Cold weather motorcycle riding

November 4, 1:07 PMMotorcycle Travel ExaminerPatty Davis

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The Hottie Bottie neck warmer

Photo Credit: Patty Davis

When it comes to motorcycling, my preference is to ride when the weather conditions are absolutely perfect. I will pass up a ride if I think the weather will be too cold for me to fully enjoy the ride. Call me a wimp but I prefer to think of myself as wise.

There are times, though, when riding in less than ideal temperatures is a must. Last summer, while vacationing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in July, we experienced not only rain but temperatures in the “chilly” range – as in we waited until it warmed up to the mid 40s before heading out to the next town. There are other times when a promise of a beautiful afternoon with unseasonably warm temperatures will make me gear up for a cool start in order to enjoy a perfect afternoon.

Since I am not a cold weather motorcyclist, I don’t have a need for a lot of cold weather gear. One item I do carry is a neck gaiter called “Hottie Bottie.” This accessory was a gift so I can’t tell you how much it cost. I have done some research but can’t find it anywhere. The construction is fairly simple and should be easy to duplicate and make for your self. The two best features are the Velcro closure making it adjustable for all sizes and the pocket in the back of the gaiter which can hold a chemical heat packet. I find that if my neck is warm then the rest of me doesn’t feel quite so cold. Mind you, I didn’t say I felt warm, just not as cold.

When searching a “Hottie Bottie”, I came across only one other neck gaiter that had a pocket similar to mine. It was made by Realtree products and was available for sale at www.warmers.com for about $15.00. The chemical packets I use are made by Heatmax and are available at major discount retailers (like WalMart) for about $1 per packet for the large size. Look in the Sporting Goods/Hunting section of the store.  The heat packs work well and last well over 7 hours and at just $1 you can afford to have several stashed away.

Watch the slideshow of my neck warmer, its construction, and how it is worn.

Other Motorcycle Examiners and their reviews and insights into personal cold weather gear:

• Baltimore Motorcycle Travel Examiner: Motorcycle 101 Winter riding
• Newark Motorcycle Travel Examiner: Winterize the rider not the ride
• National Motorcycle Examiner: Product review - exo2 heated motorcycle gear
• Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner: Review - heated electric riding gear from exo2
• Harley-Davidson Examiner: Time to get outfitted for fall weather