Riding a motorcycle during cold weather can be a chilly and uncomfortable experience. To combat the cold, many riders turn to heated gear, such as heated grips and heated gloves, to keep their hands warm and maintain a comfortable grip on the handlebars. But which option is best for you?
In this article, we’ll compare motorcycle heated grips and heated gloves, exploring their features, benefits, and considerations.
By understanding the differences between the two, you can make an informed decision and enjoy a cozy and enjoyable ride in cold weather. Let’s dive in and uncover the details of motorcycle heated grips and heated gloves!
Motorcycle Heated Grips
Motorcycle heated grips are specially designed handlebar grips that integrate heating elements. These grips are typically wired to the motorcycle’s electrical system and offer a direct source of heat to warm your hands while riding.
Benefits
- Easy Installation: Heated grips are relatively easy to install, especially if your motorcycle already has an existing wiring system for accessories.
- Quick Warm-up: Heated grips provide immediate warmth once activated, allowing your hands to warm up quickly during cold rides.
- Integrated Design: The grips are seamlessly integrated into the handlebars, ensuring a consistent heat distribution across your hands.
Considerations
- Compatibility: Not all motorcycles come with heated grip options or the necessary wiring. You may need to purchase aftermarket heated grips and ensure they are compatible with your motorcycle’s electrical system.
- Limited Coverage: Heated grips primarily warm the palms and fingers, leaving the back of the hands exposed to the cold. Additional hand protection, such as windproof gloves, may be required for full hand warmth.
Heated Gloves
Heated gloves are specially designed gloves with built-in heating elements that provide warmth throughout the entire hand. These gloves are typically battery-powered and offer the flexibility of being used on various motorcycles.
Benefits
- Full Hand Coverage: Heated gloves provide warmth to the entire hand, including the fingers, back of the hand, and fingertips, offering comprehensive protection against the cold.
- Flexibility: Heated gloves can be used on different motorcycles or even in non-riding situations, as they are not reliant on a specific motorcycle’s electrical system.
- Adjustable Settings: Many heated gloves come with adjustable heat settings, allowing you to customize the level of warmth based on your preference and the weather conditions.
Considerations
- Battery Life: Battery-powered heated gloves have a limited runtime, and the duration of warmth varies depending on the selected heat setting. Longer rides may require spare batteries or a way to recharge them on the go.
- Bulkiness: Heated gloves can be bulkier than regular riding gloves due to the heating elements and batteries. This may affect the dexterity and feel of your grip on the handlebars.
Factors to Consider
- Riding Conditions: Consider the typical weather conditions you encounter while riding. If you often ride in cold temperatures or for extended periods, you may benefit from the continuous and direct heat provided by heated grips. If your rides are shorter or in varying weather conditions, heated gloves can offer more versatility.
- Ease of Use: Evaluate the convenience of each option. Heated grips are always ready for use once installed, whereas heated gloves require you to put them on and connect the batteries. If you frequently switch between motorcycles or engage in non-riding activities, heated gloves may provide more convenience.
- Personal Preference: Everyone has different preferences when it comes to comfort and warmth. Some riders may prefer the direct warmth of heated grips, while others find the comprehensive coverage of heated gloves more appealing. Consider your own comfort needs and choose accordingly.
Combination Option
For the ultimate hand warmth, some riders choose to combine heated grips with heated gloves. This combination provides both direct heat to the palms and fingers through the grips and additional warmth to the back of the hand and fingertips with the heated gloves. This approach offers a comprehensive solution for riding in extremely cold conditions.
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When it comes to keeping your hands warm during cold rides, both motorcycle heated grips and heated gloves offer effective solutions. Heated grips provide direct warmth to the palms and fingers and are integrated into the handlebars, while heated gloves offer full hand coverage and flexibility.
Consider factors such as compatibility, ease of use, riding conditions, and personal preference when choosing between the two options. Some riders even opt for a combination of heated grips and heated gloves to maximize warmth in extreme conditions. Whichever option you choose, the goal is to ensure your hands stay cozy and comfortable, allowing you to fully enjoy your motorcycle rides even in chilly weather. Stay warm and ride on!
For over 12 years, I have been testing and reviewing heating technologies that overcome cold weather conditions. In recent years, I have specialized in the heated apparel. I’ve made it my mission to educate people about heated clothing.