Five motorcycles to keep you warm in winter

Motorcycling is fun, but even the most rusted-on riders can find their passion wavering when cold weather arrives. Riding in icy temperatures can be unpleasant at best and life threatening at worst. Sometimes it is better to park it in the shed until spring has sprung.

But if the lure of two wheels and the open road is too much to resist, then there are ways to help beat the cold. One way is positive self-talk and karaoke (trust me it works), but it is essential to have suitable winter protective gear.

Another source of warmth that often gets forgotten is the bike itself. There are plenty of aftermarket options for bigger windshields, heated grips and heated seats, but many bike manufacturers offer these as optional extras. And, in some cases, as we’ve listed below, these features are included as standard.

If you’re in the market for a machine to get you through winter, check out these warm bikes that will keep you toasty when the mercury drops.

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Checking in at just $14,490 ride away, the new CFMOTO 800MT adventure tourer is a bargain whichever way you look at it. But throw in heated grips, a heated seat and a nice adjustable windshield, and you have a bike that both your bank account and your core temperature will thank you for.

The 800MT Touring is powered by a KTM-built parallel-twin engine and also packs KYB suspension, J.Juan brakes, a quickshifter, tyre pressure monitoring, a steering damper, hand guards, and a solid steel-tubular chassis. Cheap, well-quipped and warm – what more do you need?

Find your own CFMOTO 800MT Touring on bikesales

When many motorcyclists think of deluxe touring bikes, they think of the legendary Honda Goldwing. In production since 1974, this 1833cc six-cylinder beast is the first class experience of motorcycling.

The Goldwing features more electronics than you can poke stick at, spacious storage, Apple CarPlay, and even an airbag on the Premium version. And warmth? You can count on heated grips, a heated seat, and a large electronically-adjustable windshield. And with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, you won’t have to worry about operating the clutch lever with cold hands.

Of course, all of this goodness comes with at a hefty price – the standard version checks in at $44,437 ride away, while the Tour Premium variant is priced at sizable $52,653 ride away.

Find your own Honda Goldwing on bikesales

Blurring the lines between adventure and sport, the BMW S 1000 XR is both comfy and blisteringly quick. The base model in Australia comes with heated grips as standard, but it’s worth mentioning that most BMW models have heated grips and heated seats as options.

In addition, the S 1000 XR comes with a sizable and effective adjustable windshield, and also has bodywork that helps keep the wind and rain off you. A ride on the S 1000 XR can be super comfortable even in inclement weather.

Find your own BMW S 1000 XR on bikesales

Like the Goldwing, the Ultra Limited is all about supreme comfort for long miles on the open road. The big Milwaukee 114 V-twin engine will provide some warmth, but the bike also comes standard with heated grips. Better still, there is a whopping six heat levels on offer.

The Ultra Limited also has a nice big fairing and windshield to keep the chilly air off you, while there is a comfortable pillion seat and backrest for a passenger, and plenty of storage space. This road warrior starts at $44,995 ride away.

Find your own Harley-Davidson Ultra Limited on bikesales

There aren’t many learner-approved machines that offer warm features, but the latest Yamaha TMAX 560 Tech Max packs both heated grips and a heated seat. The high-tech maxi scooter checks in at $19,849 ride away and also includes a sizable electric windshield.

Other cool features include the 7-inch TFT display, cruise control, adjustable rear suspension, and smartphone compatibility. This could be the ultimate urban commuter, and it will keep you nice and toasty on those cold winter mornings.

Find your own Yamaha TMAX 650 Tech Max on bikesales

BONUS TIP – If you want to maximise your warmth, find a bike with an accessible 12V socket so you can plug things like heated jackets and heated gloves to keep them going all day long. This Venture Heat 12V Deluxe Jacket is an example of such a product.

This article was originally published on July 12, 2022.