How to Stay Warm Riding a Motorcycle in the Winter

As soon as temperatures start dropping, riders start dreading. Going numb from frigid winds. Shivering down the highway. Losing concentration from deep chills. Not exactly a fun time.

How to stay warm riding a motorcycle in the winter? With the right gear and techniques, you can stay toasty warm all winter long. We’re talking about riding in total comfort, while staying warm.

We’ll break down everything you need to know to beat the cold weather riding blues. The layering system, wind-proofing, and heated gear that locks in precious warmth. Tips for keeping your extremities nice and toasty. The ultimate winter riding survival guide!

How to Stay Warm Riding a Motorcycle in the Winter

To stay warm when riding in winter, you must layer up yourself from head to toe. We’ve suggested the kind of clothes and gear you should use during a cold weather ride.

Base Layers for Winter Riding

When it comes to staying warm on the bike, we always start with the base layer. This first layer worn next to your skin needs to keep you dry and regulate your body temperature.

Cotton, as we all know, is a big no-no for motorcycle gear. Once cotton gets wet, it stays wet. And wet cotton will suck the heat right out of your body. Not what we want on a cold winter ride!

Instead, look for a synthetic or merino wool base layer. These materials wick moisture away from your skin and breathe extremely well. Even if you work up a sweat, the moisture gets wicked to the surface where it can evaporate. Your base layer stays dry against your skin.

We’re huge fans of merino wool for motorcycle base layers. Merino is soft, comfortable and naturally odor resistant – handy when you’re wearing it for hours on end! It provides excellent insulation, trapping your body heat close to your skin. And it maintains these magical properties even when wet.

For winter riding, look for a lightweight merino piece in the 150-200 gram weight range. Any heavier and you may overheat. Going super lightweight helps regulate your temp.

Synthetics like polyester or nylon work well too. Just avoid anything cheap that could make you clammy. And stay far away from cotton!

A good merino or synthetic base layer is essential as your foundation. It keeps you dry and comfortable, optimizing your natural warmth. Plus it allows your mid and outer layers to work more effectively.

Now let’s talk about those mid layers and how to use them strategically with your base….

Mid Layers for Winter Riding

Now that we’ve got a solid base layer, let’s talk mid layers. This is where the real magic of layering comes into play.

The key is to create air gaps between your base layer and mid layer. It’s in these air pockets that your natural body heat gets trapped, keeping you insulated.

Adding a mid layer also allows you to better regulate your temperature. Got too hot? Shed the mid layer for a while. Feeling a chill? Throw it back on. Versatility is the name of the game.

For mid layer materials, you’ve got lots of excellent options:

• Fleece – Tried and true fleece is warm, breathable and lightweight. It makes a great active mid layer that wicks moisture. Easy to toss on or take off.
• Primaloft – This synthetic insulation mimics down feathers. It’s highly compressible and maintains warmth even when wet. A great option for a lightweight, packable mid layer.
• Down – Nothing beats real goose or duck down for sheer warmth and comfort. The only catch is if it gets wet, you lose all insulation. Save down for dry days.
• Wool – Merino wool makes a fantastic mid layer, providing warmth and odor control. Combine it with a merino base layer for dual woolly warmth!

The thickness of your mid layer will depend on the conditions. For cold winter riding, consider a heavier fleece or thick wool jumper. On crisp fall days, a lightweight down vest could do the trick.

Mix and match your mid layers depending on the weather to create the ideal air gaps for keeping you nice and toasty. With the right combo, you’ll stay comfy and protected from the elements.

Now, let’s move on to the all-important outer shell layer….

Outer Shell Clothing for Winter Riding

The outermost layer is absolutely critical for blocking wind chill and keeping you warm. We cannot emphasize enough the importance of a windproof and waterproof outer shell.

Let’s talk wind chill. Essentially, wind chill is the air movement that carries heat away from your body. The faster you ride, the greater the wind chill effect.

For example, even if the actual air temp is a mild 50°F, at 70mph that’ll feel like 30°F wind chill. Without protection, you’ll get mighty cold mighty quick.

Enter the windproof, waterproof outer shell. This layer acts like a magical force field, blocking the wind from penetrating your layers.

Modern motorcycle jackets use a waterproof, breathable membrane like GoreTex to achieve this wind blocking superpower. The membrane stops wind dead in its tracks while allowing sweat vapor to escape.

Trust us, even on a dry day, having a quality 3-layer jacket with a waterproof membrane will make a huge difference in warmth. Wind chill is no joke!

Now, for extra insurance against cold, we recommend stashing an extra windproof layer in your gear bag. This could be something as simple as a lightweight windbreaker or emergency rain jacket.

If you really start to feel the chill on a long ride, you can quickly throw on this extra wind barrier mid-journey. It provides supplementary armor against wind penetration.

With a solid waterproof, breathable outer shell, plus an extra wind layer, you’ll be prepared to battle cold winds and stay toasty warm.

Covering Hands and Feet During Winter Riding

Hands and feet are prone to freezing first, so protecting them is a top priority.

Starting with our paws, the best way to stay toasty is heated grips. They deliver constant, glorious warmth right to your frozen phalanges. For real cold days, crank them up to high heat.

If your bike didn’t come equipped, look into getting a heated grip kit installed. It’s one of the best cold weather upgrades around.

For additional hand protection, upgrade your regular gloves to heavyweight winter gauntlets. Look for models with extra insulation and coverage.

You could even do the whole mittens thing for maximum warmth. Sure, mittens look goofy but your hands will thank you!

Now for the feetsies. Squishing your piggies into a pair of wool socks acts like a warm hug. Merino wool is best for moisture wicking.

Then, slip your woolie-wrapped feet into a pair of sturdy, waterproof boots. The waterproofing prevents dreaded wet socks syndrome.

Some hardcore riders even opt for electric heated insoles for the ultimate in toasty toes. Slip them under your regular footwear liner and get ready for sweet, sweet warmth.

Protecting Head and Neck During Winter Riding

Starting up top, your dome is already fairly protected by your trusty motorcycle helmet. But for truly frigid temps, adding a balaclava underneath takes things to the next level.

A balaclava covers your whole head and neck with a single warm layer. It keeps cold air from sneaking in through chin vents or collar gaps.

Look for a lightweight balaclava that fits comfortably under your lid. Merino wool or fleece offer warmth without bulk.

For milder days, a simple neck warmer is ideal. Made of synthetic fleece or merino wool, these tubes cover your neck while allowing helmet room.

PRO TIP: Look for a neck warmer with a tall collar or gaiter to seal out wind. The extra coverage makes a difference when the mercury drops.

Another option is a simple scarf or shemagh. Wrap it snugly around your neck, but not so tight that it constricts your helmet fit.

Any of these neck-focused options will go a long way toward keeping your upper body warm. Preventing chilled air from hitting your neck really helps maintain core temperature.

Finish things off by sealing your jacket collar securely. Then get out and ride knowing your dome and neck are bundled up!

Winter Riding Heated Gear to Use

Heated gloves, jackets, socks – they generate constant, glorious warmth that courses through your entire body. Like sitting fireside after a long day’s ride.

Simply plug them into your bike’s battery and select your desired temp. The heating elements woven inside the gear do the rest.

Installing a heated jacket or gloves is super easy these days too. The controller wires neatly into your bike’s power source. Then sync it to the gear with some quick couplings. That’s pretty much it!

Now, we know some old school riders still scoff at heated gear. The macho “just tough it out” mentality. But why be miserable when you could stay warm?

Riding tense and shivering distracts from the road. Heated gear provides deep warmth that helps you concentrate on the ride. Safety first!

Plus, technology has advanced to make heated gear slim and discreet. Far from the bulky cord days of yore. It flows seamlessly with your layering system.

Take it from us, heated gear is a total game changer for cold weather riding. Dial in your perfect temp and hit the road in comfort.

Additional Tips for Riding in Cold Weather

We’ve covered the core layers and gear needed to stay warm on your motorcycle. Now here are some final tips and tricks:

• Stay dry at all costs. Wet = cold. Repel rain with waterproof outerwear and boot covers. Avoid cotton that soaks up moisture.
• The more windproofing, the better. Stash an extra windproof layer for when things get extra gnarly. Block wind penetration through jacket vents too.
• Handguards or bark busters help seal out wind chill on handlebars. They also give your hands a bit of a cocoon for warmth.
• Toss some chemical hot packs in your gloves or pockets for emergency warmth. When in doubt, grab a pack and activate for instant heat.
• Tuck your pant legs into boots rather than over. This seals out any sneaky wind gusts trying to nip at your ankles.
• Wear a balaclava under your helmet for full head and neck coverage. Eliminate gaps where cold air can creep in.
• Shoot for fleece or wool liners in your gloves. Avoid bulky insulation that restricts dexterity.
• Stay hydrated and fueled on long rides. Your body needs resources to generate warmth.

Layer up, gear up, and use these tips to your advantage. You’ll be winter ready for maximum comfort and safety this season.

FAQs About How to Stay Warm Riding a Motorcycle in the Winter