Coldweather Riding Gear
It’s that time of years guys… The days are getting shorter and girls skirts are getting longer… it’s starting to get chilly out there, and rumor has it there has been some snow falling across the US over the last few days..So You know what that means?
It’s time to start breaking out your cold riding gear! Living in Florida, I never thought I would have to go this route, but after a quick spin in 58 degree weather the other night, I realized it’s time to get a good leather jacket. Not only to keep warm… But looking good while doing it can’t hurt..
So, what gear are you guys strapping on during these cold months? Anyone have any recommendations? For a jacket I’m looking at the Alpinestars GP-Plus jacket. I was told that it would be the First and Last jacket I’ll ever need to buy…But I’m stills hopping, so any opinions would be greatly appreciated! ( And not by just me, but everyone here! I promise… Except perhaps the Aussies.. They just love to hate stuff here… 
)
Thoughts?
Nathan Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 10:28 am
I’m looking at getting a heated jacket. The Tour Master Synergy Heated Jacket Liner that is and maybe some heated grips. I just worry that its going to be to much of a power draw. So if you a mouse a cookie hes going to ask for a volt meter for the bike. Its funny how mods or upgrades act like a avalanche. lol
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Myka Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 1:21 pm
I’ve looked at those jackets too. They look really good. If you haven’t yet, look at cyclegear.com. they have a large listing of those jackets.
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Brian D Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
Nathan,
check out http://www.ninja250.com
They have all kinds of stuff on heated grips and gear. It is the best site for information about the 2nd generation and the 08-up, plus it has the most in depth FAQ on the net for the 250. check it out!
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Devin T. Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 4:12 pm
Alpinestars has their Polar Goretex gloves; does anyone have any hands-on (tsk tsk) experience with these gloves?
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adam f. Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 6:56 pm
Alpinestars is a really good jacket for me . the one and only jacket that i had to buy . its expensive but well worth it . really warm as well . and it doesnt restrict u from bending your arms and stuff like that ive tried other jackets and they would make me feel stiff .alpine is really comfy . and they look pimp also!
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Nevar Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 9:33 pm
Disclaimer: I’m an Aussie…
I HATE IT.
Really, its an good Jacket. But…
.:MARKETING:.
… for the price, not worth it. Basically a jacket like this is all about the look, marketing, and markup. So if your happy paying for all that, then this jacket will be good for you.
.:THE JACKET:.
The quality is ok, as with all Alpine gear the stitching comes undone after a few months of use. Nothing too serious, and not enough to get a new one, usually repaired for me. Gloves, Jackets, and Pants have all required repairs after around 2-5 months of wear. Something that costs 700-800 AUS (more with AUS dollar being so bad now) thats just not good.
The leather is good, however the armor I would just throw away. Its just too hard (the outside shell edges) and after a long period of riding you will find it pushing on places it just shouldn’t.
.:COMFORT:.
If your riding is temperatures lower than 10 deg C the liner they provide will not help you out. This jacket is built of air flow, and as a result will just let in the as much cold air as possible. If your riding anything over in town speeds prepare to return home like an icicle.
I was actually a little stunned when the title of the post read “Cold whether…” and I found this jacket as a picture. When I was sold this jacket they were clearly saying it was for summer, and it was suggested not to use it in the cold mornings/nights we have locally (sub 10 deg C some days). Lastly, do not get this wet… the leather does not like it, and if its for “Cold weather” I would assume that would occur more often than not.
.:WHAT I WEAR NOW:.
Its not the coolest looking gear on the planet. However it keeps me warm when its cold, cool when its warm, its hasn’t degraded in any fashion (except the gloves, grrrr), and safe in the knowledge that if I do happen to have an off I am well protected.
.:WARM:.
Gloves : AP* GP Pro (Red/White)
Jacket: Motoport 1/2 Length Airmesh Kevlar Jacket (Red)
Pants: Motoport Airmesh Kevlar Pants (Black)
Boots: Sidi Corsair
Helmet: Shark RS2R Durhammel (Red/White Design)
.:COOL:.
Same as above with linear in Jacket, or a jumper on.
.:COLD/RAINING:.
Rain liner in pants and jacket (acts as wind breaker), jumper or thermal liner if its super cold (i.e. Below -5).
If raining I will replace my gloves with waterproof ones. Boots are yet to get wet in any rain, might however update to Sidi’s “waterproof” boots next winter.
- Nevar
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Nevar Reply:
October 29th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
Forgot to mention all the Motoport stuff is custom fit (they fit you as closely as they can to a set of size models that they have) and it all cost less than the Alpine gear.
I won’t get into a debate as to which is safer, as everyone is in their own camp and usually won’t concede any ground. However I think what I wear speaks for what I think is best in that regard.
P.S Don’t be fooled by the bad state of their website, they focus on their product, and let it sell itself.
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Owen Said,
October 29, 2008 @ 10:24 pm
i dont hate everything here mr 2fiddy!!!!
leather jackets may keep you kind of warm but a good textile jacket with a winter liner will be even better!!! for the floridians tho leather should be all you will need!!!
dunno if this brand is in the US but RST make good leathers… i have used them at the racetrack and the jackets are really comfy
Owen
a 2fiddy.com loving aussie
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Pat Said,
October 30, 2008 @ 11:21 am
The GP-Plus is an excellent jacket. I have one, all black, and I’ve been able to use it with the liner out in 90+ degree weather all the way down to mid 40s with the liner in along with 2 other layers. I rode this past weekend in mid 50s for 3 hours with a thermal top and a lightweight fleece on underneath and I never even got close to being cold, if not maybe a little warm. I also wear thermal bottoms and Icon riding jeans and those have kept me planty warm as well. Hope this helps.
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camaroz1985 Said,
October 30, 2008 @ 4:43 pm
I have a Teknic Interstate jacket. Rode the other weekend in 35F (for 3.5 hours) with just the liner in and a long sleeve t-shirt and was fine. I also have Tourmaster Caliber pants and they were fine too with the liner and some thin warm-up pants under them.
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Chris Said,
October 30, 2008 @ 8:23 pm
Icon MotorHead….
Good enough for Houghton, MI
(Thats pretty much the north pole)
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Mr. Franchise Said,
October 31, 2008 @ 1:12 am
I really recommend getting the Scorpion Stinger leather jacket. It’s perforated for summer riding plus has a removable liner for colder days. The sizes fit a little smaller, so be sure to try one on before buying one online.
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Brandon Said,
October 31, 2008 @ 9:52 pm
I just purchased the Icon ARC Textile Jacket and love it absolutely love it! It is a textile/leather jacket. Textile in the main body and leather in the arms and shoulders where in the event you go down you need it most. They also have pants to go with that are next on my list. Has removable liner that keeps you toasty in the cold and when removed vents very well. Its pretty much a three season jacket. Check it out here http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=2508 and watch the vid about it.
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Brett Said,
November 1, 2008 @ 8:41 pm
I live in central Kentucky and I just rode in a 28 degrees weather on a 30 min trip to work in the morning last week. I’ve been used to high 30’s and low 40’s for about 3 weeks straight. It’s not that bad, your right hand freezes the last 10 minutes but I’ve learned to like the feeling. But that morning when it was 28 degrees, it was an eye opener so I ordered Joe Rocket Nitrogen gloves, Klim balaclava and Joe Rocket Ballistic 7.0. I haven’t decided on a pair of boots yet but that will be sometimes in December or January.
BTW, 58 degrees too cold for you? LOL!
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Brett Said,
November 1, 2008 @ 8:43 pm
*edit* ^^^^ JR Ballistic 7.0 PANTS.
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Mehedi Said,
November 2, 2008 @ 3:50 pm
Hey! long time fan of your site!
when i saw my jacket’s pic up there i knew i had to throw in my 2cents!
the a* gp-plus jacket is amazing, i used it in LA’s summer heat, and its cool mornings too! the jacket is also one tough piece of moo moo! after a low and high side (not at the same time of course), the jacket stood up very well and still looks fregging awesome! best $400 steak i ever bought, haha. as with most jackets, it does not cover the neck area, but a man-scarf took care of that… lol
-MHD
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Kevin Reply:
November 2nd, 2008 at 8:00 pm
it can get quite chilly in the winter mornings and sometimes at night.
does it ever get numbingly cold when you ride it let’s say really early?
sometimes i used to have to get to school ro work really early, and those mornings i was alwys freezing in my car, so i don’t know if sitting my butt on a bike with just this jacket would do it
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Mehedi Reply:
November 6th, 2008 at 11:24 pm
ive ridden in the wee hours of the morning and night (same thing right?) the neck area is where i felt the chills, and then it would go down to my body… the scarf helped a great deal in keeping me warm inside the jacket. honestly i have worn a light jacket underneath a few times when i didnt wear my scarf. my sexy motorcycle scarf.. lol
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KDL Said,
November 2, 2008 @ 6:12 pm
I have a GP+. Great jacket, but it does breath very well and if it’s really cold it’s probably not enough. That’s fine, if it’s not at least 50 degrees I’m driving the car.
The jacket seems to be $379 EVERYWHERE, so don’t wast a lot of time shopping.
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RicanNinja250 Said,
November 3, 2008 @ 1:27 pm
I wear the Icon Motorhead Leather Jacket that goes for $350.00 right now. I don’t feel a thing and I go riding in the early morning hours.
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Lok Said,
November 9, 2008 @ 2:35 am
Alpinestar Rc1 all the way. best jacket for summer and winter.
Aussie here too btw… No hatting =P
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Anthony Nguyen Reply:
November 23rd, 2008 at 5:53 pm
I too have the RC-1 and also am Aussie.
The jacket is great and all, but I wouldn’t recommend it for ‘cold weather’ riding. I was freezing my ass off when it was around 10 degrees. but you say you live in florida and 58 degrees is cold? thats around 14.4 degrees celcius so the alpinestars may be okay for you. if it goes any lower you might wanna reconsider
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Tyler Said,
November 9, 2008 @ 9:49 pm
Firstgear’s scout IV leather winter jacket. It’s extremely comfortable, very warm and has a removable liner in side. Tons of vents when needed, also lots of pockets. It has a nice flip up neck warmer also. I couldn’t recommend it more. I’ve ridden with it down to around 20 degree’s. I have a pair of leather gauntlets to go with it and they too are a must.
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Ash Said,
December 26, 2008 @ 5:57 am
To true aussies love to hate the stuff over there, I went all the way from Perth to Orange county to buy one of these same jackets….
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