Its basic objective is to keep warm and avoid hypothermia. Hypothermia is a condition when your body temperature just drops. Initial symptoms include chills. Your hands and feet are cold. This is because the body works to protect the most important organs, such as the brain and torso, by using the less vital parts of the body (such as warmth from the hands and feet) to warm them.
If your body is completely cold, it cannot function normally. Your ability to deftly wield control of your motorcycle deteriorates. As the cold takes over your body, you cannot think clearly and become clumsy. This will only expose you to more danger if you hit the road.
So at the first signs of shivering, simply coming in from the cold and drinking something hot is all it takes to recover. If you don’t get a chance to get in because of the cold, just park on the side of the road and do some calisthenics. Do not entertain yourself with the idea of drinking alcohol, it may warm you up at first but after a while you will be colder than before.
If your priority is making sure your head and torso are protected from cold and wind, your extremities will likely stay warm with fewer layers. Pre-trip planning and studying the wind chill chart will help you be prepared for any conceivable type of weather you are likely to encounter. Don’t take the wind for granted. Wind or air moving over your skin can absorb heat from your body.
For your head, an insulated full-face helmet can protect your brain from cold, hail or rain. Get the gaps filled by wearing a neoprene face mask to lessen penetrating wind. Just make sure you don’t run out of oxygen completely, there should be some fresh air coming in. You need a leather scarf or kerchief to cover your neck, as the neck serves as a funnel through which blood circulates from the brain to the other vital organs. Make sure your face shield is fog and frost resistant by coating it with an anti-fog solution.
When it comes to winter riding motorcycle clothing, there are several types of fabrics to choose from for your base layer. This is where the fabric is closest to your skin. Wool blends, silk, silk blends, nylon, and polypropylene are recommended. Absolutely no cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and dries slowly.
Fleece is a man-made fabric that is an ideal thermal lining for your mid layer that provides most of the warmth. Fleece fabric retains body heat and lets sweat escape. Windproof leather jackets are the ideal outer layer for cold wrinkles, in addition to its quality of abrasion resistance.
A wide windshield mounted on your motorcycle will minimize air rising underneath. Another option is electric clothing (heated vests, heated socks, heated gloves, etc.) that connect to the bike’s electrical system and provide heat when you need it.