Imagine it's 7º Celcius outside, and you got a cheap jacket. Now you're riding the bike to work. Roads are not wet or icy. You can reach it in 10 mins if you speed. You can take 20 mins if you go regular speed. But if you speed...you get more wind, and more cold. But if you slow down, its less cold incomming, but for a bigger period of time. What is better ? Or is it the same ? ( Not fair answering: Get a better jacket/equipment/transport )
2007-12-01 20:02:39 · 12 answers · asked by The Filosophers 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Ok, I've been riding a bike more years than I can remember also. For a good number of years I'd ride from Missouri to Flordia in January and February, so I'm no stranger to long distance, 500-600 mile per day cold weather riding. Cold as in 20F, snow on the ground and so on. First of all, if you're going to do it, you need a windshield or fairing, many layers of clothing rather than one thick one, the outside layer leather or some other wind resistant, breathable material (not a plastic rain suit, body moisture can't get away), insulated boots and a way to keep the wind from going up your pants legs, a hooded sweatshirt to keep your neck and head warm and best of all, electrically heated clothing such as a vest, gloves or grips.
But to answer your hypothetical question, go fast. Once the wind speed reaches a certain speed (can't remember what it is right now), it doesn't really make much difference whether you're going 75 or 100 mph. In other words, the wind chill factor decreases inversely of the wind speed. I know for a fact that the less time you spend in the cold, the better off you are. I also know the effects of hypothermia...inability to accurately modulate the clutch, slow reaction time and difficulty in concentrating. The best thing is to draw a bathtub of warm water (not hot because your cold fingers can't accurataly judge the temperature, you'll scald yourself) and just soak for an hour to get warmed back up. Better yet, before you get in that situation, stop often to consume warm liquids and foods and call it quits for the day when your hands are too cold to smoothly operate the controls.
2007-12-02 04:43:17 · answer #1 · answered by bikinkawboy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Fast as you can, and stay tucked as best you can. Now, on a motorcycle, a cheap jacket and some good gloves are usually all you need! As long as it's windproof, you're good to go. If it's not, throw on a nylon pullover. The windproofing is the key. After that, you can wear whatever you want underneath. More cold? Add more layers.
2007-12-02 07:20:26 · answer #2 · answered by wordnerd27x 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Time spent in the cold has a direct correlation to frost bite. Get here as quick as you can safely, and get out of the cold. The obvious "get a warmer jacket" answer is something you shouldn't ignore.
I ride to work all year long, and it gets fairly cold in SE Georgia. If you can't achieve the heavier jacket, LAYER!
2007-12-02 05:32:58 · answer #3 · answered by thomy8s 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hypothermia can set in quick once you reach that critical relative temperature. However, before that critical point, the body can endure long periods of exposure.
Leave extra early, go slow, and warm up with some coffee when you get to work.
2007-12-01 20:13:43 · answer #4 · answered by lmn78744 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Wind speeds in excess of 40mph have little additional chilling effect. Go a little faster. Decrease your exposure time.
2007-12-02 14:07:20 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Go fast and the effects of wind-chill will affect you quicker than slow riding and reduce your decision-making capability.
2007-12-01 21:41:39 · answer #6 · answered by Tim D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please ignore the stupid responses of go fast.
You should slow down, without question. Sorry to sound the boring old fart but this is a safety question. Keep to the speed limits, if you speed up your mind will loose its ability to recognise danger, your thought process will be on getting to your destination fast, where it should be is on the ever present dangers which are the pain of road riding.
2007-12-02 00:57:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋
If its not wet or icy go as fast as you want... but who the hell wants to freeze while riding? Keep it in the garage. Definitely don't ride on snow, or ice....
2007-12-01 20:12:11 · answer #8 · answered by Jukari 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Cold is cold. 25mph feels no different than 50mph when it's cold. The less time your out there, the less time to freeze your nards off. I say speed up a bit.
2007-12-02 00:32:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
It doesn't matter much, but,and you might think it's dumb, but wearing nylons on your arms and if you dare on you legs are great to help keep warm while ridding in cold weather.
2007-12-01 20:41:57 · answer #10 · answered by mark c 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋