Thermal Clothing

You really don’t have to be a tough, outdoors type to ride a scooter or motorcycle. Modern gear means you can be as warm on a motorbike as you would be on the bus. And it’s not just about comfort. Knowing how to keep warm on a motorcycle gets rid of cold weather as a distraction.

There are four key ways to stay toasty on two wheels:

• Use layers to trap warm air around you.
• Keep the wind out, and the wind chill factor down.
• Stay dry.
• You can even resort to heated gear.

First, layers. Thermal underwear doesn’t have to look like something from Steptoe and Son. It can be close-fitting, comfortable and flattering. Check out motorcycle kit dealers as well as your high street shops, there is some specialised kit available now that’s designed to fit under your gear. Between that and the protective outer gear, you should have room for something fleecy, but you can also target the chilly spots. Neckwarmers are great for the gap between helmet and jacket, for example, and you can even buy versions that come right down your chest or up over your nose. From balaclavas to knee warmers, you can keep every bit of you warm.

You might find you get quite hot unlocking your motorcycle and setting off, but as soon as you’re moving you get cold fast. That’s because you’re moving into the cold air, creating an artificial wind and your own artificial wind chill. Even travelling at 30 mph can turn a chilly day of 5 degrees  into a literally freezing one, as far as your body is concerned. Simply adding a windproof layer outside your other clothes can trap the warm layer of air inside and keep you a few degrees warmer. Your scooter or motorcycle can also help keep you warm. A good fairing and windscreen can do wonders to keep the wind off. Even muffs for the handlebars, or an apron on a scooter, can make all the difference. Check out our accessories section for a few ideas.

Getting wet is unpleasant enough, but on a cool day it’s also a rapid way to get dangerously cold, as the water uses your body heat to evaporate into the cold air. Using breathable waterproofs means you keep the rain out without trapping the perspiration inside, and stay warmer for longer. And if you’re determined to never, ever feel cold, plug into electrically heated clothing. Vests, gloves, socks and even pants can be plugged into the motorbike’s battery or run off a separate battery pack. Some motorcycles come with heated grips, or you could have some fitted.