Winter Riding Gear: 5 Ways To Keep Your Hands Warm When Riding This Season...

Winter riding gear is essential when heading out on the biker in the UK. It isn’t just the ambient temperature that bites; it is the wind chill factor. At 60mph, an air temperature of 5°C can feel like -5°C on your extremities. Your hands are the most vulnerable part of your body because they are outstretched, catching the full force of the icy blast, yet they are the most critical for safety. Cold hands lead to stiff fingers, reduced reaction times, and a loss of “feel” for the brake and clutch levers. That’s where our list winter riding gear comes in.

To keep your digits functioning and your ride enjoyable, you need a multi-layered strategy. Here are five of the best options for keeping your hands warm on a motorcycle this winter, ranging from simple accessories to high-tech electronic solutions.

Professional Heated Grips: Oxford HotGrips Pro

Heated grips are often the first port of call for year-round riders because they are permanently attached to the bike and cannot be forgotten or left at home. The Oxford HotGrips Pro represents the pinnacle of this technology and a great piece of winter riding gear that can be installed and then forgotten about until they’re needed. Unlike older versions that required a separate, bulky control box mounted to the handlebars, the Pro model integrates the controller directly into the grip itself. This provides a much cleaner, factory-fitted look that won’t clutter your cockpit.

These grips are made from a high-grip silicone that is designed to be more durable than standard rubber, meaning they won’t perish after a single season of heavy use. They feature intelligent heat settings with built-in thermistors that monitor the temperature and adjust the output to maintain a consistent level of warmth, regardless of the wind chill. For the UK rider, this is invaluable during a commute where you might move from slow-moving city traffic to high-speed dual carriageways. They also include a battery-saving mode, which automatically switches the grips off if you forget to do so after parking, preventing a flat battery on a frosty morning. If grips alone aren’t, check out the rest of our winter riding gear selection below:

All-Weather Waterproof Gloves: Alpinestars Polar Gore-Tex

If you prefer a traditional approach without wires or modifications to your bike, a high-quality pair of waterproof winter gloves is essential winter riding gear. The Alpinestars Polar Gore-Tex gloves are a specialised choice for British winters. The Gore-Tex name is the gold standard here; it ensures that the gloves are not just waterproof against the inevitable British drizzle, but also highly breathable. This prevents your hands from becoming clammy, which is a major cause of cooling down once you stop moving.

These gloves utilise Primaloft insulation, which is a synthetic alternative to down that retains its heat-trapping properties even if it gets slightly damp making them a fantastic piece of winter riding gear. The construction is bulkier than a summer glove, but the design incorporates pre-curved fingers to reduce fatigue and improve dexterity. Protection isn’t sacrificed for warmth, either; they feature hard knuckle protectors and a leather palm for abrasion resistance. For the rider who doesn’t want to mess with electronics, these provide a formidable barrier against the elements, especially when paired with a jacket that has long storm cuffs to prevent draughts from entering the sleeve.

Dedicated Heated Gloves: Keis G701 Armoured Gloves

When the temperature drops towards zero, even the best insulated gloves can eventually succumb to the cold. This is where dedicated heated gloves like the Keis G701 become a game-changer. Unlike heated grips, which only warm the palms of your hands, heated gloves have elements that run along the back of the hand and down to the very tips of the fingers—the areas most exposed to the wind.

The G701 is particularly popular piece of winter riding gear in the UK because of its versatility. It can be powered in two ways: by connecting it directly to your motorcycle’s 12V battery for infinite warmth on long tours, or by using small, portable battery packs that tuck into the cuffs for shorter trips. They are constructed from a mix of leather and textile with a Ballistic nylon outer for ruggedness. The G701 also features a Hipora waterproof membrane, ensuring you stay dry while the Carbon Fibre heating elements keep you toasty. The ability to control the heat levels via a large, easy-to-press button on the back of the hand means you can adjust your temperature on the fly without having to pull over.

Handlebar Covers: Tucano Urbano Neoprene Muffs

They might not be the most fashionable accessory on the road, but experienced couriers and winter commuters know that handlebar muffs are arguably the most effective way to stay warm. The Tucano Urbano Neoprene Muffs are a favourite in the UK. These covers fit over your handlebars, enclosing your hands, levers, and switchgear in a protected, windproof pocket.

By creating a physical barrier between your hands and the moving air, muffs virtually eliminate wind chill. This allows you to wear thinner, more comfortable gloves even in the depths of winter, giving you much better control over the bike’s feel. The Tucano Urbano version is made from high-grade neoprene with a thermal faux-fur lining. When combined with heated grips, they create a micro-climate inside the cover that is incredibly warm. They are also highly effective at keeping your gloves bone-dry, as the muffs take the brunt of any rain or sleet. For those who prioritise function over form from their winter riding gear, these are a cost-effective and highly efficient solution for the harshest months.

Silk Glove Liners: EDZ Silk Inner Gloves

Sometimes, the best solution for winter riding gear is the simplest one. Silk glove liners, such as those from EDZ, are an affordable and highly effective way to add an extra layer of thermal protection to your existing gear. Silk is a natural insulator that provides a surprising amount of warmth for its minimal thickness. These liners are thin enough to fit under almost any pair of motorcycle gloves without making them feel overly tight or restrictive.

The primary benefit of silk is its moisture-wicking capability. If your hands sweat slightly under heavy winter gloves, the silk draws that moisture away from the skin, preventing your hands from becoming chilled by the dampness. They also act as a secondary wind barrier and make it much easier to slide your hands in and out of heavy winter gloves, which can often have linings that grab your skin. For riders on a budget or those who only occasionally ride in the cold, a pair of silk liners is a versatile addition to your kit bag that can extend the comfort range of your autumn gloves well into the winter season.

Choosing Your Setup

Most serious winter riders in the UK eventually settle on a combined approach when it comes to their winter riding gear. For example, pairing heated grips with handlebar muffs provides the ultimate protection, while heated gloves are the premium choice for those who want total finger-tip warmth without adding bulk to the bike. Whichever you choose, ensuring your hands are warm will not only make your ride more comfortable but significantly safer.

Check out some of the great independent retailers listed on Biker Base and stock up on your winter riding gear essentials.

We’d love to hear what your go to winter riding gear is. Drop it in the comments below. Whatever you decide, wrap up warm and keep safe this winter.