Heat on a motorcycle: face it by following these simple recommendations

The heat on a motorcycle can become unbearable in the middle of summer. Are you suffering from it? It's logical when we face temperatures flirting with 104°F (40°C)or even higher.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by so much heat? Keep in mind that you could reach the threshold of dehydration, in which case we're talking about serious matters.

This directly affects our health and, therefore, the possibility of suffering an accident increases infinitely. The fact is that avoiding it is in your hands. Find out how to do it.

Heat on a motorcycle: find a solution

On the surface, we're facing a fantastic day to enjoy our motorcycle. The sun radiates happiness and we have the whole day ahead to enjoy our two-wheeled companion.

Whether this is your idyllic situation or you're facing the hellish urban traffic every day on your way to work, stay alert.

Although it may seem counterproductive, proper clothing in the form of specific gear for riding a motorcycle or scooter is vital. Don't get overwhelmed: it's always necessary... and it'll definitely help you here.

On a motorcycle, and in the heat, always wear a jacket

Yes, I know that you don't feel like putting on a jacket under a scorching sun, one of those that passes judgment... but don't just focus on the anecdote and analyze the situation.

Because if protection against possible falls is vital, keeping your body in proper "operating order," preventing its temperature from skyrocketing, is also essential.

How do we achieve this? With a ventilated fabric jacket. Keep in mind that it should have certified protectors on the shoulders, elbows, and back.

All this protective gear usually comes "standard" in a garment, although this isn't always the case with the back protector, which you'll need to purchase separately.  Don't go out without it!

What we get from a ventilated fabric with a "holey jacket" is essential: air passes through them and cools our torso.

That's on the front area, to which you should add the exit on the back, so we achieve natural cooling.

What happens when the heat is extreme? That air intake becomes an opening to the "gates of hell."

Sometimes, the remedy doesn't surpass the chaos, but it has an easy solution, since your ventilated jacket should include a removable inner lining.

Thanks to this, you'll prevent air from reaching the inside when it simply burns your body; once you've overcome this extreme situation, remove it.

When you take it out on days when the air is actually welcome, you'll enjoy forced ventilation again, suitable for riding a motorcycle and having fun.

If you can choose the time, do it

It's logical, but sometimes we don't even think about it: our desire to ride a motorcycle can get the best of us and we let ourselves be carried away by the urge to do it... If you can choose, why go out during the worst hours of the day?

In fact, during the summer, the hours from sunrise until noon are usually the most beneficial. The heat will hardly affect either you or your motorcycle, keeping the coolant temperature at optimal levels (below 194°F (90°C)).

Warming up the motorcycle at idle: with caution

Many motorcyclists decide to warm up our motorcycle while we adjust our gear, especially the jacket and gloves.

It goes without saying that this isn't the time to do it as you would in winter: leave your gloves for last, as always.

In this case, and until the sun is at its peak, start the engine before putting them on and, right after, start riding calmly.

You should never rev the engine as soon as you start riding, and even less so during the summer, but keep two details in mind.

On one hand, the coolant temperature will rise quickly, but not as fast as the oil temperature in the crankcase.

Conclusion: ride calmly for the first few miles with the temperature around 104°F/122°F (40°C/50°C) and little by little your motorcycle will be in top shape... just like its rider.

Extreme heat and asphalt: a bad combination

Last but not least among the main recommendations for extreme heat is the one that directly concerns the condition of the road surface.

If during the winter it's frost, shaded areas, and rain that complicate things for us, now it's unbearable heat.

Pay special attention to the white lines, which are always a danger, especially because they usually don't have the necessary anti-slip treatment.

With excessive heat, they become real skating rinks, as is also the case with tar strips used to cover cracks.

The asphalt itself can even melt, so stability will be compromised... no matter how much our tires fight against this undesirable agent.

Your personal care comes first

Remember: don't neglect personal care when it comes to using proper gear for the motorcyclist.

It doesn't matter if you do it with a 134 hp (100 CV) motorcycle or even with a 20 hp (15 CV) scooter that barely reaches 62 mph (100 km/h).

Always wear gloves, a jacket, pants with protectors, and proper footwear. A fall on burning asphalt will destroy your skin... and more.