Warm-Weather Motorcycle Riding Tips

Hot summer days where the sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky are a great time to head out on a leisurely cruise on your motorcycle. However, even though you aren’t having to contend with winter blizzards or spring rains, you’re still having to face another obstacle: extreme heat.

As a motorcyclist, you’re exposed to the air and much more vulnerable than a car driver to all types of weather, and you should be ready to handle high temperatures safely. Here are some helpful strategies for riding your motorcycle on a hot day.

Know the Risks

Riding in the heat can cause you to sweat a lot, and if you’re not replenishing those fluids, you can become dehydrated. You’re also at risk of sunburn on any exposed skin, which can result in skin cancer if you get enough burns. If you’re out in the heat too long without respite, you can develop heat exhaustion, which can then turn into heatstroke, a condition that can become deadly. 

Recognize the signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration to keep yourself safe: dizziness, headaches, clammy skin, and feeling faint are all warning signs that you need to get inside and cool off.

Dress Appropriately

You might want to remove your jacket and jeans and wear shorts and a T-shirt when it’s 90°F outside, but you probably know this isn’t very safe motorcycle-riding gear. Strangely enough, keeping your skin covered in the heat can actually help you stay cooler: it’s why people in the desert wear long white robes. Heat that lands on your skin makes you feel hotter; the fabric protects your skin from feeling too hot and from burning.

Light colors and breathable fabrics will be your friends on a summer day, so swap out your standard black leather for a white canvas jacket that has ventilation. Your helmet also still needs to be worn, and you should invest in some eye protection, whether it’s a UV-tinted face shield or a pair of sunglasses that fit under your helmet. Apply sunscreen to any exposed skin, like the back of your neck and your wrists.

Take Frequent Breaks

Finally, you’ll probably want to take more breaks than you would on a cooler day so that you can escape the heat. Taking your breaks in air-conditioned environments allows you to drink some water so you can stay hydrated, remove your helmet so you can cool off, and walk around to stretch your muscles.

Want some professional assistance with servicing your motorcycle? Get in touch with the service department here at Advantage PowerSports. We can schedule you an appointment so you can bring your bike in and get it all serviced and ready for summer riding.

Come see us at our dealership near Kansas City, MO, to take a look at our inventory of new and used motorcycles for sale. You can even discuss your financing options with our helpful sales team. Advantage PowerSports serves our Missouri customers in the cities of Columbia and St. Joseph, MO.