Beat the Heat on Your Summer Ride

Los Angeles in the summer is a beautiful place. There's the backdrop of clear-blue California sky. There's the Vitamin D that's an instant mood booster. It's tough to stay inside when you can cruise around town on your Indian Motorcycle®! 

But with the gorgeous summer comes the intense heat. You can still ride in the heat, but you will need to take some extra precautions. We rounded up everything you need to know for riding a motorcycle in the heat. If your motorcycle needs any tune-ups or accessories before your next trip, visit Indian Motorcycle of Orange County. We proudly serve those near Los Angeles. 

Plan Your Ride

From compromised vision due to sun glare to health issues like heatstroke, riding in the California sunshine poses a safety risk. It's important to view it as such. Planning your Indian Motorcycle ride in advance keeps you safe. 

Start with a weather check. Try not to ride your motorcycle in the mid-afternoon when the temperatures will be highest. You can either ride in the early morning or late afternoon. Or build a long break into your trip. Spend the hottest part of the day in an air-conditioned restaurant or shopping center. If the temperatures go above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, stay home! 

Summer Riding Attire

You may think the best approach is to hop aboard your Indian Motorcycle with short-sleeve clothing. But you actually want full-length clothing. The fabric helps serve as protection from the harsh California summer sun, kicked-up debris, and anything else you encounter as you ride your motorcycle.

Buy specialty clothing designed to wear in the summer. Look for breathable and lightweight fabrics that wick sweat and offer ventilation. Opt for lighter colors (since dark colors absorb and keep the heat). 

One way to improve your motorcycle ride in the heat is by throwing on a bandana. Wrap it around your head. It'll catch any sweat from dripping into your eyes. You can also wet it and place against your neck to enjoy a nice, cooling sensation. 

Staying Hydrated

Riding an Indian Motorcycle is its own kind of workout. You engage your body to control the motorcycle as you ride. Then throw in the California sun beating down on you. Between the exercise and the sweating, it's a recipe for dehydration. 

Get too dehydrated and you can make yourself sick, from nausea to an inability to focus. For your comfort and safety, it's important to continually consume water. Bring along water bottles or, even better, a hands-free hydration pack. You'll also need to replace your lost electrolytes. All you need is a salty snack or a sports drink. 

Take Breaks

You may be able to ride your Indian Motorcycle for hours on end in moderate temperature. But the California heat speeds up exhaustion. You won't be able to have the same endurance when you ride your motorcycle in the summer.

It's important that you take frequent breaks when riding in the heat. Give yourself and your motorcycle the chance to cool off. Find a shaded rest stop or, even better, a building with air-conditioning. Give your muscles, eyes, and brain a break. You'll be able to ride safer with these breaks built-in to your ride.

We hope you found our guide helpful! If your motorcycle needs any maintenance before your ride, visit Indian Motorcycle of Orange County. Our parts replacement and service department can get your motorcycle riding like new. We also offer a range of new and used motorcycles for sale, including Indian Motorcycle models. We proudly serve those in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Ana, California.