What Do You Wear on a Motorcycle When Its Hot?

Riding a motorcycle in the summer can be both exhilarating and challenging. The thrill of the open road is unmatched, but the heat can be oppressive. Knowing what to wear on a motorcycle when it's hot is crucial for comfort, safety, and performance. This blog post will explore the best gear options for summer riding, focusing on summer motorcycle suits and other essential apparel.

The Importance of Proper Gear

Before diving into specific recommendations, it's essential to understand why proper gear is necessary. Riding a motorcycle exposes you to various elements, including wind, debris, and potential accidents. While it might be tempting to ride in minimal clothing during hot weather, this can lead to severe injuries in case of an accident.

Proper motorcycle gear protects you and enhances your riding experience by keeping you cool and comfortable. Let's explore some key pieces of gear that are ideal for summer riding.

Summer Motorcycle Suits

Materials Matter

When it comes to summer motorcycle suits, the material is paramount. Look for suits made from lightweight and breathable fabrics such as mesh or perforated leather. These materials allow air to flow through the suit, keeping you cool while providing adequate protection.

Ventilation Features

Ventilation is another critical aspect of summer motorcycle suits. Many modern suits come with strategically placed vents that can be opened or closed depending on your needs. These vents facilitate airflow and help dissipate heat effectively.

Fit and Comfort

A well-fitted suit looks good and ensures maximum comfort during long rides. Opt for suits that offer adjustable features like waist straps or Velcro closures to customise the fit according to your body shape.

Helmets - Ventilation Is Key

Motorcycle helmets are arguably the most crucial safety gear you'll wear while riding. In hot weather, ventilation becomes even more critical. Look for helmets with multiple vents that allow air to circulate freely around your head.

Types of Helmets

1. Full-Face Helmets: Full face motorcycle helmets offer maximum protection but can get hot in summer.
2. Modular Helmets: These provide flexibility as they can be converted from full-face to open-face.
3. Open-Face Helmets: Open face motorcycle helmets are cooler but offer less protection than full-face helmets.

Choose a helmet that balances safety with ventilation features suitable for hot weather conditions.

Gloves - Protection Without Compromise

Motorcycle gloves are often overlooked when considering summer gear, but they are vital for both protection and comfort.

Material Choices

Opt for gloves made from lightweight materials like mesh or perforated leather. These materials allow your hands to breathe while still offering protection against abrasions.

Features to Look For

• Ventilation: Look for gloves with built-in vents or perforations.
• Grip: Ensure they have good grip features so your hands don't slip off the handlebars due to sweat.
• Padding: Some gloves include extra padding at key points, such as knuckles and palms, for added protection without compromising comfort.

Jackets - Lightweight Yet Protective

A good jacket is indispensable even in hot weather conditions. The key is finding motorcycle jackets that offer protection without making you feel like you're in a sauna.

Mesh Jackets

Mesh jackets are specifically designed for hot-weather riding. They are made from lightweight materials with large mesh panels that allow air to flow freely through them while still providing abrasion resistance.

Textile Jackets

Textile jackets with removable liners are another excellent option. They offer versatility, as you can remove the liner when it's hot and put it back in if temperatures drop unexpectedly during your ride.

Pants - Breathability Is Crucial

Just like jackets, pants must balance protection with breathability during hot weather rides.

Mesh Pants

Mesh pants are ideal as they provide excellent airflow while offering abrasion resistance where needed, especially at impact points like knees and hips.

Textile Pants

Textile pants with ventilation panels or zippers offer another great option for staying cool without sacrificing safety features such as armour inserts at critical points like knees and hips.

Footwear - Stay Cool From Head To Toe

Your feet also need attention when gearing up for a summer ride:

Boots vs Shoes

While motorcycle boots offer more comprehensive protection compared to shoes, there are specialised riding shoes designed specifically keeping summertime riders' needs in mind:

• Ventilated Boots/Shoes: Look out for specifically designed ventilated boots/shoes which ensure adequate airflow, keeping feet cool yet protected
• Moisture-Wicking Socks: Pairing these ventilated footwear with moisture-wicking socks ensures a sweat-free, comfortable ride

Accessories That Make A Difference

Small accessories often make a huge difference in enhancing overall comfort levels:

1. Cooling Vests/Bandanas: Soak these items in water before wearing them under a jacket/helmet respectively, ensuring a prolonged cooling effect
2. Hydration Packs: Staying hydrated is crucial, especially during long rides under scorching sun; hydration packs' integrated backpacks make drinking water convenient
3. Sunglasses/Goggles: Protect eyes from harmful UV rays and dust particles, ensuring clear vision throughout the journey

In conclusion, choosing the right gear is paramount to ensuring a safe, enjoyable motorcycling experience, irrespective of soaring temperatures. Investing in quality ventilated protective gear enhances overall riding pleasure and significantly reduces the risk associated with potential mishaps. So next time you hit the roads under the blazing sun, ensure you are equipped with aptly suited gear, ensuring a memorable, safe journey ahead!

Race Leathers Motorcycle Clothing

Check out our full range of products, such as motorcycle clothing, motorcycle boots, motorcycle helmets, motorcycle gloves, motorcycle suits, motorcycle jackets and motorcycle trousers, which are available online or by visiting our Darwen store today. If you have any questions regarding any of our ranges, please call our customer service team at Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear store on 01254 704 000, and we will be more than happy to help.