Why let summer heat get in the way of your riding? Here are five tips to help you stay cool on two wheels.
Most helmets and motorcycle gear are equipped with vents, and it’s easy to forget and leave them closed. Avoid hot air suffocation by double-checking to make sure your vents are open for maximum airflow. Bonus points if you’ve got a friend that can check hard to reach zippers, like the ventilation openings on the back of your jacket.
Another less obvious way to get some airflow is to (carefully) stand on your pegs or stick your legs out while moving; that way you’ll momentarily escape the stagnant pocket of air created by your bike, which can be significant on fully faired motorcycles or engines that run hot.
Under extreme heat conditions when your core temperature has been elevated for prolonged periods, few things feel better than pulling over and dousing yourself with water. The feeling probably won’t last as long as you’d like, but the evaporative cooling effect will at least take the edge off your discomfort.
Jorge Lorenzo (image above) may have taken it a bit far with his victory swim after winning at the Circuito de Jerez, but you’ll do well by drenching your t-shirt with cool water or throwing a wet towel over your head during a roadside break.
You should never sacrifice safety for comfort; after all, a little sweat and stink sure beats road rash and blood. That said, if you’re spending any time doing summer riding, a solid set of ventilated and armored gear will keep you…