Our Comprehensive Winter Motorcycle Gear Guide

It's crunch time folks, but you can still snag some winter motorcycle gear before the real cold sets in. If your motorcycle gear is 3-season, then these winter riding gear pieces we've chosen are worth considering if you plan to ride through the winter and colder spring months. There's protection for low temps and rain, with choices for all the major parts of a solid kit, and a few extras that will take your winter setup to a whole new level.

When the rain is coming down and the wind is in your face, opting for full-face protection is a must. Plus, having a visor is a nice touch if you're looking to keep some of the rain off your shield. That's why we choose the Shoei Hornet X2. This lid also has great ventilation, which will help keep fogging to a minimum, and a Pinlock EVO insert included. It's snug and comfortable, so your ears and face will stay warm too. The Hornet X2's crash protection has warranted DOT and Snell certification, so it also has safety chops that will be much appreciated if something goes wrong out there on a sketchy winter road.

There's nothing better than a reliable, do-it-all jacket in the winter. Klim's Kodiak jacket is a prime example of the type of garment a rider would need when it's cold and wet outside. This thing has a Gore-Tex Pro shell that is guaranteed to keep you dry, comes with leather reinforcements in high-risk areas on the exterior, and inside comes with class-leading D3O Level 2 armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back. There are numerous waterproof exterior pockets and vents alongside 3M Scotchlite reflective material. It's a little spendy and will require some base layers if it's really cold, but for a quality winter jacket, there's few to parallel the Kodiak.

The Tourmaster Transition Series 5 is a lot easier on the wallet than the Klim above but has some impressive features that any winter rider will be pleased to have. There is robust Carbolex polyester material used in the shell's construction, pipeline venting in key areas to keep water from seeping in at the zippers, and a Rainguard barrier for waterproofing. You get an under-the-helmet hood that stores in the collar to keep rain from dripping down the back of your neck too. Additionally, a removable thermal liner helps keep you nice and toasty. CE-approved Armadillo armor comes in the shoulders and elbows, and fitment adjustments and vents are situated throughout. It's a really solid winter jacket at an attractive price.

Alpinestars is another brand to consider when searching out the best winter riding gear around, and the Andes V2 Drystar pants are some of the best currently on offer. The exterior is both waterproof and breathable, and the stretch inserts are at the knees and back to ensure protection from the elements and provide some flexibility and comfort. Inside is a removable thermal liner, so low temps will have a much harder time causing any issues. You also get CE-certified knee protectors and compartments for CE-certified pads at the hips if you want to upgrade. Alpinestars offers a matching jacket if you want to complete the look.

Your winter motorcycle jacket or pants won't work without a set of thermal base layers. The Herobiker Base Thermal Shirt and Pants are great and a probably unexpected combo for the rider facing the harshest conditions. The key thing with these base layers is they're designed to wick away moisture from the rider's body, a key element in avoiding the effects of cold in winter. Because staying warm is just one step to remaining safe and comfortable, staying dry completes the picture.

Keeping your torso warm is wise in the winter, but the first place you're going to really feel the cold is at the extremities. Which is why a reliable, waterproof, and durable set of boots is a must. Enter the TCX Baja Waterproof Boots. These are an adventure-styled option that have some hallmarks of a full off-road boot like a shin guard and buckle straps. It's made from full-grain leather and features a waterproof lining to keep you nice and dry. There are loads of impact protection too, just in case things go south out on the road. Pair these with your favorite wool socks and you'll be dialed till spring.

If you want something less aggressive looking than the TCX, the Sidi Gavia Gore-Tex boots offer a lot of bang for the buck. There's the Gore-Tex waterproof lining, a full-grain microfiber outer construction, abundant impact protection, and an easy-to-use zip-and-Velcro entry system. The Gavia boots have a nonslip outer sole and reflective elements alongside a subdued style that would be great on just about any type of motorcycle. Inside is a moisture-wicking material and additional abrasion-resistant material. As with the TCX above, or any winter boot for that matter, pair these with some solid socks and enjoy the ride.

Just as important as boots, if not more so, are good gloves because frigid fingers on a winter ride can be downright dangerous. The Dainese Scout 2 Gore-Tex gloves will keep you or your favorite rider free from worry this winter thanks to features like thermal Primaloft padding and Gore-Tex lining. Goatskin reinforcements and an Amica suede palm provide a reliable grip and abrasion resistance while generous impact elements on the palms, knuckles, and fingers add additional peace of mind. This glove is also smartphone compatible and comes with a visor wiper on the left thumb.

Related: The Motorcyclist’s Winter Solace

If you want to rest assured that your hands will never get cold, grab a pair of Firstgear Warm and Safe heated glove liners. The nice thing about these is that you can wear your favorite pair of waterproof gloves over the top and be good to go. You'll get 11-watt output to each glove and the polyfabric construction is lightweight and very flexible. A heat controller is necessary for these as they wire to the bike, but installation is simple and you'll never have to worry about power running out while your bike is running.

The Gerbing Heated Motorcycle Jacket Liner provides warmth to the chest, back, sleeves, and collar. It's a 12-volt piece that wires to the bike and fits easily under any riding jacket. While battery-operated pieces can be more convenient, the unlimited power of a hard-wired piece is too good to pass up. There's nothing worse than feeling the warmth slip away as the battery dies halfway to your destination. Plus, Gerbing is a solid heated gear brand that has pant liners, glove liners, insoles, and socks that can all connect for complete warmth. We're positive that once you or your favorite rider tackles winter with some heated gear, there's no turning back.