A Motorcycle and Cold Weather. Is it better to speed up or slow down ?

Imagine it’s 7º Celcius outside, and you got a cheap jacket. Now you’re riding the bike to work. Roads are not wet or icy. You can reach it in 10 mins if you speed. You can take 20 mins if you go regular speed. But if you speed…you get more wind, and more cold. But if you slow down, its less cold incomming, but for a bigger period of time. What is better ? Or is it the same ? ( Not fair answering: Get a better jacket/equipment/transport )

Ok, I’ve been riding a bike more years than I can remember also. For a good number of years I’d ride from Missouri to Flordia in January and February, so I’m no stranger to long distance, 500-600 mile per day cold weather riding. Cold as in 20F, snow on the ground and so on. First of all, if you’re going to do it, you need a windshield or fairing, many layers of clothing rather than one thick one, the outside layer leather or some other wind resistant, breathable material (not a plastic rain suit, body moisture can’t get away), insulated boots and a way to keep the wind from going up your pants legs, a hooded sweatshirt to keep your neck and head warm and best of all, electrically heated clothing such as a vest, gloves or grips.

But to answer your hypothetical question, go fast. Once the wind speed reaches a certain speed (can’t remember what it is right now), it doesn’t really make much difference whether you’re going 75 or 100 mph. In other words, the wind chill factor decreases inversely of the wind speed. I know for a fact that the less time you spend in the cold, the better off you are. I also know the effects of hypothermia…inability to accurately modulate the clutch, slow reaction time and difficulty in concentrating. The best thing is to draw a bathtub of warm water (not hot because your cold fingers can’t accurataly judge the temperature, you’ll scald yourself) and just soak for an hour to get warmed back up. Better yet, before you get in that situation, stop often to consume warm liquids and foods and call it quits for the day when your hands are too cold to smoothly operate the controls.

Preparing to Bike in Cold Weather

Cold Weather $23.99 Ifc Independent Film (Dvd):9330

GE Cold Weather Kit $249 Ensure smooth operation in the winter months with the Briggs & Stratton Cold Weather Kit for GE Generator Systems.

Nike Cold Weather Mitts $21.95 Nike Cold Weather Mitts These latest Cold Weather gloves by Nike Golf are necessary in cold andor wet course conditions. Features Water-resistant nylon combined with a fleece liner keeps hands warm and protected from the elements Microfiber synthetic leather across the palm and underneath the thumb offers great grip between shots Elastic in wrist helps cinch glove for a comfortable fit One Size fits all

TaylorMade Cold Weather Mittens (Pair) $29.95 TaylorMade Cold Weather Mittens Early season or late season, never be unprepared at the golf course. The high performance elements of the TaylorMade Cold Weather Mittens are exacting, to the same standards as every other piece of performance golf equipment carrying the TaylorMade logo, incorporating 3M Thinsulate, Rubbertex, fleece, nylon and elastic, all to help you get the best of the elements. Features & Specs: * Water resistant nylon shell * Rubbertex thumb and palm insert for enhanced grip * Elastic wrist cuff with Velcro closure * Embroidered TaylorMade logo

Cold Weather Kit for 1.5L engine $297 The Generac Cold Weather Kit for Generac Liquid-Cooled Automatic Standby Generators with 1.5-Liter Engines helps your automatic standby generator maintain an ideal battery temperature. The kit is recommended for use in areas where the temperature drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wm Harvey 012200 Cold Weather Faucet Cover $5.94 Wm Harvey 012200 Cold Weather Faucet Cover Wm Harvey 012200 Cold Weather Faucet Cover Features: Easy to install Constructed of a 5/8″ expanded polystyrene thermal shell that insulates outdoor faucets in cold weather and provides maximum freeze protection Gray

Youngstown Cold Weather XT Gloves $18.94 Clearance Item – All Sales Final A durable and comfortable Winter Glove made for dexterity in cool conditions. The back hand is treated for water and wind resistance. The palm features high-end, non-slip reinforcement for a secure grip in wet conditions. Ideal for work in cold, but not extreme, conditions. Features: Soft and durable Clarino suede base layer resists oil and water Clarino non-slip reinforcement grips in cold and wet conditions Warm Neoprene cuff with Gusset for insulation and support Triple-Layered weatherproof top of hand Clarino non-slip saddle reinforcement adds grip and durability Terry cloth thumb for wiping sweat and debris Suggested Uses: Cold/Dry weather work Construction Warehouse work Rugged work

Cold Weather Kit for 2.4L engine $296 The battery warmer of the Generac Cold Weather Kit for Liquid-Cooled Automatic Standby Generators with 2.4-Liter Engines activates when temperatures fall below an acceptable level, helping your generator maintain great performance. The kit is designed for use with Generac 22, 27, 36, 45 and 60 kW air-cooled automatic standby generators.

Broan-Nutone CWT50 Cold Weather Thermostat $38.03 Broan-Nutone CWT50 Cold Weather Thermostat Although attic ventilation in the winter can offer significant benefits, particularly in regions that experience cold, humid conditions, some areas of the country traditionally see cold dry air. In these climates, it is not necessary for continual air movement. Broan offers a cold-weather thermostat to automatically disengage the fan when the temperature falls below 50ºF. Broan-Nutone CWT50 Cold Weather Thermostat Features: Automatically disengage the fan when the temperature falls below 50ºF Used in attic ventilators

Extreme Cold Weather Engine Block Heater, 1.5L $144 The Generac Extreme Cold Weather Engine Block Heater for Generac Automatic Standby Generators helps keep your Generac liquid-cooled automatic standby generator performing even in harsh weather conditions. The heater works in conjunction with a battery warmer to provide quick starting capability.

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