"Winter Riding: My Bike (pics) and Equipment (and costs)

[Easy_Rider]

This is my winter bike setup. Pics and explanation below. Costs are tallied up at the bottom.

Most obvious mod is the CHOKO wind (hand) protectors. (Below)



These Choko's stop the cold wind from blowing directly on the hand.


Keeps the fingers warm. (Left Side)


(Right Side)


I drove on the 401 today, with the cold wind and rain. A very noticeable improvement.


My Heated Gloves. Check resistance in Ohms, 9.7 Ohms. They work. Diagnostic check.


Check vest, too. 4.1 Ohms resistance. Checks out ok.


Charger. Optimate3 (distributed by Yamaha). Splice and extend wires from charger by adding a 50 ft wire (16 gauge, 300V CSA) to go to the driveway.


Those red "screw on's" basically join the wire together.


The 50ft wire coming from the house runs to the bike. Use Voltmeter to check that the wires are live. Ok. Ensure that the wires are not reversed by mistake when cutting and extending.


Got my maintenance done before the cold came. Not fun to work in the winter.


Changed out the filter, oil, and brakes. Recycled at Canadian Tire.


Worked out a couple of little bugs (GPS installation) and a few other trivial matters. The battery problem was my last serious headache.

Costs:

Charger $58 (20% off at Snow City)
50ft (300 V CSA wire) $25 (Home Depot), 16 gauge
Voltmeter $20 (Canadian Tire)
Freedom Vest: $140 (order from Saskachewan)
Freedom Gloves: $202 (order from Saskachewan)
Choko Wind (Hand Protectors) $34 (20% off at snow city)

The bike is charging up nicely. Last checked, it was at 12.7V, a big improvement from my 12.4V earlier today before setting everything up. I almost couldn't start the bike from Home Depot.

Any questions, feel free to ask. Enjoy the ride.

[m.breen]

I have a '93 Sportster and went to put a pair of handlebar muffs on last night only to find that no way will they work. Are the Choko hand protectors for an ATV? If I can keep my hands somewhat warm, then I will use the auxilary power I set up, for electric socks, then I will be set to go. Thanks for the pics...

[raymondo]

Studded Motorcycle Tires ...............PRICELESS

[m.breen]

Oh ...did you have to modify the hand protectors?

[uniongoon]

Thanks, hand protectors are a great idea. I am thinking more in the line of tire studs and frozen lake type riding woooo hoooo

[gybeman]

You forgot to add in the cost of penetrating oil for all the seized bolts come spring time, plus the depreciation factor involved when you try to sell your salt/sand pitted, corroded mess of a bike. But, a valiant effort to stay riding.
I wonder if my arthritic hips and back are related to when I used to to this ??

[de Jager]

Just a word of caution about depending on heated equipment. If for whatever reason your heated gear stops working on a ride, you may find yourself in trouble, especially on a longer ride. Watch out for symptoms of hypothermia.

Although heated gear is nice, you should still have plenty of layers available. You can always remove some if you get too hot.

[masalma]

a wind screen would be nice otherwise looks good

[Easy_Rider]

I have a '93 Sportster and went to put a pair of handlebar muffs on last night only to find that no way will they work. Are the Choko hand protectors for an ATV? If I can keep my hands somewhat warm, then I will use the auxilary power I set up, for electric socks, then I will be set to go. Thanks for the pics...

I think the CHOKO's are for ATVs. I tried mitts, too (but no dice). If you want mitts, try "HIPPO HANDS" out of the USA.

Enjoy the ride!

http://www.hippohands.com/Harley%20Hippo%20Hands.htm

[Easy_Rider]

Oh ...did you have to modify the hand protectors?

Not modified. I'll see how long those velcro straps last for.

[Mach12R]

I don't know my friend,, I love to ride but I enjoy the warmth of it most. I can't ever see myself ridding in -10 weather and then thawing infront of the fireplace for an hour after. Not to mention the dangers of winter riding. That's fun? Be careful out there..

[dirtbag]

That's cool. Somebody who's willing to trash an HD in the salt. You Rock Dude!

Hey Uniongoon - I've got a studded play toy - You got a pond?

[RockerGuy]

a wind screen would be nice otherwise looks good

+2000k

[m.breen]

I see you are using the motomaster 75/90 synthetic gear oil. Have you used that before? Is that sevicing your clutch as well? I don't care much for the Harley sport trans fluid. I'm also using the mobil 1 V twin engine oil, with good results so far, been using it for a while now.

[Easy_Rider]

I see you are using the motomaster 75/90 synthetic gear oil. Have you used that before? Is that sevicing your clutch as well? I don't care much for the Harley sport trans fluid. I'm also using the mobil 1 V twin engine oil, with good results so far, been using it for a while now.

Hi, I use:
Heavy Gear Oil for transmission.
V-Twin in Primary and Engine. (I also like 10W-40 Amsoil in the Primary)

The Harley Davidson has been running perfectly for the past 20,000 km. Mechanically excellent.

Cheers!

[m.breen]

a wind screen would be nice otherwise looks good

Theres a detachable windscreen advertised on craigslist, toronto, for $200. If I had the cash I would have bought it.