Tips For Summer Motorcycle Riding

Riding your motorcycle on a warm, sunny day is one of the best experiences of owning a bike. However, as the summer sun can quickly go from warm to scorching hot, it's important to take some precautions and use some common sense to ensure your safety while riding.

To help you have a safe yet fun ride, we at True North Parts have compiled some summer riding tips for you! 

• Wear Proper Gear: During the summer, you may feel like riding in a loose T-shirt, shorts, and flip flops to beat the heat. However, it's important to avoid the temptation and wear full-coverage gear for safety reasons. You can invest in appropriate gear that allows air circulation, such as a riding jacket with mesh and a motocross helmet that's more breathable.
• Stay Hydrated: While riding in the sun, you start to sweat, which leads to dehydration if left unchecked. It's crucial to drink plenty of water and carry some with you to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks and instead opt for liquids that restore electrolytes and keep you feeling cool and refreshed in hot weather.
• Take Frequent Breaks: Prolonged exposure to heat can have a cumulative effect on your body. Taking short breaks during summer motorcycle rides is much better than riding continuously for hours. For every 45 minutes of riding, take a 15- or 20-minute break to replenish your fluids.
• Watch Out for Tar Snakes: Cracks on the road are filled with a tar-like substance that becomes slippery when the road heats up, commonly known as "tar snakes." This can be a potential hazard for motorcyclists. If you need to cross one, take it at 90 degrees in an upright position. If you feel your rear tire start to slide, slow down and don't try to overcorrect. If there are many tar snakes, you can coast through them before restarting the engine.
• Recognize Heat Exhaustion: When you're out in the sun for too long, your body starts to overheat, leading to heat exhaustion. Signs of heat exhaustion include dizziness, lightheadedness, cramps, rapid heartbeat, and excessive sweating. To avoid a severe case, it's best to pull over and try to cool down immediately by placing a cold, wet towel on your head or finding an air-conditioned place to rest.
• Avoid Peak Hours: The effects of the summer sun are worst around the afternoon, so it's best to ride during the morning or evening. Plan your day so that you can ride before noon and after 5 pm. If you're touring on your bike, you can use the afternoons to take naps, catch a movie, or enjoy a leisurely lunch. This break will also help your motorcycle cool down from the heat.
• Practice Defensive Driving: No matter how cautious and skilled a rider you are, other motorists on the road can be a potential threat. Many people text and call while driving, or are generally distracted, so it's essential to drive defensively. Stay alert and keep an eye out for any sudden lane changes or vehicles pulling out from side streets. Make sure all the lights on your bike work, and use them whenever necessary.

We hope these tips will help you stay safe on the road during the summer months!