Motorcycle tours can be challenging, especially long-distance tours, because when you cover a huge distance over your motorcycle, you cover different types of terrain and weather conditions. This is especially true for India, as we all know that as the state changes, you will feel like you have entered a different country altogether.
Where there is not only a difference in the culture, language, and food, but you can also see the difference in weather conditions and landscape.
This is the reason why layering is the most important factor for motorcycle riders when it comes to long-distance motorcycle touring.
The concept of Layering
The concept of layering comes from the outdoor lifestyle universe, referred to in the groups of people who go for treks or scale the mountains. Throughout the overall expedition of trekking or mountaineering, you encounter different terrains, and the weather also changes from warm to cold weather to freezing or extreme cold as you move further and gain altitude.
So how is it related to motorcycle rides and tours?
See, the outdoor lifestyle and motorcycle lifestyle have two similarities despite being completely different forms of activities, and that similarity is the limitation of space of what you can carry.
Since motorcycle riding requires you to carry limited luggage and keep the weight to a minimum. Hence, instead of carrying different riding gear for different weather conditions, we always recommend using a kit that comes with different types of layers that you can wear on top of each other to achieve protection from the elements in an ever-changing weather scenario.
For example:
You can ride on a plain road where at one time it’s a happy sunny day, but after a few hours, the same sunny weather can turn into a raging downpour. Or when you’re in Ladakh and the Himalayas, the weather can be cold during the morning, evening, and night, but throughout the period from afternoon to evening, it can remain warm.
Hence the idea of layering quite simply is that you can add or subtract layers as you need to, ensuring that you remain consistently comfortable on and off your motorcycle.
The different types of layers that bikers need
Sequentially, for your upper body, these are the different types of layers you need when you are on the motorcycle tour.
- Base Layer
- Mid Layer
- Riding Jacket
- Outer Waterproof Layer
Then for the lower body, you need these layers mentioned below.
- Base Layer
- Riding Pant
- Outer Waterproof Layer
How do you wear layers?
Base Layer – You wear this directly on your skin, and it is mainly used in summer. This layer should be moisture-wicking, breathable, and quick-drying. In addition, it should also have an anti-bacterial coating that prevents the odor from building up.
Options like the Viaterra B100 Motorcycle base layer or Viaterra 2nd skin base layers come in this category. For colder weather, we recommend going for fleece base layers like the Viaterra B100 fleece base layers. These are made of thicker materials and have enough fleece lining that help retain the body heat.
Mid Layer: You wear this on top of the base layer. So, why the term mid-layer? That is because you need to wear a riding jacket on top of this. Midlayer is something that you need in fluctuating weather conditions. It makes it easy to add a layer of insulation and warmth under your riding jacket when it gets colder, and you can also simply take it off when it gets warmer.
Viaterra Boreal is a mid-layer that is made of thin but warm and stretchable material that does not add much bulk under your riding jacket, and it also does not compromise your mobility.
Riding Jacket: You wear this on top of the mid-layer, and the utility is obvious; it provides abrasion resistance and critical impact protection. Even if you do not choose any other layer, do not ever skip the safety and protection provided by the riding jacket.
Outer Waterproof Layer: A lightweight and durable waterproof jacket can be easily worn over your riding jacket. This is what will keep you dry when the rain comes down, and it will keep you warm when the weather gets cold. This waterproof shell or layer can also block wind and retain body heat.
If you are riding in extremely cold weather, you need to wear a fleece base layer, a Boreal mid-layer, a riding jacket, and your waterproof layer even when it is not raining. If you are using a purpose, build a midlayer made of high-quality material. This setup can keep you warm and comfortable.
What about the lower body?
For the lower body, a similar order can be used; you can go for the option of a summer base layer or a fleece base layer, depending on the weather, and then wear the protective riding pant itself and a waterproof outer shell or layer that does the same job for the lower body as the rain jacket does for your upper body.
One thing to note: instead of a mid-layer, it is always easy to use a fleece base layer in colder weather conditions because the riding pants tend to have less room for additional layering, and this also keeps your legs free to move.
Conclusion
The real benefit here is that you can try different types of permutations and combinations with the layers depending on your preference and your tolerance and make your ride more consistent and comfortable.
Check out our YouTube video for a better understanding of the product concept of layering while motorcycle riding - https://youtu.be/Ou13szjHDn8
FAQ: Pro Guide to Layering for Motorcycle Riders
Q: Is it always recommended to carry all the layers during a ride?
A: It depends on what kind of ride you are doing. So, if you are doing a ride with weather conditions that are warm or you are doing a summer ride, it is recommended to carry the B100 motorcycle base layer and 2nd skin base layer, but not the outer waterproof Shell. However, it is different from a Ladakh or Himalayan ride; you need to carry a mid-layer or, if possible, a waterproof layer as well.
Q: How many layers are usually recommended?
A: You need to wear at least 2 or 3 layers during the ride, as mentioned earlier; it completely depends on your ride requirements and weather conditions. You can try various different permutations and combinations.
Q: What are the different types of layers apart from the ones mentioned above?
A: Apart from the ones mentioned above, there is B100 Balaclava and Balaclava 2nd Skin, then there are waterproof knee socks, B100 fleece neck warmer, and much more.
