DR 650 cold weather gear

**ironwill539** · 10th March 2011, 02:25

I am curious what you guys use for cold weather gear? I was going to try and save up for the 12 volt electric heated gear but its damn expensive, and also the stock stator on the DR650 only puts out 200 watts at 5000 rpms any ideas? Have heard people have problems with killing the battery if they run heated gear anyways. It get's in the 20-30's and haven't found any gear that is comfortable down that cold that still lets you be nimble on the bike. Looking for something that will keep me warm for a minimum of an hour each way. Most of my riding is done at night also... I appreciate any info..

**Taz** · 10th March 2011, 05:03

20-30 degrees C over here is summer

**ironwill539** · 10th March 2011, 06:35

I should have noticed that's 20-30 degrees fahrenheit not celsius.. so that would be -6.66 celsius to -1.11 celsius so a little cooler here.... in the summer months no porblem it's between 26.67 celsius to 40.55 celsius...

**Devil** · 10th March 2011, 14:32

You can buy heated vests that are battery powered (rechargeable).

**ironwill539** · 10th March 2011, 19:50

has anyone here tried the battery pack heated gear?

**Henk** · 11th March 2011, 20:33

Doesn't get nearly that cold here but we ran heated grips on a DR650, those combined with the handgaurds and as many layers as you can manage work for our conditions.
Run the heated stuff off a relay energised off the tail light so that you can't drain the battery when the bike is switched off.

**joan of arc** · 18th March 2011, 18:51

It doesn't get that cold here but still I get chilly in the winter time despite seeming to wear plenty of clothing.
Anyone have the secret to staying warm on a bike in a NZ winter?
Have had various opinions from merino-possum, silk to polar fleece on top.
And how about stopping the wind finding EVERY gap, mainly around the neck.

Thanks

**Taz** · 18th March 2011, 19:09

Originally Posted by joan of arc

It doesn't get that cold here but still I get chilly in the winter time despite seeming to wear plenty of clothing.
Anyone have the secret to staying warm on a bike in a NZ winter?
Have had various opinions from merino-possum, silk to polar fleece on top.
And how about stopping the wind finding EVERY gap, mainly around the neck.

Thanks

Strap it in the back of the van with the heater on. Works for me

**joan of arc** · 18th March 2011, 19:11

thanks Taz, but wasn't exactly what I was looking for

**CherryB** · 3rd April 2011, 21:18

They are really -large- even when accept they are men's sized, so go down a size from what you think you'd need. As well as keeping the rain off (funnily enough) because they keep the wind chill off much better than leather gloves (which you still wear under them) it makes for much warmer hands!
I find good old fashioned mens wool socks best for the feet, with lots of merino layers good mixed with some layers that keep wind out.

**FJRider** · 3rd April 2011, 21:31

Originally Posted by joan of arc

It doesn't get that cold here but still I get chilly in the winter time despite seeming to wear plenty of clothing.
Anyone have the secret to staying warm on a bike in a NZ winter?
Have had various opinions from merino-possum, silk to polar fleece on top.
And how about stopping the wind finding EVERY gap, mainly around the neck.

Thanks

A thermal/sports balaclave (not the thick wollen ones) ... or even a silk one, will keep the draught out. A good set of thermal underwear will be of benefit in the cooler times. Riding jacket/pants with removable linings ...are good value.

Minus 5-6 degrees celcius temperatures are normal around these parts in winter ... sometimes cooler. The extra time needed "getting dressed" for the ride is worth it.

**Shewolf** · 27th July 2011, 13:16

Commuting in winter wet I use:

Oxford wind out top
Thermal top underneath
Revitt waterproof gear with linings in - jacket and pants
revit raintop also - keeps wind out when dry and saves jacket from getting leaks
Kathmandu polar fleece neck warmer - ultimate wind stopper! or..
When really chucking it down, rain balaclava
Kathmandu Goretex gloves - they really are waterproof!
Merino base layer gloves

I get where I'm going warm and dry. It's worth investing in the good stuff - can take 10 mins to put it all on tho!

Originally Posted by joan of arc

It doesn't get that cold here but still I get chilly in the winter time despite seeming to wear plenty of clothing.
Anyone have the secret to staying warm on a bike in a NZ winter?
Have had various opinions from merino-possum, silk to polar fleece on top.
And how about stopping the wind finding EVERY gap, mainly around the neck.

Thanks

**cursivelogic** · 31st July 2011, 19:53

Originally Posted by joan of arc

And how about stopping the wind finding EVERY gap, mainly around the neck.

I use a Gore-Tex "bib": an inverted-triangular piece of thick, wind-proof fabric that velcros at the back. I pull it up over my nose, and it tucks perfectly into the neckline of my jacket. I couldn't believe the difference it made!
As for the rest of it, I'm fine with thermal liners, and everything velcroed tightly around ankles and wrists.
One thing I do have trouble with is gloves: mine are supposed to be winter weight, but they're next to useless. ie. I avoid the full force of the wind, but my hands are just as cold.