10 Tips
for riding in the summer
if you have any suggestions email me asap as its nearing summer and it will start to get VERY hot I am sure other knowledge students will appreciate more comments and advice.
1/ This is the most important thing to note NEVER be tempted to go out wearing shorts and a T shirt and no gloves this is the worst thing you can do. If you come off you will have severe injuries. No matter how tempting it is DO NOT DO IT.
In the summer my own motorcycle outfit is as follows REMEMBER this is what I wear and not a RECOMMENDATION and its what I would consider to be the BARE minimum
A full face crash helmet leather jacket, jeans (good quality ones as they tend to be thicker) boots and leather gloves. To keep the temperature down in side the jacket I open all pockets and have the main zip un done a few inches.
2/ A Cheap place to buy leather jackets is Camden Market or Camden High Street you should have no problems in obtaining one below £100 make sure the leather is thick and not of the THIN fashion type. Alternatively a motorcycle leather Jacket could be purchased these have padding in the elbows and on the shoulder and waist (back protection ) these are far better but a lot more costly at up to £200 pounds buy from a motorcycle retailer.
3/ Invest in a steel flask as a steel flask will allow you to put ice cubes in it along with your drink DONT attempt to do this with a non steel flask as it will SHATTER (this has happened to me :( I was gutted as it was a boiling hot day) and drink plenty so that you don't de hydrate. Stop frequently and drink regularly
4/ If you have any mitts on the bike remove them.
5/ Lower the angle of your knowledge board to enable more wind to hit you and cool you off. Also you could fit the smallest knowledge board you can manage with.
6/ If you can get one buy a white helmet as this will reflect more heat away from your head. Make sure all vents in the helmet are clear. A new visor at the start of summer is a good investment as when direct sunlight hits a worn \ scratched one it is very hard to see out from them.
7/ Never be tempted to remove your boot laces or leave the boots done up loosely or undone in order to keep your feet cool your boots will more than certainly come off in the event of a crash. DONT wear Shoes or trainers again you could end up with serious injury. also wear thin socks
8/ Change the oil frequently on the bike the hot weather and tend to ride a little slower as to no put so much strain on your engine. If you have a scooter check the water levels and make sure that there is plenty of water in it . To check the Dylan water levels will be illustrated on this site shortly if your out pointing and its very hot you might want to rest the engine every hour or so especially if on a Honda C90 as these are air cooled.
9/ Wear sun glasses or buy a crash helmet that has an additional tinted visor which is an addition to the clear one and that can be raised or lowered independently of the clear one too. eg Lazer Revolution.
10/ Keep your head light on it helps visibility ie you being seen.
If you feel you have more tips or more important ones please email me as I am sure myself and othe knowledge students would be very grateful for the advice please email me on knowledgeboy400@hotmail.com
Thank you