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Would thermal underwear under denim jeans help with cold motorcycle riding?

Wednesday Sep 16, 2009

Denim is not good at all for helping retain heat. Nylon and other synthetics are. But If all you have is jeans, and you have to ride when it’s approximately 44 – 49 degrees out on a sunny day (35 mph), would "long-johns" help at all? I’ve ridden while almost hypothermic, and it’s NOT fun.
I forgot to mention, I’m only riding it from the storage lot to my apartment (approximately 2 miles)

Usually when I drive those temperatures I wear long johns. My commute is about 45min of 45MPH driving and it’s much more comfortable wearing them. Without them once I get to school I would not be able to feel my legs and one day I actually got minor frostbite when it was below freezing, which was painful.

So yeah long johns will not only make you more comfortable but they could save a lot of pain.

But if your only going 2 miles thats like a 3 minute drive. You can survive that easily.

10 Comments »

Cindy C:

The long-johns certainly couldn’t hurt.
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September 16th, 2009 | 4:49 pm
TheBonecrusher89:

Good quality ones will. The thicker, obviously the better, along with some long cotton socks works great.
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My daily commute on my R6

September 16th, 2009 | 5:26 pm
Ashley S:

possibly, have you tried things like under armor?
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September 16th, 2009 | 5:58 pm
Joe Mama:

They will certainly help but not for long. I would suggest some sort of wind breaking material over the top of your jeans too. Like rainsuit pants.
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September 16th, 2009 | 6:11 pm
Nathan M:

Usually when I drive those temperatures I wear long johns. My commute is about 45min of 45MPH driving and it’s much more comfortable wearing them. Without them once I get to school I would not be able to feel my legs and one day I actually got minor frostbite when it was below freezing, which was painful.

So yeah long johns will not only make you more comfortable but they could save a lot of pain.

But if your only going 2 miles thats like a 3 minute drive. You can survive that easily.
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September 16th, 2009 | 6:29 pm
Jon S:

I found Damart thermal stuff a godsend on long runs, but at only 35mph you’ll probably get as much value from some cheap nylon overtrousers which will break the wind flow. Plus you will not overheat when you get wherever you are going!

Nowadays I just plug the jacket in, turn the heated grips on, and wallow in luxury!
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September 16th, 2009 | 7:18 pm
bikernoj:

If all you have is jeans, save up for some good overpants.

Seriously! it make a world of difference!

A base layer would help, but some inexpensive rain pants (i.e. nylon shell) would help more. They would help block the cold air from stealing your body warmth and allow your jeans to become an insulating layer.
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Ridden in sub-freezing temps with nylon overpants.

September 16th, 2009 | 7:33 pm
mycle1000:

to keep the wind off you, try leather chaps or pants. nothing breaks the wind like good cowhide. of course, the underlayers like jeans and long johns are what keep the heat on your skin; the leather will keep the wind away. if you’re riding in wet weather, do try something like a rainsuit. moisture will take body heat away quite fast.
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September 16th, 2009 | 7:42 pm
Joe w:

go to a hunting store & buy the best ones you can find. i remeber riding when i felt like a ice cube takes all the fun out of riding
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September 16th, 2009 | 8:14 pm
MURREL H:

Yes, the thermals will help. No matter how short or far you ride, dress in layers.

But seriosly, 44 to 49* is not really all that cold. I do that temp. all the time at 70mph and usally at least 30 miles.
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September 16th, 2009 | 8:52 pm
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