Cold Weather Gear for Motorcycles

Riding in the winter does not have to be cold or uncomfortable

I often get questions for curious non-riders and even bikers during the winter especially when I ride in the mountains. Recently I have gotten more inquires as to how I stay warm on long winter motorcycle trips beyond 100 or 200 miles. It is my hope this article will help others enjoy riding during the winter.

The first key is layering. However what you layer is just as important. Cotton is not your friend during the winter especially for base layers. The best layering will be of no help if you wear cotton next your skin and sweat or get wet from rain. Cotton loses its insulating properties when wet and holds many times its own weight of water. Base layers of polypro (Polypropylene) and wool work best to keep your skin warm and dry.

The first base layers should be followed by polar fleece a light weight synthetic for warmest results. Finally you need an effective shell to stop the wind and water. Ideally the out shell should be breathable as well as waterproof. Gortex riding suits are very effective and some have kevlar and padding in the event of a crash. Heavy leather is another option but cheap leathers of summer leathers are little help in the winter. A quality gortex riding suit or quality leathers are both substantial investments.

Keeping your extremities warm begins by keeping you core warm. Your body will direct blood away from your arms and legs if the head or chest begin to lose warmth. Keeping your feet warm and dry can be obtained by careful layering. A think polypro sock under two thick wool socks will work down to single digits even without insulated boots. However a high quality pair of riding boots in very important for a final layer for your feet. Forget about style and get a good pair of boots; the boots Harley sells are unlikely to work in the cold in addition to being grossly over priced for what you get.

Keeping you hands warm is also accomplished by effective layering; one pair of gloves will not do an adequate job of keeping your hands warm. One or more glove liners should be worn with an insulated glove. While synthetic gloves might be warm they are not much help in a crash; I speak from personal experience. However a good pair of insulated leather gloves can be covered by a pair of insulated triple digit glove covers. Brake levels and clutch levels are easier to manipulate with triple digit covers than mittens.

Don't forget you head and neck. A good full face helmet will help keep your head warm even at interstate speeds. However you may wish to add a balaclava under the helmet for more extreme temperatures. A fleece neck gator is always a good idea during the winter. Major arteries and veins are near the surface of your neck and a potential heat sink.

Some products I have found to be effective for use in cold weather on motorcycles include: One Piece Roadcrafter, TLTec Fleece Pants, TLTec Fleece Sweater, Insulated Elk Skin Gauntlets, Insulated Triple Digit Glove Covers, Combat Touring Boots, Wigwam Wool Socks, and various brands and weights of polypro undergarments.

If you have questions about cold weather riding or gear please use the contact button below. Vendors are welcomed to submit products for testing.