are handlebar muffs any good ?

[Dan79]

I am considering getting a set of handlebar muffs for winter riding to keep my hands warm.
However my main concern with handlebar muffs would be safety, in terms of being able to withdraw gloved hands rapidly from the muffs when required. Secondly, I would be concerned whether the muffs would interfere with any of the switch controls - as no bike shops locally seem to stock the things I have been unable to look at them, and have only been able to look at pictures.
Has anybody tried these things and have an opinion on whether they are a good idea or not, and if so which of the various types are better.

Thank you

[27cows]

Decent quality muffs are great and there's no real safety issue.

I'm using some like this for current winter: https://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-NEOPRENE-100-WATERPROOF-UNIVERSAL-HANDLEBAR-MUFFS_W0QQitemZ230317307543QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Motorcycle_Parts?hash=item359ffb3697 Not what I'm used to but they're proving to be extremely good so far.

[Alexio]

All I can say is, don't buy cheap muffs

I've just gone a couple hundred miles with a £20 pair that were only really wind and rain protection (no extra thermal stuffs), operated my clutch and brake every single time I hit 60MPH, slowed me down normally to 55MPH (it's only a 125, aerodynamics are important!), made controlling the thing really quite difficult - I was constantly fighting to use the indicator, pressing the horn instead and fighting to use my levers - and finally it was cold when I rode back yesterday so every time I had to stop at the lights I needed to open my visor or I could see NOTHING.... which meant constantly pulling my hands in and out which were a nightmare.

I'm surprised I made it back alive with so little visibility, poor controls and oh so slippery. Not to mention the actual fog and torrential rain I ran in to on the twisties of the A21. I ended up taking them off about 50 miles from home. It made the rest of the trip a lot more enjoyable even with numb hands.

Saying that, when I used them 5 days ago while it was below zero, I couldn't ride with out them but i just took it easy. If I experience a better pair of muffs soon I shall let you know. I'm thinking hand guards / fairing type thingies are the better way to go though.
____________________
will never give up his CG. I look at my fuel gauge more as a progress bar than a fuel gauge.
G: With my GSXR I do often effectively use it as a scooter with a clutch in town.
ms51ves3: why does it need 500 miles? Are you teaching it how to be a piston?

[Dan79]

[GSF Jamie 600]

They do the job but you look a complete prat using them lol.
Have you considered heated grips? Bit more expensive, but more discreet

[27cows]

[kawakid]