Vernon Motorsports Cold Weather Riding
The only way to really combat brutally cold weather is to invest in gear designed for defense. The ideal arsenal is a many layered affair. First you need decent insulation against your skin. Long underwear is sold in many mediums these days, but the best we've found is simple polypropylene or a poly-fleece blend if you want a thicker layer. Top of the line treated and insulated suits made from synthetic Cordura and lined with a breatheable membrane such as Fore-Tex are probably going to offer the best cold-weather protection, some of these jacket/pant combos do a decent job as rainsuits too. It's possible to find a lined leather suit that keeps you as warm, at least when teamed with a good rainsuit. Leather, however will do more to protect you from abrasion.
An electric vest or long-sleeved liner is your big gun. When your core temperature drops, your body decreases its blood supply to the extremities in an effort to maintain heat in the heart and lungs. This is one reason why your hands and feet suffer so much. By using an outside heat source to warm vital organs and the blood circulating there, you'll be doing your entire body a favour. Electric apparel uses power from your bike's battery to heat wires within the garment, making it possible to ride comfortably in temperatures well below freezing. Vernon Motorsports carries electric apparel.
You should have at least one pair of socks that are thick, warm and can wick away perspiration. Ideally you'll line these high tech socks with an ultra thin poly-blend pair. The best place to find good winter socks is a mountain sport outfitter. Keeping your hands warm is a greater challenge. Don't skimp on winter gloves. It's always a good idea to have several pairs of gloves on hand, two that are insulated so you can switch off if your primary pair becomes wet or damp from perspiration. If your hands become just too cold to ride, locate one of those electronic bathroom hand dryers. They don't work after you wash your hands, but they will warm aching fingers. You caneven warm your gloves nicely by letting the air blow in for a few minutes.
A full face helmet is always warmer than a lesser style; though fogging is a common problem. Before a cold-weather tour, add a clear fog retardant line to your shield or a fabric breath guard to your helmet liner. Keep your neck covered so cold air doesn't sneak into your jacket. The best thing we've found are poly-blend head gaiters that begin coverage below the collar and can be extended up over the nose or entire head. These work better than any triangular designs.
Stop often when it's cold, but move slowly when you're off the bike or you'll get too sweaty in all that gear. Drink warm fluids, but don't take on big meals that will require a lot of energy to digest. If you get too cold or start felling lethargic, stop right away. Sometimes doing a few jumping jacks on the roadside can get your body temperature up long enough to find shelter. Keep in mind that although you feel alert, your muscles are tight and won't always react smoothly.