2 questions for new motorcycle rider?
 

I have a 600cc Katana. I have only riden for the summer, but I would like to continue to ride in the winter.My first question... what is the best leg gear to wear in cold weather? Are chaps appropriate for a sports bike? Are there alternatives (because I work in an office environment that requires kakis)?Second question. Sometimes when I down shift while applying my back brakes, I believe that my back tire skids for a split second. Is this normal?

Hello,I rode for several winters. I always liked wearing a big set of one piece coveralls, like Carharts. I bought them large enough to wear something under it, like a heavy sweatshirt. This way my clothes stayed nice for work, and I stayed reasonably warm. Hey, if it snows, park the bike! A little chirp out of the back wheel under those conditions is ok. You could try being a little softer on the clutch, or downshifting a little later. Sounds like you are a new rider, please, be safe!

First of all you can buys all sorts of "Arctic gear" for cold weather riding. Secondly, your depressing the rear brake pedal too hard, let up on it.

a padded nylon suit is the warmest and you lock the back wheel because you are changing down at to high a speed

you are over using the rear brake like a lot of noobs do... learn to use more front brake. Should be using like 80% front and 20% rear

OK first chaps are the best protection from wind and cold and are perfectly OK for a sports bike. second you are down shifting at to high of an RPM causing the motor to lock up your back tire this is very dangerous it can cause your bike to go into a UN controlled slide try letting the RPM's come down a bit more you should have better control also look into a softer compound tire for more grip my son-in law has same bike as you and is experiencing the same problem good luck be safe

Leather, then a winter suit, I'd rather sweat than bleed !(2) Do not use rear brake on street, 90% of braking force is in the front, the bike won't turn while skidding, Most crashes can be avoided by just letting off that rear brake, then the bike will turn, If you run off the road and you are in the dirt then use the rear brake only, front will tuck under in the dirt, take a MSF class, and also learn the lock up point of front brake @ 5mph in a parking lot!