Winter Riding Gear | Winter Is As Winter Does

Many motorcyclists will hang their helmets up for some part of the winter season. This month’s Gear spread is intended to ease winter’s impact on your riding, or at least make storing your bike a little easier so it will be ready to ride come spring.

1. Nelson Rigg Falcon Defender 2000 Cover

Wherever you park your bike this winter, it's best to keep it covered. The Falcon Defender 2000 from Nelson Rigg is a good choice if your bike will reside outside. The cover is waterproof, UV-resistant and treated with an anti-microbial coating to prevent mildew. Vents ensure that moisture escapes while silver heat shields make the cover safe to throw over your bike while it's still hot. The Defender 2000 is available in several sizes, starting at $69.99. New this year are revised heat shield panels and a compression sack that makes it easy to stow, store, and transport your cover.
www.nelsonrigg.com

2. Sta-Bil Fuel Stabilizer

You've no doubt seen STA-BIL before. It's a winter storage standby, and if your bike is going to sit for the season, adding this stuff to a tankful of fuel will increase the likelihood that your engine will wake up feeling fresh rather than hung over. STA-BIL is said to help keep gas fresh by inhibiting oxidation (which causes gum and varnish formation, as well as that telltale turpentine smell) and fighting water separation, which wreaks havoc on fuel tanks, carburetors, and fuel injectors. STA-BIL is sold in several sizes starting at $5.
www.goldeagle.com

3. Mobile Warming Electric Vest

If you haven't tried an electric vest, you'd better: It's eye opening. A little supplemental heat goes a long way toward keeping you comfortable in the cold. Mobile Warming's vest can extend your riding season without any restrictive power cords. It uses three heat panels (two on the chest, one on the back) powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery stored in a pocket. This $159.99 vest offers three heat settings and is said to last up to 10 hours.
www.helmethouse.com

4. Icon Patrol Jacket

Getting caught out in the rain isn't so bad if you're prepared. The $400 Patrol jacket represents Icon's top-of-the-line all-weather gear, and offers a waterproof nylon chassis with sealed seams, waterproof zippers, a high storm collar, and even a hood. A plethora of pockets—12, according to Icon—make storing and losing items equally easy. If Mother Nature surprises you with pleasant weather, a solution is at hand: The Patrol can shed its thermal liner and vent through several ports. Safety measures include CE-approved elbow and shoulder armor, a "Hi-Vis" color option, and reflective panels that help you stand out in any weather.
www.rideicon.com

5. Defog-it Wipes

Besides chilly fingers, a foggy faceshield is one of the biggest nuisances on a cold day. DEFOG-it's convenient anti-fog wipes offer a quick and easy solution: Just open the resealable pouch and wipe the inside of your visor. The treatment is said to last for up to 8 hours, is safe on all surfaces, and doesn't leave any hazy residue. DEFOG-it wipes are sold in packs of two for $11.99; each packet is said to be good for up to 20 applications. www.defogitworks.com

6. Scottoiler Fs 365 Corrosion Inhibitor

Scottoiler's new FS 365 corrosion-inhibiting spray was formulated in the Queen's Isles, an area that sees more than its share of crappy weather. FS 365 contains mild alkalis and PH buffers that work to neutralize the acidic elements that cause damage to your bike's components. Scottoiler claims that FS 365 is safe for use on plastic, metal, engine components, hoses, carbon fiber, and anodized surfaces. Comprehensive! Conveniently, the company suggests applying FS 365 while the bike is wet and then wiping it down, cleaning away grime while leaving a film of protectant behind. Pick up a 1-liter bottle for $11.95.
www.scottoiler.com

7. Pinlock Anti-Fog Inserts

Before anti-fog faceshields, Pinlock inserts were the most effective way to banish fog. The insert works by absorbing moisture that would otherwise condense on the inside of the faceshield, creating an insulating layer that further reduces the likelihood of condensation. Pinlock inserts are available in a variety of tints and run between $29 and $35. Don't have a suitable shield? Pinlock has a universal photochromic adhesive insert available for $43.
www.pinlockusa.net

8. Aerostich Boot Covers

Wet hands will eventually dry, but wet boots and socks—that sucks! Make any boot waterproof with these emergency waterproof boot covers from Aerostich. They're made from ripstop nylon with sealed seams and waterproof zippers that make them easy to slip over almost any footwear. The $67 covers pack down tiny—Aerostich says just 3 x 4 x 1.3 inches each—so they can be stashed easily. Aerostich also has a new version that stores in the pant legs of their Roadcrafter and Darien suits so you can deploy them when needed. Slick!
www.aerostich.com

9. Denali Dm1 Micro Driving Lights

Daylight is at a premium during winter months, making it more difficult to see and be seen. Bolt a pair of Twisted Throttle's new Denali DM1 Micro driving lights to your ride and enjoy a brighter path and greater conspicuity. These tiny lights (measuring just 1.7 inches in diameter and 2.4 in. long) have a claimed effective beam distance of 240 feet. The lights sell for $209.99 and draw less than an amp at 12 volts. The kit comes with universal mounting hardware, with model-specific mounting kits also available.
www.twistedthrottle.com

10. Motul Chain Paste

Keep your drivetrain lubricated and protected from corrosion with Motul's new Chain Paste. Tired of stinky aerosols and messy overspray? Chain Paste is applied with a built-in brush. Brush it on the inside of the rollers and the lube will work its way through the links as you ride. Pick up a tube for $8.99.
www.motul.com