Managing Heat on Your Motorcycle This Summer. Stay Cool and Safe

Riding a motorcycle during the summer comes with challenges, especially when it comes to managing heat. As temperatures soar, staying cool isn't just about comfort—it's crucial for your safety and well-being on the road.

We will explore practical tips to help you beat the heat and enjoy your summer rides to the fullest. From choosing the right gear to staying hydrated and planning your routes strategically, these tips will help you navigate hot weather conditions while keeping cool and safe. Whether you're new or experienced, these strategies will help you manage heat effectively on your motorcycle this summer.

Dress Appropriately

A light-colored vented jacket

When planning to ride in hotter temperatures, it's important to dress appropriately for the ride. You should try to layer with lightweight moisture-wicking materials to aid in sweat movement, and make sure to wear mesh and breathable motorcycle gear. Vented pants, vented gloves, mesh jackets, and breathable boots are all recommended for hot weather. Additionally, wearing a helmet with good ventilation can also help to keep you cool and comfortable during your ride. Try to avoid dark colors if possible, as darker colors absorb more light and heat than lighter colors. 

Consider using accessories like cooling towels or soaking vests in extreme heat. Evaporative cooling is the most effective way to lower your body temperature. These towels and vests are usually made from special materials like microfiber and PCMs, which can retain water while allowing it to slowly evaporate. As the towel or vest evaporates, it absorbs and carries away body heat, cooling the skin. To get a more technical idea of how they work click (here). To use them, soak the towel or vest in water before your ride. It should retain enough water to stay damp for several hours. Wrap the towel around your neck or wear it like a headband under your helmet to target the blood vessels closer to the skin's surface and cool them. If the towel or vest dries out during the ride, simply soak it again.

A cooling towel and cooling vest

Stay Hydrated

Before heading out on a ride, it's important to start hydrating at home. Begin drinking water a couple of hours before departure and continue to drink consistently in small amounts to allow for better absorption by the body. It's essential to keep hydrating while riding throughout the day. You can carry a bottle of water in a tank bag, or some riders prefer to use a hydration pack like a CamelBak. If you know you'll be pushing yourself throughout the day, consider bringing some electrolyte packs, but stay away from electrolyte drinks with high sugar content. If you anticipate riding in intense heat, try to avoid alcohol the night before, as it is a diuretic and can lead to faster dehydration. Additionally, you can take stops and snack on hydrating foods such as veggies, yogurt, and fresh fruit throughout the day.

Optimize Your Route

Sometimes shade comes off the beaten path

When planning to go out on your bike it important to think about the route and time you're planning on riding. It tends to be much cooler during the morning and at night compared to mid-day, so planning to go out in the morning can really help. Another thing that can help is the location of where you're riding. Cities and highways tend to be much hotter than backroads and parks. Try to move your route along natural heat sinks or even water features to assist. Try to avoid congestion and traffic, remember to take frequent breaks throughout the day and hydrate as you break. Gas stations and rest areas area always helpful on long hot trips allowing you to stop and cool off in air conditioning or some nice shade.  

Bike and Health

It is important to make sure both you and your bike are in good working condition before heading out into very hot weather. Being stranded can make you very unhappy and experiencing heat exhaustion can end up in an expensive medical bill. It is important to check and make sure your bike is running well and its cooling system is up to the task of your trip. Even briefly checking your coolant level before heading out can save you a lot of headache. 

It's important to know the signs for yourself and others (1)

Heat exhaustion is a condition that happens when your body overheats. Some symptoms of heat exhaustion may start suddenly or progress over time. Heavy sweating, faintness, dizziness, fatigue, headache, and nausea are some of the symptoms that suggest you may be experiencing heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic. If you think you have heat exhaustion, or a fellow rider is feeling the symptoms it's a good idea to move to a cooler place and drink cool water or sports drinks to help out. If you're with someone who has heat exhaustion, seek immediate medical help if they become confused or distressed, lose consciousness, or are unable to drink.

Conclusion

So before heading out into the heat remember to dress appropriately in breathable flowing gear, hydrate properly before and during the ride and ensure your health and safety by checking over yourself and your bike often. It's   good to prioritize your safety and comfort during summer rides and i hope this article helps you out on your summer adventures. 

If you have any tips or stories for other readers don't be afraid to put them into the comments below!

Ride Safe and Ride Smort!