Tips for Riding Indian® Motorcycles in the Summer

Sunny summer days are the perfect days for riding Indian® motorcycles! But don’t let the gorgeous weather deceive you – there are some risks to riding in the summer. Here at Family Powersports Odessa, we are an Indian® Motorcycle dealer who strives to help our customers enjoy fun and safe experiences. We made the following guide to riding in the summer. If you need an Indian® Motorcycle dealership, visit our location in Odessa.

Plan Your Ride

It may surprise you, but there are health risks to riding Indian® motorcycles in the high heat. Sure, it may seem harmless when the sky is clear and blue. But soaring temperatures pose issues from heat stroke to the sun glare compromising your vision. Planning your ride helps you stay safe.

Begin by checking the weather to make sure the temperatures aren’t too high. If it hits above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s too hot. If you can, avoid riding in the middle of the afternoon. That’s when the heat reaches its peak. Try to be home by then or wait until after then to leave. If you enjoy long rides, use the mid-afternoon to stop at an air-conditioned restaurant to grab some food and take a break.

Summer Riding Attire

It may sound counterintuitive, but you do want full-length clothing on hot summer days. The fabric will shield your skin from the unrelenting run rays, kicked-up debris, and other hazards on the road.

Full-length clothing doesn’t have to mean you’ll be burning up though! You can find clothing designed to be worn in the heat. Lightweight and breathable fabrics can wick sweat away while offering ventilation. Choose lighter colors as dark ones absorb and keep the heat. Sometimes you can visit an Indian® Motorcycle dealership to get attire made with motorcycle riding in mind.

One great accessory for riding Indian® motorcycles in the heat is a bandana. You can wear it on your head and it’ll catch sweat (before it drips into your eyes). Another use is to moisten it and tie around your neck. It’ll give you a cooling sensation.

Staying Hydrated

Riding Indian® motorcycles is an athletic feat. You engage your muscles to control your bike, from turning to stopping it. When you increase the temperature, it puts more stress on your body (and requires more sweat to keep it cool). Before you know it, you become very dehydrated.

Dehydration is more than just an uncomfortable experience. It can actually make you sick, from feeling nauseous to struggling to focus. You need to bring along plenty of water to fight off dehydration. Try a hands-free hydration pack to stay hydrated on the go! Don’t forget you’ll also need to replace the electrolytes you lose. Eat a salty snack or guzzle a sports drink.

Take Breaks

Indian® motorcycles may be able to ride for hours on end, but your body isn’t! You will get exhausted quicker in the heat and will need to take more brakes to stay sharp. Find an escape from the heat, such as a shaded rest stop or park. Frequent brakes will help your brain and focus restart so you can stay focused on your ride.

If you’re looking for Indian® motorcycles for sale, visit Family Powersports Odessa. We are an Indian® Motorcycle dealership and offer a range of new and used models. It’s easy to find the perfect model for your budget, riding level, and riding lifestyle. We proudly serve those in Odessa, Midlands, Andrews, Pecos, and Fort Stockton. Stop by and visit today!