12-12-2021, 11:50 PM
(12-12-2021, 11:11 PM)misterprofessionality_imp Wrote: If we're discussing ways to keep riding in the winter...I cant stress enough the value of a pair of bark busters (hand guards to some). This is my first year riding with a pair on my versys, and let me tell you i don't feel the need for heated grips at all. A simple thing like blocking the wind from your hands completely changes your comfort level.
Not to diminish what Mr. P. said, but beware the expectation of hand guards for wind protection. There are limitations, and it will vary depending on the rider's tolerance.
Example:
Hand guards are useless for "warmth protection" on freeways at 120 km/h with air ambient of -25C. This example includes the use of grip heaters set at or near maximum. So if there is no wind, the freeway windchill is about -48C (-55F).
Scale the example appropriately for highway and regional road speed rates.
It might be more effective to some riders to simply invest in modern heated gloves. They tend to focus on the top of the hand where the blood vessels are and the finger tips, and that is unlike grip heaters that waste energy on the palms. I reckon it is key to keep fresh warm blood flowing to the finger tips in order to have an enjoyable, longer ride ... and maybe focus on keeping your visor clear, eyeballs from freezing, and sumthin' like that.
A final note:
The CB1100 has no problem handling these conditions, just be prepared to maybe ride at least one lower gear than what you normally would. Also, avoid ice and snow patches. Expect to ride on roads with an excessive amount of salt, although most likely it will be powder dry during the day when the sun is out.
I know this isn't a typical southern Californian example, but it is closer to north eastern U.S. and south eastern Canada, and especially Winnipeg and Minnesota areas.