Staying Cool on Your Bike in Hot Weather
No time is better for a ride than summertime! The sun and the wind mix perfectly for thrilling rides and laid back adventure. Harley-Davidson® motorcycles are perfect for long trips where you get to feel the breeze and let your bike shine in the eternal glory of a blazing summer sun. Maybe that’s just making you think of how hot it can get, and sure enough the human body isn’t meant to sustain serious heat for long periods of time without suffering some consequences. From the annoyance of sunburn to the serious hazards of dehydration, warm weather riding has a whole host of dangers associated with it that some riders might not be aware of.
Rock City Harley-Davidson® understands the clear appeal of taking a fun motorcycle ride during the most beautiful weather of the year, so we’ve put together this short guide to staying cool on your bike. Read on for more information or head into our dealership in Little Rock, Arkansas. We proudly serve Benton, Hot Springs, and all of Arkansas!
Dress Cool
The right riding gear is important if you want to stay cool and ride in comfort. You’ll want to stick to breathable fabrics, insulating leather, and cool colors, otherwise you’ll get hotter and hotter every minute you spend on the road. A t-shirt is normally the go-to solution for combatting the weather, but these actually aren’t ideal when on motorcycle, since a t-shirt won’t protect you very much if you take a spill in the middle of a ride. Instead, wear a good motorcycle jacket. It seems counter-intuitive, but a well-insulated jacket can actually keep you cooler than a t-shirt. They block sun from contacting your skin, while also filtering out the hot air and keeping you cool underneath. Opting for a minimal helmet will also help, since the extra wind on your face goes a long way in fighting the heat.
Stay Hydrated
Even though you might not think motorcycle riding counts as exercise, you still use a lot of muscles without knowing it. Proper hydration keeps your body in operating condition, preventing the dangers of excessive water loss that happens in high heat. The direct exposure to sunlight, the heat of your engine, and warm winds add up quickly and will suck the moisture from you without much warning. This can be extremely dangerous if you don’t get enough fluids, so make sure you sip water regularly. A hydration system is a great way to ensure you don’t get thirsty while riding. These have a drinking tube that you can drink straight from the pouch, which eliminates the inconvenience of using a cap or mouthpiece. For long rides, you’ll need electrolytes too, since your body makes better use of water when these are replenished.
Smart Riding
If you commute to work on a motorcycle, there’s no way around riding in the heat. But if you have other options, or if you can wait for later to ride, you should consider how important it is to avoid riding during the warmest time of the day. No matter what you do to stay cool on a bike, sometimes it’s just too hot to ride comfortably. If you do decide to go ahead and tough it out, pay careful attention to the signs your body sends. Don’t continue riding if you start feeling nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy, as these could mean you’re heading toward heat exhaustion.
Nosebleeds and vomiting are also sure signs of heat exhaustion, so you should get to a hospital right away if you experience these symptoms. To make sure you don’t get there in the first place, take frequent breaks. You might be used to riding for longer than an hour at a time, but taking a break and drinking some extra water every half hour or so is simply part of riding in hot weather.
Make the best time to ride a safe time to ride with some of these warm weather tips. Hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy the sun and fun all summer. If you still need some riding tips, or you’re after a new or used Harley motorcycle, don’t hesitate to call or head into Rock City Harley-Davidson® in Little Rock, Arkansas. Our team of dedicated pros are ready to answer all your questions and help you find what you’re looking for. Come in today! We proudly serve Benton, Hot Springs, and all of Arkansas.