Welcome to the fascinating world of motorcycles. You've either got a bike, or are obsessing about getting one, and probably have several different reasons for getting it . . . but let's face it-for all their practicality, motorcycles are just plain fun.

You can rationalize all you want about their good mileage, inexpensive operation, etc, but the irrational reason is that there's almost nothing more exhilarating or exciting than a great ride on a good bike.

But the overall pleasure and enjoyment you get from riding is strongly influenced by the mechanical and performance characteristics of your bike, and how comfortable you feel while you're out for a ride. If you're uncomfortable because your bike's not set up right, you haven't prepared, or your gear is all wrong, you won't enjoy the ride.

Let's talk about the things that affect your comfort - things that can ruin your day, make you stop riding, or give up the sport.

Of course it's obvious, but it's worth repeating that while riding a bike, not only you are enjoying the great outdoors, you're exposed to changing weather conditions that can change rapidly. As you travel, the local air temperature changes as you ride behind tall buildings, under trees, through tunnels and behind mountains.

You don't notice this much when traveling by car, because you aren't directly exposed to the passing wind stream and micro-currents. When you do feel it, without giving it much thought, you roll the windows up or down, or turn on the heater or air conditioner. Many newer cars have climate controls that don't require you to make any changes to maintain your comfort level.

On a motorcycle, your personal environment is what you make it. Unless you've given this some careful thought and done some advance planning and preparation, your squishy pink body will be affected by too many changes. Probably the most common is that you get real cold.