Warm Weather Motorcycle Gear - Riva Motorsports Miami
Warm weather means perfect conditions for motorcycle riding. We’re all ready to get out there for a nice ride . . . before the afternoon rain ruins things. So to make the most out of this prime riding season it’s best to prepare for the conditions. Heat can quickly fatigue even the most experienced rider if they’re not ready for it. Dressing for warm weather can be just as important as suiting up for the cold bite of winter. Dehydration, heat stroke, and exhaustion are real issues, but fortunately they are easily avoided with a bit of planning.
Here at Riva Motorsports Miami, we know you’re ready to hop on your motorcycle and head into some thrilling adventures. While we don’t have to worry so much about the winter cold, the warm and humid weather of Florida can offer its own problems to riders who don’t take proper care. Read on for some more information about warm weather motorcycle gear, and when you’re ready, head into our Miami, Florida location where we have a great selection of new and used motorcycles as well as accessories, clothing, and other gear.
Dress for the Heat
Shedding layers to get some relief from the heat is a standard practice for pedestrians, but motorcycle riders have to keep themselves covered whether or not the weather is one way or another. You still need long pants and sleeves for general riding safety. There are a few things you can do, however, like sticking to cooler colors that are better at reflecting light. You can also pick up clothing with breathable fabric, like cotton and linen. A ventilated riding jacket can help protect you from the road and encourage cooling air flow, and a bandana worn under your helmet can keep sweat out of your eyes.
UV light protection is another important point when dealing with summer sun. Put some sunscreen on exposed skin, like the back of your neck. Sunglasses can be a great boon as well, especially if your helmet doesn’t have UV protection.
The Importance of Hydration
Dehydration can sneak up on you in intense heat. Without replacing lost fluids, a rider will experience a fuzzy head and loss of focus, which can then turn into an accident. To solve this issue, you can simply keep some water bottles in your pack to drink throughout your trip. If you find yourself going through several bottles at a time, or you’re riding often enough to roll your eyes at wasting all that plastic, consider investing in a wearable hydration system for hands-free hydration from a backpack or similar piece of apparel.
To stay cool, you can also dip a T-shirt or bandana in cool water and wear these on the road to enjoy the breeze from the evaporation. Tying the wet bandana at the base of your neck can cool you down quickly as it will rest over your carotid artery. Along with lost water due to sweat, our bodies lose a lot of important chemicals too, like salt and electrolytes. As any sports fan knows, those lost chemicals can drastically hurt rider performance. Eat some snacks or a sports drink that provides vitamins and minerals in additional to replacing some of the salt.
Common Sense Riding Practices
Sometimes all you need is to think over a new situation to come up with a solution. Don’t ride on those mind-bendingly hot days that break records, and think about getting your ride in before the day gets too hot. Stop frequently when riding in the heat to allow both you and your bike time to cool off. A hot bike means a hot rider, so giving your Harley a well-deserved rest can help you both out. Use your breaks to check out the scenery around you, rest in the shade and drink water. If your bike’s windscreen is adjustable, you can put it down to get more ventilation.
A summer ride takes advantage of the sun and clear weather, but it’s still important to stay cool, focused, and hydrated on the road. Now that you’re prepared to beat the heat, beat the crowds by heading into Riva Motorsports Miami, where we’re proud to serve Fort Myers, Naples, Kendall, Ft. Lauderdale, the greater Miami, Florida area and all of Broward County. Our staff of knowledgeable and courteous professionals are ready to answer your questions and help you find the motorcycle of your dreams. Come in today!