Best Cold-Weather Gear for Adventure Motorcycle Riding

Got your top-notch cold-weather gear for adventure motorcycle riding yet?

Riding a motorcycle can excite you in any season. But cold weather brings its own set of hurdles.

When you ride in cold conditions, you need to pay extra attention to your gear, technique, and safety. This does not matter whether you're tackling tough trails cruising scenic roads, or exploring far-off places.

The proper riding gear for winter days is crucial for your cold-weather ride. They can not just keep you warm but also ensure your safety and comfort. Besides, it will help you handle the icy temps, wind chill, and unpredictable weather.

This article talks about the top cold-weather equipment for adventure motorcycle riding. We'll start by looking at the must-haves like clothes and safety gear. After that, we'll give you some handy advice on how to deal with the tough parts of riding in winter.

What Are The Best Cold-Weather Gear for Adventure Motorcycle Riding?

1. Mastering Cold Weather Outfits: Why Layering Rocks

wear essential winter motorcycle riding layers

To keep warm on winter rides piling on multiple layers rocks as your first move. The goal is to hold in your body heat with several garments while letting sweat out.

Here's a rundown of the essential pieces for your outfit.

Base Layer (Keeps You Dry)

Your base layer is super important in your cold-weather motorbike kit.

Materials that keep moisture away, like merino wool or man-made fibers (like polyester), stand out when choosing base layers and long johns. They're stellar at keeping your body temp just right.

The base layer's got this cool advantage - it yanks sweat off your skin so you stay dry and don't lose body heat.

You shouldn’t grab cotton for your base layers though. They just suck up moisture and can leave you feeling chilly.

Mid Layer (Insulation)

Your mid-layer is like your personal heater - it traps warmth to keep you cozy.

You could rock a fleece jacket, a down vest, or a synthetic thermal jacket. If you wanna keep it chill, a flannel shirt does the trick as a mid-layer too.

What you want is a mid-layer that’s a pro at holding onto your body heat and tells the cold to back off.

Outer Layer (Windproof & Waterproof)

Now, the outer layer - that's your armor. It’s what you need to stay winning against wind, rain, snow, and all that other gnarly stuff.

Scout for a winter riding jacket that's top-notch in quality and keeps out water and wind—think waterproof and wind-resistant.

Jackets made of Gore-Tex stand out since they let your skin breathe and block rain . Choosing a softshell kind gives you solid guard against weather and the bonus of moving easy.

Also super important, make sure your top layer lets air through. You gotta stay cool to stop from getting too hot or sweaty inside.

Layer-up Smart:

• A solid tip is making sure you're snug and toasty just hanging around. That's the sweet spot for when you're on the bike.
• Skip piling on too many layers; this could make moving tough and mess with your coziness.

2. Must-Have Winter Motorcycle Jacket

winter motorcycle jacket

An awesome winter motorcycle jacket tops the list as a must-have when you're gearing up for a chilly ride.

To kick things off, it needs to keep you toasty as you cruise in the cooler temps.

Plus, it's gotta have your back with solid protection from scrapes and smacks.

Essential Things to Scope Out in Top-Notch Frosty Motorcycle Gear:

• Insulation: Look for coats that boast built-in cozy fill or zip-in liners. These brilliant add-ons let you tweak your warmth as the climate does its thing.
• Waterproofing: You gotta face the fact; winter treks mean squaring off with rain or snow. Scoop up a jacket that laughs in the face of water or snag one with a liner that doesn't mind a downpour.
• Ventilation: Jackets kitted out with vents you can mess with are top notch. Crank them open or slam them shut based on how hot or chilly you feel keeping your comfort game on point when the ride stretches out.
• Armor: Hunt down gear that sports CE-rated armor covering your shoulders, elbows, and spine. When it's frosty and the road's playing it slick extra padding's your best bud for those just-in-case tumbles.
• Stands Out in the Dark: Grab jackets that come with shiny parts so you're easier to spot when it gets dark, like on those short winter days.

Hot picks for chilly rides – moto jackets that'll keep you toasty are:

• REV'IT! Offtrack Jacket
• Klim Badlands Pro Jacket
• Alpinestars Andes V3 Jacket

3. Riding Pants for the Winter

prepare riding pants for the winter

Sure, the jacket's got your back, but that's not gonna cut it when you're cruising in the frosty air. Remember to kit out your legs with some winter riding trousers or pants made for the icy temps.

These bad boys deliver the triple threat – they're warm, they guard you, and they're snug on your legs.

Your bike pants gotta have the tough stuff sewn in – we're talking armor for your hips, knees, and thigh areas, 'cause let's face it, winter roads can be downright brutal.

Keep Your Eyes Peeled for These Key Bits When Picking Out Winter Riding Trousers:

• Detachable Thermal Layers: Trousers that let you pull out the warm lining rock for staying comfy in different cold levels.
• Keeping Water Out: Make sure your trousers won't let in water. You don't wanna get your legs all soggy and in the snow or when it pours! Stuff like Gore-Tex is what the fancy riding clothes use to keep you dry.
• Making Moves and Staying Bendy: Hunt for trousers that give you a little stretch or have knees that bend easy. Trust me, you'll wanna move around without feeling all stiff when you're out there braving the cold.

Trousers That Rock for Freezing Temps:

• Klim Latitude Pants
• Dainese Carve Master 2 Pants
• Rev'it! Sand 4 Pants

4. Chilly Weather Riding Gloves

winter riding gloves

Riding on frosty days makes your hands extra prone to the chill. Thus, splurging on top-notch winter gloves is a must.

Winter riding gloves need to juggle keeping warm easy movement, and safeguarding your hands.

Features to Choose in Gloves:

• Thermal Insulation: Scour the market for mitts sporting thermal insulators like Thinsulate or PrimaLoft. They're toasty yet not bulky. You can't go wrong picking ones with a fleece lining for extra heat.
• Waterproofing: You want gloves that'll stop your hands from getting soggy and . Aim for those with a Gore-Tex or similar water-resistant layer.
• Grip and Control: When you're out there with your bike, getting a solid grip on stuff like the throttle, brake, and clutch matters big time. Go for gloves that offer a solid grip and ample insulation. They should be your main thing to think on when shopping around. Extended Cuffs: Gloves designed like gauntlets boasting lengthy cuffs to overlap your jacket sleeves, serve well too. They're great at blocking the chill's sneaky entrance.

Suggestions for Cold-Weather Gloves:

• Held Cold Champ Gloves
• Klim Adventure GTX Gloves
• Alpinestars Arctic Drystar Gloves

5. Cold-Weather Boots

cold-weather boots

In chilly weather, your feet can get pretty cold so keep them well-protected.

The main purpose of riding boots should be to keep warm, make sure they're waterproof, and offer safety.

Also, if you're going on long distance rides, you'll need your boots to be pretty comfy.

Boots With These Qualities Are Smart Picks:

• Warmth in Boots: Pick boots with Thinsulate or something similar inside them. They'll ensure your feet stay warm but still let you move .
• Keeping Feet Dry: It's a must to have something like Gore-Tex to make sure water stays out. Go for waterproof boots when you're out in snow, rain, or just plain wet spots.
• Guarding Your Toes and Ankles: When your ride takes you off the beaten path, boots with tough toe and ankle guards are a big deal.
• Not Slipping Around: Since it gets real slick in the cold, you'll want boots that have a tough sole with good grip.

Top Picks for Boots When It's Freezing:

• Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex Boots
• Alpinestars Tech 7 Boots
• Forma Adventure Boots

Think about grabbing boot covers to keep extra warm and dry in severe chill and dampness.

6. Winter Helmet Tips for Chilly Times

winter helmet

A helmet is crucial for shielding you from the nippy air. Thus making sure get your head well protected with a winter helmet is a must.

Helmets built for the frosty weather should provide ways to tweak air flow fits, and a reduction in how much the wind howls.

Elements Worth Checking Out:

• Fight Visor Fog: When it’s chilly out, your visor might start to mist up. You should go after helmets with built-in anti-fog tech or grab some anti-fog inserts. Lots of winter headgear comes ready with nifty anti-fog solutions.
• Chin Blocker: Hooking up a chin curtain makes sure the nippy breeze doesn’t sneak into your helmet and it'll keep your mug toastier.
• Cozy Helmet Padding: Nailing down a helmet that boasts a chunkier padding or one that lets you swap out liners is smart. You'll snag way better snugness against the frost.
• Layer Up Visors with Pinlock: Super liked in the world of winter helmets is the Pinlock System. It throws an extra sheet onto your visor to dodge any pesky fog build-up.

Prime Picks for Chilly Rides:

• Arai XD-4
• Shoei Hornet X2
• Schuberth E1 Adventure Helmet

7. Heated Seat

motorcycle heated seat

If you are planning for a long rides in freezing temperatures, a heated seat should be in your gear list.

Why it is necessary? Because cold can sap your energy and make your riding uncomfortable, add a new level of comfort.

You will feel a consistent warmth for your lower body while sitting on the heated seat. This can be especially beneficial for your endurance riding.

What a Heated Seat Can Satisfy you:

• Increase your Comfort: Keeps your core warm, preventing stiffness during long rides.
• Easy Installation: Many adventure motorcycles can accept heated seat options. If there is no, you can add an aftermarket seat.
• Adjustable Heat Settings: Most heated seats allow you to control the heat level based on your preferences and weather conditions.

Recommended Heated Seats:

• Corbin Heated Seats
• Sargent Heated Seats
• OEM Heated Seats (offered by manufacturers like BMW, KTM, and Yamaha)

8. Protectors (Chest, Back, Spine, Knee, and Elbow)

When you are passing through slippery roads or facing a reduced traction in the winter, there are some safety risks. Therefore, some high-quality protectors are essential for your ride.

You can consider investing in some comprehensive protection before you start the cold-weather ride. It not only ensures safety during accidents but also adds warmth and comfort during your ride.

Protectors You Can Prepare:

1. Chest Protector: It protects your vital organs in the chest part. At the same time, it offers an extra layer of insulation against the cold. It’s essential for reducing impact injuries in case of a crash.
2. Back Protector: CE-rated back protectors provide impact resistance. It also supports your posture, reducing fatigue on long rides.
3. Spine Protector: This kind of protector is designed to protect the spine from serious injuries. Many spine protectors are lightweight and integrate seamlessly into adventure jackets.
4. Knee Guards: These protect your knees from impact and abrasion. Besides, they also provide insulation against the cold. Many of them have ergonomic designs that allow flexibility and comfort for long ride.
5. Elbow Guards: Elbows are especially vulnerable during falls. High-quality elbow guards offer impact protection while preventing wind chill and enhancing warmth.

Protectors Gear Options:

• Integrated Armor: Some adventure jackets have built-in chest, back protectors. Also, there are pants come with elbow, and knee protectors.
• Standalone Gear: For added safety, consider standalone CE-rated armor pieces. They can be worn under your riding gear for maximum protection.

9. Windshield

A good windshield is also indispensable for cold-weather riding. It will be especially perfect when facing high wind speeds or freezing temperatures.

Benefits of a Windshield:

• Wind Deflection: Reduces the impact of cold air on your upper body. Thus it can help to keep you warmer and less fatigued.
• Improved Visibility: Many windshields are designed to prevent fogging. With it, you can see more clearly in adverse conditions.
• Reduced Drag: Protects your face and torso from wind chill and improves your riding comfort.

Recommended Windshields:

• Puig Adventure Windshield
• Givi D7706ST
• OEM Windshields (available for most adventure bikes)

10. Gear to Stay Warm on the Road

motorcycle helmet balaclava or neck warmer

Though they might seem minor, accessories for cold weather matter when you gear up for winter rides. Make sure they're on your list of winter bike gear.

Go for a Balaclava or Neck Warmer

A neck warmer or balaclava really does the trick to keep your face and neck toasty. If you go for one that's windproof and lets your skin breathe, and maybe pick a merino wool or one made from man-made stuff, it's a total game-changer.

Take it from me, on those blustery rides, it's gonna be a lifesaver.

You'll find some balaclavas are just right for slipping under your helmet and won't cramp your style or squash your noggin.

Heated Stuff

When it's like super cold, the heated stuff is kinda like magic for your winter motorbike outfit.

Imagine heated gloves, vests, and even those things you put in your shoes—all keeping you cozy when it's icy out.

Plus, these battery-run heated goodies are getting easier to find. Loads of them have this cool feature where you can pick how toasty you wanna be, and they'll keep you warm for ages while you're zipping around.

Stuff for Your Hands or to Block the Wind

Handguards serve multiple purposes shielding your hands not just from rustling wind and flying debris, it lessens the bite of the cold too.

A bunch of adventure seekers often slap some handguards onto their two-wheelers aiming for additional shielding when the weather turns frosty.

11. Helmet Communication System for Winter Riding

Fodsports FX7 helmet communication system for winter riding - Cold-Weather Gear for Adventure Motorcycle Riding

Communication is a critical part of adventure riding, no matter you are riding alone or with a group. This is especially important in cold weather days where conditions can change quickly.

A reliable helmet communication system can enhance your safety and convenience on the road.

Benefits of a Communication System:

• Navigation: You can receive GPS directions from your phone or GPS devices hands-free. You will not have to stop or expose yourself to the cold when losing direction.
• Group Communication: Stay in touch with other riders in your group through Bluetooth intercom features. It can also support you make phone calls, activate voice commands on your phone.
• Music and Entertainment: Most helmet intercoms support listen to music or FM radio. These functions can make your long winter rides more enjoyable.
• Emergency Contact: Quickly make calls in case of an emergency without needing to remove your gloves or helmet.

Recommended Communication Systems:

• Fodsports FX7: Features Bluetooth mesh intercom technology. Support 10 riders group communication. Excellent audio quality, and advanced noise control. IP67 waterproof feature.
• Fodsports FX4 Pro: 4-6 riders medium groups communication system. Offers long battery life and reliable Bluetooth connectivity, even in harsh conditions.
• Fodsports FX-S: Budget-friendly intercom, support 2-riders communication. IP67 waterproof design, and natural voice operation.

Installation Tip:

Most communication systems are compatible with different types of helmet. Ensure the system is securely installed and test it for sound clarity before heading out on your adventure.

Tips for Riding in Cold Weather

Beyond wearing the right gear, riding in cold weather presents unique challenges. Here are some important tips to keep in mind while riding in the cold:

• Check Tire Pressure: Tire pressure may drop in cold weather, which affects traction. Always check tire pressure before heading out.
• Warm Up Your Bike: Make sure to let your bike warm up before you start riding. If the motorcycle has been sitting in freezing temperatures overnight, this is a must-do step.
• Stay Hydrated and Energized: Cold weather can cause your body dehydration. So be sure to drink water and eat energy-boosting snacks during your ride.
• Be Mindful of Ice: Even when roads look clear, shaded areas may still have ice. This will be even more common especially early in the morning or in the evening. Always ride with caution to avoid slipping.
• Take Breaks: Cold weather can be exhausting, so take frequent breaks to warm up your body and hands.

Conclusion

Though it may not be safe, adventure motorcycle riding in cold weather is still needed for some riders. With careful planning, proper gear, and a mindful approach, it can still be safe.

Check if you have layer your clothing, invest in quality gear, and follow safety tips before the ride. These gear and tips will make sure you can enjoy winter riding while staying warm, dry, and protected.

Besides, don’t forget to always test your gear before long rides, especially in extreme conditions.

Also, you should adjust as needed to ensure comfort throughout the journey.

With the right preparation, cold weather won’t stop you from hitting the open road or trail.

Rodney L Herron

Rodney L is a technical writer and product consultant with over a decade of experience in the motor industry. Rodney is a fan of performance machines that run fast and loud and an expert in all things custom. His numerous articles and write-ups are available at our knowledge base. Whether it’s something wrong with your motorcycle or you are building a custom bike, you can trust Rodney’s experience.