The daily commute doesn't stop for winter, even when the mornings turn dark and wet. The good news is that staying comfortable on a short, regular ride comes down to a few well-chosen bits of kit, rather than a wardrobe of specialist gear. This guide covers what earns its place on the commute: staying dry, layering sensibly, keeping your hands working and being seen. For the wider picture, our guide to building a warm cold-weather setup goes into layering and heated kit in full.
Waterproofs come first
On a commute, wet is the enemy before cold is. Once your kit soaks through it stops insulating, and the ride home turns miserable, so a reliable waterproof layer is the first thing worth sorting.
Waterproof over-jacket and over-trousers pull straight over your normal gear and block the wind as well as the rain. They pack down small, so they live easily under the seat or in a bag for the days the forecast turns. When the outer stops beading water and starts to soak in, that's your cue to wash and re-proof it rather than replace it.
Layer smart for a short ride
A short commute rewards getting your layers right, because you want to be warm at a standstill without arriving drenched in sweat. Two layers usually do it.
Your base layer sits against the skin and moves moisture away, so choose a wicking thermal rather than cotton, which holds damp and leaves you cold. Add a single mid layer, a thin fleece or insulated top, to trap warmth. That's often enough for a 20-minute ride, and it's easy to peel a layer off once you're indoors.
Keep your hands working
Hands take the wind first, and at commuting speeds the chill makes it feel far colder than the air temperature suggests. Cold fingers stiffen and react more slowly, which matters every time you reach for the brake or clutch.
Heated grips are the commuter's best friend, warming your palms straight from the bike with nothing to charge or remember. Heated gloves or slim liners warm the whole hand, including the backs and fingertips, and pair well with grips on the coldest mornings. Either way, warm hands are as much about control as comfort.
Be seen on dark mornings
Winter commuting often means riding in the dark at both ends of the day, so being visible does as much for your safety as any other piece of kit. Bright or reflective outer layers help other road users pick you out early.
It's worth keeping your visor in good order too. A clean, unscratched visor makes a real difference in low winter sun and street lighting, and an anti-fog insert stops your breath misting it up at junctions. Small things, but they keep your view clear when the light is against you.
Get kitted out at Vertu Motorcycles
When you're ready to sort your commuting kit, our colleagues can point you to the right gear for your bike and your route. Across our bike dealerships we stock quality motorcycle clothing, waterproofs, helmets and heated kit to keep you going through the winter.
Have a look through our motorcycle accessories range to see what's available, or book an appointment with your local dealership and we'll help you put a commute-ready setup together.
Related reading
Our guide to building a warm cold-weather setup covers layering and heated kit in full, and our winter riding tips cover staying safe once the weather turns.
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