If you decided not to put your motorcycle into winter storge or you’re bringing it out of storage a bit early, you are probably planning to ride your motorcycle in cooler weather. But, did you know riding your motorcycle in cold weather takes a little more preparation than just throwing on a jacket, helmet, and boots and hitting the road? It’s essential to wear the proper gear for keeping you warm and safe during your ride.
Start with Basic Layers: Moisture Wicking Apparel
Wearing moisture-wicking basic layers is so important to have in your wardrobe if you plan to ride in cold weather. The point of basic layers is that they simply fit underneath your gear, add an extra layer, and are made of materials that manage moisture. Having basic layers that wick moisture away will keep you drier and thus help keep you warmer.
You don’t necessarily have to wear moisture-wicking base layers for every part of your body, but we do recommend at least wearing a base layer shirt & pants, as well as thermal socks.
Next Up: Insulated Riding Gear
Kind of self-explanatory, but insulated gear is extremely important because it helps insulate your body temperature keeping you warm. Wearing insulated gear like bibs, jackets, gloves, masks, and much more is a sure-fire way of keeping you warm while riding in cold weather.
Of Course, You Need: Basic Riding Gear
When doing any kind of riding, you’ll always want to be wearing basic riding gear like helmets and gloves. But for cold-weather riding, you’ll maybe need these things to be adapted for the cold.
Cold-weather helmets should have a full-face shield (ideally with a no-fog feature) and a thermal liner. An example would be the Scorpion Cold Weather EXO-AT950. These helmets are perfect for riding in colder temperatures with their no-fog face shield and Kwikwick® II washable anti-microbial comfort liner.
If you want to use goggles, we recommend goggles with a dual-pane lens. Although used primarily by snowmobilers, double pane goggles prevent the goggles from fogging up.
Gloves should be cold-weather gloves to provide warmth, comfort, and protection all in one. You’ll absolutely need a pair of winter gloves to keep your hands warm. It goes without saying… your hands are extremely exposed when riding. Could you imagine having the cold air on them for the entire ride?
Optional, But Smart: Heated Gear and Accessories
Although optional, heated gear and accessories are extremely handy for riding in colder temperatures. There is a lot of heated gear on the market, but we’d definitely recommend getting a few staples such as heated gloves, heated shoe insoles, and a heated jacket. Be sure to check out all the heated apparel Motomentum offers!
Forgotten Needs: Don’t Forget This One
After you have yourself dressed and ready to go, you may notice your neck is completely exposed. Products like neck warmers and balaclavas will provide insulation and protection from the elements and cold air.
Bundling up to go play in the snow is much different from needing to bundle up to ride your motorcycle in the cold weather. So be sure to follow our tips and get yourself the cold-weather riding gear you need!
What are your cold-weather riding essentials? Comment below and let us know!
