Is Heated Motorcycle Gear Worth It?
Winter commuters and mountain peak tourers will have all asked themselves this question through chattering teeth at some some point during a chapping ride; is heated motorcycle gear worth it?
The short answer is yes. If you value your safety and comfort, then the answer is definitely yes!
An ever-increasing range of reliable heated products on the market means there are plenty of options to bolster your biking apparel without breaking the budget. From battery powered gloves, to socks that toast your toes, jackets with heated panels, and trousers that keep you cosy – there’s something to warm every part of the body.
Below is a list of the benefits of heated motorcycle gear, with an inside look at how they function. These are accompanied by a selection of the best heated motorcycle gear available in the UK – a place where the cold can be biting, and some heated clothing shouldn’t go amiss.
Benefits Of Heated Motorcycle Gear
Comfort
We might as well state the obvious here, it’s nice to be warm. Nobody wants to be midway through a three hour motorway stretch with the body temperature of a Cornetto. Heated items can either be worn under your other gear, or as the main garment to prevent such discomfort.
For example, some people may choose to wear heated glove liners, whereas others may prefer the heated elements to be built into the gloves themselves. Either option has a comparable effect and their suitability will boil down to the rider’s preference.
Being comfortable whilst riding is more important than just enjoying the ride, it also massively improves your safety.
Safety
Concentration levels dip simultaneously with your body temperature, so keeping yourself as close to 37°C as possible can potentially save your life.
Keeping your 12V heated motorcycle gear switched on also means keeping your mind switched on. By eliminating the distraction of having freezing phalanges you can better maintain focus, heighten your awareness and improve your anticipation.
Warm motorcycle gloves, for instance, can help you operate your bike’s controls more efficiently and accurately. The best heated motorcycle jackets can counteract cold winds, keeping your core relaxed and your mind free. By heating the lower body and feet, you’ll be able to operate the levers better, and ultimately, ride for longer.
Types Of Heated Motorcycle Gear
Connected To The Bike
One type of heated motorcycle gear is powered by the bike’s battery, and will therefore require being connected to it. A cable with positive and negative conductors can be simply attached to the battery, which can then be plugged into through the singularly channelled adaptor.
Advantages
• An everlasting charge as long as the motorcycle is running.
• Able to heat to higher temperatures than external battery powered gear.
• Consistent strength of the heat delivered.
Disadvantages
• Potential to forget you are connected to the bike when dismounting.
• Initial set up requires tools and time.
• Hassle of swapping the connection to a different motorcycle.
Battery Powered
The alternatives to gear connected to the motorcycle are usually powered by a lithium-ion polymer battery. This style of heated motorbike gear also has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
• Easy to function as you do not need to connect anything to the motorcycle.
• Freedom to move around as wiring is better concealed.
• No initial set up.
Disadvantages
• Batteries will require charging before use, sometimes in excess of 8 hours.
• Distribution of heat may be reduced as battery power peters out.
• Batteries will eventually die.
The Best Heated Motorcycle Gear - Gloves
Heated Motorcycle Gear Top Picks
RST Pro Series Paragon 6 Heated CE Gloves
With pre-curved fingers, a motion panel and multiple size adjusters, these heated motorcycle gloves offer supreme comfort, both in warmth and design. Obtaining a full charge in less than 3 hours, they can provide heat on full power for approximately 2.5 hours.
• Padded palms and fingers enhanced by a soft feel.
• Smart touch index fingers, plus a visor wipe on the left index.
• Robust knuckle protection, and waterproof Sinaqua membrane.
Keis G601 Premium Heated Armoured Gloves
A high-end, versatile pair of gloves, designed by heated motorcycle gear specialists Keis. Can be used and controlled together with other heated Keis items.
• Flexible, impact absorbing armour across the knuckes, and abrasion resistant scaphoid guards.
• Thick 3M Thinsulate and Hipora lining, for superior weatherproofing properties.
• Optional battery pack, enabling on or off motorbike use.
Ixon IT-Yate Naked Heated Gloves
Smart gloves controlled via an app, with customisable heat settings. Cutting edge technology, protection and comfort, all in one.
• Clim8 intelligent external sensors detect conditions, then heat gloves accordingly.
• Durable construct consisting of premium goatskin.
• Armoured in three locations; knuckles, wrists and scaphoids.
Ixon IT-Yate Naked Heated Gloves
Macna Progress RTX DL Heated Gloves
Another pair of app operated heated motorcycle gloves that can be controlled via Bluetooth. Can be powered either by the dual Li-Po batteries, or by connecting them to the bike.
• Elasticated waterproof cuff, to prevent water breaching.
• Reflective details to aid visibility in the dark.
• Four power modes, touch screen friendly fingertips, and a visor wipe.
Budget Buy
Gerbing Xtreme XRL Heated Gloves
New and improved for 2023, the world’s most popular heated motorcycle gloves are now hotter than ever before! Featuring a more powerful heated output than their MicroWirePRO predecessors, their batteries last longer and their temperatures hit higher.
• Watertight Hipora membrane, which is also windproof and breathable.
• Insulated with Thinsulate material, a premium thermal liner.
• Can be powered for up to 6 hours without being connected to the bike, using the portable 12V Xtreme Battery Kit.
Heated Motorcycle Jackets, Vests & Liners
Heated Motorcycle Gear Top Picks
Keis J501RP Premium Heated Jacket
This heated motorcycle jacket delivers a reliable source of heat using cleverly placed carbon fibre panels. When connected to the bike, it will warm your chest, back, arms and collar area.
• Lightweight and breathable design, distributes heat more effectively.
• Dedicated pockets for controls, with additional pockets for storing your personal items.
• Super versatile, as it can be worn as an under layer, or a main jacket, by men or by women.
Gerbing MicroWirePRO Heated Liner
Comfort is the priority with this 12V Gerbing heated jacket liner. It is designed to fit snugly under your other gear, with soft-on-the-skin fabric, Thinsulate insulation, and a water repellent construct to keep you dry.
• Easily compressible, intended to be packed with convenience.
• Compatible with other Gerbing heated gear, simply plug them into the jacket.
• Lifetime warranty on heated elements you can depend on.
Keis B501WRP Ladies Heated Bodywarmer
Elasticated side panels and a lightweight polyester construct make this vest a popular choice as a ladies option. It’s well equipped with front, rear and collar panels, which offer ample heated coverage.
• Micro carbon fibre panel technology prolongs battery life, helping to hold an extended charge.
• Panel technology also optimises heat generation and distribution.
• Can be linked with other Keis heated gear, with optional bike battery attachments.
Macna Centre Heated Jacket
A smartphone app operated jacket, intended to be worn over your base layers. Can be connected to both the Macna Progres RTX DL gloves and Centre trousers to create a fully heated suit.
• Silver tricot inner lining, for heat reflecting insulation.
• Polyester construct, with elasticated cuffs.
• Large waist pockets for storage, plus separate battery pouch.
Budget Buy
WarmThru SuperVezzoo
Here’s a very affordable, battery powered vest from WarmThru. This second generation version now holds a charge for up to nine hours, and features a discreet internal zip pocket that houses its lightweight Lithion-Ion battery.
• Three levels of heat, indicated by coloured LEDs.
• Four heated panels, one on each side of the chest, and one on each the upper and lower back.
• Designed specifically for motorcyclists, with clipped hips to allow for flexibility, and a large button conveniently located on the front right chest area.
Essential Heated Motorcycle Gear - Trousers
Heated Motorcycle Gear Top Picks
Keis T103 Heated Trousers
Complete the trio of heated Keis gear with these bike powered trousers. They’re intended to be worn in addition to your under garments, and provide substantial heat using micro fibre-alloy technology.
• Lightweight soft-shell material makes these heated motorbike trousers comfortable and breathable.
• Elasticated waist for flexible, yet snug fit.
• Reasonable price for a well trusted brand.
Gerbing MicroWirePRO Trouser Liner
Warming from hip to shin, the Gerbing heated trouser liner are a high-quality, proven product. Their polyester construct is Teflon coated, which is a windproof water-repellent.
• Lined with Thinsulate for added insulation.
• Suitable for use with other Gerbing heated clothing, such as Gerbing heated socks and motorcycle jacket liner.
• Built to last with durable nylon fabric.
Budget Buy
Macna Centre Heated Trousers
Versatility and value make these dual Li-Po battery powered trousers a savvy option. Choose from four heat modes, which can also be powered by the bike as an alternative.
• Electrically heated wire runs throughout the garment alongside a silver, heat-refelcting tricot liner.
• Smartphone controllability through downloadable app.
• Polyester construct, with elasticated waist and ankles for a better fit.
Heated Motorcycle Riding Socks
Heated Motorcycle Gear Top Picks
Gerbing MicroWirePRO Heated Socks
Surround your entire foot with warmth inside these moisture wicking acrylic socks. Their thoughtfully located heated elements can be powered through other Gerbing heated motorcycle gear, or from the bike directly.
• Lightweight, with four-way stretch construct for superior comfort.
• Multiple sizes to fit men and women.
• Recommended to be worn over a thin sock, and can be hand washed and dried.
Macna Lava Heated Socks
Hi-tech socks that can be readily controlled using a Smartphone app. A handy battery life indicator will help you choose whether to switch from Li-Po batteries to an optional 12V cable.
• Three heated focus areas include toes, soles and instep.
• Subtle zip pouch for holding the battery.
• Individually selectable heat strengths when connected to other Macna heated motorcycle gear.
Budget Buy
Keis S302 Heated Socks
Cheap and cheerful socks heated by micro alloy element technology. Intended to be worn over a thin sock, and under waterproof boots.
• Three heat settings to suit the user’s preference.
• Duo power options, bike or battery.
• Good value for money.
Spare Batteries, Charging Kits & Accessories
Heated Motorcycle Gear Top Picks
Keis 5200mAh Portable Battery
Mobile power pack with large capacity charge. Includes a USB connection for multi-purpose charging.
• Compatible with numerous Keis Dual-Power products.
• Features a LED Capacity Monitor.
• Can be used as a stand alone battery pack for charging other USB devces.
Gerbing 9Ah Battery Kit
Quick charging battery enables you to use your MicroWire PRO jacket liner away from the bike. Combine with the Digital Temperature Controller to adjust heat settings at the touch of a button.
• Benefit from a wider range of movements when connected to the portable battery.
• Lightweight, weighing only 587g.
• Add the Gerbing Portable Digital Temperature Controller to differentiate heat settings on both the Gerbing Heated Jacket and Gerbing MicroWirePRO Push-Button Control gloves.
Gerbing 9Ah Battery Kit
Ixon IT-Series 1950mah Dual Battery Kit
Double set of replacement 1950mAh batteries. For use with multiple Ixon heated gloves, including Ixon IT-Yate, IT-Fogo and IT-Aso Evos.
• Extends charge time up to three times the standard batteries.
• Takes under 5 hours to charge fully.
• Powerful upgrade for a bargain price.
Ixon IT-Series 1950mAh Dual Battery Kit
Macna Battery & Charger
Complete battery and charging kit for Macna heated gloves and socks. Capable of charging both gloves, or socks, simultaneously with a 1000mA current.
• Two Lithium Polymer batteries included.
• Up to 6 hour charge held on high heat settings.
• Also available for the Macna heated trousers and jacket – includes a 6000mA battery with a 5 hour charge length.
Macna Battery & Charger
If the thought of great value heated motorcycle gear warms you up, imagine wearing it! It doesn’t have to be expensive or a hassle to set up, because nowadays there’s such an array of affordable and versatile options available at the click of a button.
Whether you want top brands or budget buys, the weather can be beat, but the prices really can’t. From 12V gear that connects to your bike, to battery powered smart-tech that connects to your phone, heated motorcycle gear truly is worth it.
Click here to find the best heated motorcycle gear available in the UK. Shop all ranges including heated gloves, vests, jackets and jacket liners, as well as heated trousers, socks and soles.
Need some help, or more information on how to choose your heated riding gear? Feel free to contact Rider UK with any questions you may have.
Prices correct at time of writing – sale prices subject to change.