Flying to Dallas this weekend to pick up my 07 FLHP. I'm riding it back to Nashville, TN. It going to be about 730 miles. Man I love road trips![sm=icon_rock.gif]Weather Sunday is going to drop to mid 30's for the high and I'll be finishing up my last 250 miles around noon.This is by far the coldest weather I'vesubject myself to. Thus, I'm not sure if my currentgear will suffice.
Here's the list:
Thermals-top and bottoms
"Frog-Togs" -veteran rider here at work swears by 'em. Says they're rain-proof andshield wind while breathing nicely
A-typical HD boots well broken in
Wicking sock liners and wool socks
Chaps - I'll be wearing a simple pair of jeans
Carhart lined jacket
Hooded sweatshirt - for the fact that I don't have a ski mask of sorts. It'll cover my neck, ears, etc.
Half Helmet - Yeah I know you guys are gonna give me S for this but I figured between my hooded sweatshirt and fleece turtleneck I'd be good.
Hot Hands - I got these for my boots and gloves. My gloves are crap at best. They are fleece-lined but the outershell is flimsy leather.

That's about it. Is three layers enough? I'll start out in Dallas at roughly 60 and move down to mid 30's by Memphis at9PM. I'll be adding layers as I go of course.

Your input here is greatly appreciated. Who knows, if I dig it, I might keep this winter riding thing going.

Thanks Potter

 

ELECTRIC VEST - CHAPS - GLOVES
Full Face or Modular Helmet
Engin Guard Soft Lowers

 

That's not enough for a long ride in the 30's. You won't die but you'll wish you had a lot more on. You have enough for about an hours ride in those temps. Several hours of sitting still not generating much body heat while the wind blast is carring off what body heat you have and you will likely be making a lot more stops then you may have planned.

But hey, post something after you get back.

Well after you stop shaking of course.

 

Agreed, and I'd say even "at a minimum".

Take the other layers with you too, but there's no substitute for good heated gear for long cold rides.

Nothing zaps your energy and will to ride on than a harsh cold wind cutting right through you.

 

I ride in 30ish deg weather all the time here in the Seattle area. Minimum of three layers, sometimes four. I wear an UnderArmor top, covered by a long sleeved shirt of some sort, topped by my leather jacket. Bottom - Duo long johns, jeans, chaps, thick socks with boots. Hands - I like the polypropylene glove liners under my tattered gloves. I still freeze my azz off but I'm usually good for about 2 hours steady riding. I'm transitioning to a heated vest but my wife got me the wrong size for xmas (she got me a 62 chest size...too big, not even close...is she trying to tell me something?) My bro tells me it was in the 70's in KY the other day, before the tornados visited his farm...so maybe you'll just freeze in the AM and thaw out before lunch.

Dressed as you say you will be, you are going to freeze but you'll probably still have a shi+ eating grin on your face.

 

Bandana or 2for your face.

 

If you can't go electric, at least get more to cover your face and good gloves and/or glove liners. Even with a hoodie the wind is going to go in and down your neck and on your ears with a half helmet. Stop at a sporting good store and get a neck gator or ski mask. As mentioned already, Underarmour is good stuff. Silk long underwear is fantastic. Thin, comfy and very warm.

Also, be careful getting on your bike if you wear the Frog Togs. I too had heard great things about them and bought a set. The very first time I tried them, as soon as I threw my leg over the bike, I ripped the crotch right out of them. I can't tell you how miserable it is when the only thing wet and cold is your crotch!

Good luck and congrats on the new bike. Let us know how it went.

 

When I ride half helmet during winter, I add to your list a fleece face/neck cover and fleece helmet liner (cheap at local bike or leather shops) and I found that my insulated ski bibs came in real handy just recently. The hands and feet are usually my hardest to keep warm. Enjoy the trip and the bike. Hope it's a warm/safe trip !!! [8D]

 

And if it really getsbad get yourself a news paper and shove er down inside your jacket....keeps ya toasty.

 

I would guess that after spending the money on the new bike and plane ticket and all, you probably don't want to lay out alot more.............. But if you really want to stay warm and you don't mind not looking very good, you need snowmobile clothing from head to foot.

One layer of thermals under your street clothes and one snowmobile suit with full helmet, gloves and boots will keep you very comfortable all day long at temps far lower than what you are facing. I never wear snowmobile clothes on my bike, but I would if I had to ride that distance in that temperature.

A huge factor will be what bike you are riding. Windshield or open wind?

Dennis