Vagabond in Overtime

Tips to stay warm and dry on shoulder-season rides

By Mark Keating

As the days get shorter and colder, I know that my bike will soon be going into hibernation.

But before we reach the end of the riding season – which for me is just about when the salt trucks are deployed – here are my suggestions for making shoulder-season riding safer and more pleasant with the right clothing and equipment.

Dress in layers
Layers are the obvious starting point. It’s inevitably chillier in the early and late parts of a shoulder-season day. You want to be sufficiently bundled when necessary but able to peel things off as the temps start to rise.

An outer layer that stops the wind is a must. Most Harley-Davidson^® motorcycle riders choose leather, which works remarkably well. Don’t dismiss higher-tech abrasion-resistant textile options, though.

Since cold plus wet is a recipe for hypothermia, I also carry an extra waterproof layer in case I get caught out, even though my normal gear itself promises to be waterproof.

Respect the wind chill effect
Wind chill is a very real concern when moving upwards of 100 km/h. A well-installed windshield or fairing does a good job of blocking the wind for your core. Lower fairings and/or engine guard covers (better known as “elephant ears”) extend that wind pocket to your lower body and legs, significantly improving your comfort in genuinely cool weather.

Of course, you still have to protect your extremities. Your head is well insulated inside a full-face or modular helmet, but your neck and face may be exposed in a 3/4 or 1/2 lid. Keeping those areas covered is essential. A high-necked base layer is a great start, but even better is a neck gator or scarf. Choose something that won’t come unravelled or impede your ability to turn your head.

Your hands and feet will also be exposed, so upgrade the level of insulation in your gloves and socks.

Consider heated clothing and equipment
For serious cold-weather riding, you might want to consider heated liners for your jacket, vest, pants, gloves or boots. Some operate on batteries, others plug into the bike, and a rare selection do both. Which you choose depends largely on your budget, whether you want to install a wiring harness on your bike, and for how long you plan to ride. Batteries are best suited to shorter rides. Plug-in clothes can essentially continue heating for as long as you’re on the road.

Heated equipment is another option. Harley-Davidson Touring bikes are generally set up to accept both heated grips and heated seats. These seats are as easy to install as any other, with the additional step of plugging into the accessory plug tucked under your existing seat. Grips are a little more involved, but your Harley-Davidson Service Department can help you get them installed.

Add more light to your ride
As it gets colder, it also gets darker. I have installed brighter-than-stock LEDs in virtually every socket of my Road Glide^® Ultra, including the headlights, taillight and turn signals.

I have also mounted accessory brake/turn signals, an auxiliary brake light on my Tour-Pak^® luggage carrier, and auxiliary driving lights on the front of the bike. While nothing is foolproof, I can be relatively confident I won’t be overlooked, nor will I miss an animal wandering onto the road.

Lifetime HOG^® member Mark Keating (IG: @markwkeating) has explored (almost) every corner of North America on his Harley-Davidson^® motorcycles. As winner of two HOG^® Canada ABCs of Touring challenges and holder of 49 Iron Butt Association (IBA) certificates – including three “first-ever” – Mark has officially found his happy place with a proverbial full tank.

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