Cold Weather Vespa (and motorcycle) Riding

As winter approaches I thought I would share my thoughts on what's important to consider if you want to ride your motorcycle or scooter through cold winter weather. Each rider will have different levels of tolerance to cold, the frustration related to donning the gear necessary to stay warm, riding temperament and more that all affect cold weather riding.
I've been riding my Vespa GTS scooter through more than 15 winters now and I plan to continue. But the considerations I outline continually change my decision and plans. Being honest about my skills, abilities, and how age effects them is just part of being prepared.
#motorcycle #motovlog #vespa #winter

[@KrakensGarageandAdventures]

The Vespa can't really run heated gear. That said, I love my heated gear. An absolute game changing for riding year round without feeling like I'm the Michelin man with many layers. Another great video offering great advice. Your channel is growing rapidly. I'm quite proud of you, Steve.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

The Vespa scooters are definitely limited in how much heated gear they can run. There's not enough power for much more than one item. That's in part what has led me to battery powered gear along with the reduction in aggravation regarding the cables and cords. Thanks for the kind words about the channel. I'm just following the advice you gave me!

[@victorhawkins3461]

I am SOOOOO grateful that I live in the SoCal desert. The temp range today is 73/56. Oh, sure, I've ridden in 39F here...but usually only a couple of days in late January. Now, riding when it's 118F is a whooole 'nother story!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

We all have our weather challenges!

Thank you Steve for another very interesting and informative video. The images were really beautiful.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad you enjoyed it. It's a beautiful place here in Central Pennsylvania.

[@oscartravis5740]

Completely agree. I struggled through last winter in cheap gear and suffered for it, so through the summer I invested in bits to ready me for the cold. Decent boots, salopettes and a quality jacket, and heated grips have all been a game changer. Only thing not mentioned is the dazzling and hazy sunshine that comes with winter, so a decent pair of sunglasses does the trick.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I forgot about the brightness, especially on a sunny day, dry roads, but everything else shrouded in snow. I have a built in sunscreen in my helmet that slides down when needed. I used to have sunglasses but haven't used them in a long time.

[@clydeosterhout1221]

In winter I wear a insulated I piece Tourmaster riding suit, a USB powered heated vest, two hand-warmer packs in each of my winter riding gloves, insulated waterproof work boots with wool socks, and a ski mask. I don’t normally ride much when it is below freezing due to concerns about ice, but I still recall a winter ride from Harrisburg to Boalsburg. It was in the upper 30s when I left, but the temp on seventh mountain was in the low 20s.At 65 mph things got a bit chilly, even with all my gear.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

You and I gear up in a similar manner. I don’t use as much heated gear though. At 65 mph 20°F temperatures are brutal. Doesn’t really matter what you’re wearing. I tend to ride a lot slower in the winter in general, just so I don’t get so cold. But you don’t have a lot of choice when you jump on US 322 in terms of speed. Ride safe this winter and stay warm!

[@poppawheelie2]

You were well equipped. I think we communicated before, since I know the Osterhouts from O M and Du Bois.

[@thomasstordahl-gregory]

Just found you today and subscribed, watched 7 of your videos, and thoroughly enjoyed the ride! I am in Denver and not ready to put the Yamaha Riva 125 away. Also have a KLR 650 & a Kymco Peoples 50cc, so I also have the big problem of deciding which to ride, but I do appreciate your riding style, being 74 myself, slow and careful since I don't bounce back up as good as I use to, I like floating also, but that also ends up meaning a longer ride, which is fine with me. I also love your Pennsylvania country side, and look forward to seeing more of it. TSG

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm glad you've found some value in the videos I share. The Central Pennsylvania landscape helps enormously in making the video content watchable! Like you, I continue to resist retiring my scooters and motorcycles "away" for the winter. There are many clear days that I can ride. Earlier this morning I put my Kawasaki W650 on a Battery Tender in preparation for a ride this afternoon when the temperature soars to 42F. At 74 you are four years ahead of me on the rider timeline. I hope that I'll still be pondering what to do with my machines in the winter when I reach 74. Aging and riding has become a more frequent topic of thought for me. I'm certain that I don't bounce back as fast from pretty much anything. Having a slow riding style to begin with keeps me a little safer perhaps. But floating along is my choice because I just love seeing the world, something that is more difficult at higher speeds. Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts here. I appreciate them. Stay warm!

[@Dr.ModNut]

I needed this. Cheers!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Glad to help!

[@nicholasjgentry80]

Love the scenery

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I’m fortunate to have many beautiful places to ride here in Central Pennsylvania.

[@svandehurk]

Come back here every winter. 2 point, when your cold, your cold, there is now way back, and the slippery roads are still difficult for me, I think i can never say it's my second nature to drive. You have to be on guard the full ride even 3 meters from your home. Thanx for uploading greets from Holland

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thank you for sharing your experiences. Yes, you have to be on guard all the time. Especially when the temperature drops below freezing. It's definitely not for everyone.

[@dermotleeson1348]

Hi Steve I'm just getting back into motorcycling and your vids are most informative my friend

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Welcome back! Glad to help. Ride safe!

[@ricksanchez2983]

Perfectly timed post Steve, for me anyway as I was going to ask that you put out an updated cold weather riding post like this. And thanks for the reminder about the winter tires. I'll look into that as well as picking up other pieces of gear, like the insulated handle bar muffs, etc... Safe riding to you too this winter!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm happy with the winter accessories from Tucano Urbano. An Italian company. If you visit their website make sure you use Google Translate to make it appear in English unless you can read Italian. And I think a lot of their products are available in the US. The Heidenau K58 all season tires are an option, the K58S "snow" tire, and the most aggressive K66S winter tire. They are different now than the ones I had and are somehow made to ride year round. Not sure how they wear or perform in warm weather. Be careful if you decide to ride below the freezing mark. Even on a sunny day watch out for those drivers how empty their Starbucks onto the road to create a nice patch of ice for you!

[@ricksanchez2983]

@@ScooterintheSticks Thanks again

[@UncleVoodoo]

I’ve been on a decades long quest to avoid mounting heated grips on my bikes….so far the result has been some really cold hands! 😮 I’m currently waiting for to the temperatures to drop way below freezing to test my latest attempt at ultra cold weather motorcycling gloves.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I avoided adding things to my scooter for a long time -- electric grips being one. Eventually after determining that there was no cold weather riding glove that could keep my hands warm that I tried Gerbing Electric gloves. And while they were ok to around 30F they couldn't keep my hands warm below that temperature. The wind blast just overwhelmed them. Even expedition mittens rated to -40F (and shockingly expensive) didn't work. The wind always won out. It wasn't until I installed handlebar muffs that I had success. And with electric grips and regular gloves my hands are toasty warm down to 30F. And if I put electric gloves on I'm good well below 0F. I'm hard-headed and stubborn about things. And when I eventually do what everyone has been telling me for years I just shake my head as I wonder what took so long. Good luck on your search. Maybe your hands aren't as sensitive as mine. I suffered frostbite in my fingers so they are very easily chilled now.

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

The older you get, the colder you get

[@ScooterintheSticks]

That’s for sure!

[@captainjim605]

Another fine video, Steve. I admire your gusto for riding in what I consider inclement weather. I used to do that when I was younger... guess I've gotten "soft" in these golden years. That, and Iowa winters in my youth left me with finger that "burn" in the cold. I have winter riding gear, but haven't used it in years. But, I enjoy seeing you out in it!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the kind words about my videos Jim. I keep slinging the camera and seeing what happens. I've definitely gotten softer in my advancing years. Already I shudder in the morning when I'm faced taking the dogs for a walk when its 40 and windy. Hopefully I'll acclimate. I just ordered another Pinlock insert for my helmet. Hopefully this one will solve my fogging issues so I can continue to yammer through the winter!

[@captainjim605]

I have often said, "I'd rather be hot than cold"... looks like I'll get to test out that theory now that we live in the desert southwest. ;-) In the meantime, I find my reaction time isn't as good in the cold... too busy thinking "Dang, it's cold," I guess. I admire your proclivity to riding in weather that would keep me off a bike. It was those photos of yours with your Vespa in the misty, moody settings that led me to your channel. I am a fan of your positive attitude and soft manner. Keep 'em coming... but I'm good with a blue sky and bright sunshine, too!

[@flatgrindrides]

I’m pretty cold tolerant so I don’t typically bundle up as much, but I agree that once you get cold it can be very difficult to warm up again. I agree with pretty much everything you’ve said. Another thing to consider, especially if you’re riding alone and out in the boonies, is that in the event of a crash and an injury, cold can really complicate a self-rescue and shorten survival time if awaiting help. Hypothermia can also lead to loss of coordination and poor decision-making. In really low temperatures sometimes simple things become more complicated. Plastic buckles get stiff, more difficult to operate and prone to breaking. The armor in clothing gets hard and won’t flex at your joints. Hydraulic shocks don’t perform as expected, etc. I often ride in the cold too, but it can really add complexity and risk.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

A good point about being out in the boonies in the cold. Until I got the Himalayan I wasn't usually riding very far into the boonies with the Vespa. I hadn't thought about the danger of an accident in freezing weather somewhere with no cell signal. Brings up the idea of a Garmin InReach Mini 2 again! I've made long rides at 25F. And a couple 50 mile rides below 0F. All on the Vespa without incident. But I did get cold in the early years and it was impossible to get warm. Especially hands and feet. Reading your comment has me thinking I should just stay home now!

[@flatgrindrides]

@@ScooterintheSticks I use an InReach when I’m out in the boonies. Expensive, but good insurance, I suppose. Hope to never need it.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@flatgrindrides I had my annual echocardiogram and was just reading the report. Not really sure what it all means until my cardiologist explains things but it has me thinking the Garmin InReach Mini might be a nice Christmas gift! I spend an ungodly amount of money with ATT every month for our cell phones. The Garmin is a fraction of that.

[@flatgrindrides]

@@ScooterintheSticks I guess it seems expensive until you need it. Then it’s probably the best money you’ve ever spent! 😂 Still, better to have it and not need it.

[@ejakeway]

I’m 34 years old. I recall in my 20’s I’d go ride while it’s 18f degrees out and not care as long as I pulled over to warm up my hands with the exhaust air. Now I’m just not willing to bundle up so much and losing sensation in my fingers. I’ve noticed I’ll gladly ride at 50 degrees but if it’s in the 40’s I won’t even consider it.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

It's funny how we each come to understand the temperature boundary below which we won't ride. Mine has been slowly rising over the past few years. I may catch you at 50F!

[@jonathan-th2bg]

Try the keiss heated waist coat....it has two heat pads front chest, two lower back and mine has the priceless heated collar. Honestly it's toasty warm, best bit of kit I've ever bought....it has an adjuster for amount of heat. Just hook a wire to the battery and your good to go. Wonderful.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for the tip! I've have some Keis heated insoles. For me, feet and hands are where I need the heat. But as I get older maybe it's time to try the coat! The problem though with wired 12 volt gear is the Vespa doesn't have enough power output to handle more than one thing.

[@clinterz]

Glad I live in California.🥶

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yeah, the cold weather is undesirable for almost all the riders I know.

[@Stefan_trekkie]

It is my 10th winter this year. To add something about the gear.. In my experience the moisture is the biggest enemy. Even if you are warm. So, I usually select gear that is a bit breathable but very thick. Mostly combination of mountain trekking gear and winter bicycle gear, including the boots and works for me fine. I find big flaw in modern motorcycle gear, that it's designed only to be used as package and it's hard to mix it with something ordinary .. That was not the case 15-ish years ago but things change. Of course mittens + heated grips is a must. Big windscreen is huge bonus too.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts on gear. Moisture has not appeared to be an issue for me other than fog in my helmet visor. I am able to adequately ventilate the rest of my body while riding and haven't had to resort to any truly technical adventure gear save for the long underwear I use by Patigonia and others. It was an adventure though to determine what works and what doesn't. The big challenge now is my brain. As I get older it just gets harder to go outside when it's cold. The desire to ride pushes me. My dogs push me for walks. And so does my wife. But I swear they must all hear me groan at the suggestions...

[@rayek4eq]

Hey! Just quickly, this is my first winter riding and I bought a Pinlock for fog and have been using it no problem. The issue for me was my glasses, my glasses were fogging and I needed to buy these antifog wipes to cut down on it. Might give the Pinlock and antifog combo a shot. My helmet isn't 100% airtight either so there's enough airflow to let out the moisture when Ixm riding which clears the fog if I've forgotten to apply the antifog to the glasses. So your situation might be different, but just thought I'd recommend!

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Thanks for sharing your experience and suggestions. I’ve ordered another Pinlock insert and try again. Plenty of cold weather now to try it out!

[@robertroullard1963]

My cut off temp is 37°,but anything over that I'm gonna ride. I'm 72.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm getting closer to your limits all the time!

[@HarveyWallbanger-ho2cq]

My whole body shakes miserably when it gets below 50 degrees

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I’ve avoided that phenomena. But I’ve noticed as I get older I have to wear more and more gear to stay warm. And their temperatures now I just won’t ride in.

[@rechard-jb9cr]

Word of caution, hypothermia can sneak up on you unbeknownst. I've been using Gerbing heated gear for 20+ years. When riding the Blue Ridge Parkway for 8 hours on an overcast 40 degree day, heated jacket and gloves on all day, I didn't know I had hypothermia till I pulled into a motel and realized I couldn't speak. I started to shake. My skin was red hot, but my body core had chilled. I knew enough to not fall asleep or get in a hot shower. I kept the phone nearby, kept the same clothes on and curled up to slowly warm. Same thing happened to me on a bicycle ride, same weather, no sun, 40 degree weather, cold wind. I wouldn't have ridden that day , but I was obligated as ride leader. When I got home and opened the door the warm air inside hit me like a blast furnace and I realized that wasn't right. I tried to say hello to the cat and couldn't talk. Same treatment, warm slowly, keep phone handy for 911. Pinlock doesn't work! Mine has always worked on several different helmets. Hint. if you don't have heated pants, put Hand Warmers in your pants pockets over your thighs and Toe Warmers in your boots. They work all day. PS: I like your choice of music, not just in this video but all of them.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've not encountered hypothermia. Yet. And I wonder if different individuals react differently to the cold. I know what to do if I have it but not sure how to avoid it sneaking up on me. I'll have to do some research. I'm going to call Revzilla tomorrow about the Pinlock they sent. Maybe there's more than one kind and they didn't send the right one. As far as heated gear goes the electric gloves do the trick if I have the muffs on the bars. And I have muffs for the Himalayan and the Vespa. Everything else is basic riding gear and layers. But I've seldom ridden for 8 hours in the cold without some warm breaks. I think choosing music is my favorite part of making the videos!

[@rechard-jb9cr]

@@ScooterintheSticks Pinlock. That thin seal around the edge should seal against your shield. Run some water around the edge and make sure it's not getting in between. The pin on one end should also rotate as an "adjustment." It's a very tiny thing.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@rechard-jb9cr Turns out it was the wrong Pinlock. I ordered another. We'll see how it goes.

[@twloughlin]

I know myself at least well enough to know that I don't have the frame of mind for cold weather riding. I don't know how much it would cost me to purchase all the gear for winter riding that I don't presently own, but I suspect the cost vrs. the amount of times I'd actually go out riding is not worth it. And I certainly know that the thought of hitting a patch of black ice makes me too nervous. I can't enjoy a ride if I am too conscious about road conditions. So when I need a jolt of outdoor time in the winter, I drive my car to a local hiking trail and take short hikes. I'd love a snowmobile, but that's the same equation as above - too much investment for not enough time out.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Yeah, if you aren't likely to ride a lot in cold weather the cost of gear might seem a waste of money. Though I know plenty of hunters who spend a lot of money on guns, ammunition, and gear who only use it a few days a year. It all depends on what you're after I guess. I've heard many tales of black ice over the years but have not encountered any when riding. I have encountered sudden ice patches from springs and seeps going across the road. And other icy patches. None would be manageable if I was riding like I do in fair weather. Riding below freezing on any but the sunniest dry day requires a real reduction in speed and handling. It may be the single biggest reason why a rider shouldn't attempt the cold -- moderation of their riding habits is just too difficult or alien. There used to be a lot of snowmobiles about here but those snowy winters just don't come often enough anymore. I used to think I wanted one but it is probably best kept in the same category as a boat, horse, and airplane!

[@twloughlin]

@@ScooterintheSticks Perhaps the issue of black ice is more acute for me since I live along the Lake Erie shoreline in the lake effect snow belt. Far more available moisture for prevailing winds to spread across the landscape. I've encountered black ice in cars, and it's no fun. Even a small patch will send you flying off into the shoulder. Brutal stuff.

[@TheTomkelway]

Looks like you need a Shoei Glamster helmet - they have anti fog and no matter how much you breath, no fog

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I had a Shoei helmet and it fogged up like the others. But the Glamster comes with a Pinlock installed so that's probably why it doesn't fog. I just ordered a new Pinlock insert for my HJC helmet. Hopefully it will alleviate the fogging issues.

[@Fourwedge]

Thanks for the tips on winter riding, I've found that I have to put my pinlock in to be able to talk on my videos now. I wonder why yours didn't work?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm not sure. I'm going to do a little investigation.

[@erik_dk842]

You need to develop a habit of canceling the turn signal every 1000 feet. I'm constantly pressing the cancel button.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Oh yeah. I'm not sure if it's the distraction of making videos or just old age but I've noticed the turn signal on more often than it used to be. I'll work on that.

[@bluemoonriderlipa6880]

The road treatments will effect the bike if not washed after a ride. In NY its a sand/salt mixture, plus loads of potholes & people always in a hurry. I see in PA that road treatments are a different spray, but I don't trust it not to corrode metal. I prefer not to ride in North East during the winter.

[@borderlands6606]

There's a KZbin video of a Vespa restoration. Despite being in generally good condition and fairly new, the bottom of the scooter has completely rotted away due to road salt corrosion.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've ridden mine through many winters of slush, salt, and grit. It certainly leads to corrosion on some parts, the muffler in particular. I repaint it usually once a year. And I had the underside of the scooter repainted once. It's held up remarkably well considering I usually only wash it once or twice a year.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I've seen examples of scooters that have rotted out. I don't fully understand why that happens when mine doesn't. My scooter is in a garage. Maybe that helps. And some that get destroyed are near the coast and salt air.

[@Scale_Slotcars_Latvia]

I used to work as a motorcycle courier in Ireland Steve ,and I drove for 6 years all winter 5 days a week in 0 to 5 degrees c , Now I find It not as enjoyably but in Latvia we get -10 and hard packed snow which is unrideable without spiked tyres which are not legal so no winter riding for me in Latvia

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I understand. I'm fortunate we have a lot of winter days here that have the roads clear and dry despite the cold. And there is almost never hard packed snow except on the dirt and gravel roads. In Pennsylvania the road crews strike to have the snow gone before it falls! *GRIN*. Unless there is some serious amount of snow it is usually gone pretty fast. I've ridden on hardpacked snow with snow tires. No fun. Moving forward at walking speed or slower. I'm sending my GTS to a mechanic next week for a major overhaul. So I'll be playing with one of the other machines in the garage until it returns. But since it's my go to vehicle for winter riding I'm not sure what I'll do...

[@Scale_Slotcars_Latvia]

@ScooterintheSticks it's great that you're getting a major service done on the gts . It has served you well over many years and winters ....I'm restricted to going to the garage and starting the gts every few days just to keep everything moving .. but my neurosurgeon said I need to stop riding due to degenerative bones in my lower back ...so things might change in the new year .but at the moment, I'm building a slot car track in my house during the winter ,staying positive no matter what happens 🤗

[@JoeySorge]

Hi Steve, explain if u would the heated grips you have and I saw the switch on the knee pad. Where did you get them? Thanks. Love the show

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I purchased the heated grips from ScooterWest.com back in 2014. They no longer sell the ones I have but I'm sure they have something. You have to cut the grips off the bars with a utility knife, sand the bars, and glue the heated grips on. And it also requires dismantling the headset to run the wires and splice into power somewhere. I don't remember exactly how I did that. The controller has five heat settings from low to high. Each time you push the button it goes up one level. At the high setting they are pretty hot.

[@JoeySorge]

@@ScooterintheSticks thanks. I’ll look it up

[@bsc1463]

Hi again , I ride motorcycles but have always had a love for Vespa's . Just curious about how you fit on your Vespa as you look like a pretty big guy ? Is there adequate space for you feet also ? Do you ever feel cramped compared to riding a motorbike ? Thank you !

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I'm just a bit over 6'2". Plenty of room for me and never feel crowded. Easy to move your feet around to different positions. More so than on any of my motorcycles.

[@8th_Decade_Adventures]

Hi Steve. Which Sorel boots do you like? Thanks.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Sorel Caribou snow boot.

[@madogblue]

How do you manage wind noise and hearing damage? I find that under 40MPH it's not too bad, but over that it get pretty bad

[@mikewoodall1599]

Earplugs you need on a motor or scooterbike.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

I wear 28DB foam contractor earplugs that I buy at Lowe's. They're cheap and effective and I use them on every ride.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Absolutely.

[@mikewoodall1599]

Oke man, you got it. Pinlock works for me in cold winter riding. Take care on your winter rides. Like Ur vids 💯. Thanks for showing.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

@@mikewoodall1599 I'm going to call Revzilla tomorrow to discuss the Pinlock 70 they sent me. Maybe it was the wrong type or something. Sure would be nice to be able to talk while I ride.

[@iggyzorro2406]

re: fog on the visor - what so the scuba divers do? They seem to have some trick that keeps the face mask clear. - anything on youtube?

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Nothing that I found useful. I'm just full of too much hot air I guess!

[@richicago20]

your turn signal…..

[@ScooterintheSticks]

🙈yeah, sometimes I get distracted shooting the videos!😁

[@8th_Decade_Adventures]

Hi Steve. Which Sorel boots do you like? Thanks.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Sorel Caribou snow boot.

[@8th_Decade_Adventures]

Hi Steve. Which Sorel boots do you like? Thanks.

[@ScooterintheSticks]

Sorel Caribou snow boot.