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
- Well ventilated jackets and trousers: Think breathable mesh, perforated leather, and advanced textile fabrics. These are designed with strategic vents and airflow panels to allow air to circulate, helping you dissipate body heat.
- Cooling base layers: Moisture-wicking fabrics worn directly against your skin draw sweat away from your body, promoting evaporative cooling and keeping you feeling fresher and drier.
- Breathable gloves and helmets: Opt for gloves with perforated leather or textile panels for airflow, and choose helmets with excellent ventilation systems that channel air efficiently through the shell and liner. Light-coloured helmets reflect sunlight and improve visibility.
- Visibility matters: With more cars, caravans, and holidaymakers on the road, standing out is vital. Look for gear with high-visibility colours and reflective elements. You’ll be spotted more easily, especially when the sun is low or if you encounter unexpected showers.
- Hydration gear: Staying hydrated is critical to preventing fatigue and maintaining concentration. Consider a hydration pack integrated into your jacket or backpack. That makes frequent sips a cinch. This is your defence against motorcycle heat exhaustion, which can severely impair your riding ability.
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:
- Melted tarmac & tar snakes: High temperatures can cause asphalt to soften and bleed, leading to “tar snakes” – glossy lines of melted bitumen oozing up from cracks. Despite their stickiness to touch, they’re surprisingly slippery to ride over. Watch out if they’re wet or you need to brake across them. Wherever possible, ride smoothly over them with gentle inputs.
- Loose gravel & debris: With increased traffic, agricultural vehicles, and verge maintenance, loose gravel, grit, and dirt become more prevalent on road edges, in corners, and even across lanes. In winter, these clump as mud. Summertime dries them out leaving a loose surface to catch you unaware. Pay attention to changes in road colour or texture indicating a loose surface.
- Oil & fluid spills: Vehicles, particularly older ones under strain from the heat, are more prone to leaking oil, coolant, or other fluids. These create sudden, often invisible slippery patches. It’s summer’s version of winter’s black ice.
On top of summer road challenges, changes to visibility should also be prepared for.
- Blinding sun glare & deep shadows: The low sun in early mornings and late evenings can be blinding, mask hazards, and make you virtually invisible to other traffic. Similarly, tree-lined roads can create a dangerous patchwork of intense sunlight and deep, concealing shadows, making it hard to discern what’s in front of you or what’s emerging from the gloom.
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
- Sip water frequently: A hydration pack integrated into your jacket or backpack makes this effortless. For longer rides, consider electrolyte drinks to replenish essential salts lost.
- Frequent rest stops: Make time for regular breaks – every hour or two is ideal. Use these stops to stretch, rehydrate, and most importantly, cool down in the shade to let your body recover.
- Smart route planning: Before you set off, consider planning your route with strategic fuel stops, places with amenities for a break, and spotting areas known for a bit of shade. Anticipating these needs can make a long journey much more enjoyable and safer.
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:
- Tyre pressure: Heat affects tyre pressure. Check your tyres when they’re cold to ensure they’re at the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Correct pressure is vital for grip, handling, tyre longevity and economical fuel use.
- Fluid levels: Your engine works harder in the heat, especially in slow-moving traffic. Double-check your oil and coolant levels. Look for any signs of leaks.
- Brakes: Ensure your brakes feel responsive and aren’t showing any signs of fade, particularly if you’re planning rides involving long or sharp descents in hot weather.
Pre-ride self care
Just as important as your machine’s condition is your own. You’re the most critical component of your ride.
- Are you fit to ride? Before swinging a leg over, honestly assess if you are well-rested, properly hydrated, and alert. Minor fatigue, dehydration, and your state of mind can significantly impair your judgment and reaction times.
- Fuel your body: Make sure you’ve eaten properly. Riding hungry lowers your focus and concentration and leaves you prone to stress and heat.
- Route review: Take a moment to review your planned route, noting potential fuel stops, rest areas, and places to cool-down in the shade.
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.
