Top 10 Essential Motorcycle Accessories for Cold Weather

Riding a motorcycle offers unparalleled freedom, but how enjoyable is it when the temperature drops? Explore more stunning motorcycle images. Comstock/Thinkstock

Owning a motorcycle brings a sense of liberation unlike any other. It allows you to navigate roads and alleys with ease, park in tight spots, and hit the road at a moment's notice. The thrill of cruising down the highway with the wind rushing past is akin to flying. However, as the seasons shift from autumn to winter, that same refreshing breeze becomes a biting chill, making your ride less enjoyable. The discomfort of cold weather can even make you consider storing your bike until spring.

However, giving up your motorcycle for the entire winter isn't an appealing idea. You'd undoubtedly miss the thrill of the ride and the connection with the open road. Fortunately, there are numerous solutions to keep riding through the colder months while staying warm and protected from harsh weather conditions.

10: Begin With Your Base Layer

To ensure a warmer ride, begin with the layer closest to your body. A high-quality base layer is crucial for staying warm during chilly rides, as it acts as your primary defense against the cold and harsh winter winds. This layer can range from simple cotton thermal wear to more sophisticated fleece undergarments. It’s essential to choose something that not only provides warmth but also feels comfortable against your skin during long rides.

Beyond the material, the fit of your base layer is paramount. It should be snug enough to retain warmth without restricting your movement, whether you’re adjusting your position on the bike or taking a break. A well-fitted base layer minimizes air gaps, ensuring your body heat is trapped effectively, keeping you warmer for longer periods.

9: Add a Windshield

It’s hard to enjoy the ride when your face is numb from the cold. Steve Mason/Photodisc/Thinkstock

The most significant challenge for motorcyclists in cold weather is the relentless wind. At speeds of 60 mph (96 km/h) or higher, the wind can feel like an icy assault if you’re unprepared. One of the most effective ways to shield yourself is by minimizing exposure to the wind, and installing a windshield on your bike is a simple yet highly effective solution.

A motorcycle windshield acts like a Viking’s shield, deflecting the brunt of the cold air instead of letting it strike you directly. At speeds of 60 mph, the windshield redirects the airflow around you, significantly reducing wind exposure and helping you stay warmer during your ride.

Installing a windshield is straightforward and can be done on your own or with the help of a dealership. Once mounted, you’ll notice a dramatic reduction in wind impact, making your ride far more comfortable.

8: Opt for a Full-Face Motorcycle Helmet

Consider your motorcycle

helmet like a seasonal hairstyle. During summer, minimal coverage feels ideal, allowing you to enjoy the breeze and the open-road experience. However, in winter, just as you might grow your hair for warmth, a full helmet becomes essential to retain heat and protect against the cold.

A full-face helmet is a winter essential, trapping heat and shielding your face from icy winds. While it may limit some freedom, the added warmth and protection make it a worthwhile trade-off for cold-weather riding.

7: Wear a Scarf or Balaclava

Challenge the cold with confidence. ©Getty Images/Hemera Technologies/Photos.com

The primary concern when riding in cold weather is the wind, which can exploit even the smallest gaps in your gear. If left unchecked, the wind will seep through, draining your warmth and leaving you shivering. To avoid this discomfort, ensure every part of your body is adequately covered.

The neck area is particularly vulnerable, as jackets and helmets often leave small exposed sections. A scarf or balaclava is essential for sealing these gaps and blocking the wind. For added protection, wrap the scarf around your head as well as your neck. This not only prevents wind from entering but also adds an extra layer of warmth inside your helmet.

6: Focus on Boots and Socks

In cold conditions, your body prioritizes survival, directing most of your blood to vital organs to maintain essential functions. This reduces blood flow to extremities like your feet, leaving them more susceptible to the cold. As a result, keeping your feet warm becomes crucial during winter rides.

To protect your feet, invest in high-quality boots and comfortable socks. Look for boots that are both windproof and waterproof to shield your feet from cold air and moisture. Comfort is also key, as you don’t want sore feet after long rides when exploring rest stops or restaurants.

Opt for wool socks to ensure your feet stay warm inside your boots. For added warmth, consider layering multiple pairs of socks, allowing you to focus on the ride without worrying about cold toes.

5: Choose High-Quality Gloves

Combine functionality with style. ©Getty Images/Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Thinkstock

Your hands are among the most vulnerable to cold, especially when riding at 60 mph (96 km/h). Standard mittens won’t suffice, as the wind can penetrate inadequate gear, leaving your hands exposed to the biting chill.

When selecting riding gloves, prioritize windproof materials to block cold air effectively. Ensure the gloves feature a secure clasp or elastic at the wrist to seal them tightly around your jacket sleeves, preventing wind from entering. Additionally, opt for insulated gloves to maintain warmth throughout your journey.

If traditional gloves aren’t enough, consider an unconventional solution: wear a pair of latex gloves underneath your riding gloves. The non-breathable latex traps body heat close to your skin, providing an extra layer of warmth.

4: Explore Electrically Heated Gear

Still struggling with the cold? It might be time to embrace technology to enhance your comfort and protection against harsh weather conditions.

Modern technology provides excellent solutions for staying warm while riding your motorcycle in cold weather. Electrically heated clothing, resembling a vest or jacket, uses wires connected to your bike’s battery to generate warmth. This heat is transferred to your body, ensuring a cozy ride. Additionally, a gauge monitors battery usage, helping you balance warmth and energy consumption.

3: Opt for Weather-Resistant Jackets and Pants

Black leather is always a reliable choice. iStockphoto/Thinkstock

After layering appropriately, focus on your outerwear to maintain warmth during rides. A matching jacket and pants set is ideal, as it minimizes gaps and ensures full-body coverage.

A high-quality jacket should be crafted from materials like Kevlar, Cordura, or leather. While all these materials effectively block wind, leather may not offer the best rain protection. Ensure your gear includes elastic cuffs at the wrists, waist, and ankles to prevent cold air from seeping in.

A well-designed shell set should provide ample freedom of movement. This flexibility serves two purposes: it allows ease of motion both on and off the bike, and it accommodates additional layers underneath for extra warmth. More layers generally translate to better insulation.

2: Use Jacket and Pant Liners

A high-quality liner beneath your jacket and pants is essential for extended rides. It blocks wind and traps body heat, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable.

Opt for liners made from fleece or other thermal materials. A fleece vest is ideal for your upper body, as additional layers enhance warmth. For pants, choose options with fleece or flannel linings to minimize wind penetration and maintain comfort.

If you’re still feeling a chill on your chest, a tried-and-true trick from the motorcycling and bicycling communities is to use newspaper. Tucking a sheet of newspaper inside your shirt provides a quick, inexpensive solution to block wind. While not a permanent fix, it’s effective in a pinch [sources: Motorcycle Cruiser, Sound Rider].

1: Pack Nutritious Food

The key to staying warm isn’t just about clothing; it’s also about stopping to refuel. ©Getty Images/PhotoObjects.net/Thinkstock

While warm clothing, gloves, and a snug helmet are essential for cold-weather riding, your body’s natural heat is your best ally. To maintain this heat, you need to fuel your body with food. Just as your bike needs gas, your body requires regular meals and snacks. Start with a substantial breakfast, enjoy a filling lunch, and keep snacks handy for the journey.

Eating generates internal heat as your body processes the food. This metabolic activity helps you stay warmer than if you were riding on an empty stomach. To combat the cold, ensure you’re consuming enough energy to keep your internal heat production steady.

Focus on hearty, nutritious meals rich in protein and carbohydrates. These not only keep your body working efficiently but also provide long-term benefits. Avoid sugary snacks and opt for foods that sustain your energy, helping you ride longer and stay warm throughout the day.