....if it means riding with heated gear I take it.... don't really give a rats *** what everyone else is doing..

 

I love my heated gloves and socks...i ride to ride, I love all the crap i have on my bike. If i need to plug up then so be it...If you buy some good gear you can ride a lot longer in the year.

 

Heated gear has given me a longer riding season. I guess we are the poster people of whom you speak. We ride 2 up and I like it that way. We've been down the rustic road for more years than I care to remember (getting old I guess) you can have it. Freezing sucks and putting the bike up for the winter in late October sucks more.

I'll keep the Gerbings liners.

Ratkiller