Motorcycle Wind Chill Charts – 2021 Guide To Staying Warm While Riding

There’s no denying that cold wind can chill you to the bone. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that you hear the term ‘wind chill’ being thrown around once temperatures begin to drop.

It’s one of those things people love throwing around in discussions about the weather, but what does wind chill mean in the motorcycle world?

Today we’ll delve into the ins and outs of a motorcycle wind chart, including ensuring that you’re prepared.

What Does Wind Chill Mean and Why Is It Important When Riding?

Also known as the wind chill factor, wind chill refers to how cold your body feels. It’s perceived as a reduction in the ambient air temperature due to the flow of air on your body.

Upon riding your motorcycle, the wind on your bike causes immense moisture to leave your body. Consequently, heat leaves your body. It’s worth noting that the faster motorcycle rides usher in a greater wind chill.

Given that riding doesn’t call for intense physical activity, you stay fairly still, which means your body doesn’t produce new heat to warm it up, leading to adverse outcomes in a short time, even if the external temperature is above the freezing point.

Motorcycle Wind Chill Chart

Below are the wind chill factor charts that will come in handy when riding your motorcycle when the sweltering summers and chilly winters roll around.

How to Combat Wind Chill While Riding a Motorcycle

Let’s explore a few foolproof ways of fighting off the wind chill on a motorcycle.

Layering

It’s a lifesaver in motorcycling and other cold-weather activities. Excellent bottom layers are a snug-fitting wool or poly fleece coupled with insulating layers. We also recommend heated gear such as a heated seat and grips, given that you have a great power source (your bike) readily available.

Wind Proofing

It involves sealing in the heat to prevent it from being lost in the rushing air. The most crucial part of windproofing is seamlessness; otherwise, the money you shell out on pricey windproof gear is all in vain if you have weak points from which the heat is escaping.

At motorcycling speeds, the small gap between your collar and helmet or jacket cuffs and gloves quickly become gaping holes in your cold defenses.

Therefore, it’s important to seal these leaks with versatile items such as a balaclava or scarf, drawstrings, and Velcro. As you do so, keep in mind the biggest wind protection item that can be a lifesaver, and the best part is that you don’t have to wear it; a windshield.

How Cold Is Too Cold to Ride a Motorcycle?

The truth is that hypothermia arises when your body temperature dips to under 95 degrees. This can occur on a motorcycle in the middle of winter, more so if your head, hands, and feet are inadequately covered or if you’re wearing wet clothing.

It’s essential to not only know this risk but also be aware of the following signs of hypothermia.

• Mumbling or slurred speech
• Weak pulse
• Shivering
• Low energy or drowsiness
• Shallow and slow breathing
• Memory loss or confusion
• Lack of coordination or clumsiness
• Loss of consciousness

If you notice any of these symptoms, stop riding immediately, as hypothermia can lead to death or cardiac arrest. Furthermore, there’s the possibility of developing frostbite in adversely cold wind chills. Nonetheless, temperatures will need to dip to under freezing point for that to occur.

In cooler states, bear in mind that a negative 25 degree-wind chill (that can be achieved when riding at 55 miles per hour in -5 degree weather) ushers in the likelihood of frostbite in less than 20 minutes.

Conclusion

It’s no secret that wind chill has serious consequences. Therefore, whether it is wind chill on a motorcycle or you gravitate more towards cold weather, investing in heated gear and proper planning is effective in keeping you alive and well on your exhilarating rides when you run into unexpected cold temperatures.