Summer Riding Gear

Rising temperatures require you to adjust your usual riding gear. Wearing the right clothing is crucial to staying comfortable and safe while you ride. It’s tempting to throw on shorts and a t-shirt in hopes of staying cool, but that’s actually the last thing you want to do!

Below, we cover the pieces of gear you need for riding in the heat of the summer. If you have any questions or want to look at motorcycles for sale, head on over to Maxey’s Motorsports in Oklahoma City.

The Importance of Summer Riding Gear

Full-length clothing is the best way to protect yourself. It offers more protection from the unrelenting rays of the sun. It shields your skin in the event of a crash. You can even find full-length clothing that works to keep you cool, which in turn fights fatigue and improves your endurance.

The Right Helmet

If you find your typical helmet too hot and stuffy, look for models that offer added ventilation and additional cooling. This will help ensure airflow to keep you comfortable. 

We always recommend a full-face helmet because it offers the best protection. But some riders choose to use a half-helmet in the summer. It partially exposes your face, allowing you to feel a cooling breeze on your skin.

Sunglasses

The bright sun can be more than an annoyance. It can hurt your eyes and impair your visibility. For safe motorcycle summer riding, throw on a pair of sunglasses. Make sure they are compatible with your helmet first though!

Riding Jacket and Pants

Sure, the leather jacket and jeans look is iconic. But it’s not well-suited for summer motorcycle riding. Those materials are too stiff and hot. Instead, you’ll want to look for materials that are built to breathe. Look for clothes with cooling mesh material and vents. You can still enjoy the protection you need, but with the airflow necessary for a comfortable ride. Seek out light-colored clothing because it will deflect sunlight. Dark-colored clothing may look striking, but it will absorb the light and make you hotter.

Gloves

When you get into a crash, it’s human instinct to use your hands to break the fall. That’s why wearing sturdy gloves is so important! Look for gloves that offer durability in high-impact areas. Proper airflow helps reduce sweat and sweaty hands struggle to maintain control of the motorcycle’s controls, so mesh panels can be useful, too.

Boots

Never hop aboard your motorcycle while wearing flip-flops! You need shoes that are sturdy and able to protect your feet from the hazards of the road. If you find normal riding boots are too sweat-inducing, look for models with plenty of ventilation.

Socks

You may not give too much attention to your sock choice, but it can make a difference in the summer. Seek out socks made from moisture-wicking material. This will help you avoid getting stuck with wet, sweaty feet your entire motorcycle ride.

Bandana

When you ride in the hot sun, your forehead begins to sweat. No one enjoys the feeling of sweat dripping into their eyes! A bandana can help catch sweat before it gets into your eyes.

Neckerchief

Wet a neckerchief before you hit the road and tie it around your neck to provide a cooling sensation as you ride. You can even get it wet again at different points throughout your trip.

Cooling Vests

If you’ll be enjoying summer motorcycle riding often, you may want to invest in a cooling vest. You’ll soak it in water for a few minutes, then wring it out so it won’t soak you. Wear it underneath your jacket and enjoy a crisp, cool ride. You can resoak it as many times as you need.

We hope you found these tips helpful! If you want a new ride for the summer, check out the motorcycles for sale at Maxey’s Motorsports here in OKC. We proudly serve those in the cities of Tulsa and Edmond, Oklahoma.