Winter face mask

[twocool]

Well the really cold weather has finally hit.....I figure I can do short rides if the temp is above 32F.

I just traded in my 3/4 helmet for a full face helmet, hoping it would be a little warmer....the trouble is the full face helmet is still open on the bottom and plenty of cold air gets to the neck and under the chin...

So I'm looking at some sort of face mask.   A full balaclava won't work for me, as the helmet is really tight to begin with, and the helmet manufacturer cautions about anything under the helmet.

So I'm looking at those cool face masks...neoprene..but just covering the face, or some just nose down...(some have skulls painted on them, some look like crash test dummies, etc)

But questions...how do you get your helmet on over them?  Or do you put the helmet on first?

I also wear glasses when riding, so a full face mask might be hard to get the glasses on?

What is everybody using??


Cookie

[tricky]

I have two helmets, I use the one with the chin curtain in the cold. It makes a huge difference. I also wear a neck gaiter, so everything from my jacket collar to chin is completely covered. It works well!

[Big Rich]

A lot of those neoprene masks are reversible- I have one of the "half skull" ones. And u can't remember what it's called.......but you can buy a elastic curtain that fits over your helmet. The hole on the bottom fits loosely around your neck to stop cold air from coming up. Check into some snowmobile clothes - they sell all kinds of stuff that should work.

And I know it's a real pita, but you can take your glasses off, put the helmet on, then squeeze your glasses back on. That's why I have a modular lid.

[mister]

Satin balaclava if it is really cold.

Neck warmers also work a treat. And have also used a folded bandana (cowboy style) just to stop the cold hitting my chin area.

Michael

[bryan88]

Someone gave me a knitted neck warmer, its kind of a polo-neck crossed with a bib, which works great. Put it on and then put your jersey and jacket on top of it. Doesn't ever get below 10 degrees C where I live though.

[fraze11]

I don't do alot of cold weather riding but when I do I throw this on.  This isnt mine exactly but its close (I got mine on ebay)  I find for me this works great and I usually thrown on a turtle kneck too...

http://zj-hongying.en.alibaba.com/product/468933353-212617411/MOTORCYCLE_FACE_MASK_TRIANGLE_HALF_HELMET_SHIELD.html

[gsJack]

When I bought my first bike in late July years ago at age 52 I got the winter layup insurance and an open face helmet but come November I had no intention of stopping riding so I changed my insurance to year around full coverage, bought a full face helmet and longjohns, and kept on going.  I've ridden year around since then going out whenever temps are above 20F and streets are free of ice and snow but not free of salt water.

I use to use a thin cotton belaclava over my face in freezing weather but discarded that a few years ago, just a full face helmet now and a couple turtle neck fleeces up around the neck under my riding jacket.  I wear eyeglasses too and coming to a stop in traffic I have to flip up the shield to prevent fogging eyeglasses and shield, my shield is always cracked open now regardless of temp. 

Time changes things a bit and I haven't gone out very much below freezing the past couple of years but I'm still out there.  Ambient temps use to determine my length of ride but age has now become a factor too, never have used electrics to keep warm.

[Tombstones81]

Also still have to buy something to keep my chin and neck warm from the cold wind.

Put my bike away to be worked on rather early but still went out in some mid 30s to mid 40s to and from work (night shift)
Since I didnt have Anything else yet, I simply used one of my bandannas.
Just folded it right, put it over my nose like im holding someone up hahaha and tucked the botton under the top of my jacket.
with a full face helmet

it kept me warm enough in rides less then an hour.
didnt go any longer then that to see if it would change tho.

[J_Walker]

Actually, If you know how to work a sewing machine, < Believe it or not my father thought me this one, The Military actually teaches you to sew... go to a thrift store, pick up one of those heavy sweaters get crafty and make something! I still have been meaning to do this. But remember... Wash it first, PLEASE.  Basically if you can find a turtle neck pick that up, also a wind breaker, That will cost you about a dollar or two.. take the turtle neck, flip it upside down, so you can turn the back of the shirt/front into a hood/strap. also im sure you have spare buttons somewhere, USe one of those to sew one half of the wind breaker on. It doesn't stretch, so the button makes it able for you to make sizes, for after those xmas dinners   Just basically get crafty. Lol or buy something.. idk I think 4 dollars in supply's VS 40 is a good deal. Maybe I'm just cheap?

[fraze11]

Making something is definately personally gratifying...but I literally paid <4 dollars for mine NEW (and that included shipping) ...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Colors-Warm-Neck-Face-Mask-Veil-Sport-Motorcycle-Ski-/190602479994?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&var=&hash=item7218553ef7

[Bluesmudge]

I just added this to one of my helmets this winter:

http://www.proline-sports.co.uk/acatalog/UK_Wind_jammer_21.html

Not only does it make the entire helmet much warmer but it also cuts down significantly on wind noise. I no longer have to wear ear plugs on the freeway to be comfortable although I still will on long trips. The only downside is that the shield fogs up quicker so you will needs to put some anti-fog product on the face shield.

[ASUDave]

I bought this this winter and love it!  It fits under my helmet, goes down under my jacket (so, no leakage) and can leave it around my neck, pull it up over my nose, or anywhere in between.

http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/body_shield/web1008352

[BaltimoreGS]

I use Seirus face masks, fit fine under a helmet.  Kay has a nice one that goes down her neck into her jacket.

-Jessie

[Shaddow]

I wear a full face with a Fogg Off Mask. Has a breathing tube in it to stop the helmet from fogging up.

[J_Walker]

Lets all put gas mask's on under our helmets, last time I checked, in -15 degree weather its still +100 in them? Plus no more breathing dangerous exhaust fumes.

[Dr.McNinja]

I use a balaklava right now. It's definitely overkill. A windproof neckguard would've been fine. My head doesn't get very cold, it's pretty much just my neck.

http://www.cyclegear.com/eng/product/balaclava/web1008338


These things are mostly for those people that LIKE looking retarded on their GS500 with a half/modular helmet. I have a full helmet, so there's absolutely no need for all the protection it provides. It is cozy however and redirects most of my breath down through my vest at higher speeds.

[SactoPat]

^^^Actually I like it. The only downside is that it limits your peripheral vision a little bit

[J_Walker]

^^^Actually I like it. The only downside is that it limits your peripheral vision a little bit

It's okay! Some people believe motorcycles are suppose to only go in a strait line at high rates of speed anyway!!!

[Dr.McNinja]

^^^Actually I like it. The only downside is that it limits your peripheral vision a little bit

Not really. You tuck back the sides into your helmet (you sized it right, didn't you?) and they'll stay there.

[Grommett2k]

What brand of helmet? I have a Scorpion and they sell a little chin flap that is removable. Perhaps your helmet mfr has something similar.