Tips for Warm Weather Motorcycle Riding

Spring and summer are on their way, and all of that sunshine makes for perfect motorcycle-riding weather. However, it can get pretty hot here in Southern California, which can translate into heat exhaustion and fatigue if you’re not careful. You might think that you only need to be concerned about riding in cold or wet weather, but the truth is that hot weather also poses some risks for the motorcyclist. That’s why it’s good to be aware of what those risks are and how to minimize them.

Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County here in Westminster, California, is here to help you beat the heat on your motorcycle rides this spring and summer. Follow these tips to stay cool and comfortable no matter where you go.

Know The Risks

The primary risks of riding in the heat are heatstroke, fatigue and dehydration. The hot sun beating down on you can cause you to suffer from sunburns and exhaustion, and these can lead to heatstroke if you aren’t careful. If you notice yourself experiencing fatigue and dizziness, you’ll need to get indoors right away. Dehydration can also cause these symptoms.

Another risk of riding in the sun is the impact it has on your vision. Wearing sunglasses can help, but you may experience “sun dazzle,” which is a glare that bounces off cars and can hit your eyes, blinding you temporarily. This makes riding more hazardous.

Wear Appropriate Gear

Just because it’s hot out doesn’t mean you get to abandon all your riding gear and ride in flip-flops and a T-shirt. You’ll only put yourself in danger if you do this! Instead, look for light-colored and ventilated riding gear that comes in natural fabrics, rather than heavy black leather. You’ll still want to wear your helmet and boots for adequate protection. You should also wear sunglasses or invest in a tinted face mask that can shield your eyes from UV rays.

Stay Hydrated

One of the most important things you can do for yourself while riding in the heat is to stay hydrated. You lose a great deal of water through sweat, and you’ll need to replenish it. You will also want to replenish the salts and electrolytes that your body loses. Drink water and sports drinks on your ride, but stay away from caffeine, since it can be more dehydrating. You’ll want to have some snacks to keep up your energy, too.

Choose Different Riding Times

Spring and summer temperatures will be at their highest around mid-afternoon, between 2 and 5 PM, generally speaking. Instead of going for an afternoon ride, why not delay your ride until evening or go in the morning? The sun won’t be at its zenith at these times and the temperatures will be several degrees cooler, allowing you to ride in comfort. Look for shadier rides, too, rather than staying in the sun the whole route.

Take More Breaks

You should make sure that you’re allowing your body some time to rest and regroup when it’s hot outside. Trying to ride while you’re sweating buckets and exhausted can be dangerous, since fatigue slows down your response time and may make you lose control of your bike. Don’t be afraid to take more frequent breaks in shady or indoor areas. You can cool down, rest your muscles, drink some water, have a snack and stretch your legs so that you don’t develop cramps. If the day is simply too hot, you can also curtail your ride.

This list of tips should help you to stay cool while you’re riding your bike in the heat. In search of the perfect bike for those summer rides? Come see us at our Westminster location to take a look at our full stock of new and used motorcycles for sale, including Indian® motorcycles. Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County welcomes all of our customers throughout Los Angeles and all of Orange County, California.