Winter Motorcycle Riding Gear

Even though the weather’s gotten a little colder and there are some chilly days, you don’t necessarily have to put away your motorcycle. There will still be days when the roads are nice enough that you can take your motorcycle out for a spin or ride it to work. But just because you can get good traction on the road, doesn’t mean it’s going to be any warmer out. Remember that once you get up to speed, those winds can make even a mild day feel frigid. Because of this, wearing the right gear is going to be paramount, which is why we’ve provided you with some tips for essential winter motorcycle riding gear. 

Check it out for yourself and update your supplies as needed. You can also look at some of the MotorClothes® we have available here at Barnes Harley-Davidson. We have locations in Langley, Victoria, and Kamloops, British Columbia, so visit us today!

Layering

The best way to combat the frigid cold is to wear layers. This is true for any situation involving cold surroundings, but it can be particularly true with motorcycle riding. After all, once you reach your destination, you might not need to bundle up as much. Layering not only provides more insulation but also makes it easier to cool off when you start to get too hot. 

We recommend starting with a nice base layer of synthetic materials. Some of the most common options include thermal underwear.

The next few layers will help with keeping in your own body heat, so using something made of wool or fleece can be particularly useful. This can come in the form of long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, vests, or whatever else keeps you warm and still makes it easy to ride.

Consider making your outermost layer waterproof. It doesn’t necessarily have to be your thickest coat, as your riding jacket might be enough, but you don’t want to be caught off guard by a surprise rain shower or misting. If you’ll be riding around when it’s exceptionally cold out, you might want to look into clothes that have additional, electronic heating features. 

Covering Your Extremities

Outside of your core, you’ll want to keep other parts of yourself warm to help with comfort and control. Of course, this includes durable riding pants (which we also recommend making waterproof). 

You’ll also want to wear warm socks and sturdy riding boots, maybe with a little more padding to them. Gloves can help keep your hands and fingers warm so you remain dextrous with the handlebars. You can even wear a neckerchief to keep the cold wind from traveling down your shirt.

Your Helmet and Safety

Staying warm is a key part of staying safe, but you shouldn’t be sacrificing other aspects of safety in order to stay comfortable. You’ll still need to be wearing all your essential safety gear. This includes your helmet.

The trouble with the helmet is that during the winter, the interior can start to fog up if you’re not taking precautions. Some helmets come with anti-fogging elements, or you can also purchase products that’ll help with this. 

Other Helpful Tips

Outside of what you wear, there are some other ways you can prepare for riding in the cold weather. Always ensure that your motorcycle is in peak riding conditions before hitting the road, and make sure you’re of the right mind to be riding. Get plenty of sleep, drink water, and eat a hearty meal to stay healthy.

Also, keep in mind that there are some winter weather conditions that simply make it inadvisable to pull out your motorcycle. Snow, ice, and excessive rain are dangerous enough for cars and trucks, but they can be particularly hazardous for motorcycles. Check the weather before hitting the road to ensure you’ll have a full day of safe riding. 

With the right approach, you can enjoy riding your motorcycle all year long, even during the coldest months. This will come in handy in the next few weeks, as will making sure your motorcycle is ready for more riding. When it’s time to take your bike in for servicing, contact our professional technicians here at Barnes Harley-Davidson and get your appointment scheduled today. You’ll find us in Langley, Victoria, and Kamloops, British Columbia.