How to Keep Safe while Riding in the Heat
Riding in high temperatures is much easier in a car than it is a motorcycle. While the heat may not be as stifling in the open air, your motorcycle also won’t provide much protection from the sun’s rays. For tips on how to survive the heat while riding your motorcycle this summer, check out our article below.
Bring Plenty of Fluids
One of the biggest mistakes you can make when riding a Harley-Davidson® is to underestimate how much water you’ll need. Riding is actually a very strenuous activity, especially when you spend hours on the road, so you’ll need to keep yourself refreshed with plenty of fluids. The basic solution is to pack enough water bottles so that you can drink about eight ounces every hour. This means you’ll have to stop every fifteen minutes or so to take a few sips, which might seem inconvenient, but will keep you much safer and far more comfortable as your ride goes on. If you elect for a hydration system though, you won’t have to worry about stopping all the time to get a drink. The nozzle can go directly into your mouth, which means you can sip on water throughout your ride instead of making frequent stops. Finally, if you plan on taking a longer ride in a touring bike, make sure you bring snacks and a couple sport drinks to replenish your electrolytes.
Knowing Your Body
Unless you’re the type who performs triathlons during 90°+ weather, you probably shouldn’t attempt to ride a motorcycle in extreme heat. The human body can’t naturally handle strenuous activity in extremely hot and humid weather without proper heat training, so be very selective about when you choose to head out. If it’s going to be a toasty afternoon, try to take your trip in the morning or evening when it’s a little cooler out. But if you decide you absolutely need to ride during the hottest part of the day, make sure you’re taking frequent breaks and allowing your body to cool down before you start getting too hot.
Riding in the heat doesn’t have to be dangerous. There are plenty of tips and techniques you can use, including hydrating properly, dressing appropriately, and taking frequent breaks, to keep you comfortable and safe while on the road. At Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County, we hope everyone can ride safely out there, and encourage those nearby in Los Angeles and the Orange County region to visit our location in Westminster, California to tackle all of their important motorcycle needs.