Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: bhodge10 on June 09, 2011, 04:25:29 PM
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I've got an 08 that I bought last fall. So this is the first time riding in the hot weather. How do you all stay cool? I've got a cee Bailey ultra tour and I do ride with a bike jacket. At screens lowest position, the air hits me in face but man my chest gets warm pretty quick. Would appreciate any tips.
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Evapo vest, like AC, only cooler :D Dont forget to take it off before the sun dips or else you'll be wondering why your teeth are chattering.
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If its really hot I use a wet t-shirt under my Joe Rocket Phoenix mesh jacket. I just stop every 30 min or so and get it wet again. They do make a vest that you soak that works under a jacket like that but have never tried it. Same principal as the wet t-shirt.
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How do you all stay cool?
I wish I knew. I thought I would DIE yesterday when there was a traffic jam and I had to sit/creep in 95 ambient (probably 99 over the pavement) for 30 minutes in direct sunlight with motor running and full safety gear (and it was a mesh jacket).
I keep wondering if I would get a ticket if I rode on the shoulders in such cases. I have come close to total heat exhaustion before- certainly that would be a unsafe thing while operating a motor vehicle.
Ug, today it was 99.2 degrees this afternoon.... It is freaking Spring??!?!! This is Virginia, not flipping Texas!! I am certainly NOT going to/did not ride.
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Lose the big front barn-door for a start. ;)
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Evapo vest, like AC, only cooler :D Dont forget to take it off before the sun dips or else you'll be wondering why your teeth are chattering.
Local Honda shop sells these and I was considering one. A friend says it really works and it seems you agree. Really worth it? If so, I'll pick one up tomorrow.
Heat and more heat with no end in sight here in Texas.
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My Summer windscreen is the stock windscreen. I wear a Joe Rocket Phoenix jacket try to keep moving. I ride an 08.
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I cut down the stock windscreen and I will soak a shirt to help cool off. Other than that I just make sure I keep my Camalbak filled up with cool water throughout the day when I am out on a long ride.
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I wish I knew. I thought I would DIE yesterday when there was a traffic jam and I had to sit/creep in 95 ambient (probably 99 over the pavement) for 30 minutes in direct sunlight with motor running and full safety gear (and it was a mesh jacket).
I keep wondering if I would get a ticket if I rode on the shoulders in such cases. I have come close to total heat exhaustion before- certainly that would be a unsafe thing while operating a motor vehicle.
Ug, today it was 99.2 degrees this afternoon.... It is freaking Spring??!?!! This is Virginia, not flipping Texas!! I am certainly NOT going to/did not ride.
I've been commuting every day this week (I'm in Woodbridge) in an Aerostich Roaccrafter. Talk about toasty... Today, I just left my shirt and tie off and put them on once I got into the office. I can't wait to get my car back on the road....
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bhodge10- Do you have the exterior heat deflectors? They make a big difference.
mesh jacket/mesh pants + other suggestions. it is not easy to stay cool on this bike due to fairing blocking the wind and large engine.
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Definitely put the stock shield back on and put it on the lowest setting. I am also searching for stuff to keep cool. Normally I just rider around in my cruiser.
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Strange as this may sound, I go running in the heat on a mostly daily basis. It was 96 when I headed out the door today. Your body needs to get acclimatized to the heat and since I run and race all during the summer, I find I'm not too bothered by heat while on the bike.
Obviously this ain't gonna work for everybody.
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I don't use the stock windshield but I didn't get a big one. I have one of the smaller CalSci windshields so I still get air. Be sure to stay hydrated, that will help some. I also have a mesh jacket by Joe Rocket for the Summer. They are nice. I have also toured in an old V-Pilot by Heine Gericke as well. The cooling vest is a great thing if you are in the heat a lot.
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I've been commuting every day this week (I'm in Woodbridge) in an Aerostich Roaccrafter. Talk about toasty... Today, I just left my shirt and tie off and put them on once I got into the office. I can't wait to get my car back on the road....
Same here...commuting from Woodbridge. The morning ride was ok but I was amazed by the waves of heat blasting on the way home. Using the Joe Rocket mesh jacket.
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In the summer I use a stock shield that has been cut down 4 inches on the '08. One of the interesting things that I discovered is that if I use it in the down position it draws heat upward against the backs of my thighs. Raise the shield two inches and that heat goes away. Of course this only applies if you are moving. Sitting still on any bike in the 90 degree sun and it is going to be brutal.
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....... I've got a cee Bailey ultra tour.........
You should use a short windscreen for the Summer.
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I wish I had the stock shield, I bought the bike used last fall and it came with this windshield.
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Mesh gear only works when you are moving of course but the problem is, when it's really warm out and you are moving, the mesh is also dehydrating you at a much faster rate, so make sure to keep the fluids going in you. Before going on my long summer ride, I will put the stock '09 screen back on instead of the monster one I have on there now (don't know the brand as it came with the bike). If it really is hot out (over 95 for me) and I am riding more than 30-50 minutes, I will leave the outer shell on the jacket (keep the mesh covered up) as I don't want the drain on my system.
I do know guys that have used the gel evaporation vests and they LOVE them. I will have to get one for the long rides. I can't remember where they got theirs.
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Motorcycle Closeouts have them for $29. http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/mesh+motorcycle+jackets/fieldsheer_iceberg+cooling+vest (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/mesh+motorcycle+jackets/fieldsheer_iceberg+cooling+vest) New Enough also carries them.
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A cooling vest is hands down the best option I have found for keeping cool on our all day group rides in the heat. I picked up one of these from one of our local shops but you can find them here. http://coolbandanas.com/vests/coolingvestindex.htm. (http://coolbandanas.com/vests/coolingvestindex.htm.) I was amazed at how much it dropped my core temperature, was much more alert and was almost cold for the first hour or so in 95+ degree weather ;D. I also freeze a couple of waters and gatorades the night before and they stay nice and cold when I need them later.
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Motorcycle Closeouts have them for $29. http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/mesh+motorcycle+jackets/fieldsheer_iceberg+cooling+vest (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/mesh+motorcycle+jackets/fieldsheer_iceberg+cooling+vest) New Enough also carries them.
Thanks for the link! Just ordered one!
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I'll soak the inside of my helmet, also have an evapodama kerchief from aerostich. That works great as you can put ice in it and it slowly melts over a few hours
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I cut down the stock windscreen and I will soak a shirt to help cool off. Other than that I just make sure I keep my Camalbak filled up with cool water throughout the day when I am out on a long ride.
I'm leaving for Air Guard duty today after work and will also be using the Camelbak as I'm sure it will be around 100 again here in OK. I've got the elixir tablets (electrolytes) as well. Very important to get back what you lose. Did a long bicycle ride on a hot day and drank just water (probably a gallon). I felt awful for the next 36hrs!
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Nothing really seems that hot any more after 120 - 140 degrees with 50 lbs of body armor and ammo in Iraq. It is all perspective.
The trick is drink lots of water, a quart an hour is a good starting point, and perspective. As you sit there at a stop light in traffic roasting alive, having to **** because of all the water you drank, enjoying the smell of exhaust, just realize that it is very unlikely you will die from heat.
Sorry, three wars and PTSD are kicking my ass lately.
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Those cooling vests work great in hot environments with low humidity. Here in the south with high humidity the water doesn't evaporate and mixes with your sweat which in turn just makes you stinky, wet and hot all at the same time.
However, trying anything beats trying nothing. :-\
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Wow! You guys are doing a lot to beat the heat. I worked outside all day on Wednesday in Mass. The temp was 94 degrees there. I live 70 miles or so North in Maine. I got home it was 68 degrees. It was 90 degrees 15 miles inland from my house.
I just go faster when it gets real hot out. Every 20mph kills a few degrees.
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This guys shows how to stay cool as ice on a bike ;D
(http://passionweiss.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/vanilla_ice_cool_as_ice.jpg)
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Icon armored vest over a t-shirt, fingerless gloves, $700 helmet, sparkly new pair of Air Jordans, and the left hand on the hip pose. 8)
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Motorcycle superstore is running a great deal on Pheonix 5.0 jackets right now, only $151. I just ordered two, one for me and one for the wife. Also plan on putting the short stock screen back on.
With 100 degree weather already creeping up, I'm thinking I need to figure out how to spray cold water at my face while riding!
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+1 on soaking my shirt. I wear a wet shirt under my jacket. I NEED to pick up a camel back.
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Motorcycle Closeouts have them for $29. http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/mesh+motorcycle+jackets/fieldsheer_iceberg+cooling+vest (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/mesh+motorcycle+jackets/fieldsheer_iceberg+cooling+vest) New Enough also carries them.
Thanks! Saved me $20 over the local price.
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Nothing really seems that hot any more after 120 - 140 degrees with 50 lbs of body armor and ammo in Iraq. It is all perspective.
The trick is drink lots of water, a quart an hour is a good starting point, and perspective. As you sit there at a stop light in traffic roasting alive, having to **** because of all the water you drank, enjoying the smell of exhaust, just realize that it is very unlikely you will die from heat.
Sorry, three wars and PTSD are kicking my ass lately.
I can agree and I thank you for your service!
I will say that being cooler while riding is safer than being too hot. Most here aren't conditioned for it and the heat can cause a host of problems for them. I often ride 800+ mile days in high heat, 90 and above along with humidity and if you aren't careful it can fatigue you to the point where you are unsafe. Plenty of fluids are important as are proper clothing. I too use a mesh jacket. I don't want to go without one so I got a mesh one. I am planning on adding a cooling vest as well. It is a cheap and easy way to make a difference in comfort on a long hot day.
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I can't believe this is here just as I'm preparing for a long trip. Just ordered one of the evap vests. I'll see how it well it works. Also using a mesh jacket, mesh pants, & I am going to try some armored jeans. Will be on the rode for a week from 6/18 thru 6/25. I know last year when we rode through Arkansas there were times I was glad it rained. Should be fun. Onward to the dragon....
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Nothing really seems that hot any more after 120 - 140 degrees with 50 lbs of body armor and ammo in Iraq. It is all perspective.
The trick is drink lots of water, a quart an hour is a good starting point, and perspective. As you sit there at a stop light in traffic roasting alive, having to **** because of all the water you drank, enjoying the smell of exhaust, just realize that it is very unlikely you will die from heat.
Sorry, three wars and PTSD are kicking my ass lately.
:goodpost: and thanks for your service!!!!!
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I had to go to Bethesda yesterday instead of the usual Falls Church (from Woodbridge). 90 minutes of 10-15mph in 96 degrees. Wtf was I thinking, I should've taken the Metro.
I've been commuting every day this week (I'm in Woodbridge) in an Aerostich Roaccrafter. Talk about toasty... Today, I just left my shirt and tie off and put them on once I got into the office. I can't wait to get my car back on the road....
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Nothing really seems that hot any more after 120 - 140 degrees with 50 lbs of body armor and ammo in Iraq. It is all perspective.
The trick is drink lots of water, a quart an hour is a good starting point, and perspective. As you sit there at a stop light in traffic roasting alive, having to **** because of all the water you drank, enjoying the smell of exhaust, just realize that it is very unlikely you will die from heat.
Sorry, three wars and PTSD are kicking my ass lately.
Thank you sir
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+100 On the THANK YOU!!
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Go fast ;D
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Icon armored vest over a t-shirt, fingerless gloves, $700 helmet, sparkly new pair of Air Jordans, and the left hand on the hip pose. 8)
;
:rotflmao:
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For the smaller people (I noticed that the small and med was out of stock) try this:
http://www.soundrider.com/archive/products/techniche_evaporative_cooling_vest.htm (http://www.soundrider.com/archive/products/techniche_evaporative_cooling_vest.htm)
I am in WNC too and will be trying one out next week: yesterday on a one hour ride in 90+ temps I felt like I was just pulled out of a hot clothes dryer. Be interested in seeing if this helps, will write up soon.
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Those cooling vests work great in hot environments with low humidity. Here in the south with high humidity the water doesn't evaporate and mixes with your sweat which in turn just makes you stinky, wet and hot all at the same time.
However, trying anything beats trying nothing. :-\
I'm glad you posted. I tried one of those vests a couple of years ago and was miserable in it. I live in Houston and having it cling to me was worse than not having it on.
I ride all summer in our heat and humidity. I'm not going to say I like it, but I would rather sweat a little than not ride. I wear mesh jacket, pants and gloves. I also like short windshields anyway, to that works in my favor.
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What we need is someone here to come up with a motorcycle cool suit like the Nascar guys have. It circulates cool water around your body to keep you cool. A simple one connect hook-up for ease of use, a carbon fiber compressor that weighs mere ounces, and keep the cost for the whole set- around $100 for us frugal types :P
Seriously though, If I'm on tour I drink plenty of water and just suck it up and go. If I am around the house and it's face melt hot I just take the car with cold A/C. Besides there's plenty of riding to do during the other three seasons.
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nuff said
(http://38speedtwin.com/junk/fonzie_tr5_01.jpg)
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I'm going throught the AZ heat next month and will cross the senora desert in Levi 505's (http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
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Nice avatar ScottP, I went into a deep stare for about 5 minutes and had to scroll back through this thread to try and remember what the topic was... ;D
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50 degrees outside at 90mph on the C-14 works well for me~
Ninja
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The cooling vests work great and are a must have for riding in the sweltering heat of summer IMO. Another item I like to use is a Schampa CoolSkin Skull Cap (http://www.schampa.com/product_p/sklcp015.htm) (or similar) under my helmet to absorb/wick away sweat and heat.
Also found a cool (literally) helmet last night that should be available here in the U.S. next year - the Caberg Ego (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/caberg-ego/review.htm). It has a huge vent on top that can be open or closed and flows a ton of air....kind of like a sunroof for your skid-lid. My only real concern though would be whether or not the large mesh pattern of the vent would result in a polka-dot sunburn on the top of my head since I usually have a buzz cut.
(http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/caberg-ego/caberg-ego-top-vent-open.jpg)
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I tried one of those vests a couple of years ago and was miserable in it. I live in Houston and having it cling to me was worse than not having it on.
The cooling vests work great and are a must have for riding in the sweltering heat of summer IMO.
I have not tried one, so I certainly am not going to disagree. But I believe the effectiveness an comfort of such an evaporative vest will depend on the relative humidity in the area it is being used and the design. There really is credence in the old "it's not the heat, it's the humidity". There appears to be two designs- one that gets the user wet, and the other that tries to isolate the water from touching the user. Based on the limited research I did, I expect the more expensive ones that isolate the wetness from the user would be far more comfortable... especially if the humidity is higher.
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The cooling vests work great and are a must have for riding in the sweltering heat of summer IMO. Another item I like to use is a Schampa CoolSkin Skull Cap (http://www.schampa.com/product_p/sklcp015.htm) (or similar) under my helmet to absorb/wick away sweat and heat.
Also found a cool (literally) helmet last night that should be available here in the U.S. next year - the Caberg Ego (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/caberg-ego/review.htm). It has a huge vent on top that can be open or closed and flows a ton of air....kind of like a sunroof for your skid-lid. My only real concern though would be whether or not the large mesh pattern of the vent would result in a polka-dot sunburn on the top of my head since I usually have a buzz cut.
(http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/caberg-ego/caberg-ego-top-vent-open.jpg)
That's a nice looking lid!
Caberg Ego Helmet (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hyuC6nvI2M#ws)
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Also found a cool (literally) helmet last night that should be available here in the U.S. next year - the Caberg Ego (http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/motorcycle-helmet/caberg-ego/review.htm). It has a huge vent on top that can be open or closed and flows a ton of air....kind of like a sunroof for your skid-lid.
Although interesting, that helmet design won't get a SNELL rating (which, to me, means it is not a real helmet). From the review, it is unclear if it could even get DOT approval!!!
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Depends on how much money you got!!! This would be nice here in Louisiana!!!
http://www.mscooling.com/activecooling (http://www.mscooling.com/activecooling)
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Try an LD Comfortwear shirt soaked in water before you ride. Best thing ever for summer riding!
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Ug, today it was 99.2 degrees this afternoon.... It is freaking Spring??!?!! This is Virginia, not flipping Texas!! I am certainly NOT going to/did not ride.
That's not Texas! It was 103 the other day! THAT'S Texas!
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Simple, move to Wyoming!
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That's not Texas! It was 103 the other day! THAT'S Texas!
Texas!?
It was 103 on the Jersey Shore on Thursday!
Are the Concours 14 heat output contributing to global warming???
:-\
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Fresh snow on the hills around Missoula the other day. Warming up to the mid 60's today if the rain stops. High temp this year has been about 75. Can't go east because the freeway is flooded. Can't go west because of slush on the pass. Can't go south because of snow on the pass. Can't go north because it is just too darned cold and windy. I am not worried about staying cool. I am shopping for heated grips and an electric vest so I can go for a ride. I am still waiting for summer.
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I don't think about it! ;D
I just did a ride up to Wash., DC from Atlanta for Memorial Day. I had a couple of 350 mile days when the temp was 93 & 95 degrees. I alternated the windshield up enough to get quiet, then down all the say to cool off. Vents wide open on my Olympia AST and a Camelback under a cargo net on my back seat luggage to keep hydrated.
Tried cooling vests and didn't think they were worth the hassle.
Seriously, I just don't dwell on it and I get along fine.
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Riding in the Summer in Louisiana can be a test of your dedication to riding... When necessary, I use this..
http://www.coolwingrider.com (http://www.coolwingrider.com)
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I wear a mesh jacket, MX gloves, visor part open and the shield down.
but hot here in Michigan is only a couple days a year.
When its over 100 i wimp out and drive the cage for my 60 mile commute.
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I recently purchased a mesh jacket myself. The Tour Master Sonora Air Jacket.
http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/Sonora-Air-Jacket-p-302_3.html (http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/catalog/Sonora-Air-Jacket-p-302_3.html)
It kept me cool running at 75 MPH on the Interstate in 90+ degree weather.
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When it starts getting warm here in NY I use a Joe Rocket Mesh jacket- its similar to riding injust a short sleeve shirt. I also use the stock wind shield.
Fred
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I have a handheld temperature gauge I use when I teach the MSF course and last week in Atlanta it was 96F. The temperaqture at 12 inches off the pavement read 103F. It gets very hot traveling 5 mph in traffic. You could probable add 10 degrees to the real temperature.
Rash
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I have a handheld temperature gauge I use when I teach the MSF course and last week in Atlanta it was 96F. The temperaqture at 12 inches off the pavement read 103F. It gets very hot traveling 5 mph in traffic. You could probable add 10 degrees to the real temperature.
Rash
I'm in Atlanta too, so I feel your pain. I'm a firm believer in AGAT, so I have the appropriate gear to ride in various weather conditions. Heated vest and long johns for winter, mesh pants and jacket for local rides in the summer. On longer trips, I wear my Olympia AST and Ranger pants with the vents wide open. Tourmaster mesh gloves and HJC Symax II helmet. I have one of those things you soak in water and put around your neck when it's really hot. Staying hydrated is my biggest thing. I keep a Camelback in my tank bag. Flip up the Symax and drink, drink, drink.
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The wet cooling vests work a ton better in lower humidity, for sure. Up here in Dallas they work GREAT. I'm sure they work like a charm in Arizona too. Houston, not as much.
But the fact is that it takes a lot of calories to heat water, and even if you "feel" miserable in the cooling vest, it's actually still doing you some good from a "don't overheat" standpoint. The science is there.
I'm a big fan of the right wrist air conditioner... LOL
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I live in the Dallas area, too and I don't have any tears for you guys in Atlanta. We haven't had a high temperature below 96 degrees in about three weeks. And we probably won't see a high below 90 until September (unless it rains). Right now at 5:15pm it is 100 on my back porch. Lowering the windscreen doesn't help--it's like riding around in front of a hairdryer on high. Of course, the tradeoff is that we get to ride pretty much year round and I've never needed heated gear.
I just ordered my evaporative cooling vest a few days ago so I can't wait until it gets here and I can give it a try. The heat doesn't stop me from commuting every day.
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Hey Crash, what part of town you from?
I do love my Gerbing heated liner when it's below 45. It's not NECESSARY, but it's so NICE!
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I live in Allen and commute to Richardson every day. You?
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Hey Crash, what part of town you from?
I do love my Gerbing heated liner when it's below 45. It's not NECESSARY, but it's so NICE!
45°!! I don't even put the liner in my mesh jacket til 45°!! ;)
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45°!! I don't even put the liner in my mesh jacket til 45°!! ;)
I hear you. I live in Dallas now, but I have lived all over, from Florida to Indiana to North Carolina, and I have exactly two jackets. One is mesh, the other is leather. I also have a pair of Icon riding jeans with a removable windproof liner that I have never put in. If it's hot, I get hot when I ride. If it's cold, I get cold when I ride. Eh.
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I hear you. I live in Dallas now, but I have lived all over, from Florida to Indiana to North Carolina, and I have exactly two jackets. One is mesh, the other is leather. I also have a pair of Icon riding jeans with a removable windproof liner that I have never put in. If it's hot, I get hot when I ride. If it's cold, I get cold when I ride. Eh.
Boy, that IS all over ain't it? ;D
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I also spent two years living in Iraq ;) , and the last time I was there, the Baghdad Police had FJRs... Only time I've ever seen a Police FJR up close.
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I also spent two years living in Iraq ;) , and the last time I was there, the Baghdad Police had FJRs... Only time I've ever seen a Police FJR up close.
Really, I have spent 27 months in Iraq and the only IP motorcycles I saw were Hodaka and JinYee.
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The JinYee 125cc one cylinders were the only thing I'd seen until about may or june of 2009. I saw two FJRs while we were "helping" a local contractor take down some blast walls at the main market. White paint, blue lights, sirens, the whole package. I don't know if they were IPs or not. They weren't wearing IP uniforms, but they sure looked and acted like cops. Does Baghdad have city police? I don't know.
I say helping, I mean photo-op.
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Baghdad does have several police districts that include traffic and patrol. I left in March 2009 and the FJR thing still surprises me.
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http://www.brothersintl.net/yamaha/PIC/Motor_Cycle/Police/XJ900P.jpg (http://www.brothersintl.net/yamaha/PIC/Motor_Cycle/Police/XJ900P.jpg)
http://www.usf-iraq.com/?option=com_content&task=view&id=15918&Itemid=128 (http://www.usf-iraq.com/?option=com_content&task=view&id=15918&Itemid=128)
I looked into this a bit further. Turns out, they weren't FJRs. (Gimme a break, I was a Harley guy back then... LOL) They were, in fact, XJ 900 Police bikes. I didn't get any pictures of them when I saw them, but I do remember that they said Yamaha, and for some reason, in my head, they looked like FJRs....
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I am finding this thread very interesting since this is my normal summer riding conditions in Phoenix, AZ.
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I was thinking of reviving this thread because I got my evaporative cooling vest and I've had a chance to use it. It really does work. It's been near 100 here in Dallas this week (cold front came through :))) and it does work for my commute home. The awkward part is timing it so that I can get it wet and get the excess water drained off and ready to wear when it's time to go. I'm very happy with it, though.
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I was thinking of reviving this thread because I got my evaporative cooling vest and I've had a chance to use it. It really does work. It's been near 100 here in Dallas this week (cold front came through :))) and it does work for my commute home. The awkward part is timing it so that I can get it wet and get the excess water drained off and ready to wear when it's time to go. I'm very happy with it, though.
+1
I have one and love it. Get some weird looks now and then, but I am enjoying the heck out of it.
http://ridecool.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21?osCsid=4346c07c40b0b4884d15881bc2b02057 (http://ridecool.com/catalog/index.php/cPath/21?osCsid=4346c07c40b0b4884d15881bc2b02057)
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See link..
http://www.coolwingrider.com/ (http://www.coolwingrider.com/)
These work as advertised...
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Maybe we should just turn the trunk into a freezer :)
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I had a Nikon in the GIVI earlier tonight playing with a new lens and it was scorching in FL. This is what I saw:
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/267745_1925832620132_1071635590_2133788_8108173_n.jpg)
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I am finding this thread very interesting since this is my normal summer riding conditions in Phoenix, AZ.
But it's a dry heat right? :o
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But it's a dry heat right? :o
It is a dry heat, similar to what we get in the Central Valley of California. Problem is, once it's over 100, it's still over 100. If you ride, it feels like you are getting blasted by a hairdryer.
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It is a dry heat, similar to what we get in the Central Valley of California. Problem is, once it's over 100, it's still over 100. If you ride, it feels like you are getting blasted by a hairdryer.
I'll be coming across AZ/Cali in July. You suggest i ride at night? Or does the risk of animals offset any advantages of heat?
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I bought one of the evaporative vests to try out, rode about 5 miles but I did not like the feel and would just as soon soak a tee shirt. Anybody wants it, I'll let it go for $20.00 + shipping.
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I bought one of the evaporative vests to try out, rode about 5 miles but I did not like the feel and would just as soon soak a tee shirt. Anybody wants it, I'll let it go for $20.00 + shipping.
I would recoomend the night time... It will still be in the low 100's at night. There are not as many animals to worry about like back east however one must watch out for the tire carcssses on the roads as the hot temps tend to take there toll on tires. Especially need to watch out for stuff like that when riding at night.....
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In Iraq, which is very similar weather to the American SW, believe it or not, I found that once it gets above about 105 or 110, it really doesn't matter how much hotter it gets. I can tell the difference between 80 and 90, or 90 and 100. But 105 and 130 feel exactly the same.
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Headed from Colorado to Beaumont, TX and then follow the gulf to the Florida panhandle. I expect to be HOT and using a wet t-shirt to survive.
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In Iraq, which is very similar weather to the American SW, believe it or not, I found that once it gets above about 105 or 110, it really doesn't matter how much hotter it gets. I can tell the difference between 80 and 90, or 90 and 100. But 105 and 130 feel exactly the same.
I tend to agree... I am usually good up to about 105 and after that I can't till the difference any longer... My lungs are on fire at that point :yikes:
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I'll be coming across AZ/Cali in July. You suggest i ride at night? Or does the risk of animals offset any advantages of heat?
In Cali, it normally cools down at night as compared to AZ where it may not cool much. If we have a 110 degree day (not super common in the Central Valley of Cali, but it does happen and sometimes a week at a time) it normally cools to mid 70's at night and early morning. It's pretty rare that I wake up to 80 degrees at 6am here. Partially depends on what part of Cali you are going through. Bakersfield or Redding and you might be screwed. Get closer to the central part, near Modesto/Tracy and it cools off more since it's closer to the Delta/Bay. Once you get to the Bay Area it is normally much cooler and the coast can seem very cold to most as you may not see the sun because of the fog.
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I live in Lewisville and commute to the Galleria in Dallas. It's not too bad. I usually leave work late, so I can keep moving instead of being stuck in traffic.
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Strange as this may sound, I go running in the heat on a mostly daily basis. It was 96 when I headed out the door today. Your body needs to get acclimatized to the heat and since I run and race all during the summer, I find I'm not too bothered by heat while on the bike.
Obviously this ain't gonna work for everybody.
I commute all summer in NC with full gear and I agree with the statement above. For me 80 feels like 90 feels like 100. Stay hydrated and take breaks.
Edit; I tend to ride my Monster more in the summer months, more air hits me given the lack of fairings.