5 MIN READ
How to Stay Cool on Your Motorcycle During Hot Summer Days
Getting too hot on the bike isn't just uncomfortable, it costs you focus. And focus is safety. The hotter it gets, the faster you tire and the slower you react. So the right summer gear doesn't only keep you cool, it keeps you sharp. In this blog we show you how to do that, matched
Why heat undermines your focus
When you overheat, your concentration drops. You tire faster, your reactions slow down, and that’s exactly what you can’t afford on the road. On top of that comes fluid loss: the more you sweat, the faster you dehydrate, and dehydration slows your reaction time and coordination even further.
Staying cool isn’t only about comfort, then. It keeps you alert, and an alert rider is a safer rider. Drink enough water on hot days, especially on longer rides, and choose gear that helps your body manage its temperature. Which gear that is depends on how and how long you ride.
Three types of riders, three summer solutions
The commuter
You ride every day, often through town, in stop-and-go traffic. At the lights you feel the heat of the engine block against your legs, and you want to arrive at work presentable, not soaked. City traffic is exactly where you need your full attention: cyclists, pedestrians, cars pulling out. Overheating and irritation are the kind of distraction you can do without.
A ventilated motorcycle jacket and ventilated motorcycle trousers are your base. The material lets the wind through, so the moment you accelerate it cools you down. Prefer a casual look that carries straight into the office? Motorcycle jeans are a smart choice: comparable abrasion resistance, but they let more air through and feel fresher. Our motorcycle jeans blog covers everything about the certification labels. Round it off with summer gloves and ventilated shoes, and wear a light, moisture-wicking shirt underneath so you arrive dry.
The weekend rider
You ride for the fun of it. A few hours on good roads, often with your mates. You want the heat to stay out of the way and to keep sharp through the bends for a couple of hours. Drifting off in the heat is exactly what takes the enjoyment, and the sharpness, out of the ride.
Here too, a ventilated jacket and trousers form the base. When it gets really hot, the cooling vest earns its place: the ideal extra layer for those few scorching days, without having to invest in completely different gear. You fill it with water, but it doesn’t feel wet: as the water slowly evaporates, your perceived temperature drops by around 15 degrees. You wear it over your T-shirt and under your jacket, never directly on the skin. For the best result, pair it with a ventilated jacket.
The touring rider or traveller
You put in long days, high mileage, sometimes over several days. You can’t just stop and change whenever you like, and the fatigue and dehydration build up over the hours. This is where the focus angle weighs heaviest: tired and dehydrated after six hours in the saddle, with miles still to go, is a real risk.
For you, a complete system works best. The ventilated jacket and trousers handle airflow, the cooling vest takes the edge off the hottest hours, and moisture-wicking base layers keep you dry over distance. With those base layers, look for terms like “summer”, “cool” or “dry”, which tell you they’re made for warm weather.
Don’t forget your helmet: open all the vents for a noticeable difference. The helmet gets a bit louder, so a set of earplugs keeps the noise down and keeps your head fresher for longer.
Take smart breaks and drink in time
Good gear keeps you cool, but your own rhythm matters just as much. Plan your breaks ahead and stop before you overheat or tire, not after. On hot days your body cools down more slowly, so several short stops out of the sun beat one long break late in the day. Drink regularly, even without feeling thirsty, because thirst only kicks in once you’re already short on fluid. Carry enough water on longer rides. Dehydration slows your reaction time and concentration, exactly what you want to keep sharp.
How do you stay cool with an airbag in summer?
A lot of riders think an airbag and staying cool don’t go together. In practice it works out fine. The best solution is simple: pair your airbag with a ventilated motorcycle jacket or a motorcycle hoodie. Whether the system is built into the jacket or worn as a separate vest underneath doesn’t really matter. What counts is that your outer layer lets air through, so the airflow stays while you ride protected.
An honourable mention goes to the Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma. It’s a light, slim airbag vest worn under your jacket, with a breathable mesh construction and a moisture-wicking finish, designed to work with your jacket’s ventilation. Exactly what you want on hot days.
Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma
The new Tech-Air 5 Plasma is an ultra-light airbag vest designed to be worn under your motorcycle jacket. At 1,530 grams, it is the lightest Tech-Air yet, more than 25% lighter than the original Tech-Air 5. Its ultra-slim profile makes it almost invisible under your jacket and does not restrict your freedom of movement.
A few more tips to stay cool
In extreme heat, skip dark motorcycle gear. Lighter colours reflect more light and absorb less heat. And if your helmet has a fresh or antibacterial liner, it keeps unpleasant sweat odours at bay on hot days.
Ready for the hot days
Staying cool on the bike starts with gear that breathes and ventilates well, matched to how you ride. Drink enough, plan your breaks and pick the right layer for the right day. At RAD you’ll find a wide range of ventilated motorcycle jackets and trousers, motorcycle jeans, cooling vests, moisture-wicking base layers and well-ventilated helmets to get through the hottest days sharp and comfortable.
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