Riding Gear For Summer

Your motorcycle is a symbol of freedom, but the dangers it poses tend to mean a lot of layers. Full helmets, leather jackets and chaps, gloves, and more can keep you safe. During the hot summer months, however, those precautions become a sweaty burden. 

So we here at North County Indian Motorcycle® put together a few tips for how to handle the heat while you’re chasing that horizon, and how to stay safe while you do. If you’re looking for more riding tips or you want your next bike, stop by our store in San Marcos, California!

Heat-Friendly Helmets

Your helmet is one of the most important safety features you can invest in on a bike, but it can get hot and stuffy, leading to foggy visors or even heat-stroke! If you’re struggling to stay cool, look for a helmet that has extra ventilation and cooling. The increased airflow will help you regulate your body temperature without putting you in danger.

For safety reasons, we always encourage riders to wear a full-face helmet for optimal protection. But if you’re experienced and need a bit more cooling than ventilation can provide, a half-helmet can make all the difference.

Sunglasses

Summer riding can get awfully bright, and longer days mean it stays bright for longer. As beautiful as that can make the scenery, the glare from the sun can cause problems. Sunglasses are a valuable investment, both to make sure you can see and to protect your eyes from debris if you opt for a half-helmet. If you prefer the safety of a full-face helmet, look for one with a tinted visor.

The Right Outerwear

Full-length outerwear is vital for protecting your skin in the event of any accidents during your ride. It also protects you from sunburn and debris that might be in the air. But the classic, all-black look is going to attract more light and heat, and leather can chafe if you get sweaty. 

Focus on clothing that’s designed to breathe. Outerwear with cooling mesh material and vents can increase airflow, and lighter colors will deflect sunlight rather than absorb it. That way, you both shield yourself from warming rays and ensure plenty of fresh air.

Lighter Gloves

Riding gloves are essential protection for your hands and ensure you’ve got a good grip on your handlebars, but your typically riding gloves are going to lead to hand sweat which defeats the grip entirely. Look for gloves that come with mesh panels, again, to promote airflow and keep your hands cool without sacrificing protection and utility. 

Sturdy Shoes and Cool Socks

You might be tempted to wear sandals during a humid summer day, but they’re entirely unsafe on a motorcycle ride. You should always wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet. You don’t have to go for military or cowboy boots, of course, but there are plenty of tough shoe styles that still include ventilation features.

Socks, of course, can also contribute to gross feet on hot days. We recommend you wear a pair that’s built from moisture-wicking material to keep you dry and comfortable on long rides.

Bandana and Neckerchief

As cliche as it may sound, a bandana can make summer motorcycle rides much more bearable. Your forehead is likely to get sweaty on your trip, so wrap a bandana around your head to prevent sweat from falling into your eyes. That can be dangerous as well as uncomfortable, both blocking your vision and stinging your eyes.

And if you have the time, before you ever leave, dip a neckerchief or bandana in water and wrap it around your neck. The water will help cool you down throughout the ride, even if you don’t use ice water! On a longer ride, you may want to re-wet it so the cooling effect lasts longer.

We hope these tips help you keep cool without losing out on your fun or safety! For more advice or to find your next ride, stop by North County Indian Motorcycle®. We proudly serve the San Diego and Oceanside, California, areas—let us serve you today!