Beating The Heat While Riding This Summer

The summer months bring on a lot of additional threats to motorcyclists that many riders are completely unaware of. For instance, the summer heat can cause serious dehydration for riders spending multiple hours on their bike in the sun. Additionally, riders can have overly-thick leathers, boots and gloves, which leads to more distractions from being too hot and uncomfortable.

However, there are ways to beat the heat this summer and it all starts with your decision on the right motorcycle apparel for the season. Here are four things to look out for this summer to help keep you cool while riding your motorcycle:

1) Choose A Well-Vented Helmet

[schema type="chaparralproduct" url="http://www.chaparral-racing.com/product/fly-racing-trekker-dual-sport-helmet/132-73-7010-XS.aspx" name="Fly Racing Trekker Dual Sport Helmet" image="132-73-7011-XS" price="134.99" alignment="right" ]

When you're riding in temperatures reaching 80 degrees or higher, your helmet can be a burden if it's not properly ventilated, and this applies even more so if you're wearing a full-faced helmet. You might think that all full-faced helmets look exactly the same and simply provide protection from accidents, but in fact there are plenty of options that actually are made for summer riding.

You want to choose a helmet that has plenty of ventilation and breathability when you're riding. For dual terrain, motocross and dirt bike riders, the Fly Racing Trekker Dual Sport Helmet might be a preferable choice because of its large number of intake and exhaust vents, sixteen in all, which cool and provide extra comfort. In addition, this helmet could work well for touring or sportsbike riders as well since it can be configured for full-face street-level protection.

2) Protect Your Hands

[schema type="chaparralproduct" url="http://www.chaparral-racing.com/product/river-road-outlaw-vintage-vented-leather-glove/309-1817.aspx" name="River Road Outlaw Vintage Vented Leather Glove" image="309-1817" price="29.95" alignment="right" ]

Some riders tend to forget to keep their hands safe during summer riding months. Whether or not motorcyclists forgo their gloves completely, it's actually important to still wear them in hot weather. Gloves protect your hands from the harmful sun rays and give you additional grip, while bare hands can get sweaty and too slippery to hold on to the throttle, clutch and brake.

Vented gloves such as the River Road Outlaw Vintage Vented Leather Glove are not only affordable, but made with perforated leather on the back of the hand and knuckles to give extra breathability. These motorcycle gloves are also perfect for riders who want some protection in the event of an accident. The built-in comfort-gel palm protects nerves in the hand for longer rides as well.

3) Wear A Breathable Jacket

[schema type="chaparralproduct" url="http://www.chaparral-racing.com/product/agv-sport-blast-vented-textile-jacket/231-0065-X-S.aspx" name="AGV Sport Blast Vented Textile Jacket" image="231-0065-XR-S" price="134.99" alignment="right" ]

While it's important to choose a motorcycle jacket that can protect you in case of a fall, you also want to make sure it keeps you cool during long summer rides. Jackets are really important for riders in the summer and choosing a piece of motorcycle apparel that is breathable, waterproof and uses mesh material is critical for riders.

The AGV Blast Vented Textile Jacket comes with mesh forearms, back vents and front vents to provide optimal cooling. Additionally, this jacket protects riders' most vulnerable parts with an 8 millimeter thick memory foam back pad and level-one C.E.-approved shoulder and elbow protectors.

Riders are capable of removing waterproof Reissa liner zips on the permanent mesh lining to add even more cooling. However, even some of the hottest days have cold nights, and this jacket's polyester matte mesh fabric will be durable enough for when the temperature begins to drop while riding into the night.

4) Select Comfortable Shoes

[schema type="chaparralproduct" url="http://www.chaparral-racing.com/product/cortech-vice-wp-riding-shoes/03-8514-6535-40.aspx" name="Cortech Vice WP Riding Shoes" image="03-8514-6535-40-B" price="109.99" alignment="right" ]

Even though riders might say it's a little hard to find breathable shoes, there are plenty of options. For example, the Cortech Vice WP Riding Shoes come with a HiPora waterproof and breathable membrane to keep feet dry and comfortable. Additionally, these shoes have molded nylon ankle guards and a reflective heel trip for riding at night.