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The Secret to Enjoying Cold Weather Rides

The Secret to Enjoying Cold Weather Rides

I saw a motorcyclist out riding this weekend. It was 42 degrees at the time.

It made me think about riding. More specifically, it made me think about riding in cold weather. Doing so can be less than enjoyable if you're not prepared. So what is the secret to enjoying cool weather rides?

Controlling wind chill!

When it's 40 degrees F and you're riding at 60mph (with no wind), the effective temp is only 25 degrees Fahrenheit (danger of frostbite in 30 minutes!). Check out the chart below showing just how much wind affects the ambient temperature.

Bundle up all you want, but if you can't get the wind off you, it's not a fun ride. Bundling up also makes it hard to operate the controls and isn't really all that effective if the wind is still getting through key spots on your body.

There is so much to say about this topic that we’ve broken it into several parts. In this post we’ll get started – from the top down (that would be your noggin for you southerners)…

Head

In cold weather, there’s no way to get around the most common-sense item: a full-face helmet. You can keep your half-helmet or 'beanie' helmet for warmer weather, but make the investment in a full-face helmet if you expect to ride in cold or wet weather. Our advice: get one with good venting.

For those who argue that their full-face helmet fogs up in the rain or cold, we have a solution for that (and it's less than $20): get yourself an Anti-Fog insert. Problem solved.

Neck

Yep, this deserves its own category. Because when it gets down into the 40’s and you're going 70 mph, you don't want ANY skin showing. A neck warmer or balaclava is just the ticket. It will also keep rain water from sneaking down your neck. Simple but effective!

  • Tracey Cramer
The Dreaded Updrafts: What to do About Them

The Dreaded Updrafts: What to do About Them

One complaint we hear a lot is that updrafts come up under the windshield and blast the rider in the face. (In Minnesota we're usually concerned about COLD updrafts LOL.) If you can minimize updrafts, you’ll have more enjoyable riding not just later into the season (and earlier in the spring), but all season long.

The Desert Dawgs Rain Guards/Wind Deflectors do a fantastic job of repelling water away from your legs and feet if you happen to get caught in a rainstorm.

But did you know they also reduce updrafts and helmet buffeting? Instead of air hitting your legs and being redirected up toward your face, the Desert Dawgs force the air out and around (rather than up).

The effectiveness of the Desert Dawgs (or any lower deflector for that matter) varies depending on the motorcycle itself as well as on the windshield. For instance, I’ve noticed certain OEM windshields (such as some of the Yamaha ones) result in more wind in my face than the Memphis Shades windshields I’ve had on two different motorcycles.

Factors that can affect wind flow (updrafts):

  • curvature of the windshield
  • angle of the windshield
  • space between the windshield and the engine guard bar
  • rider foot placement and height
These factors all play a part in how much air is redirected up your body. We can’t promise the Desert Dawgs will deflect ALL the wind flow (in truth, you wouldn’t want them to or you would overheat the engine!), but they can and do cut down updrafts, sometimes significantly.

They are quite possibly the easiest and least costly way to protect your body. And because they are a cinch to remove and store in a saddlebag, you don’t need to keep them on in warmer weather (although they have no temperature restriction and can be used in warmer temps).

Read more about the Desert Dawgs - and check out Tracey's video about "the little things" - right here!
  • Tracey Cramer
Riding in the Rain: How to Protect Yourself (and Enjoy the Ride)

Riding in the Rain: How to Protect Yourself (and Enjoy the Ride)

While most riders don’t purposely choose to ride in the rain, you can’t be sure that a trip that starts with sunny skies will end that way. Heck, in Minnesota the weather can change by the moment!

But let’s be honest: rain makes riding a motorcycle more complex and more dangerous. But there are things you can do to increase your safety and make riding in the rain an enjoyable, rewarding experience.

In this article, I’ll address Comfort.

The truth is, anything that distracts you when you’re riding is potentially dangerous. In rainy weather that could be as 'minor' as a trickle of cold water that leaks down your neck, chilling your whole body.

So it’s important to take some time (and spend some money) to get proper waterproof clothing and gear.

Head

In rainy weather, there’s no way to get around the most common-sense item: a full-face helmet. You can keep your half-helmet or 'beanie' helmet for sunnier times, but make the investment in a full-face helmet if you expect to ride in the rain. Our advice: get one with good venting.

For those who argue that their full-face helmet fogs up in the rain or cold, we have a solution for that (and it's less than $20): get yourself an Anti-Fog insert. Problem solved.

Hands

Today’s riding gloves are amazing, and we recommend you have at least two pair with you while riding, a lighter weight pair and a ‘workhorse’ rainproof pair. Still, there are drawbacks to gloves. The biggest one (in my opinion) is that gloves add bulk, which can make it more difficult to grip and definitely more difficult to shift gears.

So, recently I’ve been experimenting with Hand Guards. These are basically a "fairing" for each hand that allows you to adjust the area of protection for each hand.

One of the better ones we've found is the WingShields by Brukus, which are made of a tough polycarbonate which makes them extremely difficult to break, yet light (and clear, which we like). You clamp them to the handlebar or mirror stem and align the curved shield ahead of your hands.

Not only will they protect you from rain, but airflow over your hands will be reduced, making your gripping area warmer.

Body (Core)

Get yourself a quality rainsuit, preferably one that incorporates a breathable membrane such as Gore-Tex or similar material. Don’t ‘cheap out’ on this!

Keep your rainsuit with you (I’ve been guilty of violating this one because I like the “naked” bike look); and pack it on top, not at the bottom, of your saddlebag. Or better yet, put it on before you ride.

Use a windshield. Nothing else is more effective at protecting your body, and yet there is much confusion about correct windshield height. Your windshield should be low enough to look over, not just through. Read more about windshield height here.

Legs & Feet

I’ve found it takes some experimentation to find the right pair of waterproof boots, but they really make a difference if you get caught in the rain.

I hate to say it, but I wear a men’s boot. It’s changing, but for a very long time the only options for women’s boots didn’t have nearly the traction and waterproof qualities of mens (fashion is nice but safety is way better!).

Another great idea is the Desert Dawgs Rain Guards/Wind Deflectors. These soft lowers slip onto your engine guard bar like a glove on a hand and will keep rain off your legs and feet.

Most riders say they experience significant rain protection from the Desert Dawgs; many of our customers swear by 'em (some going so far as to claim they saved their life during a downpour or even snow). Read more and watch the video here.


BONUS TIPS

  1. Make sure your rain gear fits properly and is in good shape.
  2. Choose bright colors for increased visibility.
  3. Transfer wallet, keys, and other essentials to waterproof outside pockets.
  4. Watch windshield wipers of oncoming cars to see if it’s raining ahead.
  5. Put on all your waterproof gear and have someone turn the hose on you to check for leaks!
  • Tracey Cramer
Six Ways the Swivel-CAM is Better Than a HelmetCAM

Six Ways the Swivel-CAM is Better Than a HelmetCAM

OK, I admit it: there are times when a HelmetCAM can be an appropriate choice for shooting video while riding a motorcycle (we've done it exactly twice with a GoPro!).

That said, we’re not fans of the helmet-mounted camera for most motorcycle uses, and here’s why.

  • You can't change the angle of the shot. Wherever you’re looking, that's what you're getting. If you look down at your gauges, so does your video. If you look behind you to check traffic, guess where the HelmetCam goes?
  • You can’t easily adjust the camera. I once lost an entire sequence because I thought it was powered on when it wasn’t (I couldn’t see it up on my head!)
  • Depending on the camera design, you may not have the best zoom function; you might find your target turned into a speck on the horizon.

Apparently we’re not the only ones who feel this way:

“Mounting a video camera on a motorcycle helmet is difficult. Modern helmets have all sorts of wacky curves, put there for either styling or aerodynamic purposes. The larger the camera the more difficult it is to mount on a helmet.” ~ WebBikeWorld Review


Our Solution? The Swivel-CAM Motorcycle Camera Mount

The Swivel-CAM motorcycle camera mount solves some key problems that Helmet Cameras don't:
  • Flexible mounting options. The Swivel-CAM is not limited to one location (helmet); it can be mounted on a handlebar, brake/clutch assembly, mirror stem and more (hint: buy extra base brackets separately to save costs and shoot from several different angles/places).
  • Get almost any angle you want/need. The Swivel-CAM features multiple joints (which we call Ultra-Swivels) as well as 360-degree rotational ability at the tip. This is our ‘third generation’ design, arrived at after our own trial and error with other mounts; there are very few angles you can’t get with the Swivel-CAM!
  • Different height options. The Swivel-CAM is available in a 'shortie' version as well as the 'standard' 6-inch height, so no matter what you’re riding or where you mount the camera, you can shoot over or around windshields or other parts of the motorcycle.
  • Classy look. Let’s face it; a lot of motorcycle camera mounts are ugly. The Swivel-CAM’s slim rod and base look like they belong on the motorcycle.
  • Anti-Vibration & Heavy-Duty Construction. We’ve done everything we can to minimize vibration, such as the anti-vibration ‘cushion’ found on each and every Swivel-CAM. Stainless steel and aluminum components also help minimize vibration and won’t rust or wear out (rubber or plastic is much more susceptible to vibration and wear).
  • Works with almost any camera. The Swivel-CAM works with any camera that is tripod compatible (that is, has the industry-standard ¼-20 stud hole on it, or has a “tripod adaptor” in your kit). If you have more than one camera, or you change cameras, you won’t need another mounting system.

Can't picture it? Let us SHOW you the difference!

Quick Links:  Universal Swivel-CAM Mounts  |  GoPro Swivel-CAM Mounts

  • Tracey Cramer
How to Tell a Story with Your Motorcycle Video

How to Tell a Story with Your Motorcycle Video

Have you ever thought about sharing your motorcycle “adventure vacation” video with others? Not sure how to make it interesting? (After all, after a minute or two, an unchanging view from the saddle becomes… well… boring.)

The answer? A little creativity while you ride, plus a little editing time at the computer later.

Here are some tips to make your video into a Story that others will want to watch.

SHOOTING TIPS

  • More than scenery. Capture the unplanned, such as a flat tire, a navigational oops, or your friend spilling his drink all over his bike at a rest stop (yep - seen it!).
  • Multiple cameras and/or angles. Use the Swivel-CAM to place one camera up front, one to the side, and maybe a helmet camera (horrors!). Ride ahead and get off the bike to shoot the others coming toward you.
  • Utilize a passenger. There's no limit to what you can shoot if you don't have to throttle, grip, brake, etc. (I'm not often the passenger on a motorcycle, but on this particular day we wanted to shoot some footage over hubby's shoulder.)
  • Interview. Video others in your group talking about their experience or sharing their thoughts about your travels.
EDITING TIPS
  • Software. Use something simple and straightforward; after all, you’re not making a documentary for the Travel Channel.
  • Shorter is better. Experts say today’s internet viewers have a max attention span of two minutes.
  • Change it up often. No one scene should be more than 10 seconds long.
  • Narration. You don’t have to be a professional voice-over artist. Just tell the viewer what you’re thinking and feeling.
  • Use still images. Mix your video with photos you took on the trip (or find royalty-free images online).
  • Add a little music. Google “royalty free music” to avoid any rights infringement. There’s plenty out there.
Drop us an email (zoom (at) leadermotorcycle.com) if you use our tips to make a video and we'll share it on our Facebook page!
  • Tracey Cramer
Motorcycle Travel, Part III: Comfort & Convenience

Motorcycle Travel, Part III: Comfort & Convenience

Here at Leader we’re all about comfort and convenience! So now that we’ve covered planning tips (see articles "Dreaming" and "Planning"), it’s time to start thinking about the ‘little things’ that will make your trip so much more enjoyable.

Packing

Packing is super important on a bike because you have such limited space. You don't want to look like this guy!

Think about the weather where you are traveling and realize the temperature may swing from high to low in the span of a day.

Layer clothing whenever possible, and make sure you have the essentials: jeans, underwear, extra socks, long-sleeve shirt and your favorite T-shirts. Another must: rain gear and good-quality leather chaps.

Helmet Laws

Know the helmet laws in the states in which you’re traveling. Don’t get caught without one in a helmet-law state! (No fun to get a ticket on your dream trip.) Check out  this site for a map of the states where helmets are required.

Don’t try to do too much

If you’re not used to riding long distances, don’t force yourself to stay in the saddle for hundreds of miles. Plan stops along the way: for hydration, a bathroom break, or just to walk around and get the blood flowing (and give your rear a break). Plan the total number of hours or miles to be comfortable for you and you’ll have a much more enjoyable trip.

Invest in a set of Desert Dawgs for rain and wind protection; a butt cushion (or custom seat if your budget allows); or some music… anything for comfort and convenience.

NOW you’re ready to go! Or are you? We’ve got a few MORE tips for you in this article, such as recording memories, taking precautions and preparing your bike. 

  • Tracey Cramer