Kits, Tops & Trousers

Keep the Cold Out and the Warm In, wearing a Motorcycle Mid Layer Set from XLMOTO.

A motorcycle rider's biggest problem in near-zero temperatures is hypothermia, and the best way to keep this at bay is by wearing a mid-layer set from XLMOTO. Even when it's freezing, you will sweat in some areas of the body when riding. If you're not wearing suitable motorcycle gear, the sweat stays on your skin and lowers your body temperature.

In addition, wind chill can lower the actual temperature, with prolonged exposure to these conditions result in hypothermia. This condition causes the rider to feel drowsy. It causes loss of feeling in the fingers and toes, leading in a total loss of control of the motorcycle. Thanks to groundbreaking new fabrics, if you have to ride in cold weather, avoiding hypothermia is now easier than ever. Motorcycle mid-layers from XLMOTO will keep you warm and safe when the winter winds start nipping at your wheels.

The key to safe winter riding is keeping your core temperature under control. You can only accomplish this by wearing the correct gear. Choose the right type of fleece base layer and create a barrier to keep the cold out and the warm inside.

One-piece mid-base layer

A one-piece base layer means no gap between the trousers and top, so warm air trapped inside the suit can freely circulate through the body. This design ensures that the lower back, around the kidney area, isn't exposed to the cold.

To make sure the one-piece suit does not hinder mobility, look for garments with stretch panels in the chest, shoulder, and knees. While these sections need to move with the rider, they are also some of the attack points for cold. So, if the flexible panels are insulated, you're on to a winner.

Elasticated cuffs at the wrists and ankles are essential to keep draughts out and make it easy for clothing to fit over the suit. Man-made materials such as polyester, when mixed with elastane for flexibility, produce an easy-moving one-piece suit that will dry quickly after washing.

Any rider who has ever worn a one-piece mid-base layer will know that having to take the whole top half off to facilitate a bathroom break is a real pain. Find a zipped drop-seat jumpsuit, and you'll never worry about your sleeves dropping into a puddle again.

Two-piece mid-base layer sets

A two-piece mid-base layer that doesn't provide complete coverage when riding exposes body parts to the cold. Thanks to XLMOTO, you can rest assured that any two-piece mid-base layer set will have the correct amount of overlap.

In addition, choose a motorcycle mid-base layer constructed from microfleece that will have excellent warming qualities. What's more, it will wick moisture away from the body.

Microfleece is lightweight. It won't bulk up when the outer layer of clothing goes over the top, and of course, there's no need for a drop-seat. This type of material is yet another variation of polyester. Once again, you can wash and dry it very quickly. Elasticated wrists and ankles are a must-have feature.

Which is best, one-piece or two-piece mid-base layers?

The answer to this depends on the rider's preference. Some motorcyclists like to keep the winter chills out by wearing a one-piece mid-layer, preferring the draught-free all-over coverage. For some having a drop seat, rear zip is part of the deal.

The two-piece base layer set offers warming features as long as the jacket correctly overlaps the trousers. Yet separate jackets and trousers provide a slightly more flexible way to keep warm.

Whether you opt for one or two pieces, it's all down to preference. You can rest assured that a mid-base layer from XLMOTO will keep you warm and in control.

XLMOTO – Heated Clothing

There is nothing more annoying than getting a cold when on a motorcycle. That’s why many manufacturers chose to design heated clothing, varying from vests, base layers, and pants. Heated motorcycle clothes are on the rise, as many people are still in the dark on this. This type of clothing will not only keep you warm on a winter’s day but will also provide enough warmth at night or in the evenings when the sun is down.

Benefits of heated motorcycle gear

Are you thinking about buying heated motorcycle gear, then it’s good to know the main benefits of these items. Of course, the main benefit is that it will keep you warm in winter, on a cold day or even in the evenings. This type of gear as being kept warm by special equipment that’s incorporated in the clothing. It provides a proper solution for people that do not have heated grips.

Besides that, the clothing is very safe. Not only does it provide protection when you fall, it’s also safe in terms of the heat source. You can easily put on the clothing underneath your jacket or pants, without being disturbed by the extra layer. That is because of the fine fabric that is used with all the products that we at XLMOTO have.

What to look for in heated motorcycle gear

When buying heated motorcycle gear, it’s good to have certain criteria in the back of your mind. These criteria can determine the duration and intensity of the heat. Let’s look at some of the different criteria.

Elements

The first important criteria are the elements that are being used to provide the heat. Most of these elements are incorporated in the liner and are charged by means of batteries or a special battery. Pay attention to where you will find the elements in the clothing. In most cases, the elements are situated on the jacker in the collar, back, and on the chest.

Do you want to wear pants, then you will find the heating elements at the leg and around the seat. Important is to check how the elements can get heat or need to be charged. In some cases, it is possible to charge the heating elements while driving, but this is not always the case.

Duration

Also check the power and duration of the heating elements. The power of the elements determines how hard the elements can work. The higher the power, the more heat the elements can provide. Most heating elements use a voltage of 7 to 12 volts.

The power of the heating elements has a big influence on the price of the heated motorcycle clothing. The more volts run trough the elements, the more it costs. Are you easily cold, then it is advised to use a higher voltage in order to get warm more easily.

Fine-tuning

Every rider has it’s own preference with regards to heat. Some people would like to get warm and cozy on the motorcycle, while others choose to keep it more on the downside. For you to regulate the heat, there are forms of heated motorcycle clothing with different options. This allows you to regulate the heat output to your own taste.

If it is warmer then intended, you can lower the elements. If you need more heat, for example with rain or during the evening, you can also set the clothing on the highest setting. Not all heated motorcycle gear has the option to use multiple settings.

Closing

And lastly, it might be useful to fully close off your motorcycle clothing from outside air. In that case, the generated heat does not escape from your sleeves or trouser leg. There are even special connections to connect your boots or gloves to your heated motorcycle clothing. In that case, your whole body will benefit from the heated motorcycle clothing. Not all motorcycle clothing has the possibility to be fully closed off.

Base Layer Sets

A base layer set can have huge benefits for riding during summertime and in during wintertime. There are several different motorcycle base layer sets that can be distinguished, every one of them with their own pros and cons. Let’s look at the different sets that are available.

Types of base layer sets

The first distinction that can be made is between base layer sets for men and women. While a men base layer set are mostly made of one piece of clothing, the women base layer set can also be separated between a bottom piece and a top piece. Although this is easier when taking of clothes or putting them one, the sets that are made from one piece of clothing have a tighter fit and can keep the warmth a little better.

Another distinction that can be made is the base layer sets for winter, summer and four season sets. Although most of the motorcycle base layer sets are made for winter and summer, the ones focusing on either summer or winter have better features for the weather they are designed for. Let’s look at the biggest benefits for the three different types.

What all base layer sets have in common is that they fit tightly to your body. This makes sure that seams are not going to irritate during drives. Regular clothing can fold underneath your motor clothing, which can irritate when driving. Base layer sets are designed to eliminate that.

Base layer set winter

Most motorcyclist decide to use the base layer sets during winter times. The biggest benefits of those base layer sets are that they keep you warm and have a tight fit to your body. Those base layer sets keep you warm, where the side note needs to be made that the manufacturers typically use temperature ranges. This is something that you must consider when looking for a base layer set that’s mainly used in the winter.

Another big benefit is that base layer set for winter times make sure that the wind is less of an influence on the warmth of your body. Most of the warmth in a motor suit is lost because of the wind. As windy conditions are not felt that much by the driver, there is also less warmth lost.

Although the base layer set keeps you warm during winter, it can also lead to sweating when it gets too warm. The benefit of a separate top and bottom layer makes it easier to undress yourself in that case. It might be worth it to think about what suits your situation best.

Base layer set summer

Although most motorcyclist only use a base layer set in the winter, it can also be used in the summer. The features of that base layer set are different than the set used in the winter, but it can be very beneficial. Where a winter base layer set keeps you warm, the summer base layer set keeps you cool. The base layer sets used in the summer cool your body off. The set can quickly transport sweat away from the body so it can evaporate.

A disadvantage of the base layer set in the winter is that it’s less warm when it cools off. Especially if you like to have such a base layer during fall. The days can be rather warm, but in the evening it can cool off quiet rapidly and to a low temperature. This is a risk when wearing these base layer sets.

Four seasons base layer set

The last type is the base layer set that can be used throughout the year. It can warm you up during winter, but also cool you off in the summer. Although these base layer sets can be worn all year round, these base layer sets have less capabilities than when the base layer sets specific for winter or summer are bought. This is something to consider.