Prescription Motorcycle Glasses

Summer Safety Tips for Motorcycle Enthusiasts

A warm-weather ride is a dream for most motorcycle riders, and considering that summer is now in full swing, you can have one every single day if you like. Summertime brings plenty of sunshine, and you’d have to be a crazy person to skip out on the incredible opportunity to ride as often as you please.

That said, summer does also bring a handful of safety hazards that every motorcycle enthusiast should be aware of. That extra sunshine that seems so lovely on the outside also has a more dangerous side that must be considered before heading out on an afternoon ride. However, as long as you are able to properly prepare, there is absolutely no reason why these hazards should hinder you from taking advantage of the beautiful weather.

Now, we certainly don’t want to scare you off the idea of taking those gorgeous summer rides just because of a few hazards. All we want is to make sure you’re doing it safely. By following the tips below, you have almost nothing to worry about when it comes to riding in the sun.

Hydrate Well

Water is essential to life. Without the right amount of water, you will be left feeling absolutely terrible. Headaches, dizzy spells, and even hospital stays can be the result of dehydration. For these reasons, it is crucial that all people drink plenty of water every day.

With the summer heat, this becomes even more important because our bodies tend to dry out much faster after spending time in warm weather. Since riding a motorcycle in the summer can get really hot really quickly, dehydration is a very real concern for bikers of all ages and experience levels.

Due to the increased risk of dehydration for motorcyclists, it is highly recommended that these individuals carry a large bottle of water with them every time they go on a ride. Take frequent breaks to sip from your bottle, and remember to refill whenever possible.

Wear the Proper Attire

Considering the heat of the summer sun beating down on you during your rides, you will likely be tempted to take off some layers. However, this is not a good idea. Your riding attire is like your safety shield, and without it, you are left defenseless. This means your helmet, jacket, gloves, and long pants simply must be worn.

That said, there are some steps you can take in order to stay cool despite your layers:

• Choose clothing and a helmet that are light-colored.
• Find a helmet with vents.
• Look for fabrics that are breathable and quick-drying.
• Wear a wet bandana around your neck.
• Purchase breathable mesh gloves for summer riding.
• Avoid tight-fitting or dark-colored clothing.

Slap on Some Sunscreen

Even when wearing all of that protective motorcycle gear, there is a good chance you’ll get sunburned when riding in the summer. Not only will this make future rides incredibly uncomfortable, but too much sun is terrible for your skin and can cause wrinkling, skin damage, and even cancer.

Because nobody wants to deal with these problems, sunscreen is an important part of summer bike rides. It doesn’t take long to slap a bit of this protective lotion on your face and neck, and you will be glad you did later on in the day. Besides, some cooling sunscreens are now on the market, meaning the sunscreen will serve double-duty.

Park in the Shade

A motorcycle left sitting in the sun can get incredibly hot—so hot, in fact, that it can cause burns. To prevent this problem, make sure to park in the shade of a tree or in a parking structure whenever possible. The shade will keep your seat and handlebars just a bit cooler, making burns less likely.

Can’t find any shade to park in? By covering your seat with a white towel, you can keep it cool enough to use despite being parked in the direct sunlight. Therefore, we recommend carrying a white hand-towel with you on every ride.

Carry Extra Oil

A motorcycle ridden in the summer heat has the potential to overheat, causing some pretty big problems for the stranded rider. For this reason, it is imperative that all summer riders have their cooling systems checked before the summer riding season begins.

Additionally, it is a good idea to carry extra oil with you. A poorly lubricated engine is a surefire way to find yourself dealing with an overly hot motorcycle. Therefore, by adding a bit of oil as soon as your engine begins to overheat, you may be able to solve the issue quickly and easily, at least temporarily.

Invest in Eye Protection

Eye protection is always important when riding a motorcycle. This is due to the fact that dust and debris kicked up by tires can find their way into a person’s eyes and cause some serious damage if they choose not to wear glasses or goggles.

However, as important as this eyewear is during other seasons, it becomes especially crucial during the summer months. Bright sunlight has the potential to burn the eyes, an uncomfortable problem that nobody should have to experience. Additionally, too much sunlight over time can lead to cataracts. Therefore, a pair of safety goggles or glasses with protection from UV rays simply must be worn during summertime rides.

Are you looking for the perfect eyewear for your summer rides? Check out our huge selection here at Prescription Motorcycle Glasses. We have so many options, you are bound to find something you love!