Riding a motorcycle is pleasing no matter what the weather is. You have to know the technique and right way of riding to make your ride more enjoyable. If you are not taking proper precautions against the hot summer, your driving experience may turn uncomfortable or even grief. Here are some tips that will help you to keep your mind and body cool in hot weather.
1. Select your riding hours wisely
If you want a safe and sound ride then ride any time of the day except between 12:00 noon to 3:30 pm. At this time the sun is at its maximum peak of temperature and the ambient temperature is recklessly high. Summer is a clearer season than winter and monsoon, it allows you to select to ride any time of the day except during the hot hours. If you are going for a long trip, start riding early in the morning. Stop riding and park your motorcycle in a cool place when the clock strikes Noon, have your lunch, and take a rest until 3:30 pm then start to ride again. In hot weather oil, coolant and engine temperature rises significantly high. This resting period will help your motorcycle cool down which leads your motorcycle to perform better even in the hot summer.
2. Wear the right gear
High temperature doesn’t mean that you don’t need to wear the right gear while riding. You have to ensure your safety first with hot weather-appropriate riding gear. If you wear appropriate gear according to the environment it will protect you from sun exposure and cooler compared to wearing no gear at all. Wear a ventilated helmet that allows airflow and make sure that the vents can be opened and closed if needed. Keep your helmet vent open for more air. Wear a mesh jacket and pants or other breathable materials. It maintains ventilation and allows you to keep your body cool. Cooling vests are very effective in scorching weather. It will provide your evaporation cooling for several hours. Be aware of selecting gear color. Wear light color gear for less heat absorption. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your exposed body parts.
3. Stay hydrated
Always keep hydrated yourself or otherwise it may lead to serious health issues including heat stroke. Use a hydration backpack to keep your body hydrated. This backpack comes with a water reservoir and a drinking tube. You can place it anywhere in your regular backpack that you holding on your back. You can sip water through the tube without stopping. Drink water frequently even if you are not feeling thirsty to avoid dehydration.
4. Aware about your food
Pay attention to what you eat. Avoiding overeating means leaving some space in your stomach. Do not eat any food that contains excess spice and high protein. Such kinds of food take time to digest and for energy synthesis demand more water, which can lead to dehydration. Eat lightweight food and vegetables that are easily digestible and help your body keep hydrated. Avoid drinking caffeine and alcohol. Drinking fresh water, lemon water, and coconut water will hydrate you for a long time.
5. Plan your route
Standing in the sun for a long time in city traffic will screw you up and make your body dehydrated. Your route plan will play a significant role in heat management. Find shortcuts and alternative and shaded routes. When you drive your motorcycle on a road that is surrounded by trees the environment will keep your mind and body cool. Riding at speeds between 45-60 kilometers per hour will not make you feel the heat much.
6. Frequent breaking
Continuously riding in hot weather is extremely dangerous. During the summer season, many riders get heat stroke and become dizzy because of dehydration which leads to an accident. Take short breaks after a while, and get some air and water to hydrate and cool your body. This is also a very effective step for your motorcycle tires and engine. Motorcycle engines get overheated very easily in hot weather which is not good at all for the engine health. Excessive hot weather also leads to the tires wearing out very quickly. Save yourself and your motorcycle by having frequent breaking habits take over.
7. Prepare your motorcycle
If the motorcycle is not serviced on time the engine produces excessive heat which may lead to an increase in your body temperature. You can bring some changes to your motorcycle during the summer season such as adjusting your windshield for direct airflow towards you. You can install an aftermarket cooling seat or a seat that reduces heat. Find a sitting position that allows you to get plenty of air.
8. Understanding the signs of heat stroke and exhaustion
Symptoms of heat stroke- very high body temperature, flushed and dry skin, loss of consciousness, rapidly increased heart rate, and confusion. Heat exhaustion symptoms are- Heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. If any such symptoms occur, move yourself to a cool place and remove your jacket and shoes immediately. Wipe your body with a wet cloth then place the wet cloth and wrap the cloth around the neck. Drink water little by little instead of drinking a lot of water at once. Heat stroke can be deadly if you don’t understand the condition and take action immediately. If you are not feeling comfortable, avoid riding in hot weather.
Riding a motorcycle in hot weather is not rocket science. You just have to select the right great stay hydrated, understand your body condition, and find ways to keep your body and mind cool. By following above mentioned tips you can make your ride smooth even if it’s extremely hot weather.