Warm Weather Motorcycle Riding Tips

When the sky is clear, the open road practically begs you to hop on your Indian® motorcycle and go for a ride. The weather might be perfect for riding, but the heat has its own unique problems. To help you enjoy your summer rides and stay safe, we at Loewer Powersports & Equipment have compiled this guide for you. If you’d like to learn more or if you’re looking to get yourself an Indian® motorcycle, visit our dealership in Alexandria, LA. We proudly cater to the good people of the rest of Rapides Parish and Lafayette.

Risks of Warm Weather Riding

The greatest risk of riding in hot weather is that motorcyclists don’t take time to know all the risks and how to avoid them. There are safety precautions you follow when riding your Indian motorcycle in the rain or in the dark, but the sunshine just doesn’t seem menacing enough to most people. 

Intense heat can cause issues. It can impair your vision and make it harder for you to ride your Indian motorcycle safely. A “sun dazzle” appears on the road; it’s in the east in the morning and in the west in the evening. It creates problems such as glare off of other vehicles on the road. 

There are a number of health issues involved when you ride in the heat. Some are milder, like getting an uncomfortable sunburn. Others can be much more severe, like getting heatstroke. This happens when your body heats up a lot, causing symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, loss of consciousness and organ failure. If you’re aware of the problems, you’ll be able to counter them. 

Stay Hydrated

One of the biggest issues you’ll encounter when riding your Indian® motorcycle in hot weather is the risk of dehydration. When you ride, you lose water due to heat, exercise and clothing. To avoid this, pack a large amount of water (either in the form of water bottles or hands-free hydration). You’ll also need to replace your electrolytes since these deplete as you sweat. Salty snacks or a sports drink can help. Avoid caffeinated drinks. 

Ride During Cooler Times

You might not always have a choice as to when you ride your Indian® motorcycle, especially if you commute. Whenever possible, you should make the choice to ride during cooler times. Temperatures generally peak around 3 to 5 PM each day in the summer, so avoiding that window will keep you out of the worst heat. If you’re out at that time, eat a meal in an air-conditioned restaurant while you wait out the extreme temperatures. 

Try to ride your Indian® motorcycle early in the morning before the sun is overhead or wait until it’s setting to get your riding in. If you check the weather before the day of your ride, you’ll be better prepared to choose whether or not you should ride at all, based on how bad the heat will be. 

Take Breaks 

Finally, take frequent breaks when you ride your Indian® motorcycle in the sun, as the heat takes its toll despite all precautions and you’ll tire faster. Give your spine, eyes, brain and bike a break by stopping at rest areas or tourist attractions to wander around, sit under a shady tree and drink plenty of water. 

Fuel up on snacks to replenish lost salt and nutrients and take in the scenery around you. Your body will thank you for giving it a chance to recuperate before the next stretch of riding. Don’t try to go a hundred miles without pause when it’s hot, and don’t overextend yourself in general. Using common sense will let you ride in the heat without suffering ill effects.

We hope these tips make all your summer rides safer and smoother. To find out more or to check out some amazing Indian® motorcycles for sale, visit us at Loewer Powersports & Equipment in Alexandria, LA. We invite all our friends from Rapides Parish and Lafayette to come see us today!