WHAT IS THE RIGHT RIDING GEAR FOR THE DIFFERENT WEATHER CONDITIONS

Those who have experienced sudden weather changes during a ride know that this is one of the most unpleasant experiences on the road. Imagine getting caught without your waterproof gear in a rainstorm that came out of nowhere. You would be soaking wet before you reach the nearest rest stop, and the whole riding experience would be ruined. Besides, there would be an increased risk of accidents and injuries due to impaired vision on wet, slippery roads.

Riding should be all about the excitement – the sense of freedom and adventure you get when you’re on your bike.

Therefore, you need to feel safe and comfortable to fully experience the joy of motorcycle riding. For this reason, it is essential for riders to adjust their motorcycle gear to the weather conditions they plan to ride in and have additional protective equipment by their side in case of a sudden weather change. This way, you will be able to relax and enjoy your ride, knowing that you have prepared yourself for any unexpected turn of events.

We have compiled a beginner’s guide on buying motorcycle gear to keep you safe and sound through various weather conditions. We will focus on recommending various types of riding gear to wear in different seasons, accompanied by valuable tips and tricks on how to stay safe and comfortable riding in hot, cold, and wet weather.

Riding Gear to Wear on a Hot Day

The warm days are coming, and many riders can’t wait to get the most out of riding on a sunny summer day. However, you should pay attention to ventilation and hydration, which are crucial in keeping you comfortable and safe while riding on a summer day.

Summer base layers made of synthetic materials will make you comfortable and keep you dry while riding. Top-quality base layers are made of synthetic materials combined to make you comfortable and keep you cool and dry.

Many will say that a leather jacket may not be a perfect choice for a summer ride, but we have to disagree. Summer leather jackets have only one layer so that you won’t be hot in them. Quite the opposite, most of these leather jackets now come with an integrated mesh liner essential for providing much-needed airflow to keep you cool.

Mesh textile jackets are also a great choice when you are buying hot weather riding gear. These jackets have integrated armor in the elbows, backs, and shoulders and may come with a removable windproof liner, which is always a handy addition.

We tried to convince you to discard your riding jeans and buy real riding pants. However, denim riding pants are ideal for summer since they have integrated armor liners accompanied by abrasion resistance elements that will keep you safe and comfortable.

We are not in favor of the idea of riding bare-handed in hot weather. Gloves are an essential part of your riding equipment, and summer gloves are mesh, vented, and short. The same rule goes for boots. They should be lightweight, leather, and breathable. Motorcycling helmets are a life-saving piece of moto gear, so you should always choose a high-performing, full-face helmet that will offer ultimate protection accompanied by excellent ventilation.

Tips and tricks for riding in hot weather

• Cover all exposed skin. Covering up while riding on a hot day will prevent you from getting annoying and painful sunburns.
• Soak everything. This will ensure you stay cool during your ride. Try to soak your helmet, shirt, and pants as much as you can when riding on a summer day. A wet bandana around your neck will do wonders for you and make you feel fresh and comfortable.
• Pack your pockets with perforated plastic bags full of ice. As the ice melts, holes in the bags will allow water to leak out and evaporate to keep you cool.
• Make sure to stay hydrated at all times. You can find different types of hydration packages to keep your water supply in when you go off-road riding. Dehydration is a hazardous health condition, especially during a motorcycle ride, so drink a lot of water to ride safely in high temperatures.

Perfect Riding Gear for Cold Weather

Going for a ride in cold-weather may have its perks, despite the low temperatures and ice on roads. The essential element for an enjoyable winter ride is layering up to stay warm and protected. Read our guide, and you may postpone your motorcycle winterization and go for an exciting motorcycle ride in winter. Here is what you need for cold-weather riding.

Make sure you get wool base layers because wool is highly absorbent, and it will keep the sweat away from your skin. Also, see that your regular pants fit perfectly into your riding pants. Make sure to tuck every piece of clothing into another to prevent wind from getting in your moto gear. Continue layering up by adding an extra shirt and a heated vest that will keep your chest warm with its built-in heaters. If you can afford this, try to get arm heaters and knee heaters as well because those will make you feel warm and cozy even on a freezing day. For your outer layer, finish it off with a leather jacket that has an integrated liner.

Wearing a Neoprene neck gaiter under your helmet is a must for riding in cold weather because it is comfortable, water-resistant, and provides excellent insulation. Winter gloves should be insulated and should always go over your cuffs to prevent wind from getting in. Leather gloves are the best option because they are the warmest and most durable, perfect for a winter ride.

Tips and Tricks for Riding in the Cold Weather

• Make sure to seal all the helmet vents and all the other openings on your protective riding gear to prevent cold wind from getting through.
• Extra layers are essential to keep you warm, but you shouldn’t overdress in bulky clothes. This may limit your movements and impair your functionality.
• Technology is your friend. The riding gear market is full of various products like heated vests that can make you feel comfortable and safe during the ride. Set a budget for these useful moto gear parts because they will pay off in the long run.

Riding Gear that Will Keep You Dry

Riding in the rain can be a quite enjoyable experience, provided that you are fully-equipped for wet weather conditions. It is essential to stay dry when riding in the rain, so all you need is waterproof riding equipment.

You should never choose cotton base layers when buying wet weather riding gear. Cotton does not absorb well, and once it gets wet, it will make you cold and uncomfortable for the rest of your ride. Instead, choose base layers made of highly absorbent synthetic materials.

Make sure that your jacket and pants are waterproof, so avoid leather and turn to synthetic materials instead. Always bear in mind that safety and protection come first and buy riding gear with integrated armor and abrasion-resistant panels. You can also opt for a one-piece rain suit that will offer you high-level waterproofing and keep you dry during the hardest downpours.

Treated leather rain boots are ideal for riding in wet conditions because of their high-level water resistance. However, if you can’t afford to buy waterproof boots, you can always opt for rubber boot covers to keep your feet dry. When you are purchasing waterproof gloves for riding in the rain, make sure they are not too bulky so they don’t limit hand movement and fingers dexterity.

Tips and Tricks for Riding in Wet Weather Conditions

• Stop the rain. Seal all the vents on your helmet with duct tape. Also, use various sprays and oils to seal the seams of your moto gear. It is essential to prevent the rain from getting into your riding gear.
• Defog your visor. A fogged visor is an annoying and potentially dangerous thing. You can try the fog shield, a thin laminate that you can stick on your visor to prevent fogging and keep your vision clear.
• If you cannot afford waterproof gloves, you can always pull some rubber gloves over your standard riding gloves to keep the rain out.

Conclusion

We hope this short guide will help you equip yourself appropriately for riding in various weather conditions. You will also find an array of useful tips that will keep you comfortable and protected in any weather. Now that you’ve got all the information you need about riding in different weather conditions, we wish you a safe and comfortable ride.