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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: NoiseBoy on October 12, 2015, 03:17:25 PM

Title: Winter Commuting
Post by: NoiseBoy on October 12, 2015, 03:17:25 PM
This is a bit of a wishy washy topic but I'm after tips and experiences of those that commute by Zero or other bike. I used to commute daily year round but I have been using the car for the past 18 months and will have to return to pure biking in January due to another office move.

This morning it took 10 minutes to leave by the time I had put on overtrousers, boots, coat, leather jacket, backpack,  neck thingy, helmet and gloves plus removing and putting away the bike cover. Unless the traffic is particularly bad it's actually quicker in the car.

How do you guys cope? I was thinking of streamlining by getting a warm touring jacket with goretex or similar so I can just leave a coat at work and ditch the neck thingy. I have a top box now so don't have to find somewhere to store my helmet. Storing gear in the office will also be a problem as i'm going from having my own office to hot desking with a small locker.

Has anyone found waterproof pants that can be stepped out of whilst wearing boots?

Any wisdom greatly appreciated!

Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on October 12, 2015, 07:55:44 PM
If you can afford one, an Aerostitch riding suit is the way to go.  Mostly waterproof, you can get one that fits over warm clothing, or buy an electrical jacket liner, and nothing is easier to get into or out of.  But they are expensive.  My daughter has been using her one-piece Aerostitch suit for 20 years and loves it.  Order one of their catalogs and check out all of the interesting things that they sell for committed motorcycle riders.   :)
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Doug S on October 12, 2015, 08:14:00 PM
My method of coping is very simple: I live in San Diego.

Sorry if that's not gonna work for you but it's great for me.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: benswing on October 12, 2015, 08:18:20 PM
Maybe go with long underwear if it doesn't make you too hot at work.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Erasmo on October 12, 2015, 08:35:11 PM
It all depends on the outside temperature and time spend in it. With a good jacket an trousers you almost never need to put on thermo and stuff unless it is 2+ hours or you're in near Artic temperatures. Saves you a lot of time when dressing.

Oh and heated grips or gloves are a must have.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on October 12, 2015, 10:58:37 PM
I've been happy riding year-round in Firstgear's TPG line (goretex gear with strategic vents, works great up to 90F or so), but I hear that the Aerostitch lifestyle is amazing, since you just slip on the entire suit at once over whatever you need to wear at work.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Burton on October 13, 2015, 12:09:52 AM
I commuted in temps down to 10 F last year with 100% no plastics on the bike (less the tank of course)

I wired up a plug or two for my jacket / gloves and on really cold days I wore my rain outer layer to better block wind.

This year I plan on getting my Last vetter fairing on the bike before it gets really cold so I have it to block wind as it makes a huge difference in perceived temperature when you can fully block the wind.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: CrashCash on October 13, 2015, 01:22:56 AM
I live in Florida, so I'm probably not allowed to talk here.

I have some First Gear riding pants with zips that come up to the hip. No model label on them except "Hypertek"

I also second the Aerostitch, as not only is it warm, but it's built to get in/out easily. It does require practice though.

I found Alpinestar "Drystar" gloves to be AWESOME cold weather gloves w/o bulk but the assholes discontinued them after ONE season.

Gerbing has improved their electric gloves quite a bit, but I haven't actually ridden with the new ones, just tried them on at AIMExpo.

I might end up riding the FJR a lot as it's got a full coverage fairing and a 1300cc space heater  :-/
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: NoiseBoy on October 14, 2015, 07:22:06 PM
Thanks for the ideas all. The aerostich suit looks like a good idea but I wouldn't want to pay $1200 for something I can't try on. I was hoping to avoid the expense of heated grips on the new SR and I bought some new very warm gloves but I think the heated grips may still be needed. I must have poor circulation in my hands or something because I really feel the cold these days.

Do you all wear full length motorcycle boots or are you riding in more casual footwear? Boots are one of the things that take longest to take on and off plus a lot of space needed to store them in the office.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on October 14, 2015, 08:38:12 PM
When it comes to keeping your hands warm, nothing beats electric gloves.  The ones that hook up to the bike's 12V on-board system work the best, but there are a number of gloves marketed to both motorcycle riders and skiers that use rechargeable Li batteries that are housed in the glove cuffs.  Also, you can buy electric motorcycle gloves and power them with a rechargeable 12V Li pocket battery for a couple of hours, provided that the batteries have a 12V port with a capacity of at least 10 amps.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: BrianTRice@gmail.com on October 14, 2015, 10:41:24 PM
When it comes to keeping your hands warm, nothing beats electric gloves.  The ones that hook up to the bike's 12V on-board system work the best, but there are a number of gloves marketed to both motorcycle riders and skiers that use rechargeable Li batteries that are housed in the glove cuffs.  Also, you can buy electric motorcycle gloves and power them with a rechargeable 12V Li pocket battery for a couple of hours, provided that the batteries have a 12V port with a capacity of at least 10 amps.

Good point. I moved on to heated grips because someone posted a used add-on kit for my Zero, but prior to that, heated glove liners were the best. In my case, I had glove liners that were powered from the 12V socket which meant running a cord through my sleeves for a few months per year. Not the most convenient in that case, but I was riding between Seattle and Portland through the winter every week or two (3 hours each way).
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: MotoRyder on October 15, 2015, 12:13:31 AM
Don't know about your work attire, for working in the office environment there, however one thing not mentioned are boots that can be worn for cold weather motorcycling, and also fit in at the office.

I have a couple pairs of TCX Motorcycle boots, and really like them. 

A favorite pair is my TCX Urban WP motorcycle boots, which are very nice looking mid-height boots that can look good with slacks and dress shirts, and are quality built leather motorcycle boots that are sturdy and durable.  Their durability means they last a long time and provide good comfort while riding in colder temps.  I use mine for commuting during the winter in the greater-Seattle area where the temps can be in the low-40s to mid-50s, using them in the wet conditions that Seattle is known for, and they keep my feet both warm & dry.

If interested, you can find them here:  http://uniongaragenyc.com/shop/motorcycle-boots/tcx-chelsea-moto-boots (http://uniongaragenyc.com/shop/motorcycle-boots/tcx-chelsea-moto-boots)
The sizing is European; my foot size is between 9 - 9 1/2 in American shoe sizes, and my TCX boots are size 43
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Burton on October 15, 2015, 12:35:41 AM
The biggest thing to remember with cold weather commuting is block as much wind as you can. It seriously makes a huge difference. On my ninja 250 I made what I called "winter wings" which went from my knee down to my foot on both sides and I had a huge 19" touring shield and hippo hands installed. After my first season of winter I quickly realized the importance of these extras.

Now that said I commute at higher speeds than most likely do, around 75mph. On extremely cold days I dropped my speed down to reduce the wind heat-sucking effect I would get when riding. Outside of 100% heated gear and 100% wind blocking you are going to have some level of discomfort when it gets really cold. So long as it doesn't impair your ability to control the vehicle safely it is fine just deal with it.

I go with Gaerne G12's for my boot ... I went down in some really nice Sidi On-road boots and they got tore apart at the seams ... so I said no more, and went with MX boots. Without wind blocking my feat would get cold after an hour of riding in winter. So if you plan on going longer distances, even at slower speeds, you might want to look into heated socks or inserts.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: kingcharles on October 15, 2015, 01:07:11 AM
Or try the Tucano Urbano Gaucho
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: CrashCash on October 15, 2015, 02:50:40 AM
Thanks for the ideas all. The aerostich suit looks like a good idea but I wouldn't want to pay $1200 for something I can't try on.

Yes, I had to wait 30+ years from when it was founded in the '80s until they finally did a Florida "pop-up" sale last February.(where they rent an empty store for a weekend at a mall) I sure as hell will never be anywhere near Minnesota, and I don't buy apparel online either.

Do you all wear full length motorcycle boots or are you riding in more casual footwear? Boots are one of the things that take longest to take on and off plus a lot of space needed to store them in the office.

Well, I have Aerostich Combat boots, which have the motocross style fast laces, so they take less than a minute to put on, or take off. Spread the opening, put foot in, pull up laces and slide down slider, then close and clip the fast-buckle.

This will be the first winter I've worn them so I don't know how they'll do.

Edit: they're made by Sidi for Aerostich, and Sidi is a top brand of MX boots.

Normally I wear highly ventilated high top sneaker boot things I got at Bass Pro Shops because I have a serious problem with sweaty feet. They cover a bit above the ankle and don't protect against crushing the feet/twisting the ankle. I haven't had any ankle injuries in my dozen or so crashes/drops over the decades.

However, the only time I have dropped my Zero was a couple months ago when I got off the bike and pivoted to swing my leg off. I didn't raise my heel, so my foot didn't pivot, however my knee did, and it went *pop* and I dropped like a rock. Fortunately the bike landed on top of me, so it was ok. People heal, but bike parts are expensive.

If I'd been wearing the Combat Boots, that wouldn't have happened.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: CrashCash on October 15, 2015, 03:01:55 AM
The biggest thing to remember with cold weather commuting is block as much wind as you can

YES  I can't agree with this strongly enough. My hands are the hardest things to keep warm.

I put the "barkbusters" from my Suzuki V-Strom on my FJR and it made a HUGE difference in the performance of either electric gloves or standard warm gloves. Look at http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php?topic=3354.0 (http://www.vstrom.info/Smf/index.php?topic=3354.0)

I have mine set up so it's one bolt to put them on.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: NoiseBoy on October 15, 2015, 03:53:30 AM
Jersey is 9 miles by 5 miles but very busy and slow (40mph speed limit) so although I am rarely on the bike in winter for more than 30 mins at a time I do really suffer the cold especially in hands and feet.  Ex-cyclist with extremely low body fat is probably the reason.  Electric gloves are no good because it takes too long to plug and unplug.  I'm after ease of use more than anything.

I do have some nice Sidi boots with gore-tex and they are fantastic but they take forever to take on and off.  Dress for work is shirt and tie and I leave a suit jacket in the office.  I will have to see if I can find a one piece suit locally to try on I think as that looks like the best solution for keeping core temperature up but still being easy to get in and out of.

San Diego would work for me Doug if you can sort out the visa!
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: PhreaK on October 15, 2015, 08:23:27 PM
Given, where I live doesn't get near as cold as some of you guys (drops to 4 degrees C or so in Winter during the day), I tend to prefer layering things rather than something like the Aerostitch. This makes it a little simpler to adapt across seasons / weather changes, which we get a lot of. My only requirement with this is it all needs to be as lightweight / packable as possible. I don't have side cases or top box so anything I'm not wearing or need to stash (apart from jacket / helmet) has to fit in a backpack along with my normal work gear.

My main kit / selection is a combination of:
 - Alpinestars tech touring jacket (seriously, you could go scuba diving in this thing and stay dry)
 - Icon Basehawk jacket (for when it's a little dryer - zips up nice and high though so no need for neck warmers)
 - GoGo gear kevlar base layer pants w/ removable CE2 knee armour.
 - Outlier pants - awesome work pants. Made for cycling so super comfy to sit in. Also hydrophobic.
 - Mammot Goretex overpants for when it's really crappy weather (double as part of my trekking kit - designed to fit over boots without issue and have a high waste so makes a super waterproof seal with jacket over the top)
 - TCX X-Rap WP boots (non-power ranger styling means I can wear them throughout the day, but still fully armoured and waterproof)
 - Mammot merino mid layer (again, part of my trekking kit)
 - Icebreaker merino base layer

As with others, hands are always the part that sucks. I've promised myself that I'll be picking up a pair of heated glove inserts before next winter.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Killroy on January 02, 2016, 10:47:33 AM
I was bundled up today (40-50 degrees F) and I still got cold hands and feet today with winder gloves.

I have ridden in the winter before, but on a gas sport bike, so there was a little wind protection and a little heat from the engine.  On a gas bike, when you stop, you can heat your gloves and your hands by the engine.  Not with a electric bike. 

I'm contemplating warmer gloves, heated liners or handlebar muffs like HippoHands since the hands need the most fixing.

All have some drawbacks that I gather:
1. Warmer gloves- might not be warm enough for riding in 32 F to 45 F
2. Heated Liners or Gloves - expensive and you have to mess with plugging in the wire or recharging little batteries.
3. Handlebar muffs- harder to install, can be expensive, look funny, and highway speeds my push the muffs into the brake lever and handlebar buttons.


Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Burton on January 02, 2016, 08:56:21 PM
All have some drawbacks that I gather:
1. Warmer gloves- might not be warm enough for riding in 32 F to 45 F
2. Heated Liners or Gloves - expensive and you have to mess with plugging in the wire or recharging little batteries.
3. Handlebar muffs- harder to install, can be expensive, look funny, and highway speeds my push the muffs into the brake lever and handlebar buttons.

My first winter without hippo hands I rode down to 35 before realizing I needed to do something (I had Revit Phantoms on) I ordered heated grips and hippo hands and installed them on my sport bike. It was just enough for my hands not to freeze when the temps were above 25.

The next season I got battery powered gloves (T5's) and found without the HH I had to run the gloves on HIGH down to 30 degrees to stay warm but with hippo hands on they were on medium for the same temperature.

This year, since I have enough amps for nearly anything I want, I bought a pair of warm and safe gloves and they are great ... much better than the gerbings as far as build quality is concerned. It hasn't been cold enough yet so these have only seen temps down to 35 on medium again. My HH were replaced with a LVF Turret ;)

I also wear a air-vantage heated kanetsu ... this only gets fully inflated when temps are 35 or lower or else I sweat going into work. It doesn't get plugged in less the temps are 32 and lower and with a heat troller as having it always on will make you sweat.

Gear (both on bike to block wind and on you) makes a huge difference. And the question you have to ask your self is not if it will work, because it will, and not if it will make your bike look silly, because it will, but how badly do you want to ride?

For the HH I will suggest you buy a 1" x 1/8" x 3' bar and create a bracket with it for each hand to keep the HH off your controls. It is dirt cheap, easy to work with, and works! Just form them to the inside of the hippo hands then mark where you need to install them, drill a hole in the HH and the bracket and you are good to go.

Here is my old ninja 250 (Rest in Pieces) with full winter gear on ... https://www.flickr.com/photos/71805301@N05/albums/72157629374581805 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/71805301@N05/albums/72157629374581805) ... leg protection, massive touring shield, HH, heated grips, Heated Carbs, Airhawk 2 seat all kept me warm when riding it ;)
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: LeftieBiker on January 03, 2016, 12:26:57 PM
   I currently do most of my Winter riding on an electric bicycle, but since I also have terrible circulation (Cardiovascular disease) and have ridden motorcycles in Winter when I was young (and will be doing so again, shortly!), I can offer a few tips.

   First, I third the suggestion for electric gloves. My experience is with lithium powered Venture heated gloves - older generation than the ones for sale now, but they still work. If your commute is less than an hour, battery gloves that will run at least 1 hour on High are much more convenient when riding than 12 volt versions. Just keep in mind that you will have to keep them charged both during the Winter (charging at work and at home) and at least once every two months over the Summer as well - the batteries have phantom drains from the BMS.

   Second, I also stress that you have to block the wind, both with a windshield and hand protectors (crucial!) on the bike, and covering virtually every millimeter of exposed skin. A good, thick balaclava is a must unless you have rubber skin, even though it may mean using a larger size helmet for Winter riding. You need a really tight knit to block the wind.

   Finally, and this is the only thing I haven't seen mentioned: pre-heat. Pre-heat as much of your clothing as you can, especially gloves and shoes, but also your pants and shirt if you can. I use an electric radiator for everything except my shoes, which I place over a hot air vent in the floor. I sometimes also use a ceramic heater set to Low (750 watts) if needed for the shoes, but that's a setup you have to watch like a hawk, even with the lower temp ceramic heating element. Preheating is so much more effective than just relying on the heating elements and your body heat to counter that initial blast of Cold!
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: LeftieBiker on January 03, 2016, 12:31:24 PM
"Electric gloves are no good because it takes too long to plug and unplug."

   Warm them on a radiator first. See my post above.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Killroy on January 04, 2016, 12:05:02 PM


   Warm them on a radiator first. See my post above.

My Zero does not have a radiator. ;D
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Burton on January 04, 2016, 07:01:30 PM
   Warm them on a radiator first. See my post above.
My Zero does not have a radiator. ;D


He isn't saying the zero has a radiator or that his bike does either ;) He is saying to preheat your gear with one before riding.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Ashveratu on January 05, 2016, 07:59:31 AM
I live in Maryland and make a 15 minute commute to work year round, unless it snows. Here is the list of my gear that keeps me in relative comfort and allows me to survive in temps down to about 20f. Once temps start hitting the teens, I wus out and drive.  (It's not the best gear out there, but it's what I happened to buy a few years ago and I have not needed to replace it yet)

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/oxford-handlebar-muffs-for-motorcycles (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/oxford-handlebar-muffs-for-motorcycles)
(http://static.twisted-throttle.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/28496d0a14ec004b76332fd2427e3099/o/x/oxford-bone-dry-handlebar-muffs-1.jpg)

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/oxford-heaterz-premium-heated-grips-touring-style (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/oxford-heaterz-premium-heated-grips-touring-style)
(http://static.twisted-throttle.net/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/28496d0a14ec004b76332fd2427e3099/o/x/oxf.of691z_001sm.jpg)

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/spidi-voyager-2-h2out-hi-viz-textile-jacket (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/spidi-voyager-2-h2out-hi-viz-textile-jacket)
(http://www.revzilla.com/product_images/0024/1694/474-3049_detail.jpg)

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/spidi-superstorm-h2out-pants (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/spidi-superstorm-h2out-pants)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ZjAWC1DJL._SY355_.jpg)

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-web-gore-tex-boots (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-web-gore-tex-boots)
(http://images3.revzilla.com/product_images/0097/3114/alpinestars_web_gtx_boots_detail.jpg)
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Killroy on January 05, 2016, 12:00:21 PM


http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-web-gore-tex-boots (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-web-gore-tex-boots)
(http://images3.revzilla.com/product_images/0097/3114/alpinestars_web_gtx_boots_detail.jpg)

I have those boots and my feet have been getting cold at in the 40's F.  I have a nice Olympia 1 piece suit, so my legs seem warm enough.  I just got some wool socks and sock liners, but I think it was too much volume and the snug fit made it the insulation worse, so I am going to try the just the socks.

Based on the forums recommendation, I got some cheapo plastic hand guards and some some of the warmest Tourmaster Gloves coming.  If that does not work, I'm going to get some heated grips.  This time of year its in the 40's in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Silicon Valley.  It can dip into the high 30s and freezing is rare.  If the gear I bought is any good, I will share it.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: NoiseBoy on January 06, 2016, 07:26:55 PM

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/spidi-superstorm-h2out-pants (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/spidi-superstorm-h2out-pants)
(http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/61ZjAWC1DJL._SY355_.jpg)


These trousers look perfect for when I'm moonlighting as a stripper. I could climb off the bike and walk straight on stage! ;D ;D
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: mrwilsn on January 12, 2016, 08:42:54 AM
Pinlock shield is an absolute must when the temps get really low.  Even with pinlock my shield was starting to get fogged around the edges by the end of my 18 minute commute this morning with temps at 18deg F.  Having to put up your shield at a stop to defog lets in too much cold air.

But I can't really recommend that others are as crazy as me to ride in temps that low.  Ice can be lurking around and you can easily lose traction on a patch of salt even if the roads are bone dry.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: ctrlburn on January 16, 2016, 08:34:34 PM
There is the "Zero Below Zero" Project further north of me in Duluth:

http://www.aerostich.com/blog/zero-below-zero/ (http://www.aerostich.com/blog/zero-below-zero/)


Will an electric motorcycle work for everyday transportation all winter long in frozen Duluth Minnesota? We’re putting together a lightly winterized Zero FX, and some brave (or foolish) volunteers to find out. Subscribe at right for weekly updates by the test riders.

We're going to leave our Zero outside overnight, every night, and outside at work all day. No sleeping inside nice warm garages, so the battery will sometimes require an added experimental warmer during the coldest periods. It may get down to twenty five below zero on the very coldest nights. (NASA uses Radioisotope Heater Units (RHUs) for deep-space and Mars exploration vehicles to keep it's batteries warm. These generate heat through the decay of a low-grade isotope. We don't have anything radioactive-warm available, so the small experimental 'electric blanket' wrap is going to do this job.) The battery warmer will connect to household current as will the Zero's battery recharging system. Other Zero modifications involve the tires, which will be equipped with about 500 special low-profile carbide tipped ice-studs, and the saddle and grips, which will be warmed by conventional resistance wiring.

Riders will also be evaluating Aerostich gloves, scarves, electric and fleece mid and base layers, and variety of helmets and boots. Also helmet anti-fog solutions. even at surface street commuting speeds the risk of frostbite in these temperatures is significant, so learning to dress quickly, easily and correctly will be essential. We are going to learn just how much of a pain-in-the-ass all the extra gear rigamarole becomes, and what it feels like to make it part of our routine. The test commute routes range between three and fifteen miles via surface streets through urban traffic grids and on some high speed two lane highways.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on January 16, 2016, 09:06:55 PM
ctrlburn, you guys are nuts.  But I am glad that someone is trying stuff like this and that it is not me.   ;)
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Erasmo on January 16, 2016, 09:24:27 PM
I also commute year round on the bike. Just realised when I get to my mid-commute charging stop I better plug in quick before the battery pack cools down too much.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: ctrlburn on January 16, 2016, 09:59:39 PM
Sorry - not "me" I'm posting the link and highlights from another's blog. These guys are north of here.

40F is about my limit for commuting (that is the day needs a forecast above 40.)



Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: winfried on January 19, 2016, 06:22:37 PM
Today in the morning the throttle was frozen... -10C over night. I used hot air to loose it. Any suggestion, how to prevent this, since i am worried if this happen during driving ?

usage:

As long it is snowing and streets are dry not icy, i am commuting ca. 10 minutes down to -7 Celsius in the morning and wait for temps over 0 Celsius so it charges over day or have to put it inside. I habe to park my xu is outside over night.

Gesendet von meinem XT1032 mit Tapatalk

Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Doug S on January 19, 2016, 07:44:28 PM
Any suggestion, how to prevent this, since i am worried if this happen during driving ?

Heated grips, running while riding or charging, and a pair of hippo hands to help keep the heat in?

You cold-weather fanatics really inspire me on those 30-degree days here in San Diego.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: ctrlburn on January 20, 2016, 06:07:03 AM
Because I do not plug in at work - I leave the commuting to days that will be 40F.
Of course in the morning it can still be chilly so my full kit for those last few (or first few) riding days:

Normal Long sleeve shirt
Inner Liner from Random Columbia Jacket
Tourmaster Draft Air 2.0  (with liner (I think makes it 3 season))
Riggs Nelson AS-3000  (rain jacket)

Coretech Scarabs

Long underwear
Normal jeans
Riggs Nelson AS-3000  (rain pants)

Second pair of socks
Canada West Firefighter boots

Scarf / Full face helmet
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: winfried on January 20, 2016, 04:01:43 PM
Any suggestion, how to prevent this, since i am worried if this happen during driving ?

Heated grips, running while riding or charging, and a pair of hippo hands to help keep the heat in?

You cold-weather fanatics really inspire me on those 30-degree days here in San Diego.


Thanks, but I was thinking prevent from stucking during riding and also over night.
So I think on any chemicals to prevent this, grease or oil or make the handlebar moisture tight ?
Maybe someone has some hints to get out the moisture which can freeze ?

I think it is essential for winter commuting to be save; think of riding for a while in the cold and then the throttle get stuck...  i am a little scared..
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Doug S on January 20, 2016, 08:53:01 PM
Thanks, but I was thinking prevent from stucking during riding and also over night.

That's why I said the heated grips should be on while charging (and aren't worried about draining the battery) or while riding (when they'll keep your hands warm too). That would keep the throttle warm overnight, assuming you plug in overnight, and while you're riding.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on February 02, 2016, 05:04:12 AM
Now this is winter commuting:  https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-blog-easy-fun-cool-reposted
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on February 11, 2016, 05:12:44 AM
Here is the latest installment:  https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-im-ready-im-ready-kyles-first-ride-reposted
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on February 13, 2016, 04:47:08 AM
And another. This one is kind of short:  https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-looked-window-reposted
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on February 16, 2016, 04:49:08 AM
Both the Zero and its riders are a tough crowd.  This time they are riding in -13 degrees (Fahrenheit, not Centigrade!).

https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-thirteen-zero-cool-reposted
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Erasmo on February 16, 2016, 01:57:41 PM
At those temperatures you might even want to supplement the heated grips with heated gloves.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on February 17, 2016, 07:31:41 AM
In this episode Aerostitch details how they got the Zero ready for their extreme winter weather:

https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-zero-preparation-reposted
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on February 19, 2016, 05:07:53 AM
More winter Zero riding in a freezing and snowy climate: 

https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-last-chance-reposted
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on February 23, 2016, 05:23:25 AM
The FX keeps chugging along.  The cold winter weather doesn't seem to bother the bike or its riders.   :)

https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-new-normal-reposted
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on February 27, 2016, 04:45:42 AM
The story continues and so does the Zero:  https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-bruce-back-saddle
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on March 01, 2016, 05:35:22 AM
It is starting to get warmer in Duluth. The temperature is now up to 20 degrees F: 

https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-hurry-ride
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on March 05, 2016, 05:29:53 AM
It is now March in Duluth and the Zero is still working:  https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-kyles-lost-31-32
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on March 08, 2016, 05:39:05 AM
Still cold and this time racing a pickup truck away from stoplights: 

https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-zip-dee-doo-da
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: johnnywheels on March 10, 2016, 07:57:27 AM
Still cold and this time racing a pickup truck away from stoplights: 
Airwheel X8 (http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=5092.45)
https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-zip-dee-doo-da (https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-zip-dee-doo-da)

Yikes! It's been great lately here in Nevada! Luckily our winters don't get that cold so it makes riding nice year round...except the summers can get up to 125F...spicy!

Update: just rained for about 3 days straight here breaking the record from 1973!
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on March 23, 2016, 04:37:07 AM
Winter is coming to an end for the Zero, but it is still being abused and running fine.  This report contains comments by
the latest rider regarding what he would like to see changed on the FX:

https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-ok-lets-get-serious-andys-verdict
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on March 26, 2016, 04:00:33 AM
This episode of the cold-Zero blog is the most interesting yet:  https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-march-lion
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: grindz145 on April 01, 2016, 09:10:59 PM
This episode of the cold-Zero blog is the most interesting yet:  https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-march-lion

These are awesome. Good to see my winter riding technique (#532 - carry a disposable lighter) is still quite valid in the world of electric motorcycling :)

I can't tell you how long I struggled with frozen lock cylinders until I realized that.
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on April 02, 2016, 04:03:44 AM
Aerostitch's Zero hasn't seemed to be affected by really cold winter weather.  It is getting warmer now in Duluth and the Zero has been put in "sport" mode:  https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-zero-kyles-feeling-sporty
Title: Re: Winter Commuting
Post by: Richard230 on April 07, 2016, 03:47:05 AM
This time the Zero FX dives into the snow:  https://rideapart.com/articles/zero-below-zero-fair-weather-rider?