While riding through Italy, I experienced some seriously bone-chilling temperatures. And as the miles wore away, I thought (as I often do) about an article idea: How to stay warm on a motorcycle.

Here are a few potential checklist items that passed through my mind:

* Balaclava
* Closing the vents on your helmet and gear (don't laugh-- I've forgotten to do this more than once, and believe me, it's really aggravating!)
* Electric gear
* Having the proper fairing or bodywork on your bike
* Thermal underwear
* Installing electric grip/seat warmers
* Installing handguards

Anything I'm missing? Let me know, since living in LA keeps me from thinking too much about this stuff...

Basem

I don't own electrics. I have a leather balacavia, thermal winter grade water proof gauntlet gloves, a thermal, winter grade waterproof jacket, matching pants, and waterproof boots. To add to that I put on a thermal undergear and thermal socks used by hunters. I have a helmet that works better at  blocking out air than the one I wear in summer, so I switch to it. The jacket zips up to my chin, the balacavia overlaps which keeps out air. The gauntlet gloves cover the end of the jackets sleeves which have velcro straps to tighten the jacket sleeves around my wrists. The gloves strap down as well. The bottom of my jacket is fitted to keep out air as well.
I have no luck shutting the vents on the helmet. I keep the chin one open so I can breath and vent my breath out of the helmet. If I didn't my breath would freeze up the shield.

Ever still get cold, even with all that gear?

<Ever still get cold, even with all that gear?> I know that this response was not aimed at me.... but yes. 70 MPH windchill will cut through most gear below some temperature.

Without the electric vest, with insulated riding pants, insulated riding jacket, ski mobile gloves, balaclava, all vents closed, multi-layered personal garments... my rides were 'good' into the low 40°F range, for 2 hours or less.

WITH the vest, I can reduce the clothing load, and be comfortable into the low 30°F range for 2 hours... my hands still suffer a bit anyway.  Grip heaters, or electric gloves would fix that.... if I had the electric 'budget' to support the extra current.....

Pretty impressive, riding into the 30s... gotta watch for freeze, no?