10 tips for riding a motorcycle in summer

The skies are clearing and temperatures are rising. Summer weather is taking over, and one of the favorite seasons for bikers is beginning . From daily commutes to weekend getaways, including medium- and long-distance trips... it seems that the motorcycle becomes the perfect vehicle for tackling any terrain during this time.

However, heat carries certain risks for motorcycle riders, as it encourages them to travel with less protection or to underestimate the potential consequences. It's more important than ever to pay attention to the small details, both in terms of equipment and the motorcycle itself, as well as in the behavior and routines of the rider . As they say, common sense is the best of senses, and beyond these ten rules that can make your life easier on the handlebars when the heat is on, it's also important to ride with caution and peace of mind, avoid setting time limits, and avoid driving too fast. The most important thing is always to arrive at your destination safe and sound. Preventive riding is your best ally, and riding with a greater safety margin to react in the event of an unforeseen event is essential, especially when high temperatures can affect your riding.

1- Always avoid riding a motorcycle or scooter while wearing pants, a short-sleeved shirt, or flip-flops . Even minor falls can have serious consequences if we don't ride with minimal protection. It's always much safer to wear a full-face helmet than a jet helmet, although open-face models may be cooler.

2- Avoid the hottest hours of the day. It may seem obvious, but it's very important to try to avoid the hottest hours of the day, between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM, when the heat can be most stifling and make riding difficult. If you're traveling, it's best to get up early and take advantage of the cooler times of day.

3- Avoid heavy meals that make us drowsy afterward. Obviously, avoid alcoholic beverages, as they not only impair our abilities and increase the risk of an accident, but also increase dehydration.

4- Rest and stretch your legs at most every hour and a half or 200 km. This advice applies at any time of year, but it makes even more sense in summer. If we manage to time these stops with our refueling stops, we'll kill two birds with one stone.

5- Always hydrate at every stop, even if you don't feel very thirsty. Water is the most recommended, but other options such as isotonic drinks or juices are also appropriate, especially if you notice any slight feeling of fatigue.

6- Let's not forget sunglasses, an essential item on summer days. Although many helmets come standard with a retractable inner visor, it's better to use sunglasses, preferably polarized ones, as they provide better optical quality. Not all sunglasses fit inside the helmet's padding, and they can cause discomfort, so it's best to get sunglasses that are compatible with your helmet.

7- Of course, always wear specific summer gear . There is a huge variety of products on the market, mainly jackets and gloves, with mesh or micro-perforated fabrics that promote ventilation and breathability, thus providing much better relief from the sensation of heat. There are also helmets that have better airflow systems to increase the coolness of our heads.

8- Always remember to wear sunscreen. When we take breaks and remove our helmet and jacket, sun exposure can play tricks on our face and arms.

9- Be careful when approaching a hot motorcycle if you're still wearing shorts or shorts. There are parts, like the exhaust pipe, that even the slightest contact can cause severe burns. If you're riding with a passenger, it's important to advise them on how to get on and off the motorcycle and warn them about these hot areas.

10- And finally, make sure your motorcycle is in perfect condition before you head out on the road. In this hot season, being stranded due to a mechanical problem can be a horrifying experience. If you're not a handyman, take your mechanic to a thorough inspection before setting off on a trip.