Warm Weather Riding

Motorcycles are built for warm weather, but when it gets really hot, riding can start to get dangerous. While wet weather riding is primarily dangerous because it limits the bike’s performance, hot weather riding is dangerous because it affects the rider’s performance. Heat exhaustion and dehydration can become serious problems with symptoms that include nausea, dizziness, damage to muscles and organs, and other conditions that can result in a crash. Below, we’ve listed some tips for staying healthy while you ride. Read on to learn more, and if you’re in the market for a new bike, stop by Road Track and Trail. We’re located near Milwaukee, in Big Bend, Wisconsin, and we proudly serve Waukesha and Kenosha, Wisconsin, as well as Chicago, Illinois.

Dress Smart

The way you dress has a major effect on how your body absorbs and dissipates heat. Most people focus on trying to wear less clothing when the weather turns warm, but this isn’t always the best idea. There are many variables at play. For example, if the outside temperature is warmer than your body temperature, air contacting with your skin will cause you to absorb more heat. Plus, you’ll be more exposed to the effects of sunlight, which can cause sunburns and other damage.

For temperatures under 100, try wearing a long sleeve cotton shirt to shield you from the sun. Make sure you also wear pants to protect your legs from the heat of the engine. A good way to keep cooler is to wrap a wet bandana around your neck. You’ll need to keep it wet. As the water evaporates, it will pull heat from your skin and lower your body temperature.

Hydrate

Hydration is another crucial part of hot weather riding. Dehydration can lead to organ failure, muscle damage, and cognitive problems that will affect your ability to ride. You’ll want to drink water constantly throughout your ride, so make sure to keep your water bottle or hydration pack full. Riding is a physical activity and you’ll lose water much faster than you might think. You’ll also sweat out some electrolytes, too, and it’s not a bad idea to replace them. Try drinking a sports drink after every three or four bottles of plain water. If you’re worried about the calories, you can opt for electrolyte water, which offers a balanced load of electrolytes without tasting funny or containing sugar.

Ride Smart

You should always ask yourself if you really need to ride in hot weather in the first place. If you’re just looking for a good time, it’s probably best to wait for a cooler afternoon. If you’re a commuter, you probably don’t have much of a choice. But if you can take your car or public transit, you might be able to save yourself some agony. If you’re on a long trip, you might have a schedule to keep, but that doesn’t mean you have to ride during the hottest part of the day. Try waiting somewhere cool until the sun goes down before hitting the road. Whatever you can do to not ride on the hottest days and not ride during the hottest part of the day will benefit you in the long ride and improve the chances that you’ll stay safe. If you’re in the need for new riding gear or parts and services for your motorcycle, stop by Road Track and Trail. We’re located in Big Bend, Wisconsin, near Milwaukee, Waukesha, Kenosha, as well as Chicago, Illinios. Our team of knowledgeable powersports enthusiasts will set you up with everything you need!