Winter Motorcycle Accessories & Riding Gear

The days are getting shorter and colder, but that doesn’t mean you have to put away your motorcycle. Plenty of folks take this time to enjoy quieter roads and ride past fields covered in snow. However, you do need to make sure that you have the correct riding gear and clothing for winter motorcycle riding, along with the needed motorcycle accessories to ensure that your bike is safe to ride. These are some of our recommendations on how to dress and gear up for your winter motorcycle rides.

Layer Up 

The first step to combating cold weather is to layer up. This is a good general tip, but goes double for motorcyclists. The high speeds and relatively low protection from the elements that your motorcycle provides mean you’re being exposed to frigid air and high winds, which can steal your warmth in no time flat. Plus, there’s always the option to remove a layer or two if you decide you’re too warm. This way, you’ll stay plenty toasty on the road and can easily shed a coat or sweater to cool down once you arrive at your destination. 

We recommend a base layer of some synthetic material or another. One such option is thermal underwear, which both isolates against the cold and retains plenty of body heat. Next, put on something made of fleece or wool to help hold up any body heat that gets out of the thermal cloth. Whether this consists of a long-sleeved shirt, a sweater, or a vest, it’ll help more than you might think.

Your outermost layer should ideally be waterproof. It doesn’t need to be the puffiest jacket you own; in fact, your usual riding jacket might just be enough. But if there’s a surprise shower or misting, you don’t want to start soaking up cold water that will leech away your body heat. If you’re going anywhere especially cold, you might look into clothing that has electronic heating elements. These can be potential fire hazards, but they can also keep you warm and happy when normal clothing wouldn’t suffice.

Cover All Extremities

Your core is vital, but making sure your hands and feet stay warm and retain feeling is equally important when you’re biking. This starts with durable, thick pants. These should also ideally be waterproof for the same reason as the outer layer on your torso. 

Next, make sure you’re wearing long, warm socks and sturdy riding boots, possibly ones with extra padding. Gloves are important for keeping your hands and fingers warm, which help you stay dextrous and responsive with your handlebars. Fingerless gloves might work fine in warmer weather, but they won’t do much here. We also recommend a neckerchief to prevent cold wind from traveling down your shirt or up into your helmet.

Safety

On the subject of helmets, it’s important that you don’t sacrifice safety features in order to get a bit warmer. Your essential safety gear is still essential, including your helmet. Unfortunately, helmets can start to fog up during the winter. Some helmets come with built-in anti-fog elements, which can be helpful. If your helmet doesn’t come with that feature and you aren’t willing to get a new one, there are a few products that might help. These include add-ons that provide extra ventilation, visor inserts or treatments, and anti-fogging masks to wear under the helmet. 

When you’re ready to check out a fantastic selection of new and used motorcycles and motorcycle accessories for sale, including winter riding gear, visit our dealership in Oconomowoc, WI, to take a look at our inventory. We’ll be happy to help you find whatever it is you need. Wisconsin Harley-Davidson® proudly serves our customers in the cities of Milwaukee and Madison, WI.