Avoid riding your motorbike during the hottest part of the day
It may seem like common sense, but many riders won’t always think about avoiding motorbike journeys during the hottest parts of the day. The hottest part of a summer day tends to be between 12 noon and 5 pm, so if you can avoid riding your motorbike during these times, you will find your journey much more comfortable. If you are planning a long trip on your motorbike, why not set off a bit earlier during the cooler hours and plan to take plenty of rest stops during the hot afternoon where you can stay hydrated, take a break and stay out of the sun as much as possible. Be aware that riding during cooler hours can also mean you are sharing the road with wildlife such as deer – stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Ensure you are wearing the correct riding apparel
It doesn’t matter how hot the day is, your should never compromise on your or your pillion’s safety by wearing less than the best protective gear when riding your motorbike. Accidents happen, and you are far more likely to have an accident whilst on your motorbike. Your protective biking gear could be the difference between a few cuts and scrapes and a serious visit to the hospital. Take regular breaks and remove some of your protective gear whilst you are not on your bike so you can cool down and breathe, but remember, when you are riding your motorbike, your protective clothing could end up saving your life.
Before you leave for your journey in the sun, be sure to check your riding gear for any tears or rips, and check your helmet to make sure it is still in perfect working condition. Clean your visor before you leave and ensure you have correctly fastened all your clothing.
Take regular breaks and stay hydrated
We know that the chances are, you will get to your destination more quickly if you are riding your motorbike. That doesn’t mean, however, that you should continue to ride for long periods on hot days. You need to take a break and ensure you stay well hydrated so you can keep your focus on the road ahead. If you are planning to take the scenic routes to your destination, find somewhere safe to stop away from the road and avoid corners and sharp bends, so you are not putting yourself in danger whilst having a well-deserved rest!
When you are riding on a hot day, as much as you may want a refreshing caffeine fix, we advise that you avoid caffeine whilst you are riding. Caffeine can lead to dehydration, making your ability to concentrate worsen and forcing you to stop more times than you would ideally like.
Wear a cooling vest and neck wrap when riding your motorbike
If you are planning to ride on a hot day, investing in a specially made vest and neck wrap that promotes cooling could help you considerably. We know how hot and sweaty it can get under all the extra protective clothing you have to wear when you are riding your motorbike. Avoid removing layers at all costs – unless you have stopped for a break – and instead, look for clothing that will support your long journey in the hot sun.
The fabric used in a cooling vest and neck wrap help by evaporating slowly over a couple of hours, so you don’t overheat in the sun. If you are not sure which cooling vest and wrap are the best for you, speak to your local bike experts, who will be able to advise you further.
Keep an eye on your motorbike
If you are going to be riding your motorbike on a hotter day, be sure to check your motorbike periodically throughout the day. Before you set off, check your tyre pressure and any wear and tear. Check your engine oil and lubrication and top up if and when necessary. Be sure to continue checking these elements throughout your ride and each time you take a rest stop. Under-inflated tyres and hotter road temperatures could prove lethal if you are not taking proper precautions.
We all know that the hotter temperatures also bring out all sorts of insects, and most of these end up on our helmet visors or smeared across our motorbikes. Be sure to bring a visor cleaner with you so you can remove any unwanted debris from your helmet and bike and keep your line of vision clear when you are out on the roads.
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Take your advanced rider course with NLMT
As a fully licensed rider, we know that you are confident on your bike, you are able to deal with a variety of different situations, and you love nothing more than riding your motorbike. The advanced rider course with North London Motorcycle Training offers you the chance to continuously improve on your performance, build your strengths and master your skills on the road so you can get even more from your adrenaline-filled ride. We will work closely with you to identify your goals and achieve them. The focus of our experienced riding instructors is to give you the best training necessary so you can get the most out of your course and of riding your motorbike.
For more information on our advanced rider course or to find out more information about the other courses we provide, get in contact today and speak to a member of our friendly team.