Riding in summer heat

Summer is the longest period of the riding season, but extreme heat is also a risk factor. In the heat the body tries to cool itself by sweating, loses fluid, and this loss weakens attention, decision-making and reflexes without you noticing. Even mild thirst is enough to lower concentration.

1. Don't take your gear off, choose the right gear

The most common mistake in the heat is taking off the jacket and riding in a T-shirt. Tarmac is less forgiving in summer; also, the sun and hot wind dry bare skin faster.

• Mesh jacket and trousers: Provide airflow while keeping the protectors (shoulder, elbow, back). The most sensible choice for summer.
• Light colours: Black gear heats up noticeably more in the sun.
• Moisture-wicking base layer: Cotton holds sweat and stays wet; technical (synthetic) underwear carries sweat away.
• Ventilated helmet: Open the helmet's top and chin vents. If the inner pads can be removed and washed, wash them regularly through the summer.
• Summer gloves and boots: There are perforated or mesh summer models; don't ride with unprotected gloves.

In extreme heat, mesh is not always the answer

When the air temperature approaches or exceeds body temperature, the wind entering through a mesh jacket starts to heat you instead of cooling you; it acts like a hair dryer. In this case partly closing the vents and using a dampened base layer or a cooling vest can be more effective.

2. Fluids and salt

• Don't wait to be thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, fluid loss has already begun.
• Drink water before setting off and again at every break. On a long journey a backpack-type hydration pack makes drinking while riding easier.
• When you sweat heavily, water alone may not be enough; the body also loses salt and minerals. Ayran, salty snacks or electrolyte drinks help maintain the balance.
• Alcohol and large amounts of caffeine increase fluid loss. Alcohol is out of the question on the road anyway.
• Urine colour is a simple indicator: light is good, dark shows that fluid intake is insufficient.

3. Timing and route planning

• Plan long journeys for early morning or late afternoon; stop in the shade during the hottest hours of the day.
• In city traffic, the heat of the engine and exhaust hits your legs. If possible, skip the busy hours.
• Take breaks more often. A few minutes' rest in the shade, taking off your helmet and washing your face speeds recovery.
• A heavy meal diverts blood flow to the stomach for digestion and makes you drowsy; eat lightly on the road.

4. Signs of heatstroke and exhaustion

5. Engine and tyres

• Air-cooled engines can overheat badly when idling in traffic for a long time. Learn the signs of overheating from the manual.
• On liquid-cooled engines check the coolant level and that the fan kicks in. Make sure the radiator fins are not clogged with insects and dirt.
• Tyre pressure: Always measure pressure when the tyres are cold. Don't let air out to reduce a high reading taken when hot; when the tyre cools the pressure will be low.
• Tarmac: In extreme heat the tarmac's bitumen softens and becomes shiny; grip may be reduced, especially on patched and freshly laid surfaces.
• The battery wears faster in the heat; check its performance at the end of summer. See battery care.

6. Parking and the sun

The seat, tank and handlebar of a motorcycle left in the sun can get too hot to touch. Park in the shade or use a seat cover. Don't leave your helmet upside down in the sun; the inside heats up and it is hard to put back on. Don't forget sun cream under your helmet and jacket; the area between the neck and wrist is where you burn most often.

Summer riding checklist

1. Mesh or ventilated gear, moisture-wicking base layer
2. Water and salty snacks
3. Sun cream and sunglasses / tinted visor (clear spare for night)
4. A neck tube or bandana that can be wetted
5. A route plan that skips the hottest hours