Triumphrat

Verticaltwin · 12-15-2006

I have both leather and cordura jackets. Both are thickly padded and have thermal liners, but I find them not warm enough for 50F riding. I wore and undershirt and a pull over underneath the jacket.

Same with the gloves. I prefer not to have a heated jacket or grips.

Any input?

Joel

RedBird · 12-15-2006

I have found my two leather jackets to be much cooler than my Joe Rocket textile jacket. One leather jacket is a cheap one but heavy with a liner. The other is a Triumph leather jacket and also very heavy. The JR jacket is very light in comparison. I believe the cool air comes in under the Triumph leather jacket from the bottom even though it seems to fit as tightly as the JR jacket.

My temperature ranges for my jackets:

40--60 degrees.............Joe Rocket Textile
60--80 degrees.............Triumph Leather
80--105 degrees............First Gear Mesh

After I have worn the Triumph leather jacket enough times to discard it without thinking of the money wasted, I will just wear the JR jacket from 40--80 degrees...it's a lot more comfortable and the liner zips out and there are zip vents for weather that starts out cold and gets very hot in the afternoon.

Larry

Silverado57 · 12-15-2006

When you're feeling cold, try wearing an extra long sleeve t-shirt.
If that doesn't work, make it a thin but warm long-sleeve thermal shirt.

merlin · 12-15-2006

"Underarmor" or similar high tech wicking fabrics are a glorious first layer. They make a BIG difference, whatever 2nd and 3rd layer follow. A belaclava is a great idea too. And sock liners.

meatwagon · 12-15-2006

Joel I ride in the So Cal mountains in the winter ,I know it's cold .I wear a leather jacket with a turtle neck shirt and a synthetic fleece jacket underneath.Gotta keep the neck warm and wind out./Use gauntlet gloves and tuck in your shirt so no air gats in below the jacket .

Silverado57 · 12-15-2006

Just tonight I picked up fleece glove liners made by redledge.com Can't wait to try them out.

And chaps, don't forget the chaps.
Add long johns if the boys get cold. :-D

sweatmachine · 12-15-2006

I have an old Schott Perfecto leather jacket I bought used on Craigslist for next to nothing, and a Widder electric vest. I know you said you didn't want to go electric, but you may want to consider it.

The great thing is you don't have to add mulitple layers, you just switch on/off.

It cost about 150 bucks, and took just a few minutes to "install", there's one wire you connect to the battery.

bobw3592 · 12-16-2006

Verticaltwin. You have to be very thin blooded and/or have poorly fitting/selected clothing. 50 is pretty warm for you to be so uncomfortable.

+1 many of the prior suggestions. I have a mesh jacket w/liner that I use for rides above 45-50 degrees and a leather jacket for colder rides. Layers as recommended. Long johns or similar, fleece/flannel shirt (and lined jeans?), good socks and boots, quality gloves, balaclava/scarf. This works for me. I can swap gloves as temps rise or lower during the day, take off long john shirt or sweater/pull over. I have a nylon T-bag that I can put gear in, tank bag or back pack would easily work too. Some great gear can be found at quality outdoors stores, extreme exposure, light weight and not bulky.

I do have a Triumph touring screen on my bike, you may want to try a screen for the colder months. I am comfortable from upper 30's.

Good luck. Hate to see anyone miss a great ride because they're uncomfortable.

BobW

ohiorider · 12-16-2006

Quote:

On 2006-12-15 21:27, merlin wrote:
"Underarmor" or similar high tech wicking fabrics are a glorious first layer. They make a BIG difference, whatever 2nd and 3rd layer follow. A belaclava is a great idea too. And sock liners.

I agree - modern undergarments (thermolactyl - sp?) is self wicking and also does a wonderful job of holding in body heat. Some of the thinner polar fleece garments (turtle neck) are also a great help. Just don't buy stuff so thick, especially with turtle necks, that it becomes impossible to zip your jacket tightly.

One of the least expensive and most useful items I carry with me is a Chest Protector, made by Exigent. I bought this on a whim at the Cleveland Motorcycle Show, thinking that it didn't cost much, and if it didn't work .... oh, well ...$20 down the drain. To my surprise, it has been one of the nicest accessories I wear to combat cold weather (except for heated grips and vest). It keeps the wind from coming thru the neck of your jacket, and the polar fleece lining seems to hold body warmth.

Exigent Cold Weather Gear

Bob

hkt100 · 12-16-2006

I just don't know how you guys can think and move let alone work and ride motorbikes with so many layers of clothes.
It's 14 degrees Celcius here and that's cold enough to be wearing a shirt, sweater, pullover and jacket along with gloves. But you never need anything more than a normal pair of shoes and socks and jeans.