How to Keep Cool on Your Motorcycle During the Summer
In the summertime, when the weather heats up, the open road calls you to come out and ride. Long hours of daylight are just perfect for tearing up the miles of scenic highways and byways throughout Michigan and beyond. But when it comes to warm weather, too much of a good thing can be a problem—or even dangerous. Riding when you are overheated or dehydrated can make it harder to concentrate or, at the extreme end, lose consciousness from heat stroke. Try these three tips to stay cool all summer long.
Keep the Hot-weather Helmet On
Sure, it feels great to let the wind blow through your hair on a warm day, but it may come at the expense of your safety. In addition to greatly increasing the risk of severe injury in the event of an accident, riding with your helmet off exposes your skin to the elements and speeds up dehydration. When you get warm, you produce sweat, which evaporates and sucks heat away from the body. The wind speeds up this evaporation, meaning the body has to produce more sweat to keep things cool. Keep the helmet on and opt for one with plenty of vents to let some air through without forcing your sweat glands to work overtime.
Always Stay Hydrated
Speaking of dehydration, it is critical that riders drink plenty of water when riding, especially in the summer. Water will help keep the body core temperature down and also help you stay alert and focused. For shorter rides, make sure to drink plenty of water beforehand and stop at the first signs of thirst. On longer rides, you may want to invest in a CamelBak or other portable hydration pack.
Wear a Ventilated Jacket
Just like that helmet, leaving the jacket off and riding in shirtsleeves will actually increase perspiration and cause the body to dehydrate more rapidly. On top of that, losing the jacket could expose the skin to serious road rash in the event of an accident. Instead of leaving the jacket at home, opt for one with high-tech fabrics that control ventilation, allowing enough air in to cool the body without drying it out.
TC Powersports is Mid-Michigan’s premier motorcycle and powersport dealership. Whether you’re looking for gear to stay cool during the summer or a place to store your bike over the cold winters, we’ve got you covered. We have the largest inventory of pre-owned bikes in the entire state and offer in-house financing to get you on the ride of your dreams sooner. Visit our showroom today to browse our selection of new and pre-owned motorcycles and off-road vehicles.