Practical guides – Motorcycles in winter: how to ride in the cold? – Winter jackets, pants, boots and gloves

Posted on by admin

Motorcycles in winter: how to ride in the cold ?

Practical guides - Motorcycles in winter: how to ride in the cold? - Winter jackets, pants, boots and gloves

How to equip in winter? What protections against the cold? Discover the tips and essential equipment to protect yourself from the cold on a motorcycle or scooter. Special winter practical guide … for bikers who are not afraid of anything !

Winter jackets, pants, boots and gloves

Thanks to the combination of synthetic materials that are both breathable and insulating (Polartec, Thinsulate, etc.) and waterproof membranes (Gore-Tex, Hipora, etc.), the "Winter" ranges of the main two-wheeler manufacturers offer good performance against cold and rain..

However, motorcycle and scooter winter clothing is often expensive, paying a minimum of attention to the characteristics offered before purchase is essential to avoid cruel (and cold!) Disappointments. !

Winter jackets and jackets

The first and most expensive motorcycle equipment remains the jacket or winter jacket. Preferably in textile (more waterproof and breathable than leather), it must offer a maximum of ergonomic adjustments to be perfectly adjusted to your morphology, not to let cold air in and to improve general comfort..

Site Tips

  • Remember to re-waterproof your winter gear regularly, as the waterproofing treatment applied at the factory degrades over time

  • Bering offers winter jackets with back and chest spaces designed to slip in heaters offered with the purchase of a 2011 model.

  • If necessary, a set of rain gear can help out the rider surprised by a sudden drop in mercury: fully waterproof, it constitutes an effective barrier against the wind (and therefore the cold).

    • For the same reason, it is advisable to opt for a model long enough so that the back is completely covered: many two-wheelers generate a more or less leaning forward position, which can contribute to unpleasantly uncovering the kidneys. once in the saddle.

    Choose equipment with at least two liners: a warm liner (often polyester) and a waterproof membrane (Sympatex or Gore-Tex). Make sure that they cover the entire bust and arms: some jackets only offer gilet-like linings which are insufficient in very cold weather.

    The presence of a fixed mesh fabric lining (Mesh) is also important for evacuating excess heat and preventing sweating. Designed to withstand the rain, jackets and winter jackets must be perfectly waterproof: the zips (vents, pockets) equipped with a double waterproof strip effectively prevent leaks, just like a double flap placed on the central zipper.

    Choose high, lined collars that close completely to insulate the neck. Finally, good winter equipment must not neglect either safety (reinforcements in exposed areas, reflective inserts, approved shells and back protection), or practical aspects: easily accessible storage spaces in sufficient numbers, as well as a zip connecting to the pants, are highly appreciated.

    Likewise, having a waterproof pocket on one sleeve allows you to take out the credit card at the toll booth without having to take off your gloves or open your jacket: this is always less direct exposure to the cold. !

    Winter motorcycle pants

    Available as a set with the jacket or jacket or purchased separately, motorcycle pants for winter must meet the same requirements: ensure a windproof function and have a warm and waterproof lining.

    The editorial staff of Site recommends choosing a detachable lining to be able to wear the pants in mid-season. Especially since once the lining has been removed, it is sometimes possible to put on the winter pants directly over jeans: practical to avoid having to go through the "cloakroom" box once you arrive at the office.

    Also take an interest in the lower opening system: the lower legs should be wide enough to cover thick winter boots without having to force the zippers, which should be easy to handle and robust in appearance..

    To avoid drafts, choose winter pants that attach to your jacket and the back of which goes up to the loins: this allows the lower back to be hermetically covered and guarantees increased safety in the event of a slip..

    Finally, zipped pockets, knee and hip protectors, reflective inserts as well as reinforcements on areas exposed in the event of a fall (knees and buttocks) are practical and safe points not to be overlooked..

    Winter motorcycle boots

    Most of the time directly exposed to bad weather, winter boots must reconcile comfort, insulation and protection: a sacred challenge which inevitably involves its share of compromises….

    This is why it is essential to identify precisely his needs, which are not the same for a scooterist who travels 15 km per day in the city center and for the backpacker ready to brave the snow to cross the small roads of the north of France !

    In the first case, the criterion of comfort will take precedence over efficiency: no need to choose bulky (and expensive) "Touring" type boots. A lighter model will work perfectly, possibly supplemented by nylon over-boots (or over-shoes) on days of heavy rain..

    For long-distance driving in demanding conditions, "Touring" type boots for winter generally use thick full-grain leather which can be covered with a waterproof polyurethane coating..

    Site Tips

  • Boots retain flexibility and waterproofing longer if they are regularly cleaned, greased and waterproofed

  • In case of sudden water intakes in action, make yourself a pair of waterproof socks with simple plastic bags: a practical and economical grandmother’s remedy !

  • Like all motorcycle equipment with a waterproof membrane, avoid drying your boots directly over a radiator: exposure to a too high heat source risks damaging the waterproofing function of the insert

    • Optimal waterproofing, however, can only be guaranteed by means of a waterproof and breathable membrane and heat-sealed seams, while an internal synthetic fabric lining will provide thermal insulation..

    The opening-closing device must be strong and wide enough to allow the wearing of thick socks. Also pay attention to the zipper, which must be covered with a sealing flap to avoid "leaks".

    Choose a model with a waterproof, non-slip and oil-resistant sole. But avoid too rigid soles which affect both comfort and feeling on the controls….

    Finally, decent protection goes through the presence of reinforcements above the toes and shins, an anti-torsion device for the ankles, reinforced heels and protections on the malleoli.

    Winter motorcycle gloves

    Attention, sensitive areas! The hands, like all the extremities of the body, very quickly become sensitive to cold and humidity. They therefore require very good protection in winter.

    First factor to take into account: with rare exceptions, the thicker the padding of the gloves, the more the pilot’s dexterity and his sensitivity on the controls are reduced … However, the thinner they are, the faster you will be cold ! An almost "Lapalissian" observation, but which singularly complicates the task when choosing…

    Use gloves with a thickness that is measured and adapted to the different areas of the hand: the mobility and exposure requirements are not the same for the fingers as for the wrist, the amount of padding may vary for the benefit of sensitivity.

    Site Tips

  • In the rain, putting the sleeves of your gloves in the sleeves of your jacket helps limit water ingress. But this method frequently causing air infiltration at the wrist, it is best to turn to gloves with two sleeves: the first, long and waterproof, to place on the jacket and the second to put on underneath. Threading is complicated, but efficiency guaranteed !

  • As with all of your winter outfit, the most expensive pairs of gloves are not necessarily the most effective (read our). However, good winter gloves require specific know-how and materials, the cost of which is generally incompatible with a "discount" selling price….

  • Finally, the heaters available in sports stores, inexpensive and easily transportable in a backpack, are a salutary remedy to warm up effectively..

    • As with the rest of your winter equipment, "Touring" type gloves have a quality waterproof insert and ergonomic adjustments: being able to tighten the sleeve (see box opposite) via a cord allows for example to seal effectively infiltrates the wrists.

    The outer covering must have received a water-repellent treatment to prevent the fabric from soaking up water in the rain. Also check that your gloves are well padded on both sides: some models (even advertised as "winter"!) Only have a layer of wadding on the top of the hand in order to gain maneuverability.

    Some OEMs also offer "clip" type gloves, in which the fingers are held in pairs to minimize heat loss. More elegant, silk inner gloves provide additional thermal insulation appreciable during long journeys. But their thickness – although minimal – can affect the "touch".

    On the practical side, some models of gloves are equipped with a squeegee to remove water from the visor: a real safer in the rain. Finally, fall protection should not be forgotten: even winter gloves should be provided with reinforcements on the phalanges, wrist and edge and palm of the hand.

    Related articles

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *