When the cold weather starts to roll around, many motorcyclists begin to talk about the infamous “wind chill”. In fact, as temperatures begin to drop below freezing, the temperature for motorcyclists is actually much, much colder. In fact, in this community, many motorcyclists can probably agree that, wind chill is slightly more important than temperature itself. Whether you are new or not, wind chill is an incredibly important aspect to take into consideration. While it may be 10 degrees outside, when you factor the wind chill, it can be around -15 degrees outside, which can cause frostbite or numbing, leading to a motorcycle accident!
There is nothing that can magnify the cold than riding your motorcycle during winter’s gusts.
Below, we are going to share with you our Motorcycle Wind Chill Chart and how to stay warm during the winter monthsl. As you will note, our chart stays between the standard ranges that motorcyclists are driving, and the average temperatures in the winter. If you live in an area that is naturally colder, as you might conclude from our chart, the colder the weather and the faster you drive, the most intense the wind chill will be.
Temperature in ° Fahrenheit |
Speed | 15 ° | 20 ° | 25 ° | 30 ° | 35 ° | 40 ° | 45 ° | 50 ° |
25 | -4 ° | 3 ° | 9 ° | 16 ° | 23 ° | 29 ° | 36 ° | 43 ° |
30 | -5 ° | 1 ° | 8 ° | 15 ° | 22 ° | 28 ° | 35 ° | 42 ° |
35 | -7 ° | 0 ° | 7 ° | 14 ° | 21 ° | 28 ° | 35 ° | 41 ° |
40 | -8 ° | -1 ° | 6 ° | 13 ° | 20 ° | 27 ° | 34 ° | 41 ° |
45 | -9 ° | -2 ° | 5 ° | 12 ° | 19 ° | 26 ° | 33 ° | 40 ° |
50 | -10 ° | -3 ° | 4 ° | 12 ° | 19 ° | 26 ° | 33 ° | 40 ° |
55 | -11 ° | -3 ° | 4 ° | 11 ° | 18 ° | 25 ° | 32 ° | 40 ° |
Wind Chill in ° Fahrenheit |
Tips to Stay Warm This Winter
In light of these wicked cold temperatures, it still may be tempting for some motorcyclists to drive. If so, it’s vital to take proper measures to ensure your body is protected from the frigid cold weather. Here are a few tips that we have to help stay warm this winter when driving your bike.
Heated Inserts
One of the quickest and easiest ways to keep your body warm when driving a motorcycle is purchasing heated inserts. You can buy these at any common store, and they are relatively cheap. You can purchase multiple packages and utilize them to keep your feet, hands, and even jacket warm, especially on a colder day. However, it’s important to keep in mind, if you do not have appropriate external layers to fend off the cold weather heated inserts will be ineffective. This brings us to our next tip!
External Layers
If you want to stay warm this winter, you need to purchase winter gear and external layers to help defend and protect your warmth. There are numerous stores that offer combination packages for winter bikers. These typically include jackets, pants, hat, and even gloves, if you are lucky. It’s highly advised to purchase as many appropriate external layers as possible. Do you really think plain blue jeans are going to help in -7-degree weather?
Heated Seats
If you want to stay warm when driving your motorcycle, invest in a heated seat. Not only is this a great technology innovation that you might become obsessed with, but a heated seat can help keep the main part of the human body warm. Having a heated seat will keep the blood flowing through your body and keeping you as warm as possible, avoiding frost bite and the painful numbing in your limbs.
Heated Grips
Aside from heated seats, did you know that you can also purchase and install heated grips? This is probably one of the best features that any motorcyclist can invest in this winter, aside from proper clothing and gear. It’s important to know that not every manufacturer is currently producing heated grips as this is a relatively new innovation. Heated grips can help keep your hands warm, keeping you driving longer, and safer.
Staying Dry
It may seem like common sense; however, staying dry is a great way to stay warm this winter when driving your motorcycle. Purchase the right protective layers, which should be waterproof and heavily insulated and make sure that no part of the skin is exposed to the frigid air, snow, or rain.
Know the Windchill Factor
Understanding what the wind chill factor is plays an incredibly important role when driving a motorcycle. The truth is, if you are not careful, wind chill can lead to numb hands and feet while driving a bike, making it difficult to navigate. Moving forward, always take the time to use our handy motorcycle wind chill chart to figure out what the temperature is truly like when cruising along. Also, do yourself a favor and start implementing some of the tips we provided to keep yourself warm, comfortable, and safe. While driving a motorcycle is one of the most exciting experiences, safety is most important.