Warm-Weather Motorcycle Riding Tips
The Sunshine State, like much of the South, certainly receives its fair share of heat. Of course, the great weather is perfect for long, winding motorcycle rides, but the hot sun can take a toll on you over time. While riding a motorcycle in warm, sunny weather isn’t going to involve the same challenges as riding in the rain, it can still be harmful if you’re not careful. You can easily fall prey to heat-related illnesses that will seriously curtail your motorcycle riding!
Crystal Harley-Davidson in Homosassa is your Florida Harley-Davidson® motorcycle dealer. Here are some of our top tips to help make warm-weather riding more comfortable and enjoyable.
1. Know The Risks
The most important thing to know about riding in hot weather is the risks inherent to the practice. Dehydration, heat stroke and severe sunburns can all damage your health, but they might not be at the forefront of your mind because the sunny weather looks so pleasant.
Your body can easily become overheated if you are wearing heavy gear and aren’t drinking enough water or giving yourself a chance to rest. Heat stroke and dehydration will both impair your ability to safely operate your bike. Sunburn may not seem that threatening, but a bad sunburn can lay you up for a few days in pain and it significantly increases your risk of developing skin cancer.
Another risk of riding in the sun is visibility. Yes, there’s plenty of light, but that’s kind of the problem: the “sun dazzle” mirage created by heat rising up from the asphalt can make it more difficult to see clearly, and the glare off of car exteriors and windows can hit your eye and blind you temporarily. You’ll want to avoid riding in the direction of the rising or setting sun, too.
2. Lighten Your Gear
Now, we’re not recommending that you abandon your motorcycle gear altogether when it’s hot outside. However, you can swap out that black leather motorcycle jacket for a white ventilated nylon jacket that’s padded for safety. You’ll still need to wear your boots, gloves and helmet, and long pants are recommended as well. You can invest in light-colored gear that won’t absorb as much light and heat as black does, and you can also look for clothing that’s ventilated.
Make sure that your motorcycle helmet face mask is tinted for UV protection or that you can fit a pair of sunglasses on underneath it. You may also want to knot a bandana around your forehead to catch sweat. One way that riders stay cool is by dipping a bandana in cold water and tying it around their necks over the carotid artery, which helps to cool you down. Wear sunscreen on any exposed skin and reapply it as needed.
3. Stay Hydrated
The best thing you can do for yourself in hot weather is to stay hydrated. Carry a few bottles of water with you or wear a hydration pack to sip from as you ride. Your body loses water through sweat in order to cool you down and you have to replace it to prevent dehydration from setting in. You’ll also want to consume a sports drink or some kind of snack that can help you replenish vital salts and electrolytes lost in your sweat.
4. Avoid the Hottest Part of the Day
You’ll experience more extreme heat during the afternoon and early evening than at any other time, so try to avoid those 3 PM rides. Instead, ride earlier in the morning when it hasn’t warmed up yet or later in the evening when the sun is low or setting. The nice thing about summer is that daylight lasts longer so you have more time to ride without needing headlights!
5. Take Frequent Breaks
Riding for hours in the sun without stopping may sound fun and efficient, but the truth is that you should be taking more frequent breaks when you’re riding in the heat. Your body simply can’t handle long stretches without rest. Park at a rest stop or tourist attraction and walk around in the shade or take refuge in an air-conditioned building. Have a snack, drink water and remove your helmet so you can cool down. Don’t be afraid to cut your ride short or turn back if it’s just too hot to keep going.
Check out our website to see the full selection of new and used Harley motorcycles for sale at our Florida dealership in Homosassa. Crystal Harley-Davidson proudly serves the cities of New Port Richey, Spring Hill and St. Petersburg, FL.