Summer Riding on a Cruiser Motorcycle

Summertime is a great time for riding motorcycles. There's a lower chance of spontaneous rain. There's beautiful clear skies to soak up. There's the warm sun, which feels much better than bitterly cold winter. It's no wonder so many motorists hit the road in the summer!

But with all the fun of summer riding comes some risks. Many people underestimate the risks due to how nice the day looks. But it's important to stay aware of the unique hazards riding in the summer poses. We gathered up the top tips for safe summer riding below. If you need any tune-ups before you hit the road, bring your motorcycle to the service department at Maxey's Motorsports. We proudly serve those in Oklahoma City (OKC) and Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

What's Different About Summer Riding?

It's hard to interpret a gorgeous sunny day as a safety hazard, but that's really what summer riding is. The extreme heat that accompanies summer poses a health risk. It's important to remain aware of the risks so you can adapt your riding style accordingly. 

The issue with summer riding is the intense heat. The sun's rays will cast a "sun dazzle" on the road. Vehicles passing you will give off a glare, which hurts your visibility. Exposed skin runs the risk of sunburns, which can make riding your motorcycle very uncomfortable. Too long in the sun and you could suffer from heat stroke, which happens when your body overheats. You can experience mild symptoms - such as a headache - or more extreme problems such as losing consciousness to organ failure. You'll need to take proactive steps to avoid these issues.

What Should I Wear?

Your clothing plays a large role in your body's ability to cope in the high heat. Sure, it may seem appealing to go with short-sleeve clothing. But you actually want to do the opposite. Full-length clothing provides some protection from the harsh sun rays (and any kicked-up debris). 

But long clothing doesn't need to mean hot clothing. Shop for lightweight and breathable materials. Some clothing (such as athletic wear) is made to offer ventilation or to wick sweat. Avoid dark colors though. While they look sharp, they will soak up the heat more. 

Consider throwing on a bandana as you ride your motorcycle. Wrap it around your head and it'll catch any sweat before it drips into your eyes. You can also get it wet and put on the back of your neck for a cooling sensation.

How Should I Adjust My Ride?

You need to do more than wear the right clothes. You need to ride strategically. Start by careful coordination of when you hit the road. The afternoon will be the hottest, so try to avoid riding then. You can either keep your ride to the early morning or early evening. Or you can plan a long break in the afternoon - such as lunch in an air-conditioned restaurant.

Another strategy is to take regular breaks. Your body can only handle so much constant sun and heat exposure. Pull off to rest stops or parks with shade. Drink lots of water and cool off. It's helpful for your motorcycle to get a chance to cool off too!

For all your motorcycle needs, visit Maxey's Motorsports. We offer a range of new and used motorcycles for sale if you are looking to buy. There are models for all budgets, riding lifestyles, and riding levels. It's easy to find your next dream motorcycle! We also operate a parts replacement and service department to fix any maintenance issues. We proudly serve those in Oklahoma City (OKC), Tulsa, Norman, Edmond, and Shawnee, Oklahoma.