Re: Eric, now look what you have made me do...
Amigo! Why do you need heated gear? You live in Florida. How are the winters there?
I was in Orlando and St. Augustine beginning of October and weather was pretty good. Even at night, the temperature didn't drop too low. I was so jealous. I live in northern NJ and the temperatures in Fall and Winter aren't too kind.
How does a winter look like in Florida?
During winter, we'll get an occasional drop into the 20's F. I'll wear my heavy leather coat probably 3-4 months a year. Short of a northern road trip, I'll use the heated gear again, probably 3-4 times a year. 40's is not unusual, add in
wind chill when at speed, now your near the lower teens temp wise...
On a road trip coming back from Tennessee, during late fall, it was so cold (mid 30's-not counting wind chill). I was on my 04 FJR (known for excesssive engine heat). We'd stop for fuel, and
I'd literally be shivering, just unplugging for that 15 minute stop.. Plug back in, crank her up,
while waiting for my riding buddy, I was HOT and had to turn the controller down before I left the parking lot.
Re the hurricanes, yes their a PIA, but you can
see them coming days ahead of time and get ready for them. I have two generators and can run everything but the main house A/C unit. I have a portable (on wheels) A/C unit for in the house that works fine with the generator. Also have a window A/C unit in the garage wall just as back up (or should I have to do something and its way too hot during a summer, middle of the day).
I've made
one claim since 1985 for damage (Hurricane Charlie that hit Miami) took some soffit out and part of my original (needed replacement anyway) flat patio tar paper... The last couple of years, one close call, but nothing to speak of (knock on wood).
I grew up on Long Island NY, saw feet of snow until we moved (at about 20 years old), and I do NOT MISS the snow and the cold weather. 365 days of riding,
no problem. Yes, the roads are pretty flat, but the Smokie Mountains (the Dragon) are 14 hours away. Nothing a road trip can't fix during the summer... :thumbup:
Back to the subject, when I was still working, I rode my 1989, Kawasaki KLR 250 approx 10 years, year round, back and forth to work (75 MPG). I wish I had heated gear then during winter. Leaving at 6:00AM, during the dead of winter, it
was friggin cold. The ride home, no problem..
My old FJR, on a road trip in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee, Cherohola Parkway as I re-call..
