Modern Vespa

32 degrees this morning. Crispy! But I really needed to get my bike in for service so I geared up as best as I had: TourMaster Intake jacket, Polypropylene neck gaiter, Corazzo gauntlet gloves, and also my new F1 windscreen courtesy of Rob. No pants yet so just work slacks and my cowboy boots with thick socks.
First off - I didn't notice any blinking temp display and the bike showed 31 F on startup and never got over 33F even after 20 minutes of riding. No issues with brakes or front end lock and we did have frost - although I keep my bike covered. Bike actually handled smoother due no doubt to the greases being molasses consistency. I liked that part of it although it did seem reluctant to lean a few times. I'll write up more on my impressions of the F1 later with pics and measurements but for now let me say that I can see why Rob was concerned with how far back the screen extends. The performance was very good however - no wind on my body - the airstream hit the top of my helmet and produced a louder wind noise (more like a roar than a rush) but zero turbulence which was one of my gripes with the Givi. Very smooth ride. Not so good at keeping the wind of my hands and the Corrazzo gloves may go back as they did not perform any better than normal winter gloves - my fingers were the part of me that suffered worst - and that's saying something since I was only wearing slacks! At $60 I expect better. The Intake jacket performed way better than expected. The Intake is a mesh with armor jacket that is very comfortable in the heat. lets lots of air through. Then it has thin waterproof insert that zips in that works effectively to block air and water. The final insert is a padded thermal layer that quite frankly I didn't expect to do much. I was surprised to be perfectly toasty this dark brisk AM. My top speed was only 50 and I'm sure the F1 blocking the wind was a factor but nevertheless very pleased that nothing else will be required. I was looking at the Tourmaster pants that work the same way and was disappointed to discover that while the mesh zips up the side for easy donning, the inserts are one piece. So the quest continues for pants.
I want to leave with a comment about the neck gaiter - basically a tube top for your jaw and neck. I found mine in a mil surplus joint simply because they carry a lot of hunting gear - this isn't used or surplus in any way. There wasn't a company name on the product so I'll have to describe them. The material is a spongy sort of foam similar to what you'd see in a wetsuit buch much lighter and stretchier. Man is that puppy warm and windproof! They make longjohn pants and shirts out of the same material and I will be going back to get some for long rides in the cold. They also make Balaclavas which I may get since it also covers the mouth.

BubbaJon, I have the Tourmaster Venture Air pants, which match the Intake Air jacket. The liners' legs don't zip, but they are generously sized, so normal boots should probably fit through. I haven't tried that-I find it easer just to put boots on after the pants-but will do so and report back. BTW the waterproof liner can be used alone or with the insulated liner, but you can't use the insulated liner by itself. That hasn't been a problem.

I also recommend the Cortech Scarab winter glove. (There is also a Scarab R.R., not for winter.) I went a size up from usual so I'd be sure to have room for liners. My only complaint, and this is no fault of the Scarabs, is that my liners are made of the shiny space-age fabric that doesn't play well with Velcro, and the Scarabs have velcro in two spots. I just make sure to have both outer gloves on before I adjust the straps.

Polarfleece neck warmers and balaclavas rock! I can't use a standard balaclava because air leaks up and fogs my glasses, but Turtle makes a neck warmer with a thin skullcap that holds it up, and that works very well. I haven't seen a neoprene neck gaiter or balaclava. That sounds pretty good, especially if it has a thin layer of fleece inside like the Masque brand lower-face warmer.

Update, 10/30/2008: The rain liner has a zipper at the bottom, and the quilted warmth liner is split to allow it to open as far as the rain liner. However my boots won't fit through. Still I stand by my assertion that putting pants on over the boots isn't worth the trouble.