Much as we may not to admit it just yet, for those of us who ride motorcycles, it's time to start thinking about cold-weather riding. That means gearing up properly with equipment that's made primarily for riding in fall and winter. After all, getting caught in an unexpected pocket of cool weather while out on a ride is one thing, but if you actively plan to shun winter perils and ride on through cold months, you’d better prepare.
Indeed, cold weather motorcycle gear falls into the category of "better to have and not use than need and not have." For instance, heated gear may seem like the type of extra luxury you’ll never need...but the truth is, once you have it and use it, you’ll never go back to a life without.
Luckily, we're here to help. From the helmet and top layers to toasty heated base layers, these are some of the essentials you’ll want when you ride through the coldest months of the year.
The Best Motorcycle Riding Gear for Cold Weather
AGV AX9 Antarctica Helmet
Price: $549.95
One of the brand’s most multi-faceted helmets thanks to a removable visor and shield, the AX-9 can be configured in four different ways, depending on the terrain or weather you encounter. Its neck roll plays a key role in keeping water out, too.
Klim Kaos Jacket
Price: $329.99–$359.99
If you want to stay warm without feeling bulky, the Klim Kaos might be just the jacket for you. A Gore-Tex shell over 3m Thinsulate insulation means it can withstand cold, wind and rain with aplomb. And if black and gray isn't your thing, don't worry — it comes in blue and orange versions.
REV’IT! Neptune 2 GTX Jacket
Price: $599.99
The REV’IT! Neptune 2 GTX Jacket is designed for year-round riding. It features adjustable vents and removable Gore-Tex and thermal liners for wet and cold weather. The outer shell is an abrasion-resistant, high-density polyester with Teflon coating, plus a Teflon coated polyester ripstop over the shoulders for ultimate protection.
Alpinestars Andes Drystar Jacket
Price: $269.95
Alpinestars is a respected name in the motorcycle gear world for good reason. If you need a solid, waterproof multi-season jacket to serve as your first line of defense against the winter chill, you could do far worse than this one.
Gerbing 12V Heated Jacket Liner
Price: $249.99
When the cold weather rolls in, it’s paramount to keep your core warm. The Gerbing 12V Heated Jacket Liner easily connects to your bike’s battery so you never have to worry about D-cell batteries running out of juice when you need the heat.
Rev’It Neptune 2 GTX Pants
Price: $469.99
Rev’It Neptune 2 GTX Pants are constructed from the same materials as the jacket above, and come with the same level of protection. Match the jacket with the pants to make use of the circumferential zipper connecting the two halves to form a modular one-piece suit that keeps out the wind and water.
Gerbing 12V Heated Pant Liner
Price: $199.99
The Gerbing 12V Heated Pant Liner can connect to the Gerbing Jacket liner above, and uses the same micro-wiring system to keep your hips and legs warm at any speed. Also, like the jacket liner, the pants can reach 134º F.
Alpinestars Tech Layer Top
Price: $149.95
Of course, a jacket isn't always enough to keep you toasty when the mercury really drops. That's where adding layers beneath it, like this moto-minded fleece, comes into play.
Forma Adventure Boot
Price: $279.00
When it comes to cold weather riding boots, it’s important to balance comfort and insulation with mobility. You can make sure your toes never know what temperature it is outside with a full-on snowmobile boot, but chances are you wouldn’t be able to feel the foot controls either. The Forma Adventure represents that middle ground, featuring the protection and weather resistance of full-height ADV boots and the flex of a road boot.
Alpinestars Open Face Motorcycle Balaclava
Price: $24.95
When it gets really cold, odds are good you'll want a little more insulation for your head than just your helmet can provide. That's where this balaclava comes in.
Spidi Winter Tourer Gloves
Price: $69.90
Motorcycle commuting can be delightful, but come the cold months, it can feel more troublesome. These microfleece / microsuede gloves aren't just warm, waterproof and windproof — they also let you operate touchscreens without taking them off.
Tour Master Synergy 2.0 Heated Gloves
Price: $161.49
If your bike doesn’t come with heated grips, or if installing a set is something you’d rather not do, a good pair of heated gloves can be just as effective. The Tour Master Synergy 2.0 Heated Gloves can be worn with or without other Tourmaster heated gear and use sensors to keep a constant and regulated temperature. Five different temperature settings range from 107.6º–134.6º Fahrenheit. The leather outer shell and breathable waterproof lining help seal in warmth and keep out cold without overcooking your hands.
Bike Master Heated Grips
Price: $53.99+
Heated grips are a nice luxury to have when, say, you forget heated gloves or temperatures drop unexpectedly — something is better than nothing. Heated grips are becoming an increasingly more popular option on adventure and touring bikes. But if your bike isn’t outfitted from the factory with them, worry not: the Bike Master Heated Grips boast a universal fit and are easily installed.
Symtec Heat Demon Seat Warmer Pad
Price: $79.95
A heated seat is one of those things you’ll never want to live without...once you’ve tried it. The Symtec Heat Demon Seat Warmer Pad helps warm those last square inches on a chilly ride.
