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

The Best Winter Bike Kit, tried and tested by MCN staff
The Best Winter Bike Kit, tried and tested by MCN staff
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Winter riding can be one of the most rewarding riding experiences – 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:

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. You can opt for gloves with thick thermal linings, or some electronically powered heated gloves for maximum cosiness. Here’s our picks of the best right now:

Best budget winter gloves

The price is right, and they don't fall short where it counts either, which makes the DXR Winter Carbon excellent value. They feature a Thinsulate thermal lining, and waterproofing that'll keep you going all winter.

Tested by Ali Silcox for nine months/2,000 miles - "These are keenly-priced, at under £50, and are ideal for cooler rides. With a leather outer, they have a Thinsulate thermal liner and a membrane, that’s both waterproof and breathable.

"I’ve ridden in cold and damp conditions and they’ve been comfortable and kept my hands dry. And, unlike some winter gloves, they are not too bulky.

"They are approved to CE Level 1 and have hard knuckle and finger armour, plus extra protection on the palm. I’m a cuff-over-sleeve kind of girl and I do have a couple of criticisms – the cuff is slightly too short, leaving a small draught around the wrist; my other slight moan is that I’d prefer the left thumb visor wipe to be on the forefinger."

Pros

  • Well priced
  • Not too bulky

Cons

  • Cuff is slightly too short
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0

Best quality winter gloves

If you don't need the best protection from the cold, the Held Cold Champ Gore-Tex gloves are a quality option that won't let you down. With their goatskin leather construction and 3M Thinsulate liner, they manage to feel great while still offering good protection from the elements for winter riding. They won't perform in sub-zero temperatures without some help from other kit, but they're versatile enough to use in all but the hottest of temperatures too.

Tested by Richard Newland for six years/25,000 miles - "While many three-season gloves are akin to ski gloves, Held have managed to develop a glove that looks great, feels more like a thick sports glove and performs like one, too. The Cold Champ is protective (certified to EN 13594:2015), functional and warm enough to cope with all but prolonged sub-zero use (and how often do you ride when it’s below freezing?).

"They feel plush but well-fitted, with a luxurious 3M Thinsulate quilted liner and Thermoplush fleece on the back of your hands – but they don’t feel baggy or overly thick. The Gore-Tex liner has proved 100% effective, and while they’re windproof, they’re also breathable so you don’t get sweaty hands.

"The goatskin palm is tough but soft and flexible – the Velcro closures and leather stretch panels that haven’t lost any of their bite. The wrist and cuff closures are perfect for coverage and operation and are still holding fast after years of use. The visor wipe is useful, and the black Scotchlite reflectors are subtle but effective. The fact that they come with a 5-year guarantee speaks volumes for their quality."

Pros

  • Good bike feel
  • Good fit
  • Waterproof
  • Hard wearing

Cons

  • Not the warmest
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

Best heated gloves

The heated glove that MCN readers bought most last year, RST's Paragon 6 heated gloves offer great performance for the price. They're more than warm and waterproof enough for anything the British winter can throw at you, without being too restrictive or bulky. They're CE level 1 KP rated, and even feature dual visor wipes, but there's no option to power them from the bike's battery - spares will be needed for longer trips.

Read the full review here

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for three years/5,100 miles - "The Paragon 6 is waterproof, warm and has handy features like the twin visor wipes, plus a price tag that shouldn’t make you wince. All in all, an effective and good value heated winter glove.

"The heating system excels in keeping your digits toasty and frost free, but as it’s battery powered does need some planning and management for the best results. If you’re using them to commute, the best advice would be to stick them on charge whenever possible to keep them topped up, or purchase a couple of additional power packs as back ups."

Pros

  • Warm
  • Waterproof
  • Dual visor wipes
  • Touch screen friendly
  • Easy to operate

Cons

  • Battery pack won’t fit under some sleeves
  • Charger compatibility issues on earlier version
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    5.0

Best handlebar muffs

Price: £57.44 (was £69.99)
Handlebar muffs don't appeal to everyone, but there's no denying their performance - nothing will keep your hands warmer for cheaper.

These ones from Tucano Urbano have some nice extra features; the window to see your controls is useful on modern bikes with extra buttons, the reflective accents improve your road visibility, and they come in two versions to suit bikes with or without mirrors.

Jackets/Trousers

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:

Best value

Price: £337.49 (was £449.99)
A great value and practical option from RST, the Paragon 6 Airbag jacket features an effective thermal liner and an included 'throat coat' for keeping toasty, which both worked well in testing. It also boasts level 2 shoulder, elbow, and back armour, so you're well protected even if you don't opt for the In&motion subscription.

Find the matching trousers here

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for 4 months/2,800 miles - "Pro Series is the catch-all moniker for RST’s top-of-the-line textiles and heading up the touring section is this Paragon 6 Airbag jacket, packed with technology from French safety specialists In&motion. Although it comes with the inflation unit and bag built in, the control unit – called the In&box – has to be acquired separately, either by lease at £12 per month or £399 outright.

"It sounds like a faff, but actually makes sense, as the unit is subject to continuous updates from user generated data, downloaded directly from In&motion over wi-fi via an intuitive app. Once fully charged, the In&box should have a battery life of 30 hours – I top it up once a week, which easily covers the daily commute plus a few miles for smiles.

"The jacket itself is constructed from ballistic reinforced MaxTex, a tough polyester weave that earns it an AA CE certification. This outer layer has been treated with a hydrophobic coating to act as a first line of defence in the wet and it’s pretty effective, causing water droplets to just bead up and roll off.
"Although it holds up well in showers, prolonged heavy rain can cause it to ‘wet out’ – which is when the Sinaqua inner membrane comes into play. This layer has so far proved impregnable to damp.

"It’s breathable too, so you don’t suffer that ‘boil in the bag’ feeling. The ‘quick dry’ inner mesh lining takes care of comfort, whilst a removable thermal layer helps keep things toasty in winter.

"There’s a detachable ‘throat coat’ to seal the gap between collar and helmet, an absolute godsend when the wind chill’s down to zero. In summer, effective airflow can be achieved via an array of zippable vents both front and rear.

"Airbag aside, the Paragon 6 makes a great touring jacket, but combined with safety tech that has been a proven lifesaver at the top level of motorsport, it offers additional peace of mind – and at a surprisingly affordable price."

Pros

  • Thermal lining & 'throat coat' are effective
  • High level of safety
  • Breathable and comfortable

Cons

  • None found
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

Best quality

Packed with quality materials and features, the Dane Nimbus 2 is one of the most robust options on the market. Its predecessor proved itself to be waterproof, warm, and reliable in testing, no matter what you throw at it. It's not cheap, but it might well last more winters than you.

Find the matching trousers here

Previous version tested by Mike Armitage for 24 months/40,000 miles - "Value doesn’t mean the same thing as cheap. Dane’s top-of-the-range textile might be £875, but you’ll potentially never buy another jacket.

"I ride all year round in all weathers, and it’s covered perhaps 40,000 miles including two long winters and the worst rain I’ve ever ridden in, plus endured two years of neglect rather than anything approaching care. No leaks, no faults, and as warm, dry and comfortable today as when new.

"The storm cuffs are fabulously easy to use, Gore-Tex laminate means it doesn’t get waterlogged, and there’s a real sense of robust quality. It’s festooned with armour, abrasion-resistant panels and all manner of adjustment. And every jacket should have a stretchy waterproof collar like this."

Pros

  • Very high quality
  • Very hard wearing
  • High level of protection
  • Lots of thoughtful details

Cons

  • Sizing and colour options aren't extensive
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

Best for extreme weather

Price: £1,124.96 (was £1,499.95) - Size S/M
If you're riding out to the Siberian, this is the one to go for - as long as you can find one in stock. With zips, poppers and flaps all over the place to keep the cold and wet out from all directions, it does stay true to its namesake. But thanks to the vents it's perfectly usable in summer too - something that might make the price easier to swallow.

Find the matching trousers here

Tested by Bruce Dunn for two years - "This jacket is about as technical as it gets – both inside and out, it’s packed with zips, flaps, straps and poppers intended to enhance fit and with it, warmth. It has a strong and robust feel to it but is also impressively lightweight.

"It’s fitted with level 2 shoulder, elbow and back protectors, which do not detract from the overall comfort of the jacket. The jacket gets an AA rating in CE tests.

"As its name would suggest, its main selling point is that it offers superior warmth in cold conditions – and it certainly does, however I’ve found it more versatile than just a winter jacket. With the goose-down liner removed and vents open, I’ve used it year round."

Pros

  • High quality
  • Incredibly warm and practical
  • Usable in summer too

Cons

  • Discontinued - and not much stock left
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

Best for versatility in winter

Whether you're touring from the Alps to the Mediterranean or just need to whack them over some jeans in a quick British downpour, these are incredibly versatile trousers to see you through most of your winter riding needs, and beyond. They feature D30 armour at the knees, which offer supple comfort and protection in one, as well as being waterproof, and they're styled in a neutral way that'll go with anything. They only fall short on their 'A' safety rating.

The ladies fit version was tested by Saffron Wilson for 5 months/2,419 miles - "These Richa trousers do what it says on the label. Waterproof, comfortable and warm. Although as you can imagine, I didn’t ride much with the detachable thermo liner as it worked too well, but the D30 knee protectors were comfortable even on the cruiser, and the ventilation zippers were ideal for wet but humid conditions. The other zip pockets were an ideal size for a phone, so they are practical overall too."

"I had a small issue with the leg length that resulted in wet ankles on the odd occasion, but taller boots should help out here. The fit was also bit snug if you needed to throw them on over jeans in sudden rain, nevertheless, they still worked which is a bonus as that’s not what they were designed for. So, there’s nothing to forgive really."

"I like the subdued styling, and the contra glide tech fit was effective at stopping saddle slip without making the trousers too bulky meaning you could easily wear them to walk around in once you hop off the bike. Although the zip-attachment to Richa jackets is a nifty feature, I did forget to detach the jacket more than once, but I’m definitely to blame for that one!"

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Warm
  • Comfortable

Cons

  • Shorter boots may leave you with soggy ankles
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

Best base layers for winter

A good set of base layers can make the world of difference for winter riding, and the Zerofit Heatrub Move is a great option. Although thicker than some other base layers, it's warm, yet still comfortable, and hard wearing.

Read the full review here

Tested by Saffron Wilson for 21 months/1,928 miles - "If you’re after a base layer that’s going to keep you warm but isn’t going to feel like a furnace underneath all your bike clobber, then the Heatrub Move Baselayer is a great solution.

"The quality is great, and the feel of the fabric particularly on the inside is lovely, but after a bit of use the fabric did stretch a touch. But there was no bobbling, and I never felt like I was overheating. Sure, the pricetag is a bit more premium than some of the market, but it’s not at the top either, so you’ve got a nice mid-ranged price for a quality bit of kit."

Pros

  • Comfortable
  • Warm

Cons

  • Thicker than other base layers
  • Quality
    4.0
  • Value
    4.0

Best heated vest

If you've just had enough of the cold, nothing can beat the Keis J505RP heated vest. It features three heating modes, ranging from 'warming glow' to 'nuclear', and fits comfortably in place of your jacket's thermal liner, sipping its juice from your bike's battery. If your current riding jacket isn't quite warm enough, this will unlock a whole new level of toasty.

Tested by Richard Newland for four months - "Heat, glorious heat. In the depths of winter, it’s impossible to overstate how welcome the enveloping warmth emanating from this jacket really is. Every ride, whether a 20-minute commute or a 500-mile day is transformed by the simple action of plugging in and setting the degree of toastiness desired.

"This gear from Keis (say Kice) is the hottest in their range, delivering a claimed 25% more output than their J501RP from a full-sleeved fleece-like jacket designed to be worn beneath normal kit. While you can use their most powerful battery packs for a wireless solution, I use the battery connection loom, and plug-in to the bike. This means no range anxiety, no recharging, and a limitless supply of heat. You can run it from some cigarette-style power points, but not all as the draw (circa 6.5Amp) is greater than some bikes’ outlet ratings.

"You will definitely need to use the heat controller (supplied with the jacket, otherwise £37.50). Without it, you’ll be too hot on any day when the temperature is above -5°C. The heat is near instantaneous, too – wrapping you in duvet-like comfort after just a minute of use.

"The IP65 rated water-resistant heat controller plugs into a connector mounted inside one of the jacket’s pockets, and sticks out the bottom of your outer jacket to allow easy access on the move. The three-stage heat settings go from a warming glow (green light) through to pretty damn warm (orange) and tops out at nuclear (red).

"And if you’re off the bike, the controller can be stowed in the pocket, as can the connection lead (in its own compartment) and the sleeve connectors for Keis’ heated gloves (there’s also a connector for their heated trousers, too). TheJ505RP is about as bulky as a fleece, and I find that removing my textile jacket’s thermal liner results in a perfect fit.

"The only pinch-point is that the bulk at the cuffs means wearing gloves under your outer sleeves can be a tight squeeze. The web of heated Micro Carbon Fibre elements is all-encompassing, meaning your torso, arms and even collar are all heated.

"The soft-shell fabric is beautifully comfy and doesn’t snag on your outer garment, it’s washable, breathable (so you don’t get sweaty), and the array of pockets means it’s great for wallet, keys, mobile, and as a jacket off the bike, too."

Pros

  • Beautifully comfy and warm
  • Loads of pockets
  • Can be powered off the bike's battery

Cons

  • Cuffs don't play nice with gloves
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

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:

Best budget winter boots

Available in both mens and ladies fit, the RST Axiom Mid CE will stand by you for winter commutes and weekend trips without breaking the bank. They're comfortable, waterproof, and built better than the price tag would have you believe - including a CE level 2 rating for impact and transverse rigidity.

Read the full review here

Tested by Emma Franklin for 8 months/3,000 miles - "An excellent pair of boots for anyone who wants comfort and ease of use. Absolutely spot on for daily use, they’ll keep your feet dry, warm and happy on the daily grind or during UK touring trips.

"With the Velcro ankle closure and mid-length style, they’re absolutely ideal for those who may struggle getting side opening boots on and off, or for riders with large calves who struggle with the fit of a regular length boot and don’t want to compromise on shin protection. Top quality at a brilliant price – you can’t go wrong, really."

Pros

  • Supreme comfort
  • Easy access
  • Assuring protection

Cons

  • Not the best looking boots
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

Best quality winter boots

Price: £404.99 (was £449.99)
Nothing screams 'quality boot' like taking more miles than the average car will, but that's exactly what the Daytona Road Star GTX have done for MCN's Simon Weir. They're incredibly comfortable, practical boots, and they'll remain just that for potentially decades. It's hard to argue with that kind of value, even at their eye-watering RRP.

Tested by Simon Weir for 12 years/150,000 miles - "When I got these boots, they were £350 a pair. While I was instantly impressed by their comfort, build quality and waterproofing, I quietly thought the price was a bit steep.

"Fast forward 12 years and, even with the £100 price rise, I now know that as well as being exceptional boots, they’re exceptional value. I do a lot of miles but at least half the time, I wear these Daytonas.

"They have great feel and are unfailingly comfortable. They have a tough toe-box, a solid shin plate and an adjustable leather upper with two zips. Being Gore-Tex, they’ve always kept my feet dry. Even after all these miles, they have loads of life left in them too."

Pros

  • Very hard wearing
  • Unfailingly comfortable
  • Warm and dry

Cons

  • Look like wellies
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

Best casual winter boots

Although not as protective as some other options, MCN's Ben Clarke found the Forma Hyper Dry's performed admirably through colder weather. If you're looking for comfort and style for urban duties, these are a great winter pick.

Tested by Ben Clarke for 10 months/7,000 miles - "I reviewed these boots last year after 1000 of use and I was really impressed with their summer performance, but what I didn’t expect was to be impressed with them through the winter too. Like any right-minded human, I would normally swap into a pair of high, warm and waterproof style touring or adventure boots as the colder months roll in.

"But these Forma Hyper Dry boots were just so comfy, convenient and reliable that I simply kept wearing them. I expected at some point that I would be punished for my addiction with wet and cold feet and finally have to retire them…

"But it never happened. I rode in all kinds of rain, sleet and even snow and temperatures around zero, but the Formas prevailed.

"I noted in my last review that there was a wear patch on the left toe from gear shifts but this hasn’t got any worse and doesn’t let water in. An astonishingly good pair of boots."

Pros

  • Very comfy and convenient
  • Surprisingly warm
  • Stylish

Cons

  • Not as protective as some other options
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

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:

Best winter tyres

Price: From £280.99 per pair (was £401.42 per pair)
Not all tyres work well in the cold wet weather that winter brings. If you ride a lot in the winter, MCN's Justin Hayzelden found the T32's from Bridgestone a commendable set of tyres for wet weather performance. Aimed at sports-touring use, they've been designed with enhanced water channelling and drainage capabilities in mind.

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for four months/2,250 miles - "New rubber rarely fails to impress, but the Bridgestone T32 has proved outstanding – especially in the wet. I’ve been through a ton of different tyres using my trusty Triumph Sprint ST as a test mule, and the T32 is the best suited across the board for the kind of riding I do, from fully loaded touring to the regular commute or just carving up B-roads for the joy of it.

"The stiff carcass provides rock steady stability at all lean angles, and the silica rich compound clings to the tarmac like a limpet. Under braking the front end oozes confidence, and although slower to steer than a sportier option, the trade off is a feeling of unwavering dependability whatever the conditions.

"Wet weather grip is exceptional and after 2k+ miles they barely look worn. Sure, the T32 is an expensive tyre at full price, but shop around and it’s not hard to find deals knocking a sizeable chunk off."

Pros

  • Steady, stable road feel
  • Exceptional wet weather grip

Cons

  • Expensive at full price
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    4.0

Best helmet accessory for winter

A Pinlock anti-fog insert is a great accessory for any motorcycle helmet to keep fog at bay, which happens a lot more in the colder weather that winter brings. They use moisture absorbing nanotechnology to store and evaporate water molecules in humid environments, and act as a thermal barrier to stop condensation on the inside of the visor.

If your helmet didn't come with one in the box, a Pinlock insert comes highly recommended by the MCN team for fog-free winter riding. Just make sure you get one for your specific helmet, and be sure to fit it properly.

Pros

  • Never fogs up once installed
  • Completely clear with no visor distortion

Cons

  • More expensive than alternative options
  • Helmet specific fit

Best heated grips

Price: £139.99 (was £199.99)
Heated grips make a great companion to stave off frozen fingers, and MCN's Justin Hayzelden rated the HotGrips Pro from Oxford very highly. They're unobtrusive, perform well, and are easy to install and use, more than justifying their price tag.

Read the full review here

Tested by Justin Hayzelden for eight months/4,600 miles - "Oxford’s HotGrips Pro provide effective and consistent heating whatever the conditions. They’re easy to fit, simple to use and look OE, plus the soft silicone grip surface makes them comfortable in use, even when they’re switched off.

"Performance so far has proved faultless, and, although not the cheapest on the market, I wouldn't have to think twice about spending my own money on them."

Pros

  • Quick to warm up
  • Three levels of effective heat
  • Easy to fit
  • Factory fitted look
  • Battery saving mode

Cons

  • Not cheap
  • Quality
    5.0
  • Value
    5.0

Best balaclava

Price: £14.98 (was £17.99)
A motorcycle balaclava or neck tube can go a long way to keeping your head and neck extra cosy under your helmet, and the Deluxe Balaclava from Oxford ticks all the right boxes. Its available in microfibre, silk, or merino wool, fits snugly, and won't break the bank.

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