PEOPLE SAY SUMMER is riding season, but we beg to differ. As the weather begins to cool and we dip into October, the leaves change color, mornings become cool and dewy, and the oppressive heat of summer finally gives way to perfect riding temperatures. That’ s when we know it’ s time to put some serious miles on the motorcycle.

It just so happens to be one of the prettiest times of year to ride too. Roads wind through hillsides painted in shades of red, orange, and gold. There’ s something especially satisfying about rolling through crisp autumn air with a full tank and nowhere you need to be.

Fall riding is a favorite around the Rider office, but cooler temperatures and unpredictable weather mean a little more

preparation than simply grabbing your helmet and gloves. As we prepare for this fall’ s outings, we started thinking about what we always make sure to pack.

Here are a few things that routinely find their way into our tankbags. You may already have some of them, but maybe you’ ll find one or two things worth adding to your own riding kit.

1. HEATED GRIPS

Cold hands can ruin an otherwise perfect ride, which makes heated grips one of the easiest ways to extend the riding season. Oxford’ s Heaterz Pro 2.0 Heated Touring grips provide adjustable heat and are designed specifically for riders who spend long hours in the saddle. The Touring version is particularly well suited for touring bikes, but other size options are available. Turn them down when the sun comes out and crank them up when the temperature drops, no wardrobe change required. They’ re especially useful because they provide warmth directly to your hands while allowing you to continue wearing your normal riding gloves. Price: $ 274.99

2. HEATED JACKET LINER

A heated jacket liner can make the difference between turning around when temperatures drop and continuing toward your destination. The Gerbing 12V Heated Jacket Liner uses Gerbing’ s Microwire technology to distribute heat throughout the liner while remaining thin enough to wear underneath your motorcycle jacket. That’ s the beauty of heated gear – rather than piling on bulky layers, you can maintain a comfortable temperature with the flip of a switch. It’ s particularly valuable on long fall rides, when temperatures can vary dramatically between morning and afternoon or between valleys and mountain elevations. Price: $ 249.99

3. PACKABLE RAIN SUIT

Fall weather can change quickly, so a rain suit earns its place in our luggage even when the forecast looks promising. The Klim Forecast jacket and pants are designed to provide waterproof protection without requiring riders to wear a bulky waterproof suit all day. The Forecast jacket uses a Gore-Tex waterproof construction and packs down for convenient storage when the skies are clear. The pants provide the same sort of emergency protection for your lower half. Having both means a surprise shower doesn’ t have to become a premature end to the day’ s ride. Price: $ 299.99 jacket; $ 299.99 pants

4. BASE LAYER

Good layering is the secret to staying comfortable when fall temperatures fluctuate. The AXIAL Block Long Sleeve Shirt adds an extra layer of warmth without the bulk of a heavy mid-layer, making it a practical choice for cool-weather motorcycle rides. Its windproof Freeze-Out membrane helps keep cold air from penetrating the fabric, while the long-sleeve design provides added coverage beneath your riding jacket. It’ s especially useful on those crisp fall mornings when temperatures are low but you know the afternoon will warm up. Lightweight and easy to pack, it can also be stashed in your luggage as an extra layer for the ride home. Price: $ 33.74

52 / OCTOBER 2026 / RIDERMAGAZINE. COM