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Cruiser
Posts: 57
Kansas City, MO | Ok, so I've had her for 1 month and 3 days, today. Rode to work this morning, thermo said 22 F not including wind chill and it's about a 30 minute ride, mostly highway.
I've been riding bikes since I was a kid, but I've managed to avoid riding in cold weather for the most part. Today was the coldest weather I've ridden in, and I was almost too warm (sweating a bit, even). Let me clarify that; it was the coldest I've ridden in, but not THE coldest I've been on a bike, if you know what I mean.
I know a lot of you guys are laughing at my measly 22 F ride... but it was a first for me, and I was extremely impressed with the Vision. Riding the Vision with the shield at full up, the deflectors out fully, and it is roughly equivalent to being in a car with the windows down. You feel the air around you but don't get the full force of it on your body. Add a little bit of cold weather gear, and you can't ask for a better ride. Just keep on the lookout for ice! 
Here's a breakdown of my gear (and I'm interested in what others use for their cold-weather rigs):
Helmet: Nolan N90 (no complaints. Head stayed warm and the Anti-fog visor worked great)
Jacket: Scorpion XDR (without the liner, used heated liner instead)
Pants: Fieldsheer Mercury 2.0 riding pants (NOT heated. wore these over jeans, no long johns. Legs were fine, stayed warm.)
Gloves: Tourmaster Synergy (heated)
Jacket Liner: Tourmaster Synergy (heated, full liner)
Boots: Piloti Moto 800 (short boot. Not heated, over regular cotton socks. Toes were just starting to get cold when I pulled into parking lot. May need to find a better boot for longer rides)
The heated gear (liner and gloves) was at it's lowest setting. Seat and Grips were on low, and like I said, I was almost too warm.
Of course... the most important part of my gear is the Victory Vision!
Edited by KCVic 2011-11-30 10:12 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 4278
| I can't handle cold toes. Sounds like your doing good but keep in mind tires will not be the same as in warm weather. They will be slippery |
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Tourer
Posts: 494
Akron Ohio area | Too much black ice here in northeastern Ohio.
Particularly under bridges.
Even my front wheel drive Ford Focus will lose traction under bridges on sunny but very cold days.
I won't start a ride unless the temperature is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once the salt is spread on the roads, Scream stays in the garage until there are some heavy rains.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 825
, WI | bigfoot - 2011-11-30 10:44 AM Too much black ice here in northeastern Ohio. Particularly under bridges. Even my front wheel drive Ford Focus will lose traction under bridges on sunny but very cold days. I won't start a ride unless the temperature is around 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Once the salt is spread on the roads, Scream stays in the garage until there are some heavy rains. When the salt starts I'm done. A Vision and ice - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mD3MuL99r9U&feature=related . |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I have a few rules when I ride in the winter, and tempature is not one of them. It is only relative to the amount of moisture we have had in the presiding days. I live in a suburban area and ride the interstate to work. If I was out in the boonies I would challenge my own decision to ride in below freezing temps only because of black ice would be more susceptable in the less suspecting spots. Winter attire is long johns under regular clothes, chaps and a sweat shirt under the jacket. Yeah, a little bulky, but it works for me. Just watch the black ice. |
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | I have been riding my normal schedule the last few weeks. (Only ride on days that end in "y" )
I have had the only bike in the parking are except for two days. On one the rat BSA chopper showed up. On the Wednesday before Thanksgiving three Harleys rode in.
My ride to work is only 7.5 miles. Coldest day this year was 30.
Ride Safe
Edited by radioteacher 2011-11-30 1:28 PM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | I will be riding to work tomorrow morning. The temp is suppose to be 26F in the morn. No heated clothing. The Vision does a great job of keeping the cold breeze off me. The coldest so far is 23F last winter then they threw the salt down that night. I put her up when streets are salty.
After riding in 22F you will think 40 is a warm day on the Vision. |
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Tourer
Posts: 492
Indianapolis, IN | victoryvisiontour - 2011-11-30 7:30 PM I will be riding to work tomorrow morning. The temp is suppose to be 26F in the morn. No heated clothing. The Vision does a great job of keeping the cold breeze off me. The coldest so far is 23F last winter then they threw the salt down that night. I put her up when streets are salty. After riding in 22F you will think 40 is a warm day on the Vision. Hey, count me in as well in the morning. 26F shouldn't be too bad and the interstate should be mostly clear of salt. They are calling for sunny and 45F by afternoon. Should be a balmy ride home for us. Be safe! |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'm green with envy, I'll be in FLA tomorrow, 70 degrees and caging it... I'll miss two days of riding.... |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Double post ---- joke time....
A dumb blonde went to a soda machine. She inserted two quarters and pushed the RED button. She heard some noise, and saw a can of Coke emerge.
She then started searching her large purse for some more money. About this time, a biker came up behind her, and waited patiently for her to finish.
She located a dollar bill and inserted it into the machine. More noises. She then pressed the Green button, and was rewarded with a can of Sprite.
She fumbled with the change in the Return slot, and put it back into the Deposit slot. She then pushed the Orange button, and received a can of Crush.
The biker then asked her, "Are you finished YET?"
She then replied, "Finished, Nothin'! I'm still winning!"
Edited by varyder 2011-11-30 7:42 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 79
Michigan | I too was impressed with the protection and warmth while riding my new 2012 Vision. She is sleeping for her long winters nap now but I am comforted knowing that in the cool early Michigan spring I don't have to worry about being too cold. |
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New user
Posts: 4
| 15 degrees, on my KP I owned last winter, got a 2012 vision in Oct. can't wait to see how the heated grips and seats, yea. 24 miles to work on 4 lane you do get some funny looks from cagers. LOL |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 8
Minnetonka, MN United States | KCVic - 2011-11-30 10:08 AM
Ok, so I've had her for 1 month and 3 days, today. Rode to work this morning, thermo said 22 F not including wind chill and it's about a 30 minute ride, mostly highway.
I've been riding bikes since I was a kid, but I've managed to avoid riding in cold weather for the most part. Today was the coldest weather I've ridden in, and I was almost too warm (sweating a bit, even). Let me clarify that; it was the coldest I've ridden in, but not THE coldest I've been on a bike, if you know what I mean.
I know a lot of you guys are laughing at my measly 22 F ride... but it was a first for me, and I was extremely impressed with the Vision. Riding the Vision with the shield at full up, the deflectors out fully, and it is roughly equivalent to being in a car with the windows down. You feel the air around you but don't get the full force of it on your body. Add a little bit of cold weather gear, and you can't ask for a better ride. Just keep on the lookout for ice!
Here's a breakdown of my gear (and I'm interested in what others use for their cold-weather rigs):
Helmet: Nolan N90 (no complaints. Head stayed warm and the Anti-fog visor worked great)
Jacket: Scorpion XDR (without the liner, used heated liner instead)
Pants: Fieldsheer Mercury 2.0 riding pants (NOT heated. wore these over jeans, no long johns. Legs were fine, stayed warm.)
Gloves: Tourmaster Synergy (heated)
Jacket Liner: Tourmaster Synergy (heated, full liner)
Boots: Piloti Moto 800 (short boot. Not heated, over regular cotton socks. Toes were just starting to get cold when I pulled into parking lot. May need to find a better boot for longer rides)
The heated gear (liner and gloves) was at it's lowest setting. Seat and Grips were on low, and like I said, I was almost too warm.
Of course... the most important part of my gear is the Victory Vision!
How did you wire the synergy harness? Just curious wher u ran the cables.
Thanks |
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Cruiser
Posts: 57
Kansas City, MO | I think there are many options, but I did this:
- My Vision came with a Battery Tender installed by the dealer. They zip tied the plug-end to a hole in a small bracket tucked underneath the Victory badge on the left side (up near the left-hand gas tank).
- I found online; a battery tender to Synergy converter harness and bought the longest I could find (I think it's about 12" to 14" long).
- I put a slightly larger fuse in the Battery Tender harness to match what I saw used in other Synergy gear (10A or 15A, if I remember right. Stock Battery Tender used 5A). Also, the battery tender wires were the same guage (or heavier) as the Synergy harness wiring, so no worries there about overloading the wiring.
- Now I just plug in my jacket to the battery tender plug! Easy-greasy (The rest of the Synergy gear plugs into the jacket). The length of the Synergy-to-BT conversion harness has kept the wiring from rubbing the bodywork and gives me enough "leash" to move around in the seat.
The other idea I had involved wiring from the battery and drilling a hole to mount a Synergy-type socket.
...but I couldn't bring myself to drill the hole in my new bike.
Lol... I've already got near 8,000 miles and I still consider her my "new" bike.
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | 14 degrees and snowy this morning. The Vision has been the only bike in motorcycle parking for a while now.
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Tourer
Posts: 599
New Mexico | Was 4 degrees the other morning on the way to work.
Temp reading went to -- , same as a couple of years ago in Phoenix when the temp went well over 110.
I have to say 30 min @ 4 degrees, I was cold! Had full face helmet, med-weight textile jacket, insulated bib overalls, and leather gloves.
Sometime this year I'm going to have to wire the bike for heated gear and invest in heated gloves and a liner.
Does anyone know of an electric heated head liner that won't scramble my brain waves? Haven't found any online.
btw - should get up to 60 today 
Edited by Boots 2013-01-24 10:33 AM
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | A balaclava is a must for cold weather riding. I think I paid $10 or less at Walmart for mine. It's nothing fancy, no fleece, no special stitching or fabric. Just plain cotton it's about as thick as a cheap t-shirt so it does not effect my helmet fit. Search for head sock or balaclava on the net. They make a huge difference.
Hint: Do not wear it over your nose or your visor will fog. I wear mine well below my nose so it barely covers my lips.
http://www.schampa.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=balaclava
Gloves:
Leather is very protective, but unfortunately it does not keep my fingers warm. I have much better luck with off-road motorcycle gloves made for cold weather. They are inexpensive compared to leather gloves and made for polyester liners to be worn under them on the really cold days.
Gloves: http://www.dealtime.com/msr-cold-pro-gloves-black/products
Liners: http://www.schampa.com/product_p/glvelnr02.htm |
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Visionary
Posts: 1350
| Silk and leather for me. Silk scarf is number 1. Silk long johns from Sportmens Guide. Leather over pants, jacket and Victory cold weather gloves. Full helmet and boots without laces. I always feel the wind blow through the laces. This has worked fine at 20 degrees F for me.
Lowers work for the hot weather and cold. |
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Puddle Jumper
Posts: 47
| Rode at 4 degrees yesterday. The only area that gets a little cold is the exposed area around my eyes on my balaclava. Problems with fogging. Wear Carhart extreme arctic bib overalls, Carhart jacket, winter boots, half helmet and Ice Armor mittens. I know a lot of you guys don't like mittens but I gotta tell you they are so much warmer than gloves. I do hit an occasional button wrong for the sound system but never been a safety issue using them. |
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Cruiser
Posts: 57
Kansas City, MO | Allaire5 - 2013-01-25 6:24 AM
Rode at 4 degrees yesterday. The only area that gets a little cold is the exposed area around my eyes on my balaclava. Problems with fogging. Wear Carhart extreme arctic bib overalls, Carhart jacket, winter boots, half helmet and Ice Armor mittens. I know a lot of you guys don't like mittens but I gotta tell you they are so much warmer than gloves. I do hit an occasional button wrong for the sound system but never been a safety issue using them.
Nice! Yeah, I've even honked the horn a few times in my winter gloves when I was trying to adjust radio volume. Haven't tried mittens yet, but I know a guy at work that swears by them. |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | I honk the horn with no gloves. It's too close to the turn signal for my thumb's accuracy. I wish the horn button was recessed a bit more. I have been thinking of ways to build the rim up around the button. If anyone has done this please post it. |
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | I have not had to use my heated gear on the vision yet. The lowest its been here is 20's so far but the wind protection and heated seat/grips are very impressive! Over my street clothes I wear Joe Rocket over pants , wool socks boots, textile/armored jacket , long john top leather gerbings gloves (unplugged), facemask, fullface helmet (in winter). |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 763
Anderson, IN (48mi NE of downtown Indianapolis) | I don't have to put on wool socks until the temp is in the teens. I have found a way to keep my feet warm at upper 20's and above with only my regular work shoes/shocks. Keeps me from having to change any clothing when I get to work.
I have found a very hot spot on the Vision. When I slide my feet back on the floorboards they stay very warm. I place my right heel so it is almost touching the pipe and hold the inside of my foot up against the motor. I then place my left foot in approximatley the same location (there no pipe on the left side to judge exact location). The is an extreme hot spot which keep my feet, ankles, and lower legs warm.
I found this position during the summer when I slid my feet back a couple of times searching for a comfy spot on a long ride. My feet felt like there were on fire in just a few seconds. So, I wondered if this would be benificial in the winter. It sure is. I can wear the same shoes and socks at 30 deg that I do in the middle of July. I have a pair of winter riding boots, but only need to use in the 20's or lower.
Has anyone else found this hotspot for tootsies?
Edited by victoryvisiontour 2013-01-26 10:03 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1308
Sand Rock, AL United States | I wear wool socks year round just for comfort and I work in the same boots I ride in.  |
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Cruiser
Posts: 259
Land O Lakes, FL | I don't mind the cold on the Vision at all. Some recommendations from a FL boy...
Freeze Off Gear from Cycle Gear. Works freakin awesome and haven't felt the need to go heated gear yet with Freeze Off jacket under my leather jacket and glove liners under my gloves. I also have the Balaclava and it's great! I would also recommend the Victory lower wind deflectors, they really help a lot in the cold weather and make for a very pleasant ride. I had my local shop install them and even made them put screws in them so they wouldn't come off.
All in all I love my Vision and I have no problem riding in the cold. Worst I get here though is in the 30's but still chilly |
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Cruiser
Posts: 57
Kansas City, MO | victoryvisiontour - 2013-01-24 8:10 AM
14 degrees and snowy this morning. The Vision has been the only bike in motorcycle parking for a while now.
You sir, are hardcore!
Nice pic! |
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Newbie - Impressed with Vision in the cold