Base layer

[Drawweight]

My Mrs got a new textile jacket to go pillion with me. Admittedly it wasn’t the most expensive jacket but it got good reviews.

However she complains it’s cold and the wind goes through it. I’ve never been much myself for layering up but would a good base layer help to keep her warmer and the wind out or do you think I should just bite the bullet and go shopping for a better jacket?

My thoughts are a base layer is good for keeping your temperature up but it wouldn’t prevent wind chill..am I wrong?

[Martylaa]

A long sleeve base layer will resolve that.

I’m guessin*there’s no vents accidentally left open on the jacket is there?

[Cakey_]

I don't wear base layers on the bike but used to a lot at work when working outside and they can make a huge difference.
Once cold air gets inside what you're wearing in her case the jacket you get cold, because a base layer hugs the skin it gives a warm layer directly over the skin which then stops you feeling the cold so much.
Also summer is only a couple of months away so she may be greatfull for a breeze coming through the jacket on warmer days.

Certainly worth a try and they are quite cheap from places like mountain warehouse.

[jdearauj]

I have used base layers for a while now and would always suggest them in all weather conditions. They are really good at keeping you warm in the cold and cool when it is hot. It is just one extra step before adding your jacket before a ride.

Here is quite an interesting link(below) to an article and video which the motolegends team provided. They do also have other articles about riding in warm weather.

How to stay warm on a motorcycle

[_Neal_]

A base layer should definitely help - as said above it's about keeping your core warm with layers close to it, not every layer needs to be windproof. What jacket is it, could be too vented?

The DXR Warmcore stuff at sportsbikeshop gets good reviews or I'm sure there's some good second hand merino ski stuff around on eBay, end of ski season and all that.

[black-k1]

Keeping warm on a motorcycle is primarily about cutting out drafts. If cold air can get in and warm air out, normally at the waist, wrist, ankle and neck joins in clothing, then you will be cold. Overlapping layers, all around waist zips and no exposed skin around the neck will be way more efficient than multiple base layers.

Wearing a regular tee shirt and shorts, my 2 piece zip together leathers, an unlined 2 piece waterproof over suit, Gore-Tex boots and gloves and a large windproof neck buff, I can be comfortable and warm down to just a few degrees for well over an hour.

[Drawweight]

_Neal_ said:

A base layer should definitely help - as said above it's about keeping your core warm with layers close to it, not every layer needs to be windproof. What jacket is it, could be too vented?

The DXR Warmcore stuff at sportsbikeshop gets good reviews or I'm sure there's some good second hand merino ski stuff around on eBay, end of ski season and all that.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/117745

It’s this one (but not from that particular outlet). As I said not an expensive jacket but recommended in a lot of reviews. Anyway the sleeves seem way too long as well so I might just buy something better.

[Scobblelotcher]

Drawweight said:

_Neal_ said:

A base layer should definitely help - as said above it's about keeping your core warm with layers close to it, not every layer needs to be windproof. What jacket is it, could be too vented?

The DXR Warmcore stuff at sportsbikeshop gets good reviews or I'm sure there's some good second hand merino ski stuff around on eBay, end of ski season and all that.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/117745

It’s this one (but not from that particular outlet). As I said not an expensive jacket but recommended in a lot of reviews. Anyway the sleeves seem way too long as well so I might just buy something better.

Agree with all that has been said, also consider heated jackets or under-jackets. These can make riding far more pleasurable and hopefully mean that your other half finds it far more enjoyable. You can get heated kit that plugs-in to the bike or battery powered. I like the kit that has both as it means if you go somewhere away from the bike like on a walk or at an event you can use the battery to keep nice and warm. I've often worn stuff like this in the winter walking the dogs.

[J B L]

I'm a big fan of Decathlon's ski range. https://www.decathlon.co.uk/search?Ntt=weedze%20ba...

Superb quality and doesn't cost the earth.

[the cueball]

Base layers from Aldi/Lidl are really good too IMO..

[_Neal_]

Drawweight said:

_Neal_ said:

A base layer should definitely help - as said above it's about keeping your core warm with layers close to it, not every layer needs to be windproof. What jacket is it, could be too vented?

The DXR Warmcore stuff at sportsbikeshop gets good reviews or I'm sure there's some good second hand merino ski stuff around on eBay, end of ski season and all that.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/117745

It’s this one (but not from that particular outlet). As I said not an expensive jacket but recommended in a lot of reviews. Anyway the sleeves seem way too long as well so I might just buy something better.

That looks like it should be fine so I'd try base layers first, unless it really doesn't fit in which case pop it on ebay (and maybe look for a second hand winter-ish jacket on there - must be the right time to buy!)

[KTMsm]

It might be worth sticking a lightweight waterproof jacket over the top - not as a long term option but to see whether the wind is passing through the jacket or as suggested whether it's going up the jacket

It still isn't very warm most days and I notice a big difference between a short and long jacket (assuming neither are zipped to trousers)

[ReverendCounter]

Drawweight said:

My Mrs got a new textile jacket to go pillion with me. Admittedly it wasn’t the most expensive jacket but it got good reviews.

However she complains it’s cold and the wind goes through it. I’ve never been much myself for layering up but would a good base layer help to keep her warmer and the wind out or do you think I should just bite the bullet and go shopping for a better jacket?

My thoughts are a base layer is good for keeping your temperature up but it wouldn’t prevent wind chill..am I wrong?

Not about the baselayer IMO - all she needs is a simple windproof thin lightweight jacket on top of her insulation, under the motorbike jacket.

I use cotton t-shirt>thin polyester or wool long sleeved top>windproof lightweight zip up>motorcycle jacket.

[OutInTheShed]

I've been riding 40 years, never heard of anyone selling a bike jacket that's not windproof, apart from Summer racing leathers.

In other outdoor activities/sports, good synthetic base layer next to the skin helps a lot, along with breathable top layer.
A lot of the problem is often sweating a bit, then being exposed to the cold. Avoid overheating before riding off.

Draughty collars are a killer, try neck tube type of thing, and/or buy jacket carefully with this in mind.
Likewise, clothing that doesn't overlap much at the waist, when you're in a riding position
Get someone to take a proper look when you're both on the bike?

Some people just get cold sat still for too long. Some of it's in the mind?
for some people eating the right amount of the right thing before or during matters, I've heard a few theories but maybe different things work for different people?

Thin waterproof over the top will often flap like crazy, which can be really irritating, and fatiguing on the arms.

You see some people on bikes with IJS -inflated jacket syndrome, a gale blowing through it somehow.
My wife wears my old Belstaff leather jacket, works for her, but to be fair, we don't aim to ride for hours at a stretch, or cover vast distances. 45 minutes on A & B roads, quick break, repeat.

[ReverendCounter]

OutInTheShed said:

Thin waterproof over the top will often flap like crazy, which can be really irritating, and fatiguing on the arms.

That's why I suggested a thin windproof under the motorcycle jacket - hate flappy gear as well, especially around the ankles.

[wa16]

https://baselayer.co.uk/

fill your boots

[TheThing]

Always used 151's. Good but don't last long if you use them everyday. Expect to replace every 6 months. If not then put a waterproof over the top of the jacket.

[Salted_Peanut]

black-k1 said:

no exposed skin around the neck will be way more efficient than multiple base layers.

While I find base layers help, I agree with black-k1 that a windproof neck buff makes more difference against the cold. (Most aren't windproof.) I've tried numerous neck tubes, but Klim's neck warmer is the best I've ever used – windproof yet soft, also comfy when it's warm. It was £15 well spent!

https://ruggedroads.co.uk/KLIM-Neck-armer