The relation between clothing thickness and cooling during motorcycling

Abstract

The relation between clothing thickness and the cooling rate of a single motorcyclist has been determined at air temperatures between — 1°C and 24°C. The importance of a windproof oversuit and helmet liner have been studied. The effect of a fairing on the motorcycle has been measured. Much thicker and more windproof clothing than is generally available is needed to maintain normal body temperature on an unfaired motorcycle in winter: a mean clothing thickness of 20 mm inside a windproof oversuit is needed at 5°C, but is only effective if sweat does not accumulate inside the clothing.

Keywords:

• Heat loss
• Clothing
• Air movements
• (Motorcyclists).