Last Update: 10 November 2023

When it comes to weather, there’s cold, and then there’s the bone-chilling kind that can distract even the most seasoned motorcyclist after just an hour of riding. The battle we all know too well: how to stay warm on cold weather rides.

Certainly, a bit of chilliness can be invigorating, prolonged exposure poses a serious threat to riders, potentially leading to frostbite.  Cold not only diverts our thoughts but also slows our response times.  In fact, staying warm while riding goes beyond mere comfort – it directly impacts our metabolism – it slows when we’re cold. This prompts the body to compensate through shivering to generate internal heat. While shivering is a natural response, it can lead to fatigue and hinder rider concentration.  Shivering further accompanies tension and stiffness  which can significantly restrict riding mobility – meaning your riding mobility becomes inhibited.

THREE GOALS TO KEEPING WARM

Keeping warm isn’t solely a worry reserved for colder months or off-season rides in autumn and winter.  It’s important on any ride where temperatures can take on extreme fluctuations. This can occur from the time you departed in the morning to the time you stop later in the day or if you are riding through higher mountainous terrain. We need to be savvy and prepared to insulate ourselves and keep the cold out.

This can be simplified to these three goals:

GET INSULATED

Effective insulation against cold and wind-chill hinges on a well-thought-out layering strategy, commencing with your foundational undergarments, often referred to as “performance underwear.” The objective is to retain body heat while shielding against external elements. The choice of fabrics plays a pivotal role in this endeavour, emphasising the significance of quality. Unlike cotton, which fails to wick away moisture, fabrics like bamboo excel in this regard, ensuring a more effective insulation barrier.

When cold, shivering further creates tension; our bodies stiffen which means, your riding mobility becomes inhibited.

WIND PROOFING

You’ll reap huge advantages of wind-proofing during your ride by investing in purpose-built motorcycle gear. Specifically designed to ward off air and gusts, these garments serve as a formidable defence against windy conditions. Textile materials, particularly those infused with Gore-Tex, prove highly effective in creating a barrier against the elements.

Look for features like high-fastening jacket collars and adjustable sleeve cuffs — typically equipped with Velcro. These details allow customisation based on the gloves worn or the thickness of your inner garment, ensuring a snug and adaptable fit tailored to your specific needs.

It is also important to ensure a proper fit for your motorcycle jacket and pants. Loose or “floppy” areas create vulnerabilities, providing entry points for sneaky winds. Optimal fitting gear acts as a secure barrier, preventing any unwanted drafts and enhancing overall protection against the elements.

WIND CHILL

In order to gear up and dress well, you need to factor in the temperature change you’ll experience once you’re on your bike and on your way. And riding for a few hours under constant exposure to the wind can bring the effects of cold temps from wind chill you may not have been prepared for.

To figure out what temperature the wind chill brings requires a bit of a calculation. This involves the ambient temperature around you and your wind speed. As an example, at zero degrees ambient temperature, while travelling at 100km/h, say on the expressway; means you’ll be riding in minus -17.4 degrees centigrade. Quite a difference! So be sure to dress based on the wind chill factor.

Also, do the best you can to keep yourself sheltered from the wind. This of course is a challenge on a motorcycle! However, if you can tuck your body low to the tank by leaning forward. Also keep your legs and feet tucked closely alongside your motorcycle. Making modifications to your motorcycle also can help such as adding a detachable windscreen (see tips below).

STAYING DRY

Keeping moisture out, will keep the chill out too. Investing in moisture-wicking undergarments, shirts, leggings, socks etc. will ensure added warmth – layer through layer.  Specially designed performance underwear or layers also ensure your gear is somewhat waterproofed, which will keep you dry and warm. Even a fine mist such as riding in fog,  can soak your clothing and amplify the effects of wind chill.

Consider wearing a waterproof layer or wearing your rain gear even if not raining. Also consider waterproofing your gear with water repellents – easily found at an outdoor or camping store.

RESEARCH BEFORE YOU BUY

Apart from motorcycle retailers, there are many other places to find gear that’ll keep you warm and might even be easier on your budget. For example,  a construction or builder’s safety clothing outlet have a lot of great gear as well as the outdoor camping shops. Also military supply shops have a wide choice of outdoor “survival” clothing which can often be good methods for motorcyclists.

FOUR KEY TIPS TO KEEPING WARM

1) HANDS AND FEET: Your extremities feel that cold first and foremost!  Hands that are cold may not respond to controls or important changing road conditions which may require quick steering control. Here are tips to consider:

• Cold Season Motorcycle Gloves. There are many to choose from for cold weather riding. These tend to be thicker. And though manufacturers try it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re warmer. These alone won’t do it. A good measure of quality is the price you pay. This will relate more to effectiveness than thickness.
• Heated Hand Grips. These can be purchased and installed generally for any make or model of motorcycle.
• Bar Muffs. These are fantastic for scooter riders and are also available for adventure style bikes. There are many brands to choose. They will keep your hands cosy but of course need to be attached.
• Hand Guards. These are used mostly for off-road riding to protect against branches and trees and attached around your levers (Bark Busters is a popular brand). These cut down the wind [chill] effects to your hands. Inexpensive and easy to install.
• Hot Hands Warmers. Often referred to as Hot Hands, these little packets provide temporary heat to hands, body and feet. Once opened they heat up for as long as ten hours. And when you’re done, you simply toss them away. Just ensure if using for hands, your gloves have enough room to maintain control of the handlebars and levers. I use these on the tops of my hands, not the bottom so my hands can still grip the bars and controls.
• Silk Gloves/ Liners. An extra layer of insulation outside or inside your riding gloves helps! In fact, even a pair of dish washing rubber gloves can be worn over your regular gloves as added protection, insulation and water proofing.
• With Inbuilt Waterproofing. Likewise with feet it’s worth owning a waterproof pair of riding boots. There’s plenty of stylish foot wear out there with a waterproof membrane and costs no more.
• Rain Boot Covers. These will keep your feet dry and warmer as they’ll also insulate against wind.
• Gore-Tex Boot Liners. These are pricey but we know the success of the Gore-Tex and they’re guaranteed to keep you dry.

2) INSULATE – LAYER UP: 

• • Layer Up. Getting yourself insulated comes by trapping layers of air in your clothing and keeping it there; preventing air-flow. Layering your clothing is key.
  • Base Layer – Under Armour. As mentioned earlier, motorcycle and outdoor outfitter stores sell a wide range of performance under armour or underwear. This is generally thin yet very effective. It will keep you warm without having to put on several layers of bulky clothing and limit your free movement. Most all motorcycle gear manufacturers have a line of  base layer performance underwear available. Also Balaclavas, glove liners, knee warmers, socks and neck tubes, etc.

3) BUY GEAR THAT WORKS:  Today’s riding gear features materials that keep you warm without having to be extra bulky. You usually pay for what you get, but good quality textile gear is usually warmer than leather.  A nice leather jacket may cut the wind, but the leather can get cold and stiff. Regarding your riding gear, be sure the sleeve, neck and ankles can be tightly closed to prevent wind and cold getting in.  A neck warmer is a good addition to stop that sneaky breeze down your back.

• • Heated Gear. Easily available now are a wide range of heated jackets, pants, boot liners, gloves and so forth. If you plan on riding in cold weather, this is the way to go.  Heated gear is pricey initially, but these items last long if well cared for. Cables hook up and attach easily to your motorcycle battery and will keep you warm for hours. You can also opt for heated gear powered by lithium rechargeable batteries.
  • One Piece Overall. One of the easiest and most effective ways to keep colder weather and wind chill away is a draft-free, one-piece, lined motorcycle overall. Aerostich make a superb line to choose from. You can also consider an outdoor shop to find one to wear over your motorcycle gear. And of course, your one piece rain suit, is another handy option.
  • Balaclava. These work well even if you wear an open face helmet. With a full face, you’ll enjoy extended insulation. Balaclava’s are comfortable and prevent your face from frosting up. They can be purchased in varying materials. When choosing a balaclava make sure the one you opt for has a long neck-piece, to ensure you keep the worst of the chills away from your chest area.

4) INSTALL A WINDSCREEN:  It is the wind-chill that makes riding a motorcycle during the cold months – so cold. And this is particularly so if you’re riding a “naked” style motorcycle, or a stripped down cruiser. Here you might consider installing a windscreen. A bar-mounted screen will cost little and is fitted in minutes.

NUTRITION FOR THE RIDE

Good nutrition helps keep you warm! As your body heats up to keep you warm, it burns calories. Eat food loaded with nutrients, antioxidants, and immune-boosting powers. Carbohydrates, fruit, soup, ginger and spicy foods are particularly good. Avoid alcohol, but spicy foods are good. Hot foods make you feel warmer, but a piece of fruit can be just as effective.

• • Avoid Caffeine. Yes, that hot mug of coffee will actually increase the blood flow to the skin which may make you feel warmer, but is actually causing you to lose body heat.
  • Hydrate. When we’re cold we don’t feel as thirsty as when we are hot, so there’s a tendency to not drink enough. That can lead to fatigue, so stay hydrated.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR STAYING WARM

• • Make Frequent Stops. If the cold is setting in, make it a point to pull over for brief stops. Use these breaks to move around briskly, encouraging blood circulation. Take advantage of the opportunity to stop frequently, enjoy a warm drink, and revitalise. Public restroom hand blow-dryers can be surprisingly effective in thawing out hands and fingers, providing a welcome warmth to your gloves.
  • Leggings for Neck Warmers. Yes,  utilize your leggings as makeshift neck warmers. This simple trick comes in handy when temperatures unexpectedly plummet, catching you off guard without proper gear.
  • Enhance Visibility and Warmth: Boost insulation, wind proofing, and visibility during chilly, dark evenings by incorporating a fluorescent vest or jacket. These can be readily sourced from local builders’ merchants, providing an added layer of warmth while making you more conspicuous on the road.
  • Insulation Hack: Embrace bubble wrap! Placing a sheet down the front of your jacket provides excellent insulation, effectively eliminating drafts. In a pinch during an unexpected cold snap? Newspaper can also serve as a makeshift solution to keep the chill at bay.

For many, avoiding motorcycle rides in dropping temperatures is a common choice due to heightened risks and the simple discomfort of feeling cold. Fortunately, the availability of insulated motorcycle gear, heated accessories such as those mentioned above, and even winter-specific tires for certain bikes has revolutionized winter riding. Now, you can experience warmth, comfort, and heightened alertness on your rides even in colder weather conditions.

And you the fact is, when you’re warm, comfortable, and the road conditions are favorable, there’s little to impede you from enjoying the ride throughout the entire year!

---