Winter is here, but that doesn't mean you have to store your bike for months. Riding in the cold just needs a bit of prep. So, here are 9 tips to keep you warm during winter riding.

It’s all about staying dry to stay warm - Make sure you opt for water-resistant clothing like the Alpinestars Hurricane rain jacket and rain pants, which are 100% waterproof, come with velcro adjustments and have reflective prints.

Eating can help your body stay warm. As your body digests food, it burns calories and creates heat. A perfect excuse to grab a big breakfast from Factoryheads Cafe at Donington Park ;)

Your best bet at staying warm through the winter is to invest in a two-piece riding suit. This can help you stay warm as it’s not only waterproof but windproof too. The Oxford Mondial Advanced 2 Piece Suit is brilliant as it’s lightweight, doesn’t hold water in a downpour and dries out quickly. The jacket in this 2 piece suit employs a laminate outer shell, incorporating Oxford Dry2Dry™waterproof and breathable membrane bonded to a tough nylon construction.

In addition to providing comfort, keeping your hands warm can help you stay safe while riding in the winter. Your fingers are first to freeze, which can make it very difficult to grip your handlebars and control your bike. Investing in some heated gloves like the Alpinestars HT-3 Heat Tech Drystar Gloves which distributes warmth in the coldest of conditions with three heat settings for optimum cold weather performance.

Alongside heated gloves, heated grips can be a game changer for keeping your hands extra toasty throughout the cold weather! Show your hands some love with aftermarket heated grips like Oxford’s Hotgrips come in 3 different sizes depending on your bike with 5 different heat settings so you can ensure your hands stay warm. 

One of the best cold-weather riding tips is to layer your clothing. Lots of thermal gear can help you stay warm by providing plenty of insulation. Maintaining heat in your core is essential to staying warm on your motorcycle. Base layers such as the Oxford warm dry thermal base layer, provide thermal comfort and wicks moisture from the skin. The more layers you have, the less affected you will be by wind and rain. 

Step up your shoe game with warm, sturdy boots. Warm motorcycle gear like Alpinestars Belsize Drystar Waterproof Boots incorporates a waterproof membrane under the leather chassis and is designed to offer flexibility and comfort on the toughest of trails.

Check the weather before you hit the road. Charge up your heated motorcycle gear and make sure you're ready to roll. Being unprepared in the cold? Not cool.

Know your limits and don't push them. Even the pros can struggle in the cold, wind, and rain. Safety first, folks.

Mastering winter motorcycle riding requires a combination of protective gear, strategic planning, and an understanding of your own limits. By following these 9 tips, you can enjoy the thrill of riding even in the coldest weather while prioritising your safety and comfort. Stay warm & ride safe!