We may not want to admit it just yet, but it's officially fall, and it's time to start thinking about cold-weather motorcycle riding. Getting caught in an unexpected pocket of cool weather while out on a ride is one thing. But if you plan to shun winter perils and ride through the cold months, you'd better prepare with the proper gear.
Fortunately, we're here to help. From the helmet and top layers to toasty heated base layers, these are some of the essentials you’ll want when you ride through the coldest months of the year.
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AGV AX9 Helmet Read More -
Harley-Davidson Men's Passage Adventure Jacket Read More
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REV'IT! Component H2O Pants Read More
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REV'IT! Everest GTX Boots Read More
How We Tested
Gear Patrol staffers and contributors have spent hundreds of hours testing gear for our motorcycle guides. We try to test in all weather conditions. And, particularly on the East Coast, that includes exposure to a lot of cold wet weather. Curating this guide, we chose products we loved that both protect you in sloppy, freezing weather and perform the way you need them to in general riding. Products were either first-hand tested or selected in consultation with industry experts.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
The Best Motorcycle Riding Gear for Cold Weather
Best Motorcycle Helmet for Cold Weather
- Shape: Intermediate Oval
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Comms: Speaker Pockets
The AGV AX-9 features on our best motorcycle helmets you can buy list. Its removable visor and shield allow the helmet to be configured in four different ways, including maximum enclosure and closed vents for frigid weather. And it's neck roll also plays a key role in keeping water out. Our tester also loved its lightweight design, comms compatibility and excellent eye-shading.
Best Motorcycle Jacket for Cold Weather
- Materials: 100% polyester 450D and ripstop shell
- Armor: CE Level 2 (shoulders and elbows)
- Waterproof: Yes
The Harley-Davidson Passage jacket is an excellent four-season option (though maybe not truly hot weather per our tester) with helpful options for when the weather gets colder. A wind-proof Schoeller C-Change membrane helps seal up the venting in the colder months. And an adjustable collar can accommodate layers. Worried about how your legs will fare in the cold? HD also sells pants to go with it.
Best Motorcycle Pants for Cold Weather
- Material: Cordura ripstop/Monaco cowhide
- Armor: CE Level 1 (knee and hip)
- Waterproof: Yes
Our tester used these on the coldest, sloppiest days, slogging through iced-over mud puddles, cruising Interstates, running out the clock in December for hot mugs of coffee and praying for the sun to poke out. They have an insulated liner for added warmth and a gator to keep the wet stuff out of your boots.
Best Winter Motorcycle Gloves
- Palm: Goat leather
- Armor: CE Level 1 (knuckles)
- Waterproof: Yes
These Alpinestars gloves don't come cheap, but they’re also about as brilliant a glove as you’ll find. The Heat Tech system begins warming the interior and the entirety of the back of the hands and the fingers the moment you slide your hands inside. They also pair with your phone, so you can check the charge level and nail the warmth setting you’d like before you ever step outside into the chill.
Your digits will be kept dry by Alpinestars’ own Drystar membrane, and beyond the battery-powered warmth, PrimaLoft Gold Aerogel is lighter than down and is designed to hold in the heat generated by your body (and in this case, the onboard heating tech, too).
Best Motorcycle Boots for Cold Weather
- Material: Nubuck leather/Polyester ripstop
- Armor: CE Level 2
- Waterproof: Yes
Testing the Everest GTX, we found that the hiking-boot-style construction makes it ultra comfy both on and off the bike. Its waterproof Gore-Tex membrane will keep your feet dry. It also comes with ample, CE Level 2 armor protection while still being walkable.
Best Heated Motorcycle Jacket Liner
- Material: Mini ripstop
- Power: 6.4 amps
- Max Temp: 135ºF
When the cold weather rolls in, it’s paramount to keep your core warm. The Gerbing 12V Heated Jacket Liner has seven different heating zones and a low profile to easily fit under your motorcycle jacket. It also connects to your bike’s battery so you never have to worry about D-cell batteries running out of juice when you need the heat.
Worried about your extremities? Gerbing's heated jacket liner can pair with its heated pant liner and heated sock liner for added warmth.
Best Balaclava for Motorcycle Helmets
- Design: Open-face
- Fit: Ergonomic
- Seams: Flat lock
Your motorcycle helmet can only provide so much insulation, and Alpinestars's balaclava can be a great option to add some protection underneath. It has heavyweight and moisture-wicking material to protect against the wind and wet. It also has an ergonomic fit and flat lock seams to keep you comfortable.
