10 Best Heated Motorcycle Gear – Reviews & Buyers Guide
Riding a motorcycle in the cold can be difficult, especially without proper preparation. In cold temperatures, riding a motorcycle at all becomes a risk, as the wind chill experienced while riding creates wind chill. For example, in temperatures of 40 degrees, a motorcyclist traveling at 55 mph would experience wind chill as low as 25 degrees. This temperature is very uncomfortable, and also unsafe, as hypothermia is a major possibility at these temperatures.
Fortunately, there are ways that you can protect yourself from dangerously cold temperatures on your motorcycle. With the right heated gear you can enjoy a ride in lower temperatures without the fear of hypothermia or other issues. Gear like heated grips, Gloves can ensure that you have a comfortable and safe ride, even if the air temperature isn’t ideal.
In this guide, we’ll go over some of the best heated equipment available and also go over a few things that you should consider when looking to invest in some new heated gear of your own.
Table of Contents
Why Do You Need Battery Powered Heated Motorcycle Gear?
Any time you are riding a motorcycle, you will be facing a wind chill. Even at low speeds, the wind rushing over and around your body is much cooler, and in temperatures that are already cold this can be both distracting and dangerous.
Experiencing extreme wind chill is painful, and that pain is severely distracting. When on a motorcycle your focus should be on the road and only the road, and the distraction of wind chill takes some of your attention away from the road ahead and increases the risk of a dangerous accident.
However, in some cases the wind chill can carry with it the risk of hypothermia, which is a dangerous condition involving the lowering of your body temperature that can lead to death in certain circumstances.
If you must ride in cold weather, taking steps to stay warm on your bike is critical for both your comfort and your safety, and investing in heated gear is a major step you can take toward protecting yourself.
Keeps You Warm
Heated motorcycle gear has one primary purpose: to keep you warm. Not only does being warm mean you are comfortable, but it is also important for keeping your overall body temperature where it needs to be.
By using heated riding gear, you reduce the effect of cold weather on your body and avoid numbness, distraction, and more serious issues that would be dangerous and distracting without your gear.
Improves Concentration
When you are riding a motorcycle, your focus and ability to react are critical to your safety. Being aware of the road, and being able to react to changing conditions, are both important for your riding experience and your wellbeing.
As the cold affects you, you become numb and cannot react as quickly. Shivering also gets in the way of controlling the bike effectively, and the uncomfortable sensation of riding through the cold is a major distraction as well. Riding with gear designed specifically to handle the cold and keep you warm is an important step that you can take to prevent these issues from occurring.
Allows You to Ride in The Winter
Without heated riding gear, taking your bike out in the winter months may not be the best idea. Unpredictable weather may leave you stuck without the ability to ride safely, even if it wasn’t an issue when you set out in the first place.
Carrying a set of heated riding gear improves your ability to ride in these difficult situations by protecting you from the cold. Using gear like this allows you to ride more safely in colder temperatures, and can be useful if you end up in a situation where you have to wait for help to arrive.
Heated motorcycle gear can also be used for other outdoor winter activities as well. This means that investing in heated equipment gets you a useful and versatile bit of gear that can be used in a wide variety of different situations beyond just riding your motorcycle.
Our Best Heated Motorcycle Gear, Jacket Liner, and Clothing Reviews
We’ve done extensive research on heated gear that is currently available and compiled a list of some of the very best products to keep you warm on your bike, even in cold temperatures.
#1: Ororo Heated Jacket
This heated jacket from Ororo offers a level of warmth and comfort that goes well beyond traditional jackets and sweaters. Equipped with carbon fiber heating elements over the left and right chest, as well as the mid-back, this jacket is designed to keep you warm in any environment, and can be adjusted to one of three levels depending on your needs.
The included battery pack offers up to 10 hours of functionality, allowing you to ride for an extended period of time while staying comfortable and warm. An attached USB charging port also gives the jacket the ability to charge your mobile devices on the go, making the jacket a multipurpose piece of equipment that can be useful in a variety of situations.
This jacket also fits snugly enough to be worn underneath your regular motorcycle jacket, meaning that you will not have to compromise your overall safety when wearing it.
Highlighted features:
- Three carbon fiber heating elements on the right and left chest and mid-back
- Multiple levels of heating
- Up to 10 hours of use
- Integrated phone charger
#2: Savior Heated Gloves
A specific part of your body that is at the highest risk of exposure to the elements when riding in the cold is your hands. With the need to operate the throttle, front brake, clutch, and signals on the bike, your hands will always be in the same position with little to nothing protecting them from the wind. While a pair of insulated motorcycle gloves are great for most outings, when the temperature drops a pair of heated gloves is a better choice of gear.
These gloves from Savior offer three levels of heating to make sure your hands stay warm in any environment. Not only are they equipped with heating elements, but they are made from water resistant and windproof material, making them excellent riding protection for moments when the weather conditions may change rapidly and without warning. The fingertips of these gloves are also touchscreen compatible, allowing you to operate your phone if you need to without having to remove your gloves.
The battery of these gloves can provide power for up to 7 hours, allowing you to ride for an extended period of time without worrying about your hands becoming uncomfortably cold.
Highlighted features:
- Water resistant and windproof materials
- 3 heat settings
- Battery lasts up to 7 hours
- Hard knuckle protection
#3: Sun Will Heated Socks
Keeping your feet warm is just as important as other parts of your body. While a good pair of motorcycle boots can do a lot to keep your feet warm, in colder temperatures the effectiveness of simple boots to protect your feet from the cold can be limited. A good pair of heated socks can go a long way to helping ensure that your feet stay warm for the duration of your ride.
This pair of heated socks from Sun Will provides heat for up to 8 hours with three different settings for different situations. The included rechargeable battery pack reaches full power in 4 hours, and is kept in a pocket attached to the socks themselves, keeping it conveniently out of sight and out of the way. Su Will also backs up their product with a 1 year warranty to cover if anything goes wrong.
Highlighted features:
- Reliable heating up to 8 hours
- Rechargeable battery pack reaches full charge after 4 hours
- 3 heating modes
- 1 Year manufacturer’s warranty included
#4: Venture Heat Heated Jacket Liner
Riders looking for a more integrated product may want to consider this jacket liner from Venture Heat. This jacket features bluetooth control through an app, 7 heating zones with 10 modes, and a simple wired connection that draws power directly from your bike’s battery so that you will never have to worry about running out of power in the middle of a ride.
The precise app control makes this jacket easy to customize for your specific situation, letting you tailor the heating for each and every ride to keep you comfortable without overheating. The larger number of heating zones also provides more consistent coverage than many more conservative options, and being powered by your motorcycle’s battery means that you will never have to worry about short operation times, even if you use a high heat setting.
Highlighted features:
- 7 heating zones an 10 heating settings
- Powered by your motorcycle’s battery
- App control for detailed heat settings
- Designed to be worn under motorcycle jackets
#5: Gerbing Heated Jacket Liner
This jacket from Gerbing is a part of their modular line of heated motorcycle equipment, and can be powered by a battery pack or by your motorcycle’s battery. This versatility can be very useful for riders that may be looking for great insulation and heating options, but aren’t yet certain of how they would like to power their gear. 7 heating zones cover all of the most critical parts of the upper body, including the arms and the back of the neck to ensure that you stay warm and as comfortable as possible when riding.
Gerbing’s heated riding equipment is designed to be integrated together, and this jacket liner functions as a “home base” for the rest of the connected equipment. Several optional extras, including a bluetooth control module, are available for use with the jacket, allowing you to build a fully integrated collection of riding equipment that all works together seamlessly.
Highlighted features:
- 7 heating zones for maximum coverage
- Integrates with other Gerbing heated equipment
- Can be powered by your motorcycle battery or a battery pack
#6: Gerbing Heated Motorcycle Pants
Your legs are one of the most exposed parts of the body when riding, especially in cold weather. Keeping your legs warm is just as critical to your comfort and safety as your upper body, especially when riding in cold and unpredictable conditions. A good pair of weather resistant, heated motorcycle pants is a good investment for riders who may face challenging situations like this.
These heated pants by Gerbing are designed to integrate with the rest of their collection of heated gear, and can be connected so that all of the equipment functions as a single unit. The materials are also weather resistant, and knee armor is included as well, providing upgraded protection on top of the benefits of heated riding gear.
Highlighted features:
- Weather resistant and armored design
- Integrates with other Gerbing heated gear
- Wide variety of control and power options available
#7: EWP 4Tek Heated Jacket
This jacket from EWP features five heating zones and an included battery pack that can not only provide heat for up to 5 hours, but can also be used to charge your mobile devices on the go. This added utility can especially come in handy in unforeseen situations where having power to your phone is essential. The materials are also wind and water resistant, providing extra protection against the elements whether you are wearing the jacket during a ride or any other outdoor activity in the winter time.
While this jacket is designed specifically to keep you warm and dry, it is somewhat more bulky than more dedicated motorcycle options, and may be uncomfortable to wear under your gear on an extended ride. The 5 hour battery life may also be an issue for long rides if you are also using the USB charging function.
Highlighted features:
- 5 heating elements
- Integrated USB charging function
- Water and wind resistant design
- Removable hood
#8: Unilove Heated Vest
Featuring 13 heating zones with 3 heating levels, this vest from Unilove is designed for use in any cold weather conditions. The water resistant material is especially useful in dealing with damp conditions, and with the option to swap out battery packs, the vest can provide continuous warmth for a very long time.
While the battery pack can be switched out, the jacket does not initially come with one, and the amount of heat provided per charge will vary with the battery packs that are used. The vest is also not designed specifically for use with motorcycle gear, so wearing it under your jacket may be uncomfortable for especially long rides.
Highlighted features:
- 13 heating zones for maximum coverage
- Can swap out between different battery packs
- Water resistant material is excellent for damp weather
Things to Consider When Buying a Heated Motorcycle Suit
Winter is an unpleasant time to ride a motorcycle. Wet, cold, and unpredictable weather makes the choice to ride a bike a risk that should be carefully considered and prepared for. One of the most important parts of preparing for a winter ride is making sure that you have the best gear for the situation.
Heated motorcycle gear can make an enormous difference when riding through cold temperatures. However, there are many options on the market with different strengths and features, and choosing the best options for your needs can be challenging without anything to go on.
Let’s take a look at some of the basic considerations to make when looking into the right heated gear to buy for you and your winter ride.
Apparel Options
There are several different pieces of gear that are offered with heating elements, ranging from gloves to jackets and pants.
When riding a motorcycle, one of the most vulnerable parts of your body will be your hands. Most motorcycles leave the handlebars exposed, allowing the wind to rush over your hands and arms freely. As your hands are used to operate some of the most critical parts of the motorcycle, it is important to keep them warm so that their ability to safely perform the needed tasks is not impacted in any way.
Jacket liners and heated pants are the next options to consider. These cover a much wider range of your body and contribute to your overall temperature. Jacket liners and heated jackets are some of the most common pieces of heated clothing, and typically include heating elements on the back and chest, and may also feature elements near the neck or around the arms. Heated motorcycle pants are typically waterproof and equipped with heating elements around the thighs to combat wind chill.
Heated socks and insoles that are worn in your boots are especially useful as your feet are another part of your body that most motorcycles leave exposed. Even though most motorcycle boots are made of thick leather, wind chill is still able to cut right through these materials during the winter, especially in wet conditions. Using heated socks or insoles is an excellent way to make sure that your feet stay warm in any conditions.
SPECIAL NOTE: Any heated gear that you wear should be able to fit comfortably under your other gear, as it will typically not be equipped with the sort of plates and armor that your gear itself is. Each piece of gear is meant to protect from something specific, the heated gear keeps you warm, while the armored equipment provides protection against road debris and road rash in the event of a fall.
Power Supply
Heated motorcycle equipment can be powered in one of two ways. The gear may use a portable battery pack, or it may connect directly to the bike’s electrical system. Both options have advantages and disadvantages.
A battery pack offers convenient and portable power that can be used in a variety of different situations both on and off of your motorcycle. These options will have a limited amount of charge to them which will vary if your gear has different settings that may draw more or less power from the battery. Some battery packs will also feature USB charging capability for your mobile device, which offers an added level of utility to the gear.
Hard wired gear, however, trades the portability of a battery pack for indefinite power. Gear that taps into the bike’s power takes a bit of extra setup time, as you will need to connect a wiring harness to the battery and route the wires in a way that they are accessible without getting in the way of the ride. While hard wired gear never runs out of power, it is limited to being used when you are actually riding, and cannot be used without a connection to the motorcycle, making it a less practical choice if you are looking for gear that you can use in other situations.
Some gears come with dual power options as well, allowing you to connect the gear to a battery pack or the bike’s electrical system as needed. These are versatile options to choose and are a great choice for riders that will be going on longer tours while also planning to use the gear for other activities away from the bike.
SPECIAL NOTE: Hard wired gear is an electronic accessory that can contribute to battery drain, especially if used in conjunction with other aftermarket gadgets on the bike. Be sure to check the battery’s capability to be sure that it can handle the extra load from all of your accessories.
Adjustability
Heated gear often comes with different heating levels and modes to ensure that you do not overheat when you are wearing it. In many cases this may come in the form of an onboard switch to toggle between different modes, or even wireless app control.
Some gear that integrates together can be controlled by a single controller, while other pieces may have their own adjustments. When looking at heated equipment, it is a good idea to see if the pieces you are looking at can be incorporated together to simplify the control, or if each one will require its own separate controls. In general, having your gear synchronized is more convenient.
Tips to Get the Most Out of Your Heated Clothing
Here are a few tips to make sure you are always getting the most out of your heated clothing and equipment.
- Always make sure that the fit of your gear is snug, with no air circulation between the gear and your body.
- Wear a layer of clothing between your skin and your heated gear to avoid hot spots or accidental burning, especially for sensitive skin.
- Make sure that the layer of gear that is worn over your heated clothing is water and wind resistant.
- Make sure that you double-check the controller for any gear you are wearing to fine-tune the heat for each ride.
- Keep spare batteries, fuses, and tools in case your gear needs attention in the middle of a ride.
- If you are using hard wired gear, be sure to turn the gear off before switching off the motorcycle itself.
- Keep disposable chemical heaters and hand warmers on hand in case of emergency.
Building up Your Heated Gear Set
Heated gear can be a large investment, and it is not uncommon for many motorcyclists to piece together their set of heated equipment over time. The flexibility of heated equipment and large number of options make it easy to assemble your collection of gear over time.
The first priority when it comes to heated equipment should be gloves. Your hands are critical to effectively controlling your bike, and many of the most important functions of riding are handled at the handlebars. Cold conditions can cause your hands to go numb and affect your ability to operate the controls effectively. Heated gloves ensure that your hands are protected from the low temperatures and ensure that you can always operate the controls mounted to the handlebars.
Priority two is a heated jacket lining. This component keeps your upper body warm and helps keep you comfortable while preventing shivering and even hypothermia. Heated jacket liners are responsible for warming your upper body, and can make the difference when it comes to your overall temperature.
Heated pants are the third element to add to your heated gear. Heated pants are excellent when used in combination with other pieces of heated gear, helping to keep your whole body around the same temperature. Oftentimes a pair of heated pants can be combined with water resistant materials and armored elements to provide a single solution for safety and comfort.
Heated socks and insoles round out most heated gear sets, and provide warmth to your feet. These can be particularly useful on long journeys or in wet conditions that can have an effect on your boots’ ability to keep your feet warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it dangerous to use heated motorcycle clothing? Can it catch fire?
Heated motorcycle clothing is designed to be used safely, and most pieces use a fuse to keep the wearer safe.
Can you wash heated gear in a washing machine?
In general, heated motorcycle gear is not meant to be run through the washer. While some gear allows you to wash the garment itself, you will typically need to remove any electronic elements. Otherwise you should wash heated gear by hand when needed.
Is there a chance of getting electrocuted when I get wet while wearing these products?
Heated motorcycle gear makes use of protected wiring so that you will not ever have to worry about getting electrocuted while wearing it, even when riding in the rain.
When storing my gear for a long time, is there anything I should be aware of?
Heated equipment does not have any special storage considerations that you should be aware of. Simply store your gear the same way you would store any piece of clothing. If your gear uses external battery packs, be sure to store the batteries in a dry place away from extreme heat or cold, and charge the battery pack before taking your gear out of storage.
Do heated socks work?
Yes. Heated socks can be extremely effective at keeping you warm, especially when engaging in outdoor activities during the winter. When combined with the rest of your heated gear, a good pair of heated socks can round out your equipment to make your ride much more comfortable.
Final Thoughts
Riding a motorcycle is an excellent way to get around, and is something that can be enjoyed at almost any time with the proper precautions. Riding in the cold can be extremely unpleasant, but with the right gear, you can stay warm, safe, and comfortable.
Heated motorcycle gear is a great investment for anyone who might ride in colder conditions, and is essential for riders who would like to ride in the winter specifically. Ensuring that you are warm and able to react to changing road conditions, as well as protecting yourself from serious risks such as hypothermia is critical to your safety and continued riding experience, and having the right heated gear is an absolute must.
With the information found in this guide, you will be able to make an informed decision when it comes to your own heated motorcycle gear. Whether you are using a simple pair of battery operated gloves, or a full set of gear connected to your bike itself, you will be prepared for the elements so that you can enjoy the ride no matter what the temperature falls to.