Anytime is a great time to ride a Harley-Davidson, but there’s something special about soaking up the sun and listening to your engine rev during summer. On a warm day, a mesh jacket might be all you need to stay cool on your bike. But when those temperatures really start to soar, you need to plan for how to cope with the heat. With summer highs in Las Vegas usually reaching above 100 degrees, it’s important to utilize these tips to stay safe and comfortable on your summer riding adventures:

Reducing Wind

Wearing more clothing can actually keep you cooler on your summer rides. This is due to the reverse wind-chill factor. Hot moving air will increase the amount your body sweats, making you feel hotter and nearly doubling your required hourly water intake. Additionally, be sure to use a fairing and windshield on your bike and choose a riding suit and helmet that can block the high winds, while also providing vents to allow slower winds to pass over your body.

Maximizing Evaporation

Evaporation has a very cooling effect on the body. This principle is why your body produces sweat. As the water evaporates, it absorbs heat energy from your body to complete the process, which helps you feel cooler. There are several products you can use to maximize the effects of evaporative cooling on your ride:

• CoolCore Gear – Harley-Davidson offers a line of products featuring CoolCore technology. This innovative fabric helps you regulate temperature and stay comfortable during your rides year-round. The line includes balaclavas, neck gaiters and fingerless gloves.
• Cooling Vest – The hydration vest uses evaporation to keep your torso and the back of your neck cool. This effect can help you feel up to 12 degrees cooler. You’ll want to wear a windbreaker with open arm holes in order to prolong its cooling effects. Ones with elastic wrist bands do not allow enough air flow to reach the vest, which is a critical part of the cooling process. You can also wear the cooling vest with a mesh jacket, however, it will dry out faster this way.

Staying Hydrated

Assuming you’re taking these steps to stay cool, your body will need about 20 ounces of water per hour. It is important to stay on top of this because dehydration can be serious and lead to heat stroke. Be sure to only drink water – drinks with caffeine and alcohol are diuretics.

At Las Vegas Harley-Davidson, we have a selection of products to help you stay cool on your bike in the heat. Come check them out at our shop today. We’re located at 5191 S. Las Vegas Blvd. For more information, call us at 888-218-0744.