[JT in GA]

We had a men's day at church this morning. It was a brisk 33°F ... but I really wanted to ride. I bundled up and turned the grip heaters on. Wasn't too bad. (I do think hand guards may be on my bike soon ... the only place that got cold was the back of my hands).

It was a beautiful morning for a ride 😃

 

[Axel Johansson]

I do think hand guards may be on my bike soon

They help with bug spatters too

 

[JT in GA]

They help with bug spatters too

Thanks! I'll inclde that in my justification plan 😁

 

[Axel Johansson]

Thanks! I'll inclde that in my justification plan 😁

You'll gain 10% more miles per gallon too 😉

 

[Fly-Sig]

In warm weather, I consider the metal handguard frame to be a bit of hand protection as well as keeping the levers from being mangled in a drop. In colder weather I attache the plastic shield for warmth.

 

[JT in GA]

In warm weather, I consider the metal handguard frame to be a bit of hand protection as well as keeping the levers from being mangled in a drop. In colder weather I attache the plastic shield for warmth.

Good point. I'm weighing the benefits of the "bark buster" type with the metal frame vs. The factory style with plastic only. Need to look into pricing a little more... and decide on crash protection risk.

Pretty easy to take the plastic on and off yours? (What brand?)

 

[twowheeladdict]

Beautiful shot!

It was in the 40s here. Got in 150 miles on the Van Van. I had so many layers on I would get warm when stopped.

I have these lobster hand rain covers for my gloves and that made a huge difference.

 

[JT in GA]

Beautiful shot!

It was in the 40s here. Got in 150 miles on the Van Van. I had so many layers on I would get warm when stopped.

I have these lobster hand rain covers for my gloves and that made a huge difference.

I only had about 20 miles in the 30s ... and thought about wearing some cold weather ski gloves I have.

How are those lobster gloves with dexterity... pretty easy to get used to? (I've seen those covers (hippo?) ... and wondered how useful they would be too ...

 

[twowheeladdict]

I only had about 20 miles in the 30s ... and thought about wearing some cold weather ski gloves I have.

How are those lobster gloves with dexterity... pretty easy to get used to? (I've seen those covers (hippo?) ... and wondered how useful they would be too ...

They are a little baggy and with the two and two fingers working the levers is fine. Grabbing the grips not so fine so I just kept my fingers covering the levers.

I did look up some DIY hippo hands to go over my bark busters may make them next fall.

We had a good rain yesterday. I didn’t turn around so you won’t drown. I’m here to write about it.

I also walked across this bridge.

 

[JT in GA]

Very nice ride -- glad you made it through and are here to tell about it 👍🏻

Let us know how the hippo hands work if you get them made!

 

[Fly-Sig]

Good point. I'm weighing the benefits of the "bark buster" type with the metal frame vs. The factory style with plastic only. Need to look into pricing a little more... and decide on crash protection risk.

Pretty easy to take the plastic on and off yours? (What brand?)

Mine are the Kawi oem on my V650. Yes the plastics come off really easy. 2 screws each. A shorty Phillips screwdriver makes it easier.

 

[twowheeladdict]

Good point. I'm weighing the benefits of the "bark buster" type with the metal frame vs. The factory style with plastic only. Need to look into pricing a little more... and decide on crash protection risk.

Pretty easy to take the plastic on and off yours? (What brand?)

I have two sets from T-Rex Racing. I really like them. T-Rex Racing Kawasaki Versys-X 300 / Honda CRF300L / KTM 1190 Adventure / 1290 Adventure Hand Guards with Barkbusters Wind Deflectors

On my KLX300SM I wanted different color plastics so they sold me the frames they build without the plastics and lowered the price to where it cost the same to me after buying the plastics elsewhere.

 

[Axel Johansson]

I have two sets from T-Rex Racing. I really like them. T-Rex Racing Kawasaki Versys-X 300 / Honda CRF300L / KTM 1190 Adventure / 1290 Adventure Hand Guards with Barkbusters Wind Deflectors

On my KLX300SM I wanted different color plastics so they sold me the frames they build without the plastics and lowered the price to where it cost the same to me after buying the plastics elsewhere.

I'm glad my LT came with the factory deflectors, the barkbusters look sturdy but to me plastering the name in white is a turn off. If I paid for them I shouldn't have to do the advertising.

 

[JT in GA]

I have two sets from T-Rex Racing. I really like them. T-Rex Racing Kawasaki Versys-X 300 / Honda CRF300L / KTM 1190 Adventure / 1290 Adventure Hand Guards with Barkbusters Wind Deflectors

On my KLX300SM I wanted different color plastics so they sold me the frames they build without the plastics and lowered the price to where it cost the same to me after buying the plastics elsewhere.

Thanks for that nudge-- I looked at those on T-Rex and really liked them. Just have to decide to let go of the money. Probably after this wedding my daughter is having in May 😉

On a side note ... I've been seeing more used bikes lately (including a klx300sm or two) ... looks like prices are coming down. I keep coming back to that klx230 as one of the top contenders. How's the market in your area? (I assume you always look... even if you are not buying).

 

[twowheeladdict]

I'm glad my LT came with the factory deflectors, the barkbusters look sturdy but to me plastering the name in white is a turn off. If I paid for them I shouldn't have to do the advertising.

You can get black on black with the VPS plastics, or buy the storm plastics with no wording. You might even be able to screw the Kawasaki plastics on them because we all know Kawasaki doesn't make their accessories in house.

 

[twowheeladdict]

Thanks for that nudge-- I looked at those on T-Rex and really liked them. Just have to decide to let go of the money. Probably after this wedding my daughter is having in May 😉

On a side note ... I've been seeing more used bikes lately (including a klx300sm or two) ... looks like prices are coming down. I keep coming back to that klx230 as one of the top contenders. How's the market in your area? (I assume you always look... even if you are not buying).

My problem is I have a good memory for used pricing and even though they are coming down, we need a crash like '08 for me to buy used over new.

 

[csab]

I use these in cold weather:

Klim Caribou Mittens - RevZilla

Winter riding is unpredictable. Prepare for the unknown with the Klim Caribou Mitten. Fingers can get cold and in extreme cases even be frostbitten, s…

www.revzilla.com

A little clumsy handling the controls, but it beats frozen hands.
I shied away from hippo hands mostly, because I don't think I'd like them semi-permanently on the bike. I also don't trust people messing with them in the parking lot.

 

[twowheeladdict]

I use these in cold weather:

Klim Caribou Mittens - RevZilla

Winter riding is unpredictable. Prepare for the unknown with the Klim Caribou Mitten. Fingers can get cold and in extreme cases even be frostbitten, s…

www.revzilla.com

A little clumsy handling the controls, but it beats frozen hands.
I shied away from hippo hands mostly, because I don't think I'd like them semi-permanently on the bike. I also don't trust people messing with them in the parking lot.

Full on mittens are best for finger warmth, but not for lever control.

You'd be amazed at how useful a bike cover is at keeping people from messing with a bike in addition to UV protection.

Mine look like these, but being older are more heavy-duty.

Fly Racing Street Glove Covers

Fly Racing began as a manufacturer of motorcycle handlebars and helmets. Since then, the brand has quickly developed into one of the fastest growing powersports apparel brands in the market. Keeps your hands and gloves dry. Helps block the wind. Silicone grip area helps to hold the bars in rainy...

www.motosport.com

Here are some nice gore-tex 3 finger gloves.

Rukka GTX 3 Chamb Gloves - RevZilla

Neither fish nor fowl, the GTX3 Chamb is that sweet spot between a mitt and a glove. Vulcan approved!

www.revzilla.com

 

[Surfersami]

I got mitts that fit over the handlebars that were for snowmobiles, I can ride down to about 28 F with summer/spring gloves. Because they have a small opening and cinch up on the mirror side it keeps the cold air out and my hands toasty.
mitts