Riding in hot weather can be enjoyable in many ways, but overheating can lead to discomfort, dehydration and even heat exhaustion over a long journey. To combat extreme temperatures during the summer, leading motorcycling clothing brands have developed hot weather riding gear that combats the threat of heat and sun exposure, ensuring riders can remain comfortable at all times.
We at BDLA Motorbikes want to make sure all motorcyclists have the knowledge they need to ride in comfort safely no matter the weather, so we have put together this article to discuss what we think are the must-have summer motorcycle clothing items. We will discuss essential summer motorcycle gear recommendations, as well as some tips of the kinds of material you should be looking for to ride on even the hottest days – as rare as they tend to be in the UK!
What to Look for in Hot Weather Motorcycle Gear
There are a number of attributes to look out for when you’re browsing for summer motorcycle gear, generally designed to keep you feeling cooler than regular riding gear. Possibly the most important consideration should be air flow. You should look to purchase gear which is highly breathable and ventilated, either through mesh panels, perforated leather elements or zip vents that can be opened to allow cool air in when necessary. Maintaining maximum airflow to your body is the key to keeping your body temperature down.
Then you should consider moisture-wicking fabrics. When riding in the sun, you’re likely to sweat quite a bit, so clothing crafted from materials that wick sweat away from your skin are highly preferable if you want to remain comfortable. On top of this, colour should also come into your deliberations when looking for summer gear. We would recommend choosing lighter colours which will reflect sunlight away from your body, rather than darker colours which tend to absorb the sun’s heat and keep your body warmer. In a similar vein, clothing which offers UV protection is also a good idea, preventing heat build-up and even sunburn.
And remember, even in hot weather, you need to be protected. Always look out for jackets and trousers which feature protective armour in all the right places, with many lightweight options available for summer riding.
Best Summer Motorcycle Jackets
When it comes to choosing a summer jacket, there are a number of features to prioritise. Many all-in-one motorbike jackets now come with a removable liner, which can be either a thermal liner or waterproof liner, making it suitable for all seasons. In the summer, you can simply remove the liner, while in the winter you’ll want the added benefit of extra warmth and the waterproof membrane. You also need to make sure your summer jacket has decent venting, either through choosing a jacket with large mesh panels or an entirely mesh jacket that really allows air through. The weight of your jacket is also important, so choose something that is lightweight and thin while still offering armour fitted in the vital areas of your upper body, with CE approved elbow armour, back armour and chest protectors available to provide the best protection.
We know that style is also an important consideration and the warm weather may provide a good opportunity to wear leather jackets while riding, enjoying that retro feel without needing to worry about thermal or waterproof properties. All in all, we recommend choosing a high-quality jacket suitable for hot weather use that will help you look and feel your best while racking up mile after mile in the blazing sun. See below for some specific product recommendations.
Top Five Best Motorcycle Jackets for Summer at BDLA Motorbikes
Best Hot Weather Motorcycle Pants and Trousers
As with your jacket, your pants need to be lightweight, breathable and sweat-wicking where possible, if you are to ride in total comfort through the summer. One added feature we would recommend looking out for would be trousers that are built with a stretch fabric construction, sure to remain flexible and comfortable as you bend your knees while riding. Abrasion resistance is also handy, helping your motorcycle trousers stay in good condition even after a scrape or natural wear and tear.
Breathable mesh panels are also a good feature to remember when it comes to summer pants, as that mesh material will help you to stay cool. You can find mesh riding pants which are favoured by off-roaders, but many regular riding trousers feature huge mesh panels which do the job.
You may also want to consider riding jeans, which have become a real favourite in recent years. Many motorbike jeans do offer a good level of ventilation while giving the comfort and casual style many riders crave. Many of the top riding jeans from leading manufacturers feature CE approved crash protection, which is something you should always prioritise when it comes to riding gear.
Top Five Best Motorcycle Pants for Summer at BDLA Motorbikes
- Alpinestars Andes Air Drystar
- Oxford Dakar Air
- RST Ventilator XT
- Oxford Original AA Straight Jeans
- Spada Drifter Jeans
Best Hot Weather Motorcycle Gloves
Gloves are another important part of a rider’s gear that you need to get right during the summer months. The last thing you want is your hands over-heating and sweating to the point that you lose full control over your ride, so proper summer gloves are always recommended. Some popular choices include short-cuff mesh gloves that bring excellent ventilation and breathability, or leather-palmed gloves that have perforations to allow for essential air flow. You may also want to consider choosing summer gloves which are touchscreen compatible so you are always able to work your smart phone or sat nav device when stationary.
Top Five Best Motorcycle Gloves for Summer at BDLA Motorbikes
Best Hot Weather Motorcycle Helmets
While not strictly an item of clothing per say, your helmet will have a big impact on your comfort levels during periods of high heat. To make sure your head does not overheat, we recommend choosing a helmet for the summer which allows air to reach your head. You can achieve this either with a full face helmet that has a specific superior airflow system compared to regular helmet or through an open face helmet which of course brings more air into your face. Flip up or modular helmets are also a really good choice as a summer motorcycle helmet as the entire front section can be flipped up to grant air flow when desired.
As a premium summer helmet option, look for motorcycle helmets that offer moisture-wicking liners and anti-fog visors because sweat and heat can build up significantly over a long ride in the heat.
Top Five Best Motorcycle Helmets for Summer at BDLA Motorbikes
Base Layers and other Summer Motorcycle Accessories
Base layers are a vital part of every rider’s gear and the best base layers really come into their own during the summer. Either base layer tops or bottoms can provide essential moisture-wicking properties that prevent your body from feeling too sweaty and uncomfortable as you ride. Base layers are also more lightweight and thin compared to everyday tops, keeping your overall body temperature down.
To keep your feet cool, we even offer a range of cooling motorcycle socks that can really make the difference on a long ride. And for your neck, we have a selection of cooling neck tubes designed specifically for summer use.
To remain fully hydrated, you may want to consider a hydration pack, which makes it easy for you to take on regular fluids while riding. Check out our motorcycle backpacks range to see what hydration packs are available for summer and year-round use.
General Tips for Summer Motorcycling
Aside from wearing the right gear, there are a number of steps you can take to ensure you are safe, comfortable and healthy when riding your motorcycle in the hot weather, which we have summarised below.
Possibly the most important piece of advice we can give you for hot weather riding is to remain hydrated. Take ample water with you in your bag to cover your journey, or be prepared to stop every now and then to fill up your water bottle or purchase more fluids. Dehydration can be a serious issue for motorcyclists when you consider the heat of the bike, your gear and the sun, so don’t take a chance on hydration this summer.
You can also take steps to mitigate your exposure to the sun and heat if possible. For instance, you should plan rest stops in shaded areas where you can take refuge from the sun’s rays. You can also consider riding during the cooler parts of the day, either in the early morning or evening, when the UV radiation is at its lowest.
Speaking of UV radiation, the last thing you want is sun burn just from riding your motorcycle, so be sure to apply sunscreen to any areas of exposed skin and reapply after significant sweating.
In Summary: The Best Motorcycle Clothing For Hot Weather
Hopefully by reading this article you will be fully aware of all the gear you need to purchase to ride comfortably and safely through the summer months. You should always look to choose clothing items that prioritise breathability while remaining protective, and consider added benefits like moisture-wicking fabrics and stretch panels.
For more information or assistance with choosing the right clothing for the summer, please feel free to contact our team of in-house experts who will be happy to point you in the right direction.
