Riding Your Motorcycle in Warm Weather

Warm weather riding is one of the best parts of sunny days. You get to get out and enjoy nature, the open road, and adrenaline rushes. But before you head out on your motorcycle, make sure you are taking the right precautions. It's easy to forget that high temperatures can bring with them safety issues, which you'll want to guard yourself against. Keep reading to learn more, then visit Langston Motorsports for all your bike needs. We proudly serve those in Temecula, Orange County, and San Bernardino, California.

Understand the Risks

Warm weather riding isn't as treacherous as riding on icy roads or during a rainstorm, but that doesn't mean it's free of safety threats. The high heat can take its toll on your body, which can threaten your ability to safely ride your motorcycle.

First, the heat can impact your vision. It can create an intense glare off of other vehicles, making it hard to see the road clearly. Second, the harsh UV rays can cause sunburns. Third, it can cause more severe safety issues, such as heatstroke. This happens when your entire body becomes overheated. Symptoms include dizziness, headaches, losing consciousness, and even organ failure. The following safety tips will help you proactively prevent these and other issues brought about by warm weather riding.

Your Attire

What you wear plays a large role in your bike safety. Sure, you may want to throw on shorts and a tank top to beat the heat. But you need skin protection anytime you hop aboard your motorcycle. The fabric helps provide a protective barrier against the sun and in the event of a crash. You can look for breathable materials that offer venting features to avoid getting too hot while you ride. Seek out light colors because they help reflect light instead of absorbing it. Don't forget the bandana to help soak up the sweat before it gets into your eyes. One trick is to place a wet neckerchief on your neck for some cooling relief. 

Hydration

Motorcycle riding is already a physical activity that can induce sweating and the loss of moisture. Warm weather riding is only going to make you sweat harder, which makes it that much easier to get dehydrated. Bring along plenty of water, either in bottles or hands-free hydration. Remember that you'll also need to replace the electrolytes that you lose while you sweat, so sip a sports drink or eat a salty snack.

Time Your Ride

One easy way you can improve the safety of your ride is to be strategic about when you hit the road. In the summer, temperatures are usually hottest between 3 and 5 PM. If you can, avoid riding in those hours. The best time to ride your bike is early in the morning or in the evening when the sun is setting. If you have to ride at a set time and have a long ride ahead of you, make sure to take breaks! Head into an air-conditioned place for a cool off, such as a local restaurant for dinner. You'll want to give your body and your motorcycle time to cool down. Don't try riding for hours in the hot sun! 

Warm weather riding can be a great way to make the most of gorgeous clear sunny days. Following safety tips helps ensure you stay comfortable and safe on your motorcycle. For everything related to bikes, visit Langston Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Temecula, Orange County, and San Bernardino, California. Whether you need a new motorcycle or to tune-up your current one, we can help so stop by today!