Riding a Motorcycle in Warm Weather

It’s no big secret that Texas weather gets warm. Many of your motorcycle rides will be underneath the blazing sun. Before you head out on a hot day, there are some key things to keep in mind for your own safety. We’ve put together a guide to riding in warm weather below. If you need any parts or maintenance before you hit the road, visit Woods Fun Center. We proudly serve those in Austin and Round Rock, Texas.

Risks of Riding in Hot Weather

Riding when it’s warm may not seem to be a big deal. After all, the heat is just a mild discomfort that you can tough out right?

Wrong. You face different risks when you head out in the heat. First, there is impaired vision. Hot days generate a “sun dazzle” on the road. You’ll find it in the east in the morning and in the west in the evening, causing issues like glare off of other vehicles.

Beyond safety risks, you risk your health. These issues can be minor, like a sunburn. But they can also be major, like sunstroke. This happens when your body overheats. Symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, and even losing consciousness or organ failure. With a little prevention, you can minimize the risks.

Dress for the Weather

On a brutally hot day, it’s tempting to skip the full-length pants and shirts. After all, more clothing means a hotter ride. But the reality is you need to always fully cover your skin. The fabric serves as a barrier between your sensitive skin and the harsh rays of the sun. If you were to crash, you want every layer of protection possible to keep your skin from scraping the pavement. Beyond wearing full-length clothing, you also want to ensure you still wear riding gloves. Otherwise, your sweaty hands will struggle to maneuver your controls.

Focus on wearing clothing with fabric built to breathe. A ventilated riding jacket offers great protection without being too stuffy to wear. Choose light-colored clothing that reflects light rather than absorbs it. Wear a bandana on your forehead to keep sweat from dripping into your eye. Wet a neckerchief and place it on your neck for cooling relief.

Hydrate

Some of the risks of riding in the heat are related to dehydration, which you can prevent! You lose hydration as you ride because of heat, exercise, and the full-length clothing. Compensate by bringing a large quantity of water, either in water bottles of hands-free hydration. You will also need to replace the electrolytes you lose as you sweat. Eat some salty snacks or drink a sports drink.

Ride Strategically

Make smart choices as you ride in the heat. Avoid the hottest parts of the day, which tends to be in the middle of the afternoon. Use this time to eat lunch in an air-conditioned diner instead.

Be intentional about taking lots of breaks to cool off. As you ride, your body can get overheated. But so can your motorcycle! Stop off at a rest stop or a park with lots of shade. This will cool you down as well as cool your motorcycle too.

With a little preparation, you can ride safely in the summer. Of course, preparing for the heat is just part of it. You also need to ensure your motorcycle is up to date on its maintenance. If you are experiencing any issues, bring it to Woods Fun Center. We offer an expansive parts and maintenance service (as well as a large stock of motorcycles if you are looking to upgrade). We proudly serve those in Austin, Round Rock, San Marcos, and New Braunfels, Texas. Stop by today!