Table of contents

• Buying advice: winter equipment Equipment tips for frost and snow
• Winter gloves
• Winter tips
• Kidney belts
• Boots and socks
• Textile suits
• Thermal suits
• Thermal underwear

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clothing

Product test: winter equipment

Buying advice: winter equipment
Equipment tips for frost and snow

Let’s not kid ourselves: winter has only just begun. The really tough times are still ahead of us. And then you’ll be waiting to go on tour on a sunny day: our equipment tips for frost and snow.

Jorg Lohse

07/01/2010

It’s getting hot in winter in the MOTORRAD editorial office. Not only that the brand new bikes have to be put through their paces in no time at all. The discussions about the right outfit for the test drives in the icy mistral wind in southern France or in cold and wet Germany are also heated. Everyone knows at least one secret drug, everyone has already fallen on the nose with a hot piece of advice from a colleague.

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In short: From December it will be like every motorcycle get-together in the republic, when snow and ice are the topic. In practice this means: try, try, try. The catalog data promise a lot, whether it actually helps can only be clarified in an everyday test. The crew around Rolf Henniges also had to experience this painfully when they set off for the middle class comparison (page 46) in the cold center of Germany and returned to the editorial office with sometimes frustrating experiences.

Driving in winter, as was once again clear on this tour, consists of a collection of compromises. What is good for driving fails hopelessly in the freezing cold. If you wrap yourself up warm, the driving dynamics are over: “You sit on the bike like a Michelin man”, Sven Loll sums up test driver and long-term chiller, “and are condemned to absolute immobility.”

Experts like MOTORRAD author Werner Koch therefore advise prudence: “The processes when braking or cornering are slower and less safe. Thick, warm winter gloves distort the feeling for the brake dosage.” Nevertheless, these are just as indispensable in winter as everything else that is summarized on the following pages.

Winter gloves

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First five, then three: As the temperature drops, the number of fingers on the gloves also has to be reduced. The cuffs must fit under the sleeves.

A good feeling of contact with the motorcycle is extremely important on cold days. Good winter gloves have to do that.

Are only BMW drivers fine in winter because what feels like 95 percent of Bayern bikes are equipped with heated grips? On the contrary, because a heated grip can even be counterproductive on cold, wet days, as moisture is pressed into an otherwise waterproof glove as it evaporates.

Mandatory equipment for winter drivers is a well-insulated, waterproof glove. Temperatures in the single-digit plus range can still be easily managed with lined five-finger gloves. In the minus area, the so-called pig paws, the thickly insulated three-finger mittens, in which a larger air cushion is built up, have to run. However, the feeling of contact with the pedestal decreases considerably.

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Hot and cheap: Inner gloves (above) cost little and bring a lot. Electricity, on the other hand, is expensive: The heat output of heated gloves is poor.

Switches are difficult to reach, but the feeling for the brake metering suffers in particular. Small tuning tip for the device: adjust adjustable brake and clutch levers closer to the handlebars. It is not advisable to use extra overcoats. This makes the grip feeling only spongy.

Liner gloves made of silk or synthetic fibers, which are available from around ten euros in specialist shops, are much more effective. So that it fits perfectly afterwards: Try on winter gloves and appropriate underwear together. The pairing must not sit too tight, but should have some air. Glove professional Held even offers heated gloves that can be operated wirelessly using a battery in the cuff. The complete set costs 279.90 euros, but cannot replace real heated grips due to its moderate heat emission.

Buying tip: The BMW Pro Winter 2 gloves (110 euros) offer a good mix of comfort and insulation. The three-finger gloves from Reusch (Arctis 59.95 euros, at Polo) and Dane (Nordkap X-Treme 89 euros, at Motoport) proven.

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Hot water march. The Thermoflash heating suit is connected to the motorcycle’s cooling circuit.

Boiling hot cooling water, unrestrained tapping of the alternator. If the bike is frozen, only heated clothing will help.

Garments such as vests, functional underwear, gloves, socks or kidney belts with thin wires that are heated by electricity are widespread. But be careful: most bikes will not be able to cope with complete wiring. Rule of thumb: Ten percent of the alternator output is okay as an additional load.

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Warm winter vest from Alpinestars with 12-volt connection.

An alternative for winter junkies who always shiver: an overall that is built on the principle of underfloor heating and uses the hot cooling water of the engine via a heat exchanger. According to the manufacturer Thermoflash, 3800 watts of heating power are possible, but the set costs around 1000 euros – not including installation costs.

Buying tip: Alpinestars Fleece vest “Tech” (299 euros) with 55 watt power consumption. Temperature control optionally available.

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A heated visor (above) helps around the Arctic Circle. Otherwise, the double pane (below) has proven itself.

There is a lot of tension around the helmet. The low winter sun and a fogging visor cause trouble. But a few simple steps are enough to keep track of things.

A helmet with heating? It doesn’t exist yet. But a heated visor (for various Ixs helmets, 95 euros), which is not approved for road traffic and is considerably oversized in the German winter. The sticking point in winter: an always fog-free view. So far, the Pinlock inner visor has impressed better than any anti-fog visor. Because with them, especially in sub-zero temperatures, condensate disturbs the view enormously.

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The Reusch “Stormhood” balaclava (left) impresses with top weather protection and a perfect fit. When buying, always pay attention to a large neck cover (right).

However, the testers had to find out in a mid-range comparison (page 46) that the Pinlock visor also reaches its limits in extremely wet conditions around freezing point. Helmets with an integrated sun visor are helpful when the winter sun is low, but they are annoying because the visor can fog up quickly. An anti-fog agent from the optician can help. First-class balaclavas are needed to keep your head cool.

Best purchase: Reusch Stormhood from polo for 24.95 euros. Also suitable for winter: the balaclava “Thermoboy” (Polo, 19.95 euros) with large chest and neck protection. There is also a Pinlock visor, which is available for retrofitting on many models. Info: www.nordver.de

Winter tips

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Is also hot to drive in winter: MOTORRAD author Werner Koch.

MOTORCYCLE veteran Werner “Mini” Many winters are stuck in Koch’s bones. His tips on how to get through the white splendor safely.

Anyone who is addicted to the drug of motorcycling has a problem with us, and that is winter. But when the weather services promise plus degrees and sun, your wrist itches tremendously. But already when starting the first change: If the motorcycle is out of service for a long time, the float chambers are empty because the fuel has evaporated through the vent. It takes a few turns for the vacuum fuel tap to let enough fuel seep through.

Anyone who drives with a carburettor engine must use the choke more intensively so that the mixture reaches a combustible state. So leave the throttle completely closed, pull the choke as far as it will go and then start. The engine needs significantly longer than in summer to take on the gas without holes, which is why the first few meters roll constantly at low speed and warm up the engine.

The same goes for the tires. At temperatures around freezing point and on cold asphalt, the tire rubber heats up very slowly, which can significantly worsen the grip. Touring sports tires are less sensitive than sports tires. In all cases, the rubber only heats up through load, i.e. acceleration, braking or a higher continuous pace. The driving characteristics of cold tires are often questionable. Tilting in an inclined position, poor self-damping and insufficient feedback are the result of the rubber that is too hard, which also interlocks poorly with the asphalt. Lowering the inflation pressure by around 0.2 bar at the front and 0.3 bar at the rear helps the tire to build up temperature and grip more quickly.

Nevertheless, the grip on the roads in winter is significantly worse than in the warm seasons. Dusty surfaces due to salt residues or slightly damp coverings in shady areas urge caution. And: The days are extremely short, with the early onset of darkness, dew deposits or even slipperiness can quickly appear. In general, you shouldn’t allow yourself to be carried away into technical driving risks on winter trips. A round, fluid driving style like in the rain, focused gaze guidance and constant observation of the road surface are simply part of driving in winter.

Remember that you are not quite as responsive and motor-trained as in summer. With this in mind: Enjoy the sunny winter days on the motorcycle in all serenity and tranquility.

Kidney belts

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The biker’s favorite piece: the kidney belt is a best seller.

Mulled wine and kidney belts are big sellers in winter. While too much wine is bad for the liver, too little belt should go to the kidneys. Is that correct?

There are rumors that last forever. For example, that the kidney belt is indispensable to protect the pair of organs from hypothermia and inflammation. A statement that medical professionals hold their heads about. Because the kidneys are surrounded by a layer of fat and wrapped in connective tissue so warm and soft in the body that they do not need the extra protection in the form of the kidney belt. If you do without one and still struggle with a bladder infection, you have already made a mistake with the general clothing selection.

As an additional feature, the kidney belt is recommended in winter: For example, cold bridges can be avoided if the jacket and trousers do not overlap, which lead to uncomfortable muscle tension. Anyone who likes hot deposits can use the Louis kidney belt “Probiker duo” (16.95 euros) equip with warming gel cushions (set 4.95 euros).

Buying tip: The Harro leather belt with a foam insert (45 euros) radiates plenty of warmth in a classic look. He relies on space-tested wax balls as heat storage Rukka Outlast belt (44 euros).

Boots and socks

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The best basis for winter: a high, waterproof boot.

Cheers to the boxer engine, it shovels a little warmth on your feet on icy cold days. Otherwise, good footwear is essential in winter. The tips about boots and socks.

Hard-core winter drivers know the problem: there are no real winter boots. So the ability to combine is required. The basis is a solid, waterproof boot with a high shaft and plenty of space inside. On the one hand, so that the toes have room to move. Because in this way the blood circulation can be stimulated again and again. You can also slip into your boot with thick socks. In case of severe minus degrees or long journeys, two layers are the order of the day.

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Really socked in? The feet need to stay warm and dry. Therefore, rely on several layers of the socks. Wool is good, cotton is taboo. With the battery heater from Hotronic, you turn around the corner on hot feet.

Our recommendation: First, thin running socks with a high synthetic fiber content (from sports retailers), then thick socks made of wool or synthetic fabric (in outdoor shops). Those who continue to fear chilblains must resort to harder means. For example, on heated insoles (Hotronic foot heating, 165 euros, from Touratech). A tip when buying new boots: test them for leaks at home in a water bath so that you can find out about sloppiness in processing immediately and not just on the tour to the elephant meeting.

Buying tip: Alpinestars Web GTX – the robust, waterproof boot impresses with great comfort even in winter. Price 179.95 euros. Plus socks from Ullfrotte (with merino wool, 11 euros) and Bikers (waterproof and windproof, 40 euros).

Textile suits

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No complaints on the collar: Neatly integrated weather protection in the Ixs Paraguay jacket (299.90 euros).

Wind and waterproof climate membrane, thermal lining: that’s what many textile suits bring with them. But there are small things, which is why many models fail in winter.

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Great details such as a helmet hood and neoprene cuffs: Drive high-end polo jacket.

There are two crucial mistakes that can lead to a winter meltdown in a textile suit. You do the first when you buy a new one. Of course, decent weather protection through a climate membrane and thermal lining are part of the basic equipment. Provided that the processing quality corresponds to the manufacturer’s specifications, a large part of the body is protected against moisture and cold.

But then it comes. The attackers fight with all tricks to get inside. Mostly successful. A tiny passage is enough to spoil the driving pleasure. Neuralgic areas are mainly found on the sleeves and collars. Therefore, when trying on, pay attention to how these problem areas are solved. For example sleeves: labyrinth constructions with tight stretch cuffs have proven their worth.

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Not only does it stand out because of its solid Gore-Tex membrane and good ISO values: Hein Gericke Cruise.

The glove cuff is overlapped by the jacket sleeve, effectively preventing water or wind from whistling into it. The same applies to the neck, where a high, water-repellent storm collar makes sense. Premium suppliers such as Gore-Tex also ensure that the mix of materials is correct and that no fabric is used that draws moisture into the interior of the suit via a capillary effect.

A problem that mostly suits in the budget range have to struggle with, especially when the jacket and pants overlap. The second big mistake is the inadequate care and the lack of regular impregnation, both on wet and cold days due to a soaked outer fabric and the “Refrigerator effect” has particularly dire consequences.

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Difi Spectrum AX jacket (289.95 euros) with inner fleece: keeps you warm even when clearing snow around the house and yard.

Buying tip: Polos textile jacket Drive High-End scores with 100 percent moisture protection, good insulation and well thought-out details. Price 399.95 euros. Inexpensive entry into the Gore-Tex world: Hein Gericke Cruise jacket (429.95 euros) with storm collar and moisture stop on the sleeve. Top: the trousers (329.95 euros) with a removable bib.

Thermal suits

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Throw snow from the sky. Thermal suit Husky II by Difi made of robust Oxford nylon with protectors

From the cooling chamber to the motorcycle. For many years, thermal suits were considered the ultimate for winter rides. After the triumphant advance of all-purpose textile suits, the legendary cold protection has become silent.

The old windy faces guard it like a precious treasure: the Thermoboy, a cold protection for winter drivers copied from cold store workers. Inventor and namesake: a certain Paul A. Boy from Hamburg. Nostalgically transfigured, however, people tend to forget that the thickly lined overall could defy freezing winds, but was not up to a simple rain shower. So it’s no wonder that the classic Thermoboy no longer exists in the age of waterproof textile combinations. Nevertheless, the name belongs to winter bikers like speed to a handkerchief. No wonder that Polo, which owns the trademark rights, offers a wide range for cold days under the Thermoboy label.

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Warm throw: Louis Proof Thermo (right) and Polo Snowtrooper

So also the one-piece “Snowtrooper”, which proves to be 100 percent waterproof in the MOTORRAD test, but does not take on the teddy-fed ancestor when it comes to protection against the cold; Because the Snowtrooper, as well as similar models from the competition, are essentially pimped rain suits with thermal padding, which have little to offer in terms of abrasion resistance and at most a retrofit option for protectors. But even then, a leather or textile combination must definitely be worn underneath. Only the “Husky II” from Difi (see purchase tip).

Buying tip: polo “Thermoboy Snowtrooper” (89.95 euros) and Louis “Proof thermo” (from 59.95 euros) in combination with leather or textile suits. Difi “Husky II” (199.95 euros) as a fully equipped thermal combination with protectors.

Thermal underwear

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Tester’s favorite: Bikers Windstopper underwear, now odor-inhibiting.

The long lower cabin in olive green has had its day. When it comes to effective protection against the cold, you need high-tech thermal underwear. But grandma’s wisdom is still in demand.

Onions are a hit in winter. First of all, after a cold tour, nothing beats a steaming onion soup “Parisian style” with a delicious cheese crust. Second, onion wraps help with colds, and onion juice is a real bringer for coughs. And thirdly, the onion principle brings an enormous amount, if not the decisive success in winter cycling. But what material and in what order?

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X-Bionic Energy Accumulator in thermal version: fits tightly, does not absorb moisture.

Our undercover expert in the editorial office, Thorsten Dentges: “Several thin layers have huge advantages: The air between the layers stores body heat. In addition, moisture can be transported to the outside more efficiently.” He advises a first layer with a high percentage of wool or purely synthetic products, a large selection of which are available from specialist motorcycle dealers. A thin, breathable set with a windproof membrane belongs on top as a second layer. Advantage: The sets can also be worn individually during the rest of the year. Usually that’s enough to slip a textile suit with a thermal insert over it.

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The trick with the knee: it is exposed, needs extra protection. Neoprene bandage from Polo.

Bikers who are particularly susceptible to frost should put on a fleece sweater as a third layer. MOTORRAD tester and semi-globetrotter Rolf Henniges also swears by a thick cushion of air: “The Airvantage air chamber vest from Gore-Tex is really awesome in the ice cellar.” And when it comes to underwear, he still has a real insider tip ready: “The functional underwear by Kwark made from Polartec Aquashell. A hit with kayakers, but details like the long back and high collar make it absolutely suitable for motorcycles.” The set costs from 280 euros.

Buying tip: As the first layer, the Icebreaker Bodyfit 260 underwear made of merino wool (set from 155 euros) and on top of it Bikers Windstopper underwear, either in standard (set 210 euros) or winter version (240 euros).

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