Tips for Summer Motorcycle Riding

Riding your motorcycle on a warm, sunny day is one of the best parts of owning a bike. However, the summer sun can quickly go from warm to scorching hot, leaving you feeling drained and sunburned. That doesn’t mean you can’t ride your bike in the summer! As long as you take some precautions and use some common sense, you can ride your motorcycle throughout the sunny season. To help you have safe yet fun rides, we’ve compiled some summer riding tips for you.

Stay Hydrated

When you ride your motorcycle in the sun, you start to sweat, which basically means you’re losing water and it can lead to dehydration. You’ll want to drink plenty of water and always carry some water bottles to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeinated drinks as they can cause more dehydration. Drink liquids that restore electrolytes and keep you feeling cool and refreshed even in the hot weather.

Take Frequent Breaks

While you may think that if you keep riding, you’ll reach your destination faster and can rest then, this can backfire if your commute is a long one. It’s much better to take short breaks during summer motorcycle rides. For every 45 minutes that you ride, try to take a 15 or 20-minute break. You can use this time to replenish your fluids.

Look Out for Heat Exhaustion

When you’re out in the sun for too long, your body starts to overheat and this can lead to heat exhaustion. To avoid a severe case, keep an eye out for the signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness, lightheadedness, cramps, rapid heartbeat, and excessive sweating. Heat exhaustion can lead to a stroke so it’s best to pull over and try to cool down immediately. You can place a cold, wet towel on your head or find an air-conditioned restaurant and take a cool break.

Avoid Peak Hours

The worst effects of the summer sun are felt around the afternoon, so it’s wise for motorcyclists to ride during the morning or evening. Plan your day so that your riding occurs before 12 in the afternoon and after 5 in the evening. If you’re touring on your bike, you can use the afternoons to enjoy a long, leisurely lunch or take naps. Since too much heat can also affect your motorcycle, even your bike will appreciate the break!

We hope that these tips will help you stay safe on the road in the summer months! For more information or to check out motorcycles for sale in St. Charles, MO, get in touch with us at our dealership and we’ll show you our wide selection. St. Charles Harley-Davidson® proudly serves all those in St. Louis and St. Peters.