Keep cool

When the weather is very hot, the temptation is always great to pull out a T-shirt and sandals.

Careful, danger! Riding a motorcycle must always be in safety.
Fortunately there is clothing designed to allow in a small stream of air and to keep the rider as cool as practically possible. Helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, many clothing manufacturers offer suitable products.

Opting for a clear colour also reduces the accumulation of heat.
A dry mouth, excessive perspiration, impaired vision are all signs telling you that it is time to take a break to counter dehydration.
When travelling through hot countries, it is best to set off at sunrise and not ride during the two or three hottest hours of the day.

And on the bike ?

The machine obviously has a lot more difficulty in cooling down: tucked away in its cowling, the engine gets hotter than usual.
You need to keep an eye on the engine temperature gauge, and to check the level and age of the coolant, and the fan connections.

On machines with full fairings, the heat coming up from the engine (or the exhaust pipes when they are under the saddle), can be uncomfortable, and even dangerous. We know of certain models which literally burn your thighs.
With regard to road-holding, we are less troubled by tyre grip, but need to keep a lookout for the tarmac melting in places

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