Being from the Great White North we ride a lot in cold weather. With a shorter riding season than most, we have become quite adapt at fighting off Mother Nature.

Last Saturday I set out from my home in Calgary at 9:00 am. It was -5. (23 for the Americans) The first 3 hours that I rode the warmest it got was -2. (28) My face and toes where a bit chilly but other than that I had an enjoyable ride and ended up with a total of 380 miles for the day.

Keep in mind that when riding a motorcycle the wind chill factor is your greatest enemy. If not properly equipped you could find yourself suffering from hypothermia. This can happen very quickly if you're not dressed properly. Your body senses its core temperature dropping and begins cutting off the blood supply to your hands, feet and your head. It does this to protect the vital organs (heart & lungs) When the blood flow to your brain slows down, your decision making abilities will start to slow down as well. You'll notice your hands getting numb then your feet and then your forehead. If you've got all these symptoms, your judgment can become impaired. If you prepare yourself and your bike for a cold weather ride, you should never have to worry about hypothermia.

Here are a few suggestions to help you stay warm when things get cold.

(Having a GL1800 with the comfort package is a great starting point)

Heated jacket liner with heated collar

This will provide heat to the vital areas of your body allowing better blood flow to your hands, feet and head. Heated pants are another option but I not found that with the heated seat I haven't needed them. My chaps have been sufficient.

Insulated or heated gloves

While leather provides great protection, they don't always have the warming capability of a glove made of Cordura or other synthetic materials. Consider warm gloves like Synergy electric gloves that also include a temperature control. Staying warm also applies to your footwear. Get a good pair of insulated boots and your feet will stay a lot warmer and dryer.

Neck Warmer

Keeping your neck warm is another way to stop the cold from affecting your core body temperature and keeping you comfortable at highway speed.

Note - Some heated jacket liners come with heated collars. Ask when purchasing.

Layer your clothing

This is always mentioned but really does work. Make that inner layer thermal or fleece underwear. Layering in combination with a heated liner will have you comfortable in almost any temperature.

Larger windshield

The best available for wind protection and anti-scratching is the F4 windshield sold here on Wingstuff.com in Std, +2" or +4" over stock height. One of the most important components to fighting the cold is controlling the wind. The taller windshields eliminates buffeting around the head and upper torso area. This also stops cold air from being forced down the back of your jacket. Really makes a huge difference compared to any stock windshield.

Mirror Wind Deflectors

Baker brand are the best option and are adjustable as oppossed to many others that are not. You can turn them out to block the air or in the summer turn them inwards to bring that needed fresh air to your body. The mirror air deflectors do a great job of deflecting the air from hitting your hands and forearms. While the heated grips do a great job at keeping your hands warm having the wind blocked takes this to another level of comfort. Baker Built makes the best mirror wind deflectors because they are adjustable. 

Fairing Side Air Wings

Anyone who has these on there bike will tell you that these really do work. On the stock 1800 the rider and passenger are hit by winds that come around the side of the fairing hitting your legs, arms and waist area. I personally use the Baker Built Air Wings with Lowers. Not only do they do a great job of defecting the cold but are great at bringing in cool air during the warm summer months.

Foot Wings

While the GL1800 comfort model has foot warmers they are really effective at highway speed. Foot Wing air deflectors keep the wind away allowing the warm air from the engine to warm your feet. They also help keep your feet dry in wet weather riding. There are a couple of different brands that are sold here on Wingstuff.com.

Drink liquids

Experts offer a final thought about cold weather riding - drink lots of liquids. Yes, you still lose water even though it's freezing out. It's easy to get dehydrated, even in winter, because you don't notice that you're perspiring. Stay away from caffeine drinks, and of course alcohol. (Alcohol, even though it will briefly make you feel warm. after the initial warmth, you will feel colder than before). Sweet drinks can provide much needed carbs to help boost your body's heat-making ability. There's also a new jacket on Wingstuff called Accelerator 2, they look very warm and have a removable liner and the large front pockets that remove providing total air flow for warm weather. The great thing, it has a drink system built into the jacket itself.

You can also consider a handlebar drink holder like the Roadrunner or Beverage Butler.

If you like the idea of a drinking tube system that can be worn underneath your jacket or over your jacket like a back pack. Wingstuff sells them like the Camelbak. Remember 50oz size is equalivent to 2 large water bottles.

In my eyes the Gold Wing is a great cold weather-riding bike. With the proper riding gear and accessories you not only ride safer in cold weather but also create a longer riding season.

See you on the road!

Gold Wing Riders
Don & Kristi Goodwin (Canada )

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