We test motorbikes in all conditions and this is the winter kit we wouldn't be without | MCN

Riding a motorcycle in winter can be one of the most rewarding experiences in biking – with stunning scenery and crisp, fresh air that you’ll only find if you’re willing to brave the cold. However, if you come unprepared, the colder months can make riding a dreary experience.

The wind chill effect makes your ride way colder than you can tolerate for long periods (particularly on the fingers), and the road surface can be dangerously slippery from fallen leaves, wet weather, and black ice. This only adds to the annoyances of foggy visors and wet feet, that make it far less glamorous than riding in fair weather.

Winter riding can be so dreary that many choose not to do it at all, covering up their rides and calling it for the season. Whether you want to protect your bike from winter grime or just can’t stand the cold, safely storing your bike is a great option too.

But luckily for us, there’s plenty of products on the market aimed at making the most of winter rides. Whether you’re commuting back to work on the twelfth day of Christmas, or adventuring high in the Himalayan mountains, here’s our picks for the best winter motorcycle kit to keep you warm and safe.

Jump to

• Heated kit for winter
• Gloves for winter
• Base-layers for winter
• Jackets for winter
• Boots for winter
• Extra kit you’ll need in winter

Heated kit

If thick thermal linings just aren’t cutting it for you, electronically heated kit is seriously worth considering. With tiny heating elements woven into the inner fabric, absolutely nothing will keep you toastier. They do need a power source and come at a price premium, but if nothing short of the best will do, here’s the best heated kit for your winter rides:

Gloves

When you start riding in colder weather, the first thing you’ll notice is how cold your fingers get. It’s likely to be the main thing that puts you off winter riding, so getting a good pair of winter gloves is the first port of call. Thicker thermal linings help to keep heat in and stave off the wind-chill effect substantially, making them an affordable and dependable winter companion. Here’s our picks of the best right now:

Base layers

You might be surprised how effective a good set of thermal base layers can be in helping to retain heat if you haven’t tried them before. Worn underneath your riding kit, they utilise their close proximity to your skin to better regulate your body temperature, whatever the conditions. From muscle-boosting compression wear to fabric that generates its own heat, here’s our favourite base layers on the market today:

Jackets

Winter jackets (and their matching trousers) are designed for the cold weather. They sport thermal linings to keep the heat in, and waterproofing to keep the water out. Although it sounds simple enough, it’s incredibly difficult to integrate both of these properties into a flexible and breathable garment, and many options on the market don’t cut the mustard. So here’s our picks of the best, as tested by MCN staff:

Boots

Your feet are another exposed area when riding, so a good pair of boots will work wonders to keep you warm for winter. You want to make sure your boots are protective, so you’re prepared for the weather plotting against you. They should also be comfortable, and of course warm, but not too restrictive on movement. With that in mind, here’s our picks for the best winter boots:

Extra Kit

By now, we’ve covered most basic winter kit needs, but it’s not the end of the story. There’s lots of accessories that make winter riding far more practical and comfortable, and depending on your needs they could be all you need to make the most of winter riding. Read on to find our picks of the best winter motorcycle accessories:

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