Vic Womersley, Author at Phoenix Motorcycle Training Skip to content
Phoenix Motorcycle Training LTD

Summer is a fantastic time to be on two wheels. There’s an undeniable call of the open road and many of us are answering it. But as the temperatures rise and more bikes (and other vehicles) hit the tarmac for holidays and day trips, road conditions heat up. Our five summer motorcycle riding tips will keep you cool in hot conditions.

Sunshine doesn’t automatically equal safer rides, just different hazards to what you’d expect in winter. A little preparation and consideration will make all the difference to your ride.

Adapting your riding style for summer months will keep you happier, more confident and safe on the roads. Ready to sharpen your skills for the season? Let’s explore the twists and turns of summer’s riding challenges, no matter what the British weather throws our way.

#1 Summer motorcycle riding tip: beat the heat without compromising protection

When the temperature’s climbing, it can be tempting to leave your full set of motorcycle gear in the cupboard. Don’t. Cruising in shorts and t-shirts on a scorching day, is a mistake you may not live to regret.

Less gear doesn’t mean more comfort; it means more risk. Aside from the obvious risks of injuries, wearing less gear when you ride makes you more susceptible to sunburn too. The breeze on naked skin stops you from noticing the sun’s impact. You may arrive at your destination intact, but lobster red.

When you’re on two wheels, compromise is never an option for safety. Your gear is your only protection against the road. Risks of a summer slide are just as real, if not more so, with increased traffic. Full protection remains absolutely non-negotiable.

Motorcycle gear for hot weather

Motorcycle gear for hot weather helps you fight fatigue by keeping your core temperature regulated. That lets you focus on the ride ahead and react effectively to any situation.

Summer motorcycle riding tips #2 – Watch for hidden hazards

While we often associate summer riding with smooth, dry roads, the reality can be quite different. The roads change when the mercury rises, creating conditions that demand your close attention.

One of the most treacherous summer scenarios is when it rains after a dry spell. Prolonged hot, dry weather makes roads accumulate a cocktail of oil, tyre rubber, exhaust residue, and general grime. When the first rain comes – either as a BBQ dampening drizzle or a thunderous downpour – this greasy mixture instantly turns into an incredibly slick, black-ice-like film. This lasts until the rain washes the residue away. Be exceptionally cautious, especially in the initial stages of a summer shower.

Beyond that, keep an eye out for these other common summer motorcycle safety hazards:

On top of summer road challenges, changes to visibility should also be prepared for.

Keep your visor spotlessly clean. Carry sunglasses to wear under your helmet for glare (unless you have a tinted or polarised visor) and reduce your speed when entering shaded areas or facing low sun. Carefully scan the road ahead and prepare to react smoothly to sudden changes.

When you understand how the environment transforms in summer you can adjust your approach. Avoiding running into trouble with these summer motorcycle safety hazards is a better approach. That gives you a greater chance of maintaining optimal control and reducing your risk on the road.

#3 Ride defensively and expect the unexpected

Summer isn’t just about different road surfaces and visual challenges; it’s also about a dramatically higher volume of traffic. Every man and his dog will be getting out and about. Cars, caravans, pedestrians, cyclists, and even other motorcyclists are everywhere and not all of them have the experience you’d hope for.

More road users simply mean more potential interactions, and therefore, more situations where defensive riding skills are needed.

You’ll encounter “fair weather” drivers and riders who are less accustomed to regular road conditions, or may be a little rusty on their skills. Holiday traffic brings its own set of challenges; tired drivers distracted by their passengers or unfamiliar with the roads. This can make even straightforward situations unpredictable.

Your summer riding mindset should be to assume you haven’t been seen. Constantly scan for potential threats. Maintain larger safe following distances than you might in quieter periods, and remember to keep positioning yourself to be as visible as possible. A proactive approach gives you the time and space needed to react in split-seconds if something unusual occurs.

It’s worth remembering the “Travel like you know them”  initiative from a few years back. Anticipate other’s actions and be predictable and clear in your own intentions. This riding mindset means you’re actively working to avoid hazards. Defensive riding is your best defence in unpredictable summer traffic.

#4 – Stay hydrated, stay focused

Summer rides often mean longer journeys, more open roads, and increased exposure to the elements. Even with filtering through slow moving traffic journeys can take longer than planned. The sun on your face feels great but heat can be a silent enemy. Dehydration and heat fatigue severely reduce your concentration, slow your reaction times, and lead to impaired judgment. All are incredibly dangerous on two wheels. If you’re feeling sluggish, your riding will be sluggish too.

Staying hydrated and focused is a critical summer motorcycle riding tip. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty; by then, you’re already starting to dehydrate. Make regular hydration a non-negotiable part of your ride.

Staying hydrated on two wheels

Maintaining your physical and mental stamina makes summer journeys safer. So plan ahead and prioritise hydration and rest. It’ll ensure you’re always operating at your best.

#5 – Pre-ride checks and self-care before you ride

You and your machine need care before summer rides too. Neglecting pre-ride checks or ignoring your own physical state can quickly turn a pleasant journey into a stressful or dangerous one. Thoroughly checking your bike should a before ride habit—year round. An honest assessment of your own readiness is another crucial summer motorcycle riding tip.

Pre-ride bike checks

The warmer weather and longer rides place different demands on your motorcycle. Before every journey, give your bike a quick but thorough once-over:

Pre-ride self care

Just as important as your machine’s condition is your own. You’re the most critical component of your ride.

A well-maintained bike and a well-prepared body and mind are your best assets for meeting the demands of summer riding. Taking a few minutes before you set off will dramatically increase your chances of a safe, enjoyable, and incident-free journey.

Ride safe all summer long

Summer is the season for motorcycling, filled with the promise of endless roads and unforgettable adventures. It also demands a heightened level of respect, preparation, and skill. The changing road conditions, increased traffic, and the physical demands of riding in warmer weather make adapting your approach a necessity.

Your journey to becoming a safer, more confident rider is continuous. Investing in your riding skills is the most effective way to enjoy riding through the summer, while mitigating the challenges.

Take control of your safety and enjoyment. Book an advanced riding course with us to make every summer journey a happy adventure.