Summers are getting hotter across most of the U.S. One in every five cities now experiences an additional month of above-average temperatures compared to fifty years ago. Heat can harm the body, especially when combined with high humidity, leading to fatigue, cramps, psychological impairment, and worsening various medical conditions, such as respiratory, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, and heat-related fatalities are increasing.
Riding a motorcycle is a rigorous outdoor activity that exacerbates the effects of heat stress. These symptoms can even impair your ability to ride, increasing the risk of a serious accident. Choosing warm-weather motorcycle gear will help you fend off the effects of a warming planet. Use these equipment recommendations to ride safely in hot weather.
Must-Have Motorcycle Gear for Hot Weather
You should never compromise safety for comfort on a motorcycle. Always wear the required motorcycle safety gear, including boots, gloves, pants, long sleeves, and a full-face or half-face helmet with goggles, even if some items make you feel warmer. Add or swap in the following to find relief from the heat:
Wireless Headset
With heat stress impairing your ability to make decisions and delaying response times, use a motorcycle Bluetooth headset to stay alert and focused on the road. The device mounts securely onto any helmet and syncs wirelessly to your phone and up to 14 other riders using Dynamic Mesh Communication (DMC), which creates a direct link between each unit to stay connected during formation changes. Natural voice operation lets you listen to music, navigate the road, and communicate directly with your crew without looking away from the road. Just speak and let the headset do the rest.
The Cardo Packtalk Pro also includes crash detection and will alert the authorities when your motorcycle suddenly comes to a halt in a collision.
Moisture-Wicking Clothing
The layers touching your body should be made of moisture-wicking fabric, such as nylon or polyester, to keep sweat from sticking to your skin. These materials don’t absorb moisture and dry quickly, so they won’t weigh you down. Choose light colors in the proper fit to allow air to pass over your skin.
Cooling Vest
A cooling vest lowers your core temperature while riding. It has thermal panels that absorb the heat from your chest, back, and torso. Wear it under your outfit to find relief even when stopped at a red light. Find a vest with a long battery life to last through your commute.
Wearable Hydration
Grabbing the water bottle from your satchel isn’t an option when riding. You might need to wait until you stop to take a swig, increasing the risk of dehydration. The wind from the road can also dry your sweat, making it difficult to know how much water you’ve lost. Wearing a water pack keeps it within reach, with a straw a few inches from your mouth. You don’t have to take your hands off the handlebars or look away from the road.
Vented Helmet
Pair your motorcycle intercom with a vented helmet that lets air pass over your head. Excess perspiration can damage the helmet's lining and sever the cushion. The slats let in cool air without compromising your safety.
Connect Hands-Free with the Cardo Packtalk ProLightweight Gloves
Gloves keep your hands from slipping on the handlebars. Wear vented gloves made of moisture-wicking materials to keep your palms dry and in control of the situation. The slats let air pass over the back of your hands without affecting your grip.
Sunglasses or Visor
Use shades with a half-face helmet or a full-face helmet with a visor to block the glare. Use polarized lenses to block light reflected off cars and infrastructure.
Cool Down to Trek On
Millions of Americans are becoming accustomed to hotter weather. If the thermostat is inching up where you live, don’t let the heat cramp your style or ability to ride. Use motorcycle riding gear and accessories that keep heat stroke at bay and ultimately enhance your experience on the road. Check the forecast to see how the daily high could affect your health and safety.
