Why does the women’s gear come with the L1 and the men’s don’t?  Well, I asked that question to a Klim rep while at the Touratech Dirt Daze in Haverhill, NH.  The rep told me what they found in the market research is women want the lighter gear.  L1 being lighter because it is half as thick and with that, it’s half the amount of material that protects you.  I asked if the women are being educated on what it means to have the lighter gear with half the level of protection and are they aware they are sacrificing safety?

Crickets…  Of course, without education, most would choose lighter over heavier, but at what cost?

Honestly, once the gear is on, you really don’t feel that difference significantly enough to choose the lighter gear and less protection.

When you tell women the level of protection is half as much AND women are more susceptible to breaking bones than men because after the age of 29, women lose 1% of their bone density and when they hit menopause, it goes up to 2%, do you think they would still choose the lighter, less protective gear?  I don’t think so.  And if they did, then that would be an informed decision and completely up to them.  Instead, what I’m finding, because I have been on a mission to get answers, is that women don’t realize that they don’t have the protection that they thought they had because they bought a high, quality suit.  You know the saying, you don’t know what you don’t know.  Well, unless you dig in and research things or you take more training classes and learn more about the sport, you don’t know important details.  In this case, you don’t know that even though you spent good money on high-quality gear you think will protect you, that the gear really won’t as much as you think.  Then, one day, you end up finding out the hard way while sitting in the hospital bed waiting for x-rays.

Something else to know about your riding suit, like the Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) layer in your helmet; armor breaks down and degrades over time, so a good rule of thumb is to replace it every five years just like you would do with your helmet. Also, non-CE-certified stock armor is often made of inexpensive materials, like stiff foam and lacks ventilation holes and will not give you the level of protection that the CE rated armor will.  Whether your suit is Klim or some other brand, do some research and make sure you are getting the level of protection that is acceptable to you.

Buying quality gear can be challenging, especially for women in this sport.  Get educated, so you can make informed decisions that will help with your overall experience in this amazing sport.  With fall in the air, you will see me in my new Klim suit with the upgraded armor of L2.  I feel good about the level of protection now.

There are three things a riding suit needs to do well for adventure riding: Keep you protected from impacts, keep you dry in bad weather, and provide cooling air-flow when the weather gets warm or the riding gets challenging. The Companero Rambler is best-in-class in all three areas. It also has an incredible array of well-designed pockets to accommodate wallet, keys, phone, and more.

FORCED INDUCTION AIRFLOW – Next-level cooling is provided with the REV’IT VCS (Ventilation Control System) which includes the innovative double chest zipper that creates a 3 cm (1.2 inch) wide vent running the entire length of the jacket, delivering a huge volume of air to the upper body. The second zip ensures that the jacket remains securely closed while still allowing airflow through the mesh ventilation panel. The outer zipper can be closed to guarantee the jacket is fully wind and waterproof! The amount of airflow can be controlled by adjusting the height of the outer zipper.

ARMOR PROTECTION – The Touratech Compañero Rambler has a comprehensive set of high-tech armor providing protection to the back, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. These protectors are located in places to maximize protection even with the vents fully open. Elbow and knee protectors have adjustable heights to fit a wide range of body types. The back protector is in a pocket made of open-pored 3D mesh to improve breathability and ventilation. All armor is tested and meets the safety standards for CE certification.

WATERPROOF DURABILITY – GORE-TEX Pro 3-layer laminate is used extensively in the Compañero Rambler, with double layers in key areas and abrasion-resistant ARMACOR material reinforced with KEVLAR threads for added protection. The jacket also features 3M SCOTCHLITE reflective material for improved visibility in low light conditions.

INTEGRATED MIDLAYER – The Rambler Jacket comes with an integrated mid-layer that fits perfectly in the jacket for adding warmth on cool mornings or when you ride into the mountains. This warming layer zips into the outer jacket and is made of HYDRATEX Windbarrier, a 3 layer laminate with a super-soft inside surface. The mid-layer jacket makes for great casualwear for your post ride activities and features 3 zipper pockets for keys, phone and wallet.

ERGONOMICS AND FIT – A European cut favors a snug fit and minimizes extra material to keep the suit as light as possible. Adjustable compression straps at the chest, back, calf and forearm can be cinched down for slipping cleanly through the wind. The zips at the jacket hem allow stretch zones for maximum freedom of movement and comfort. The integrated, detachable kidney belt with a small zipped pocket stabilizes and supports the lower back and provides a secure place for credit cards or small change, and it can be stored invisibly in the lining of the jacket when not in use.

STORM COLLAR – The high-cut, adjustable, fully removable, or foldable storm collar with GORE-TEX Pro 3-layer laminate is 100% windproof and waterproof. The chin area is made of soft, skin-friendly neoprene.

CONVENIENT POCKETS – Plenty of pockets help manage wallet, keys, phone, snacks, and other essentials with easy access and secure waterproof storage.

Find your Companero Rambler Here

What caused you to switch from chemical engineering and sales jobs to riding around Europe and South America?

Answer: Wait, is this not a normal career progression?  Ha!  Great question–it was more of a gradual transition.  My obsession with travel started at an early age.I remember having free maps mailed to the house and studying them constantly, dreaming about what other places on earth might be like.  After college, I made the cliché solo European backpacking trip; from then on, I’ve been hooked. I came up with the concept for a completely unrelated product line in men’s fashion and made the jump to entrepreneurship after 13 years of being an employee.  Somewhere along the way, I learned for me chasing time and not necessarily money is a more important goal.

What is your process for adventure? For example, how do you pick a country, what do you bring, what is planning like, etc.?

Answer: Twenty years ago, I would camp out in bookstores and pore over their travel section for fun–I swear I would eventually buy something after creasing a few bindings. I was convinced where to go by the number of books for a particular country. Noticing there would be seven titles on Italy for every one of somewhere else, that became the first destination.Now I take tips from fellow travelers, vlogs, travel documentaries, and Google images to stir my imagination.  Since I make travel videos for fun, big visuals are key.  Glorious landscapes, grandiose architecture, and anything unique that films well lands high on the bucket list.I’ve always brought a Lonely Planet travel guide – they speak my language and suggest great itineraries for the amount of time and mileage I want to do.  Add a drone, a Sony DSLR, lenses, two wheels, and clean clothes, and that’s an adventure in the making.Planning?  I just chuckled a bit!  For this current trip the only plans made were getting my house rented and my motorcycle to London.  I was literally looking for a hostel when I landed. The fewer plans I make, the more intense the adventure.

Do you have any rules for these adventures, like completing trips at a certain time or trying to make friends everywhere you stop?

Answer: The first rule is to survive the adventure!  The second rule is to have fun, take lots of videos and meet as many locals and travelers as possible. People along the way can be the most memorable aspect, and it was actually a topic of my last travel films. Soaking up the local culture is another rule for adventure.  It’s fascinating how different life and customs can be across the world.  I would say the two combined leave the most lasting impression. Lastly, try speaking the language; my Spanish is getting pretty good for a gringo!

What’s your favorite story from your adventures, and what is one story that was a bit scary?

Answer: One of my favorites was staying at a hostel in Laguna de Apoyo, Nicaragua and seeing a gal I HAD to talk to.  I swore she was a local.  Turns out she thought I was German.  We chuckled after realizing we were both just boring Americans on solo trips.  Next thing you know, she’s changing her itinerary and traveling with me for two months–then we dated for almost two years!  There’s been a couple of scary moments, but one, in particular, was riding motorcycles with my brother in Colombia. We just picked up rentals in Bogota and were trying to find the downtown area where our hotel was. We asked some federal police where it was since our cell phones were dead. Pro Tip: make sure you have local SIM cards and a way to keep your phone charged from the bike. Google can be a lifesaver!  Next thing you know the police are telling us to go under this police Do Not Cross tape.  So we’re riding through a completely blocked neighborhood, and instead of seeing locals mulling around, there are heavily armed police on almost every corner of this run-down area.  Each one is motioning for us to go further into the no-go zone–the whole thing gave us Mad Max vibes.

We pull over for a sidebar, and as we’re agreeing we’re spooked, a van pulls up and about 6 men in white lab coats and masks start filing out. The two of us looked at each other, started the bikes, and hightailed out of there!  Turns out the hotel was in the complete opposite direction.  To this day we’re not sure what that was about, but we’re glad we didn’t find out.  Colombia turned out to be a phenomenal trip, though with no other dicey moments.

What’s one country or area you’d recommend for beginners to motorcycle backpacking?

Answer: I would highly recommend Mexico to anyone thinking they might want to dip their toe in.  Baja California could be the beginner trip, then graduate to ‘mainland’ Mexico. Importing a motorcycle is pretty straightforward at the border and the breadth of scenery from California/Texas down to Tulum is unbelievable.  There are so many great cities, from Guanajuato, Zacatecas, Puerto Escondido and San Miguel de Allende to the more traditional tourist areas of Playa del Carmen and the cenotes (swimming caves) in the south. The Copper Canyon in the north has some great visuals, and the ride to Batopilas is not to be missed. The culture, people, and food make for a great adventure, and the costs of hostels and budget hotels are perfect for smaller budgets.

What is your favorite place or stretch in the world to ride down so far?

Answer: I’ve seen about 60 countries so it’s tough to choose but two months ago I rode the fjords of western Norway and I don’t think that much continuous, magical scenery has wowed me in my life.  The active volcanoes in Guatemala and the Amalfi Coast, Italy, from Sorrento to Salerno are notable runner-ups.

What’s your favorite bike for overseas trips?

Answer: I’ve had GSX-R750s and Harleys from custom bikes to the Streetglide.  There’s also a KTM 500 EXC in the garage for fun in the dirt. All are great for their own purpose. It was the week after we rented BMWs in Colombia I listed my Harley for sale and bought a GS. I was convinced that’s the best for a foreign adventure–6 years later, I’m still a believer in the 1200.  Fellow riders might say it’s heavy for offroad–which it is for single track–but you cannot beat the balance and power it has for hauling serious luggage.  When the roads get rough like many parts in the world–Guatemala, Costa Rica, or any cobblestone cities come to mind–the stock suspension is plenty. Granted I’m on the smaller side, so bigger guys might need to beef theirs up. However, the brakes and rider modes give me more confidence to stay safe, and the upright position allows for thousands of comfortable miles on the tarmac–not to mention the low maintenance of the shaft drive and 6000 miles between oil changes.  I’m never worriedabout shining chrome; I’m just laying down serious mileage with a bike that goes and goes.

Why do you use Touratech products, and why would you recommend them to others?

Answer: Full disclosure, I’m now a Touratech-supported rider, so in exchange for video content, I ride with certain provided gear.  That said, I purchased ZegaPro panniers long before the arrangement was in place, in addition to many other parts over the years. For so long I would ogle the add-ons in their massive catalog and wonder what kind of adventures I could get into any time I saw their dressed-up bikes at the motorcycle tradeshows.  The quality is outstanding, and every part can take a beating.  From the wet bag I use for laundry that doubles as the perfect backrest to their inner bags that are great for custom foam inserts that protect the video gear.

The solid panniers have been crashed many times over, and they function no matter what.  They’re also lockable,which is great for security when you can’t keep your eyes on the bike.  Now I’m riding with the Companero Rambler suit, and the warmth for cold, rainy conditions of Scotland or Ireland is a must.  That weather would have ended my trip early had I not been riding with Companero Goretex, the removable inner liner, and their Rambler GTX gloves.  Proper, comfortable riding gear will make or break these trips.

As an aside, I’ve also met a handful of the Touratech team from Seattle to Germany.  These folks are riders and know their stuff from top to bottom. Innovation stems from their employees and customer input. They will also help out in a jam, as witnessed firsthand on this trip.

What are some essential supplies you need for an overseas adventure?

Answer: As mentioned, a working phone is key because most GPS’ cannot compete with the wealth of information on Google. I’m not a fanboy, but data is crucial on the road.  Most days, I’m finding campsites, hotels or hostels in the evening once it’s quitting time. I also bring my MacBook since I still need to work from the road.  For this trip, I packed a tent, air mattress, pillow, and a 15-degree sleeping bag in ONE of my panniers. I’ve never camped before, but budget hotels were almost non-existent this summer in Western Europe. I think I’ve done 80% of the last 5 months outside.  A headlamp, tools, extra batteries, backup cell phone charger, tire pump, tire pluggers, shakedown cash in certain countries, and of course,some way to record your adventures.  How else will you make your friends jealous?

What’s your budget look like for one of these trips? Are they more or less affordable than one would think?

Answer: Great question; let’s get into specifics. It costs $3100 to fly my GS one way from Los Angeles to London using Delta Cargo.  That sounds expensive until you consider 6+ months of renting and the fact you might be limited by rental company rules on what countries the bike can enter. Shipping on water will be about $1000 less, although you’ll be without your ride for ~3 weeks instead of one and the clearance paperwork is a little more involved. Western Europe is probably the most expensive place to do this type of trip, and with the high price of gas ($6-$10/gallon), I squeak by on $100-$150/day. I prefer to dine at local restaurants, so if I cut expenses with free-roam camping (Scotland, Scandinavia, etc.) or $10-$25 campsites, that leaves plenty of cash to eat and fill up the tank.  Other expenses like ferries must be considered depending on the route.  Heading to Mexico/Central America/Eastern Europe/Asia might slash the daily budget by half.

Where do you plan to go next?

 Answer: I’m already on the road and starting to get the itch to keep going east–maybe as far as Asia.  While the living expenses will be less, the Carnet de Passage required in some of the transition countries could add considerable expense.  That’s a work in progress, but I’ll keep you posted.

What’s one tip you’d give to anyone trying to do what you do?

Answer: Find out how to go for however long you can.  Stop dreaming and make it happen!

Touratech USA

Adventure Riding Helmets

Ever seen a rider with a $25,000 adventure bike and a $100 lid? I see it often. One rider I knew did exactly this. He bought a totally specced-out R 1250 GS, but when it came to gear, his entire kit cost less than $400. After a few weekends, he became angry due to being uncomfortable, which led to frustration and the eventual sale of his bike.

Don’t be that rider—especially when helmets are involved.

ADV helmets are the most essential part of your gear, and money spent here is well spent. Not only can it save your life during a crash, but a quality lid can also provide a more enjoyable ride due to higher comfort levels.

Here’s where I put my brains into the most trusted lids available that comply with both DOT and the European ECE 22.05 safety standards.

Next is overall design: street style, dual-sport, or modular? Most adventure riders use a dual-sport style with a sun peak, and others modular. Some like to combine both designs, such as the Touratech Aventuro Traveller, one of my go-to ADV lids, especially when riding often off-road (the other is an Arai XD4).

If you are using a dual-sport style helmet with a peak, remember that wind buffeting can cause discomfort on faster or sustained highway rides. Look for a lid that has a peak that either cut through wind or are completely removable. I tend to remove my Aventuro or XD4’s peak when slabbing it for anything longer than a half-hour or so. The little effort to remove them—although both helmets offer nice wind flow through the peak—keeps me more comfortable, and thus focused more on the ride.

Comfort is key, and the only way to truly know is to wear one for more than an hour—that’s when the hot spots will be noticed, and whatever other comfort is there. Many online markets allow free exchanges of lids within 30 days.

If you’re going to put a few hundred dollars into a helmet, make sure it’s comfortable. Wear one at home for an hour or so, and make sure the comfort is there—look for hot spots that annoy a certain part of your head, and the actual feel of the helmet’s inner liner/cheek pads.

Not happy? Ship it back and try something else. All other factors won’t matter if the lid is uncomfortable, to begin with.

The next essential element is ventilation, which can vary drastically between lids. This is where reviews come into play. Study what the top publications are saying. Ventilation will always be a top mention.

Personally, the Arai XD4 and Touratech Aventuro Traveller (modular lid) both offer comfort for my head shape. I use the XD4 for longer travel due to the increased ventilation and comfort, and the Aventuro for shorter, weekend, or day rides.

Adventure Riding Jackets and Pants

Besides protection, adventure riding jackets and pants need waterproofing, ventilation, and comfort while sitting and standing. The latter is what increases the challenges for apparel manufacturers. But many have nailed the design, though, like helmets, you get what you pay for.

Nothing beats Gore-Tex when you’re looking to stay dry and comfortable. The material is fully waterproof and breathable, and as long as you have your zippers closed, and toss the garment in the dryer annually to reactivate the waterproofing molecules, you’ll remain dry.

Gore-Tex also provides added abrasion resistance, something your jacket and pants must have to keep protected. Other elements to seek are comfortable elbow, shoulder, back, or other armor.

Technology has grown tremendously in armor over the past decade, including a favorite of mine, D3O. This material remains flexible until impacting something. I blame it for saving cracked bones numerous times, especially one time when a branch knocked me down at like 80 mph. I was standing and had my chest D3O protector in my KLIM Badlands. I went flying but didn’t break anything. I was impressed, and quickly became a loyal fan of this protection.

Also, check for comfort and movement while sitting and standing. If you can test apparel out at a local shop or dealership, do it. Or buy from someone with free exchanges. If you’re going to spend serious money on apparel, make sure it’s as perfect as possible—though we all know that quirks will surface eventually.

As for my picks, I go with anything from KLIM. My go-to for ADV riding is the Badlands Pro. It’s top of the price range, but you get what you pay for—including armpit vents which make a drastic difference when riding. I also have a Baja 4 for extremely hot temperatures, but you must carry a rain suit with you, which is a PITA but is worth it for the hotter weather—especially when rain is not expected.

Adventure Riding Gloves

When it comes to adventure riding gloves, I’m super picky. So picky that I typically bring four pairs with me for one day of riding.

Comfort is key here. Nothing can destroy comfort, and subsequently a distracted mind that reduces safe riding, then gloves that are too tight or loose, and don’t get me started on longer fingers.

And beware of some waterproof liners. If you’re hands get sweaty, the inner liner can quickly become jumbled underneath the outer layer of the glove.

The solution here? Gore-Tex (you can see the trend here).

For hotter weather, I always have a pair or two of gloves that offer some mesh. Some favorites here include KLIM’s Baja 4 and Dakar gloves, and the Racer Rallye Glove.

In regards to rain gloves, KLIM GTX short cuff and Badlands GTX long glove.

Adventure Riding Boots

For me, ADV boots all come down to waterproofing. I can deal with sweaty feet, but most of the boots I’ve ridden with over the past decade didn’t provide any breathable issues.

I tend to wear more street-focused boots because I use super-sharp pegs on my adventure bikes, and like the comfort and quicker access to remove them.. I have yet to have any issues with slipping or breaking ankles, so I’ve been fine so far.

But a grippier sole does help when riding in mud or long stretches of rain off-road.

As for construction, Gore-Tex is once again the way to go here; it’s breathable and guaranteed to keep you dry.

My picks for ADV boots are the SIDI Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots, Alpinestars WEB Gore-Tex, and Spidi X-Trail Outdry. The latter are more of a sport-touring boot, but they offer super amazing comfort across all styles of riding, though you do need grippier pegs if you’re doing any standing off-road in muddy or wet conditions.

In 2022 Touratech will be releasing the much anticipated Destino GTX boot!

Adventure Riding Base Layers & Socks

I never ride without base layers. They provide comfort in the hottest or coldest of temperatures and everything in between. Plus I despise the feel of a jacket/pants liners on my skin.

Find good breathable base layers for each season. I use Touratech’s Primero Allroad base layers for anything above 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and the Primero Alpine for anything below 50 degrees. These use a unique blend of polyamide and polyester that keep you comfortable.

Also, add in a neck gaiter for added comfort. They keep you cool in the summer—especially when you soak them with water when stopped—and warm in the cooler months.

Now that I covered my thoughts on what qualities to seek in ADV riding gear, here are some tips to get the best out of your gear and comfort.

ADV Riding Gear Tips for Comfort and Safety

• Layer Up: If you want to ride for a long time under the constantly changing conditions adventure riders face, layer up. You can remove layers or add them as needed. I wear base layers religiously, ones for colder temps, and others for hotter temps. I always have a zip-up mid-layer in the bags, and, depending on the brand, a jacket liner when it’s colder. Also, keep extra neck gaiters handy—use one for dipping in cold water throughout the warmer days, and replace it with a nice dry one for when the temps drop. And I’m a fan of different gloves throughout a day’s ride. I sometimes bring four pairs with me for a single day of riding. Comfort is key for my safety (although I may be slightly neurotic when it comes to comfortable hands).

• Air Out and Store Gear in the Tent: If you’re camping, allow your apparel, including your boots, helmet, and gloves, to air out (of course if it’s not raining or foggy). I typically dress my bike in my gear, hanging the jacket over the windscreen, gloves on mirrors, pants, and boots across the seat, and helmet wherever there’s room high on the bike with the visor open. Once it had time to breathe, I store it inside the tent—down by my feet because stuff gets stinky. Also, make sure to shake out well before storing due to bugs.

• Clean Upon Return: When returning from an ADV ride, give your gear a good scrub. I sometimes go for months without cleaning my bike (except that chain!), but my gear is cleaned religiously after most rides—especially the dusty ones without any rain. I hose it off and use a light brush, and hang the gear to dry either outside or in the garage. This helps keeps the gear fresh and lasts longer.

• Wax Zippers: A must-read for adventure motorcyclists is Helge Pedersen’s 10 Years on 2 Wheels. Pedersen also has loads of tips for riding across the world, including one of my favorites—waxing your zippers. This keeps the zippers lubed and working while blocking dirt and other particles. It helps prevent many breaks, also, something I have experienced way too often while testing cheaper gear, which brings me to the final point.

• Always Pack Safety Pins/Duct Tape: For me, zippers break at the worst time. This happened on my last trip while riding 750 miles to my home in Northeast Pennsylvania from Georgia. As soon as the sun began descending, the temps dropped about 10 degrees. I went to zip up a leg vent on my SPIDI suit, and the zipper jammed into the perforated layer and split open. I had forgotten safety pins and tape, so my right leg was cold during the trek back. Thankfully it didn’t rain, or I would have surely wrapped a neck gaiter around my leg.

If you’re looking to ride safer and longer, the above ADV riding gear qualities will help you achieve this mission (as will the tips!). Armed with this knowledge, happy shopping. There’s plenty of amazing gear available, and everyone will have a perfect style or fit for their unique comfort needs. And remember, the upper brands may be more expensive, but in the long term every penny is worth it. The gear will likely outlast the least expensive models, and the safety factors will surely be higher.

For more, check out our other blog that focuses on choosing gear for beginner riders.

Touratech

For some, the fear of winter riding equates to taking a big-ole BMW GS or any large displacement motorcycle off-road for the first time.

The thought of riding in cold conditions with minimal traction produces mass amounts of anxiety among many motorcyclists across the globe. Thoughts of numb fingers, a frigid core, some snow falling, or salt ruining motorcycles are just a few of the usual thoughts that twist the nerves.

But with the proper mindset, bike prep, and riding techniques, these negative thoughts are suppressible, which helps resolve the fear factor.

The following tips cover both mental and physical approaches to winter ADV riding, things I’ve learned after riding 12 months a year for the past two decades in the Northeast and accomplishing a few years of over 20,000 miles annually.

Prep Your Adventure Motorcycle For Winter Riding

Prepping your motorcycle is an absolute must if you want to ride during winter, which equates to riding in cold—sometimes frigid—temperatures and rain or snow. There’s no mentioning of sleeting here because you should never ride in sleet. I got stuck in it numerous times and kissed the pavement multiple times.

Here are the must-haves of a properly prepped motorcycle for winter riding, including the must-have ADV accessories:

• Good Tires: The rubber is going to meet the road in much colder and wetter conditions where traction is extremely minimized. Make sure your tires are in top shape, especially the grooves that can channel the wet stuff quickly. From experience, tires with a mix of deep and short grooves channel water quicker, providing more traction when it’s absolutely needed. And remember—it takes much longer for tires to heat up and provide optimal traction when it’s colder.

• Larger Windscreen: The bigger, the better. The more you can protect yourself from cold winds and perception, the more comfortable you’ll be and the longer you’ll ride. Read more about the wind chill factor below.

• Handguards: Like a windscreen, the bigger the handguards, the better. Bigger handguards will keep your hands warmer and your gloves drier during the winter season. These are an absolute must for riding during the winter, especially if you’re traveling longer distances.

• Grippy Pegs: The last thing you’ll want to experience while riding in winter is slippery pegs. Your feet may have less feeling due to the colder temps. Compound that with rain or snow, and the risk of slipping off a peg and dropping the bike, or crashing, increases dramatically.

• Heated Grips: The more heat, the better. Pair heated grips with larger handguards, and your hands will remain much warmer. You can also get away with wearing lighter gloves (read – not full-on winter gloves). Make sure you double-check that your heated grips are working before the colder temps hit. Nothing is worse than having one or both heated grips stop working while on a ride, something that happened to a good friend aboard his Multistrada during a snowy November ride in the middle of Pennsylvania. And he was wearing a thinner glove, which meant his fingers were numb and his ride miserable.

• Heated Seat: This is an added luxury comfort feature. Some love them; others deem them useless. I’m borderline here. I have a heated seat on my KTM 1190 Adventure R but have only used it about twice over the past two years. I think that has to do with how hot my KTM runs. Maybe a heated seat would be much more needed on a cooler-running bike like a BMW R 1250 GS.

Prep Your Gear For Winter Riding

Now that your bike is prepped for some winter riding, it’s time to make sure you’re using the optimal ADV riding gear that will battle winter’s sometimes horrid conditions.

This list has been my go-to for two decades of riding throughout the winter months, which sometimes last five months in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Take note: I don’t use heated vests, gloves, or any other electrically wired. I tested heated gear multiple times and never felt the need to use it because of my layering system and on-bike heated grips, and wind protection. However, others swear by heated gear—if you’re one of those, let us know what works best.

• Fog-Free Shield: If you can’t see, you’ll get hurt. It’s that simple. Also simple are the amazing products available for battling a foggy shield, including visors with Pinlocks or a non-foggy coating and spray-on chemicals. This was listed first for a reason; there’s no reason to ever ride with a foggy helmet in the age of modern motorcycling.

• Waterproof Gear: Waterproof gear is an absolute must for winter riding. A personal favorite for gloves, jackets, pants, and boots, along with a large percentage of adventure riders, including the staff at Touratech-USA, is gear built with GORE-TEX ProShell material. This fabric keeps you dry regardless of conditions while providing the protection needed. I once spent 13 hours in a mix of pouring rain and snow a few Decembers ago and remained completely dry. When it comes to experience, nothing beats GORE-TEX.

• Protective But Flexible: When conditions are cold and wet, crashes are more likely to happen. Make sure your gear not only does its work to protect but provides comfort while doing so. A favorite is Kevlar fabric combined with flexible interior armor, such as REV’IT SEEFLEX or D30. This type of protection remains flexible and comfortable until impact from a crash. Then it hardens and protects…almost magically, as I experienced once with D30 protection after nailing a branch at 80 mph on a fire road and walking away unbruised.

• Full-Length Boots: Don’t trust ankle boots or anything shorter for winter riding. The higher, the better. Find waterproof boots that lack ventilation (closed ventilation always passed cold air for me on various brands), and make sure to use moisture-wicking socks. Multiple companies make winter-focused riding socks; invest in them, and your feet will thank you (and your friends sharing tents or hotel rooms because some arrive with material like silver, so they don’t stink!).

• Base and Mid Layers: Unless I’m running to the wine store or testing/tuning a bike, I never ride without base layers— regardless of temperatures. Proper base layers are a must for riding in the winter. A favorite is Touratech’s Primero Alpine base layer, which I’ve used in temps well below 30 degrees for sustained riding with only a mid-layer up top and KLIM Badlands Pro ADV riding apparel. For anything below 45 degrees Fahrenheit or so, my typical outfit consists of Primero Alpine underlayers, a REV’It Mid layer zip-up, which is also a favorite off the bike, and the same Badlands jacket and pants. Once things get below 32, I simply add thermal over my base layer, and when temps go above 45, I remove the mid-layer, which packs down nicely and fits into a tank bag. Layering is key to comfort and the major reason I don’t use electrically heated gear.

• Neck Gaiter: Regardless of your bike’s, jacket’s, or helmet’s protection abilities, the cold always finds a way to creep into the neck and chin areas. Especially when it’s freezing, and you’re a long way from your destination. The simple solution is a neck gaiter. I use one for most riding situations below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. They also work great for hotter weather. I soak mine in water during extreme heat to further cool my neck. And when you’re riding in dusty situations, simply pull it over your mouth; the gaiter works wonders to keep the grit out.

• Helmet with Chin Curtains: On the topic of battling a cold neck and chin, chin curtains provide the optimal solution, from winter days to summer nights when the temps drop slightly. If your helmet doesn’t arrive with one, some aftermarket solutions exist—Google “motorcycle helmet chin curtain” for some quick results.

• Waterproof Gloves: Few things suck the joy from a winter ride faster than wet or cold hands. It’s worth the investment to get well insulated waterproof gloves. Gore-tex construction with a good gauntlet is ideal for keeping the weather out. A good winter glove should provide good grip on the bars while having insulation to keep the cold out. Even with heated grips, a good winter glove is needed to fully enjoy winter riding.

Winter Riding Techniques

Now that you got your bike and gear sorted for winter motorcycle riding, here are some riding tips. I learned the proverbial hard way by riding on cold tires and losing all feeling in my fingers (brakes don’t work that well), so these types can undoubtedly keep you safe and rider longer throughout the year.

• Finesse of Controls. I’ve learned how crucial it is to have finesse on a motorcycle’s controls during multiple road racing schools. You don’t grab at brakes or the throttle or make abrupt steering inputs. Those actions slow you down and lead to crashes (something most learn firsthand). The same is true for winter riding, especially considering your tires are much colder and won’t be as sticky. With that said, make sure to be extra gentle on the controls and inputs when you start riding—your tires are going to take longer to warm to temp. And when you stop on colder pavement—especially colder pavement that’s wet—your tires will lose heat quickly. Loss of heat means loss of traction. Remember, smooth is safer.

• Watch For Black Ice, Salt, and Fresh Cracks: Whatever it takes, avoid black ice. Nothing will send you grinding across the road or trail like black ice. Know the outside temperature, and remember that even if it’s warmer than 32 degrees, the road conditions can still be covered with black ice. Also, watch out for new cracks due to plows, evident on roads you ride frequently, and salt. Salt is like loose gravel, so treat it exactly the same.

• Don’t Just Check the Weather: Also, check the windchill. For example, if it’s 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and the wind is 39 mph, which the National Weather Service considers a “moderate” threat, the temperature will feel like 27 degrees Fahrenheit. Of course, you’re also riding at a set speed so that the actual temperature will feel even colder. For a cool tool, check out this Wind Chill Calculator.

• Increase Following Distance and Visibility: Riders who endure for decades of safe throttling understand that maintaining a larger following distance decreases the risk of crashing. According to the UK-based Begin Motorcycling, motorcycles take about 315 feet to stop while riding 70 mph. This is 24 car lengths. And this distance decreases when it’s colder due to less traction. The smart choice when riding in winter? Open up your following distance significantly. At speeds over 65 mph during colder weather, I usually keep an 8-second following distance ahead of me. Also, remember to increase your visibility by looking further down the road and knowing what’s constantly on your left and right’s field of vision.

• Look Left-Right-Left at Every Intersection: Automobile drivers barely notice motorcycles in the summer, and it gets worse in the colder months because drivers aren’t psychologically primed to see motorcyclists. As a result, most bike/car accidents occur at intersections. One thing I’ve learned to do, which has saved me multiple times, is to look left-right-left at every intersection. This practice has saved me numerous times, especially in the winter months.

• Stop More To Rejuvenate: The colder temperatures can cause two major issues: the possible loss of dexterity of your hands and feet, and tiredness both mentally and physically. If you’ve ridden unprepared for winter, you know exactly how this feels. The solution is simple—stop more to rejuvenate your body, including hydrating, resting, and warming up. When riding in temperatures lower than about 45, I force myself to stop at a minimum every two hours. If it’s snowing, it’s wiser to break even sooner.

Even the most passionate riders who put on thousands of miles monthly are afraid of winter riding. There’s much fear naturally built into the concept. But once you practice the above preparation and riding tips, the fear will resolve.

And when that fear resolves, you’ll be able to enjoy more of the things you were partially put on this earth to do—enjoy the endless happiness of riding motorcycles, rain or shine, cold or snow.

Touratech USA

Matt Willson

Touratech-USA – Product Line Manager

Conor Davis

Touratech-USA – Adventure Expert

Paul Guillien

Touratech-USA – CEO & Crash Bar Tester

Will Corr

Touratech-USA – Order Fulfillment/Shipping Lead

Iain Glynn

Touratech-USA – Chief Riding Officer

Luann L.

Touratech-USA – Returns Manager

Andrew Sadler

Touratech-USA – Warehouse Manager

Nick Godfrey

Touratech-USA – Warehouse/Order Fulfillment

Touratech’s Companero Riding Suits have been the “go to” all-weather riding suits for adventure riders for years. With their combination of durability and versatility they make it possible to be protected and comfortable under any conditions. Now Touratech has partnered with industry apparel leaders REV’IT to introduce the Companero Rambler. A suit with superior ventilation and unsurpassed protection and waterproof capabilities.

Companero Rambler is a suit designed by riders. Every detail and feature have been trail-tested through every possible type of weather and terrain and Rambler left riders wanting for nothing. The next generation of adventure riding suit is here: Companero Rambler by Touratech.

GET YOURS HERE

Video Transcription:

Paul from Touratech USA here to introduce the Companero Rambler. This is the newest riding suit. It’s a joint venture between Touratech and REV’IT. It’s available as a jacket and a pant that are integrated and they zip together for additional protection. There are three things a riding suit needs to do really well. Number one, it needs to keep you dry when the weather is wet. Number two, it’s got to protect you from impact with pads and protectors throughout the suit. And number three, it’s got to have a lot of ventilation to keep you cool when the weather gets warm or the riding gets tough. The Rambler is guaranteed to keep you dry using Gore-Tex Pro Shell, which is a three layer laminate by Gore-Tex. It’s also got this storm collar, which comes up high underneath the helmet to keep the water out. It’s got double walled panels in key areas of the Gore-Tex, and it’s got this Kevlar reinforced armor core, which adds abrasion resistance, and it’s got 3M scotch light reflective material, so you can be seen in low light conditions.

The Rambler suit keeps you safe with high-tech armor protectors throughout. It’s got a large back protector. It’s got shoulder protection, elbow protection, and it also has an optional sternum protector. The back protector is made from C-Soft, it’s perforated for air flow. It’s got multiple layers. It’s a memory foam, so it really contours with the body to keep you comfortable, and it’s CE level 2 protection, which is the highest you can get. The shoulder and elbow protectors are made from C-Flex, which is molded to fit your body. It’s perforated to maximize air flow, and it’s also CE level 2, which is the highest level of protection.

With a Gore-Tex riding suit, ventilation is key, and we’re really excited about this suit because of this forced induction, double zipper vent. So you have a 1.2 inch wide vent that goes the entire length of the torso. It pumps in a ton of air that keeps you cool. We’ve also got additional vents here, which you can operate with one hand, it’s got an arm vent and then on the back, it’s got two exhaust vents right here. So this system together puts a ton of air flow in, keeps you cool on the hottest days, and when the riding gets really tough.

Let’s talk pockets. The Rambler’s got great waterproof zipper pockets on both sides on the outside. On the inside, it’s got two additional zipper pockets. And in the back, it’s got a full-sized, big zipper pocket across the back, and you can store the liner in that pocket when you’re out on a ride.

So the Rambler jacket comes with an integrated warming layer. It snaps into the jacket, so it stays in place on the wrist and up behind the neck, and then it can be worn separately as casual wear when you get to town and you’re cruising around. It’s got nice pockets on both sides and a chest pocket here, so it makes the perfect travel companion to the jacket.

This is the Rambler pant. It’s designed to go with the Rambler jacket. It’s Gore-Tex Pro Shell, so it’s designed to keep you dry. It’s got these really nice oversized pockets here, they go down to about here, big enough for a cell phone. It’s well ventilated with this FIDLOCK opening system. So you can unzip that, you can operate this with one hand while riding. It’s got large ventilation panel there that lets air flow in, keeps you cool. It’s got Kevlar reinforced ArmorCore for additional abrasion resistance. This also has a built-in liner, so on cold days or cold times of the year, you can wear the integrated liner. It’s designed to integrate with the zipper to the jacket, so it makes it a perfect match to the Rambler jacket.

The Rambler is the suit that I’ve been waiting for. It’s got Gore-Tex Pro Shell to keep you dry. It’s got CE level 2 armor throughout, and it’s got best-in-class air flow to pump in a massive amount of air to keep you cool, when the riding gets tough.

Touratech USA

There are three things a riding suit needs to do well for adventure riding: Keep you protected from impacts, keep you dry in bad weather, and provide cooling air-flow when the weather gets warm or the riding gets challenging. The Companero Rambler pant is best-in-class in all three areas. It also has well-designed pockets to accommodate wallet, keys, phone, and more.

SUPERB AIRFLOW –

Pants: Next-level cooling is provided with the REV’IT VCS (Ventilation Control System) which includes large airflow openings for direct cooling of the upper legs. The flaps are held open, flutter-free, by FIDLOCK magnetic closures that can be operated with one hand. When closed, the AQUADEFENSE system keeps the leg vents 100% wind and waterproof! All VCS vents are backed with Aero-Cool 3D BALLISTIC MESH fabric.

VCS (Ventilation Control System) Overview

• 2 Large VCS AquaDefense ventilation flaps on the upper legs

Jacket: REV’IT VCS (Ventilation Control System) which includes the innovative double chest zipper that creates a 3 cm (1.2 inch) wide vent running the entire length of the jacket, delivering a huge volume of air to the upper body. The second zip ensures that the jacket remains securely closed while still allowing airflow through the mesh ventilation panel. The outer zipper can be closed to guarantee the jacket is fully wind and waterproof! The amount of airflow can be controlled by adjusting the height of the outer zipper.

Additional VCS cooling airflow is provided through 2 vents on the upper arms, 2 large 3D vents on the chest, and 2 exhaust vents on the back of the jacket. The chest vents have a flap that can be opened to create large airflow openings for direct cooling of the body. The flaps are held open, flutter-free, by FIDLOCK magnetic closures that can be operated with one hand. When closed, the AQUADEFENSE system keeps the chest vent 100% wind and waterproof! All VCS vents are backed with Aero-Cool 3D BALLISTIC MESH fabric.

VCS (Ventilation Control System) Overview

• 1 Double-zipper vent (35 square inches) of airflow through three-dimensional ballistic mesh.
• 2 Large chest vents with VCS AquaDefense ventilation flaps on the chest (ladies via ventilation zip)
• 2 Arm vents with zipper closures located on the upper arm
• 2 Exhaust vents, with zipper closure, are located on the back maximizing the VCS cooling system

ARMOR PROTECTION – The Touratech Compañero Rambler has a comprehensive set of high-tech armor providing protection to the back, shoulders, elbows, hips, and knees. These protectors are located in places to maximize protection even with the vents fully open. Elbow and knee protectors have adjustable heights to fit a wide range of body types. The back protector is in a pocket made of open-pored 3D mesh to improve breathability and ventilation. All armor is tested and meets the safety standards for CE certification.

• Shoulder, Elbow, and knee pads are crafted from SEEFLEX, a modern material and innovative design that provides flexibility and breathability while meeting the highest CE level 2 standards for protection.
• A large back protector of SEESOFT, a high-impact blend of multi-layer nitrile polymers and polynorbene rubber, provides a flexible back without sacrificing comfort, ventilation, or freedom of movement. Impact energy is distributed by deformation of the individual layers of memory foam, which minimizes the impact of force on the back and spine meeting CE level 2 standards for protection.
• Hip protection created with flexible SEESMART pads which expand in the event of an impact, absorbing the energy through the many hexagonal nubs.
• Optional chest protection available in SEESOFT, a high-impact blend of multi-layer nitrile polymers that are flexible for comfort, while providing ventilation or freedom of movement.

WATERPROOF DURABILITY – GORE-TEX Pro 3-layer laminate is used extensively in the Compañero Rambler, with double layers in key areas and abrasion-resistant ARMACOR material reinforced with KEVLAR threads for added protection. The pant also features 3M SCOTCHLITE reflective material for improved visibility in low light conditions.

• GORE-TEX® Pro 3-layer laminate waterproof protection
• ARMACOR® with KEVLAR® in high wear areas
• YKK® zips for an absolute waterproof seal
• FIDLOCK® magnetic closures for one hand operation
• 3M Scotchlite reflective material for visibility and safety in low-light conditions

ERGONOMICS AND FIT –

PANTS– A European cut favors a snug fit and minimizes extra material to keep the suit as light as possible. Stretch zones at the knees, waist and buttocks ensure a comfortable fit and freedom of movement. Compression straps provide adjustment of the trousers at the waist and have hidden loops for attaching suspenders. The Rambler pant has a removable thermal liner for warmth on cold days. Better feel and control with a good connection to the bike is provided by a leather panel on the inner leg that extends above the knee and the ARMACOR reinforced seat area with anti-slip trimmings. Two connecting zips each on both jacket and trousers enable a secure connection and can be used with a large number of REV’IT! products. Two pockets help manage wallet, keys, phone, snacks and other essentials with easy access and secure waterproof storage.

• 2 x waterproof zipper pockets on the pant

ERGONOMICS AND FIT –

JACKET – A European cut favors a snug fit and minimizes extra material to keep the suit as light as possible. Adjustable compression straps at the chest, back, calf and forearm can be cinched down for slipping cleanly through the wind. The zips at the jacket hem allow stretch zones for maximum freedom of movement and comfort. The integrated, detachable kidney belt with a small zipped pocket stabilizes and supports the lower back and provides a secure place for credit cards or small change, and it can be stored invisibly in the lining of the jacket when not in use.

STORM COLLAR – The high-cut, adjustable, fully removable, or foldable storm collar with GORE-TEX Pro 3-layer laminate is 100% windproof and waterproof. The chin area is made of soft, skin-friendly neoprene.

CONVENIENT POCKETS – Plenty of pockets help manage wallet, keys, phone, snacks, and other essentials with easy access and secure waterproof storage.

• 2 x jacket outer pockets (waterproof) with zips
• 1 x large pocket on the back of the jacket (waterproof) with zip
• 2 x jacket inner pockets with zip
• 2 x credit card pockets inside jacket
• 1 x pocket in kidney belt with zip
• 3 x pockets in the leisure jacket with zip

Shop Companero Rambler Here!

Let’s talk protection… being a motorcycle safety instructor, protection is high on my list.  The Companero suit delivered!  After wearing the suit for over 3 years, with one of those years being that I wore it day in and day out for well over 31,000 miles in all kinds of conditions, I took the suit to the track.  I was allowed to wear the suit at the track because the jacket and pants zip together making it not only safer and meeting track standards, but warmer in cooler temperatures.  Thank goodness, I did!  While going into a corner at high speed, another rider made a poor judgement decision and cut to my inside corner.  Her back tire tapped my front and down I went.  The bike was nothing but sparks, while I slide several feet to a stop.  Because the suit was constructed from durable Cordura 500 base material with heavy-duty Cordura 2000 in key areas, my skin remained in-tact.  The suit looked a bit scared, but it did its job and that was to protect ME! Many riders don’t realize that not all motorcycle gear will protect against the friction of a slide on pavement.

Some riding gear will actually melt into your skin under such friction. The suit didn’t keep me from breaking some ribs, but not having to have skin grafts was a huge relief.  By the way, I was also wearing the Touratech Companero Carbon Adventure Helmet and it, too, did its job!  One of the questions the paramedics asked me was, “Did you hit your head?”  I answered with a, “No.”  One of the paramedics looked the helmet over and found a rather large area that had spidered out on impact.  The helmet displaced the energy of the impact and saved my noggin.  It did such a good job that I didn’t even know I hit my head.  I had zero effects from that impact, no headache, no neck pain, nothing.  Again, money well spent!

Another feature I liked on the pants were the good-sized zippered pockets located just below the waistband and the over-sized cargo pocket on the Gore-Tex outer shell, giving me easy access to my wallet, keys or cell phone while seated on the bike.  Both the mesh jacket and outer Gore-Tex shell had nice box shaped pockets as well.  The jackets also have a generous pocket on the inside where I keep an extra key at all times.  Another feather that was important to me was being visible.  The Companero suit is built with reflective panels and woven reflective thread for increased visibility in low light on both the mesh and Gore-Tex outer shells for both the jacket and the pants.

Word on the street, Touratech has a new and improved Companero Suit, the “Companero Rambler.”  Because Touratech takes the feedback from motorcycle travelers from around the world and have teamed up with Rev’It for this new and improved version, this should be the suit of all suits.  I look forward to putting the Companero Rambler to the test with thousands of miles and lots of backcountry travel!

Do you ride on different tires depending on the season?

Kimmo Lasilla (VP of Sales): I recommend less aggressive, road-type tires if you commute/ride a lot of pavement in winter/rain. Offroad tires do not grip as well on wet pavement; but it depends of course what terrain one rides a lot. Check air pressure frequently.

Eric Archambault (Showroom Manager): I don’t change my tires for the wet season. That said during the wet season I end up doing less off-road adventure riding and more road riding. This is mostly due to the good riding in the PNW mountains being covered with snow when Seattle is in the gray months. I do tend to swap the DOT knobbies for sport touring tires based on the type riding I’m doing during the wet seasion.

Matt Willson (Product Manager): Since it rains so much in Seattle I make sure to always run tires that are good in wet conditions no matter the season.  My go-to for the past few years has been the Continental TKC70.

Iain Glynn (Riding Director): I try to avoid running knobby tires on the pavement in the rain. They aren’t bad on dry pavement but they usually SUCK when it’s wet.

Morgan Goldbloom (Customer Service): No. I make sure that any tire I mount on my bike is capable of handling wet riding conditions. This means spending more money on softer, stickier rubber, and replacing the tires early and often.

Andrew Sadler (Warehouse Supervisor): No.

Conor Davis (Customer Service): Nope, knobbies year round.

What gear do you wear when you ride in the rain? (Boots, gloves, pants, jacket etc…)

Andrew:  Klim Adventure rally jacket, and pants, or Klim Torrent over-pants, Klim adventure gloves (short), Touratech Aventuro Helmet (with pinlock visor), Sidi Discovery Rain boots, various brands of neck warmer.

Conor: Klim Carlsbad Jacket, Badlands Pants, SIDI Adventure 2 Boots, and some rain gloves.

Eric: I have an old first generation Klim Badlands Pro suit, Sidi Discovery Rain boots, Held Steve gloves, Pinlock insert in an Arai XD4.

Matt: KLIM Carlsbad Jacket and Pants, KLIM Adventure GTX Gloves, Sidi Adventure Goretex 2 boots, and a Pinlock visor insert in my helmet. Everything Goretex.  I’m always dry with this setup.

Iain: Can’t beat a KLIM Goretex suit. The fewer vents it has the better (less places to leak). Sidi boots and comfy gloves.

Morgan: My typical rainy Seattle commute setup was Klim Traverse Jacket and Pants, Sidi Discovery Boots, and Dainese Gloves.

What are your personal “Do’s and Don’t’s” when you ride in the rain?

Andrew:   

Do – Give yourself more time to get to your destination, ride slower, avoid standing water (some potholes are deeper than you might expect) and remember that visibility is limited by rain..

Don’t – Ride at night if possible.  Skimp on good rain gear.

Conor:

Do – Give myself at least twice the following distance. You simply can’t stop as fast in low traction environments.

Don’t – Make sudden movements, being in a low traction environment I like to pretend I’m basically on ice. It is very easy to reach the limit of traction if you approach it slowly.

Kimmo: Avoid getting wet/cold, because riding in the rain needs all your concentration! Have good waterproof gear.

Eric: Enjoy the suck, don’t crash.

Matt: I always increase my following distance in traffic and just ride a little slower than I usually would.  Don’t forget that the stopping distance for you and all the cars around you is greatly decreased when the road is wet.  Take your time and don’t be in a rush.

Iain: Increase following distance and really watch out behind me. Especially in the first rain of the season the road get slick and nobody can stop as quickly as they think.

Morgan: Don’t rely on your bike’s fancy electronic rider aids. They can’t save you from poor decisions. Whenever possible, don’t ride on manhole covers, painted lines, BBQ sauce, or anything else that isn’t clean wet pavement.  Don’t panic and stab at your rear brake. That’s amateur move and a great way to “Lay ‘er down,” especially in the rain.

How do you prep your bike/s for fall weather?

Andrew: Keep your chain clean and lubed. Clean off headlight regularly.

Conor: It’s an ADV bike, it’s born ready.

Kimmo: Best for any motor is to keep running it often!  If you don’t ride much in winter, do basic cleaning & service, put fuel treatment in fresh gas, and put bike on battery tender but run/ride it as often as you can.

Eric: I don’t do anything special, just stay up to date on regular maintenance.

Matt: Nothing special.  Just make sure my maintenance is up to date and my tires aren’t dried out or worn too much.  If I’m not going to ride too often, I’ll put the battery on a tender once in a while.

Iain: Tire change as referenced earlier, install handlebar muffs (the best thing ever).

Morgan: If you’re riding through the winter, just maintain your bike the way you always should. Keep an eye on the brake pads, tire pressure, tread wear, chain tension, etc. If you’re putting your bike away for the winter, just roll it into a dark corner of your garage and forget about it. It’ll probably start in a few months… probably.

What’s the craziest thing that every happened to you riding in the rain? 

Andrew: Riding on the Oregon coast at night in the rain and fog being blinded by oncoming traffic.  With one or two cars passing toward me I would not be able to see for 5 to 10 seconds, but could generally pick out the turns in the road. When 3 or more cars coming toward me there were times when I would have to slow down to under 20 mph just so I could find the corner or curve in the road before I was already through it. Even though I was less than an hour away from my destination I ended up pulling over for the night.

Conor: Nothing really. I give myself plenty of room and time to react to bad drivers. I may or may not try to slip the rear out all the time.

Kimmo: Got so cold in upper body that almost ran off the road when I hit the twisties!  Had to pull over and warm my arms.

Eric: The rain changed to snow!

Matt: Didn’t see the deep standing waters in the truck ruts on I-5 and hydroplaned on the freeway at 70mph, surrounded by cars. Luckily nothing bad happened, but it was not a good feeling.

Iain: Nothing crazy, just fun interactions with other riders when hiding under an overpass or awning somewhere. I love riding through puddles too so flash flooded streets are a hoot.

Morgan: The rain I was riding in turned to snow, about an hour away from home. Riding in the snow isn’t advised.

Do you have a good pro-tip?

Andrew: Heated grips (and for full deluxe mode get a set of muffs to go with your heated grips and you and you can ride with summer gloves all year)

Conor: When in poor conditions your motorcycle simply can’t react as fast as it can on a warm sunny day and therefore you have to give yourself that extra space incase you need to emergency stop or swerve.

Kimmo: Motorcycling needs 100% of your attention at all times, which is I find part of the fun!  But in rain/spray cars often can’t see you. The game is to keep thinking of potentially dangerous traffic/road situations and to avoid them as much as possible or be ready. KEEP YOUR HEAD TURNING WHEN CHANGING LANES & IN INTERSECTIONS! I often yell the command “Headcheck!” when I ride bicycles in the neighborhood with my kids.

Eric: Manhole cover and painted lines will be slippery, it is best to avoid them.

Matt: Watch out for cross walks or other painted surfaces that can be slick when you’re making a turn at an intersection.

Iain: Handlebar muffs are way more effective than heated grips and allow you to run with your favorite gloves regardless of rain or cold. They make you look like a dork but they are AWESOME. When combined with heated grips you can have all day comfort with thin MX gloves in cold and/or wet conditions.

Morgan: Never stop or put your boot down in the middle of a lane. That’s where oil and BBQ sauce lurk.