[joeke3el]

I picked up my Vol this past April and it was my first bike. I'm out here in north east Pa. We had a cool spring but now winter is on it's way and I want to extend the riding season as long as possible. I'm just curious what others have done in the past regarding clothing and additions to their bikes. My setup is a Memphis Fats windshield and a set of Topcop's lowers. I'm thinking of chaps for the legs and a nice heavy leather jacket. Is there anything else out on the market to cut the wind?

Thanks.

 

[5thTonBench]

DEFINITELY get a set of leather gauntlets. Mine are great, with a thinsulate lining, and both wrist AND cuff closers, so the air spills right over my hands not into my jacket. Comfy too.

Gauntlet Gloves at Marcus Dairy: $20.00
Not Freezing On the Way Home From Marcus Dairy: Priceless

 

[sevans]

well i would offer some tips but being from mississippi i have only one question --what is winter?

sevans

 

[Scubapro]

I'm going down this week to pick up leathers; my question is, how much rain can they take? Do I need to get waterproof clothing to go over the top of the leathers? :?:

 

[5thTonBench]

I'm going down this week to pick up leathers; my question is, how much rain can they take? Do I need to get waterproof clothing to go over the top of the leathers? :?:

Before you buy, check the wonderful world of ebay... I took a risk on a set of chaps and a leather coat that were matching, seperate auctions (really just for sale, I emailed and bought direct), and it cost me 35 bucks shipped for both pieces :shock: I figured if they were garbage, it was just like a half hour in Atlantic City is all, a small gamble.

Turns out, they are great... they aint the prettiest, sure arent as nice as HD's 300 dollar brand name chaps (which are nice albeit sooo $$$) but they get the job done. The chaps are thick, and keep the wind off, the coat turned out to be REALLY warm with lots of pockets for junk for me to carry while ridin :lol: Its all leather too, dunno how those guys do it, maybe lots of hiijacking :?

As for rain, yeah they have seen rain, lots of it. Still soft, somehow... I finally got around to treating them (considering they were cheap anyways) and all that did was make the water bead a little more. For 30 bucks, who cared? I think I might be a little more leary of a good set, but some of my dress leather coats I have had for YEARS, and they are all just fine too after several bouts with rain... not like suede, uggh (lets not talk about that poor coat )

 

[Scubapro]

What was the name of the seller? I have planned on picking the leathers up at a place here in town that sells biker leather. My only concern was the rain. Thanks for the info.

 

[Bluto]

Pick up one of those 1/2 face scarfs . They help keep the wind that blows up under your helmet from freezing your neck . :wink:

 

[5thTonBench]

Good Call Bluto, I forgot about those....

Bandit Scarves! :twisted:

 

[5thTonBench]

What was the name of the seller? I have planned on picking the leathers up at a place here in town that sells biker leather. My only concern was the rain. Thanks for the info.

Lemme hunt it down.. I'll get back to ya

 

[BlairWitch]

Glove liners to go under those warm gloves.
A fleece scarf (Walmart) to go under that Bandit thingy. Wrap it around your neck before you put your jacket on.
A knit cap (Walmart, again) to wear under your helmet.
Long johns, jeans and chaps...in that order. :wink:
Levi's makes a heavy thermal shirt. Wear it under a sweatshirt, then jacket over all that.
Two pairs of socks. Hunting socks are great!

If you can still move after you gear up, you don't have enough stuff on.

Oh yea. You can get some good quality leathers for a fair price at most rallies. Also, if you're going to make a large purchase at a specialty leather store, ask for a discount. Rick and I bought two jackets at one time and got 15% off.

 

[TheBruise]

Ryan- Did you buy those chaps from that 8fish4dinner guy in WI? I just bought a pair from them and am expecting them to arrive today or tomorrow...they were $27.95 so I figure I might as well take a shot..they had lots of good feedback too..

 

[DLFox]

This may seem obvious, but go with a full-face helmet. I couldn't believe how much of a difference it made until I switched from a three-quarter to a full last winter. Wear a balaclava on the really bitter days and you'll hardly notice the weather.

 

[FringeOfInsanity]

slip a newspaper inside your jacket. Chicago Sun-times works great around here. Helps block the wind and keep the heat in.

 

[5thTonBench]

Hey, never thought about it but why not? It works for the homeless :lol:

 

[skiertodd]

slip a newspaper inside your jacket. Chicago Sun-times works great around here. Helps block the wind and keep the heat in.

Woa...I hadn't thought about that since I was riding a CB175 back in the early 70"s Now I do the Polypro Longjohns, Thinsulite liner in the leather jacket, Full face with a wind blocker on the chin, A turtle neck and thinsulite boots....don't think I am going to ride the Vol in the snow like I did the 175 though :lol: . I rode that 175 about 25 miles through 6 inches on the road. I got there! It had mini knoby "street/Trail tires. and if you dropped it it wasn't to bad in the dollar dept to fix....my biggest winter driving tip is go slow!!

 

[5thTonBench]

Thats how my yamaha XS-650 (first bike ever) was. Of course, she was a wreck from the start when i bought her used :roll: , but I enjoyed fixing her up. Still if she fell over in the snow or just in the grass, I just brushed off, picked it up and scooted on! :lol:

I spent a week frame up restoring her at the beginning of this year... what a popular bike this apparently was. It was easier finding ultra cheap, brand new parts for it like I was lookin for than it is to find water in the ocean! :shock: It now rests in my father's garage, as I gave it to him restored as a bday present so he could learn to ride again. He has since bought himself a new bike! 8)

 

[TVil]

Get a good pair of gloves that go over you wrists, I've been caught in the cold with only short gloves and have have a red ring around my wrists that is very uncomfortable. Also be sure you're neck is covered, a leather bandana works well, needless to say a good jacket, and chaps or leather pants. Don't forget about boots either.

 

[FringeOfInsanity]

Hey, never thought about it but why not? It works for the homeless :lol:

Where ya think I learned this? All those years on the benches paid off

 

[Badtz Maru]

A garbage bag under your coat, in front to protect your torso from wind and heated grips. With a sidecar you can ride in the snow!

 

[TVil]

Ryan- Did you buy those chaps from that 8fish4dinner guy in WI? I just bought a pair from them and am expecting them to arrive today or tomorrow...they were $27.95 so I figure I might as well take a shot..they had lots of good feedback too..

I just bid on a pair from the same gut, We'll see how they are I guess. Post back here after you get them to let me know how they are