hello to all,
My wife and I are going to be riding in our new, but not finished sidecar set up this winter season and need some advice on what to buy and or wear. Any help or info would be great.
thanks
justin
I wouldn't think the weather in and around Dallas would be too cold but here are a couple of suggestions ( Many have more experience than me) good insulated gloves, shield on helmut,
thrmo socks under boots and perhaps most valuable a good large windshield. I have a
Windjammer II on the Hondasauras. I have been riding in 35-40 degree temps and have been very comfortable here in the Cool Denver air. Jim in Denver
Heated vests, hippo hands for the bike controls, and a sheepskin seat cover. That ought to do it.
Originally written by Lunatic on 4/19/2007 6:11 PM
Heated vests, hippo hands for the bike controls, and a sheepskin seat cover. That ought to do it.
Hippo Hands would be overkill in Dallas, but I agree with heated vests and sheepskin. If you don't want to spend a bunch, go here... http://www.shadowriders.org/faq/electricvests.html but I'd spring for a good thermostat.
Instead of making a vest, just sew it into your zip out jacket liner.
Hippo Hands would NOT be overkill, if you ask me : ) I live in Phoenix and I want them! There's a lot of elevation changes depending on where you ride. They are great! And yes, heated vest, heated grips. Heck, I love heated everything : ) (good thing I live where it's *warm*)
Why be uncomfortable?
I have to say, most important is buy good quality. Don't get cheap stuff, cuz it just ends up wearing out, and you just end up spending what you should have spent the first time around. And things that have built in layers that you can zip in or out.
Just my 2 cents worth-
Mike:
You need to think outside the box a little. A snowmobile suit from Goodwill would be cheap and good (no pun intended). Besides, they have the reflective piping on them and a pair of insulated snowmobile gloves.
I like your electric vest link by the way.
If it's below freezing out I wear insulated bibs, my full face helmet and insulated leather mittens with "Little Hotties" hand warmers. Little Hotties are available at Wal-Mart in the sporting goods area. They're cheap and effective! The mittens are a bit bulkier than I'd prefer but much warmer than any of my gloves.
I live in snow country with a ski resort near by. I hear some Canadians boasting about riding in 20 Degrees F. below , but I draw the line at 20 degrees F above. I can dress for colder, but I give up dexterity. I don't trust the electrical system in my old Honda GL650 to run the extra heated clothing. I picked up all my clothing at the local thrift store. Lots of ski outfits to choose from. One of the most critical items for winter is a full face helmet combined with a neck gator. That little piece of cloth around my neck makes a huge difference in my comfort. As for the rest,layers of insulation for adjustability and Gortex for wet and wind. I can carry lots of clothing in the sidecar if conditions change. Light gloves, heavy gloves, mittens, insulated bibs, insulated jacket, insulated vest,sweaters, long johns,neck gator, balaclava, snowmobile boots,Gortex jacket, Gortex bibs, and there is still room for that fearless passenger I have yet to find.
