Tips for Riding a Motorcycle in Warm Weather
When you are riding a motorcycle in the summer, prolonged exposure to the heat can have serious consequences on your health. You’ll want to make sure you’re wearing the appropriate clothes and following the right measures to stay cool when the weather gets too hot. We’ve provided some basic tips and tricks for staying cool in the hot weather, so read on to learn more.
Dress Smart
Before you even hit the road, you can start beating the heat by wearing the appropriate clothing. You’ll probably want to wear shorts and a T-shirt to stay as cool as possible, but this doesn’t provide you with the appropriate protection. But we understand. Most clothing made for motorcycle riders is bulky, heavy, and all-in-all, stifling. So you have to be smart about what you wear.
Pants and sleeves, as counterintuitive as it may seem, can actually help keep you cool. Wear loose clothes for maximum breathability and light-colored clothes to deflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them. You can also invest in a ventilated riding jacket so you can stay protected from debris without overheating. Consider wearing a bandana to absorb perspiration or dip it in cool water to keep your body temperature down.
Drink Water
A staple for any hot day is plenty of drinking water and that’s no different when you’re riding. When you sweat, you lose water and if you don’t replenish it, you run the risk of dehydration. The longer you’re out on the road, the more water you should have handy. If you need to, bring several bottles of water, or if you’d like to consolidate, bring a refillable water bottle. There are also special hydration systems that will keep you hydrated without taking your hands off the throttle. No matter what system you employ, drink lots of water.
Ride Smart
Finally, use common sense to help you beat the heat. Stay off the roads during the hottest parts of the afternoon. If you’re out touring, allow for plenty of rest stops and hydration stops so you don’t aggravate any heatstroke symptoms. Whether you spend some time in a shaded area or grab an ice cream cone, there are lots of ways to cool off when it’s hot out. This will also give your bike a chance to cool off and lower the risk of overheating your engine. If possible, you can adjust your windshield to give you a little more ventilation.
Follow these basic tips for riding in the hot weather and stop by SoCal Honda Powersports in Carson, CA, to let us know what your pro tips are for beating the heat. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Los Angeles and Long Beach.