Went out this morning for a short ride. Temp was around 6 degrees and a stiff wind of 17 km/hr.
Seemed like a perfect excuse to wear my leather jacket for the first time (yes, I know, you're all shocked that I bought one
).
This Helston's jacket pretty damned fab. 100 per cent wind block. I could feel the wind pushing me - and damn hard that - but no cold seeped in anywhere that was covered by leather. My arms and core were comfortably warm with just a wool base layer and a t-shirt underneath. The jacket comes with a full-sleeve zip-out thermal liner, which I hadn't installed for this ride. As I wasn't close to needing it, I kind of doubt I ever will - because if it's much colder than this, I 'aint riding. I'm no motorcycle gear expert, but just judging this thing as a garment it is like SUPER nice. Easily the best quality leather I've ever owned on a jacket - thick but very supple. I'll absolutely yank out the armor and just wear this around in the winter.
I did discover that at this temp, a neck tube warmer thing is a must.
Thought I was going to get frost bite of the Adam's apple. Live / learn.
The bad news on the gear side - even with winter MC gloves, my fingers were feeling it after about a half hour.
Heated grips go on in the spring - that's for damned sure.