What Motorcycle Gear Should I Wear in Hot Weather?

Riding a motorcycle in hot weather can be both exhilarating and challenging. While the thrill of the open road is undeniable, the heat can become unbearable if you're not properly equipped. The key to a comfortable and safe ride lies in choosing the right gear. This blog post will guide you through what motorcycle gear you should wear in hot weather, with a particular focus on summer motorcycle suits.

The Importance of Proper Gear

Before diving into specific recommendations, it's crucial to understand why proper gear is essential, even in hot weather. Many riders make the mistake of sacrificing safety for comfort by wearing minimal clothing. However, this can be extremely dangerous. Proper motorcycle gear protects you from:

• Road rash and injuries in case of an accident
• Dehydration and heat exhaustion
• Harmful UV rays

Now that we've established the importance of wearing appropriate gear, let's explore what options are available for summer riding.

Summer Motorcycle Suits

Mesh Suits

One of the best options for hot weather riding is a mesh suit. These suits are designed with large panels of breathable mesh fabric that allow air to flow freely through them, keeping you cool while still offering protection.

Pros:

• Excellent ventilation
• Lightweight
• Often come with removable liners for versatility

Cons:

• May not offer as much protection as leather suits
• Can be less durable over time

Textile Suits

Textile suits are another great option for summer riding. Made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, these suits often feature ventilation zippers and moisture-wicking properties.

Pros:

• Good balance between protection and comfort
• Often waterproof or water-resistant
• Usually more affordable than leather suits

Cons:

• Can be heavier than mesh suits
• May not offer as much ventilation as mesh options

Perforated Leather Suits

For those who prefer leather but still want to stay cool, perforated leather suits are an excellent choice. These suits have tiny holes punched throughout the material to allow air circulation.

Pros:

• Superior protection compared to textile or mesh
• Classic look and feel
• Durable and long-lasting

Cons:

• Can be expensive
• Heavier than other options
• May still get warm during extremely hot days

Helmets for Hot Weather Riding

A helmet is non-negotiable when it comes to motorcycle safety. However, not all helmets are created equal when it comes to hot weather riding.

Full-Face Helmets with Ventilation

Full-face helmets offer the best protection but can get quite warm. Look for models with multiple vents that allow air to flow through the helmet.

Modular Helmets

Modular helmets provide a good balance between full-face protection and open-face convenience. They allow you to flip up the front section when you're stopped or riding at low speeds.

Open-Face Helmets

While they offer less protection than full-face or modular helmets, open-face helmets provide excellent ventilation and are generally more comfortable in hot weather.

Gloves for Summer Riding

Your hands need protection too, but bulky winter gloves won't cut it in summer heat.

Mesh Gloves

Mesh gloves offer excellent airflow while still providing basic protection for your hands.

Perforated Leather Gloves

These gloves combine the protective qualities of leather with enhanced breathability thanks to perforations.

Footwear

Proper footwear is essential for both safety and comfort during summer rides.

Ventilated Boots

Look for boots specifically designed with ventilation features such as mesh panels or breathable liners.

Riding Shoes

Riding shoes offer a more casual look while still providing some level of protection and comfort during hot weather rides.

Additional Tips

1. Hydration: Always carry water with you and take regular breaks to stay hydrated.
2. Moisture-Wicking Base Layers: Wear moisture-wicking base layers under your suit to help manage sweat.
3. Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen on exposed skin areas like your neck and face.
4. Cooling Vests: Consider investing in a cooling vest that can be soaked in water before your ride.
5. Avoid Peak Sun Hours: Try to avoid riding during peak sun hours (10 AM - 4 PM) when temperatures are highest.

By choosing the right summer motorcycle suit along with other appropriate gear, you can enjoy your ride without compromising on safety or comfort. Stay cool, stay safe!

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.