Riding a Motorcycle In Hot Weather

Are you looking to develop your riding skills this summer but not sure where to begin? Riding a motorcycle in hot weather can be a perfectly good time, especially with these tips for doing it safely and comfortably. TEAM Arizona’s RiderCoaches prepared more than 150,000 motorcyclists for riding safely in challenging conditions, and if we can do it in Arizona, you can do it anywhere!
We’ll cover the main questions we hear when training new motorcycle enthusiasts from our arid home in the Southwest, including:

• What to wear when riding a motorcycle or scooter in summer
• How to stay hydrated on summer rides
• When and where to ride

Read on to discover our time-tested tips for enjoying hot motorcycle action, even when the summer heat challenges your inner cool.

Choose the Best Riding Gear for Hot Weather

Students frequently ask us what to wear when riding a motorcycle in hot weather. The summer sun makes it challenging to dress comfortably without compromising on physical protection.

The trick is to balance the need for thick, protective clothing and breathable, moisture-wicking fabrics. Denim is more useful than leather for this reason, and there are breathable mesh and armor-grade fabrics that are stronger than both. With the right gear, deciding what to wear when riding a motorcycle in hot weather is much easier. The following are some of the best options that combine well with other garments:

• Kevlar-reinforced riding jeans with optional hip and knee protectors
• An evaporative cooling vest designed to retain cold water and evaporate over time, decreasing body heat
• Moisture-wicking materials (such as “Coolmax” neck and head garments)
• Lightly compressing base layers, which improve circulation

We frequently see riders dressing down to reduce clothing coverage which exposes their skin to the elements. This can increase evaporative effects which brings us closer to negative heat effects faster. To be clear, we still fully recommend maximum protective gear. Just opt for the most well-ventilated type and continue experimenting to find the right combination of hot-weather motorcycle gear.

When to Drink More Than Just Water

As with any outdoor summer activity, it’s important to replenish your electrolytes regularly. With water, by the time you think you need more, you usually do. Water is still primary, but the key is to balance your water intake with the right amount of salt, potassium, and even trace amounts of calcium and magnesium.

We recommend avoiding conventional sports drinks because their high-sugar content outweighs their benefits (and accelerates dehydration). Plain coconut water is a great alternative. Bring extra (ice!) water with you, and don’t hesitate to stop and refill.

Make Frequent Stops

Riding like it’s second nature requires something of an endurance challenge at first. It’s better, in the long run, to make frequent stops so your body can adapt to your riding posture. This also reduces the chance of cramping and is the best way to periodically get shade. Select routes with many known stops, even if it’s only a gas station where you can get more cold water.

It’s okay to get a lot of sun throughout the day, but it’s best spaced out, not all at once. This will also improve your focus so you can stay safe on the road.

Avoid Riding During the Hottest Part of the Day

Of course, none of this means you should go headlong into the blistering sun. Moderating your exposure is key, because you might put yourself out of commission for the rest of the week with a bad sunburn or heat stroke. Besides your own physical strain, you also run risks with an excessively hot motorcycle, such as greater risk of burns and premature wear on your trusty metal steed!

Safety First: Learn How to Ride in Hot Weather with TEAM Arizona’s RiderCourse

So, what is your favorite ride in the summertime? How do you cope with the heat? Reach out to us via our social media platforms to let us know.

Deciding where to go and what to wear when riding a motorcycle in summer can be a challenge, but it’s nothing countless beginner and novice motorcyclists haven’t successfully overcome. If you’d like to learn how to ride and master motorcycle safety in a fun, easy-to-learn environment, contact us and sign up for our RiderCourse. Our RiderCoaches live our trade, and we look forward to setting you on the journey of a lifetime in comfort and style.

Featured Image Credit: Papuchalka – kaelaimages/Shutterstock