Summer Riding

Summertime can be the ideal time for riding a motorcycle. The sun is beaming, the sky is clear, and you can enjoy consistent weather as you cruise around town. When the weather is so gorgeous, it can be hard to remember that there are unique hazards to summer motorbike riding. Keep your hot weather bike riding safe and fun with tips from our following safety guide. If you want more motorcycle advice or want to look at motorbikes for sale, visit Rock City Harley-Davidson. Our friendly staff can help assist you with whatever you need. We are located in Little Rock, Arkansas, and also serve those in Benton and Hot Springs.

Hot Weather Risks

Part of the reason hot weather riding can be dangerous is many people underestimate the safety threat. It's hard to look at a beautiful summer day and think "danger." But the reality is high heat can be problematic for motorcycle riders.

First, high temperatures can create a "sun dazzle" on the road. It's found in the east in the mornings and in the west in the evenings. This can cause glare off of other vehicles and other issues that impair your vision, making it harder to spot obstacles.

Second, soaring temperatures can lead to health issues. You could face mild ones, such as a pesky sunburn. Or you can face more serious ones, such as heatstroke that could lead to losing consciousness or organ failure. It's important to take proactive steps to ensure your motorbike ride is safe.

Stay Hydrated

Riding motorcycles in the heat puts you at risk of dehydration. It takes physical exertion to ride a motorbike. Combine the exercise with the heat and you'll lose plenty of hydration through sweat.

Pack large amounts of water to help counteract this, such as water bottles or hands-free hydration. Remember: you will also need to replace the electrolytes that you lose through sweat. Pack a sports drink or a salty snack.

Pick Strategic Riding Times

Be selective about the time of day that you ride your motorbike. The temperature tends to be highest between 3 and 5 PM on a summer's day. If you are going on a short bike ride, you can plan to go before or after those hours. If you are going on an endurance motorcycle ride, use those hours to take a long break. Find an air-conditioned restaurant or store to cool off in while you wait for the heat to go down.

Take Frequent Breaks

Motorcycle riding requires plenty of physical exertion. You engage a range of muscle groups to stay in control of your motorbike. Then add in excess heat and your body is bound to tire out faster. You'll want to take more breaks than you normally would to give yourself (and your bike) a chance to rest and cool off. Try to find shaded rest areas or air-conditioned buildings to take a quick break. When you stop, be sure to drink plenty of water and eat enough food. Give your eyes, muscles, and joints a chance to rest and recharge. Frequent breaks help make the rest of your ride more comfortable and more enjoyable.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If your motorcycle needs any maintenance before your next ride, bring it to the service department at Rock City Harley-Davidson. If you are looking to buy, check out our wide selection of bikes for sale. Our expert staff can help you find the ideal motorbike for your budget and lifestyle. We proudly serve those in Little Rock, Benton, and Hot Springs, Arkansas. Stop by and visit today!