If you ride frequently, you will most likely be cold rather than hot, thus a jacket is a useful piece of equipment. There will be moments when it is really hot, yet it is still necessary to wear a jacket. A jacket shields you from this and keeps your skin in place. It also makes you look more attractive, as long as you do not go for the trendy but useless leather jacket.
Jacket style matters too. If you are going for a sporty look, you should choose one with zipper or button up sleeves. This will show that you care about appearance and make others want to ask questions about your lifestyle. If you would like to go for a more casual vibe, then an old-school leather jacket is perfect. They are classic and can be worn with anything from jeans to dress pants.
There are many types of jackets, so pick one that fits properly. A loose-fitting jacket is never appropriate, even if it means buying something else instead. A jacket should fit you snugly without being tight; otherwise, it could end up hurting you instead of protecting you. Avoid heavy fabrics too; they will only make you hotter. Instead, go for lightweight options such as cotton or polyester.
You should also check that the color of the jacket matches your bike. This will help people see you as a part of the group and not feel threatened by you.
Leather will not keep you warm on its own. Leather is utilized to keep the wind out of your clothes, and it works effectively. The lining offers the necessary warmth to be comfortable. Some jackets contain a detachable lining for extremely cold weather that may be removed for riding in colder but not freezing temperatures.
The most effective way to stay warm while riding is through appropriate clothing. Leather jackets are ideal for keeping the wind and elements off of you while providing adequate cover if needed. Other than that, they are quite bulky and not very aerodynamic so they won't help you stay cool. A leather jacket is also very expensive so only buy one if you can afford it. If you live in a hot climate or plan to ride in hot conditions, a leather jacket isn't the best choice.
There are many other options available for warmer climates or when planning to ride aggressively. A motorcyclist who plans to protect themselves from the elements should consider wearing a full-face helmet. These are available in a variety of styles including traditional, vanguard, adventure, and sports. They are easy to wear and look good with most clothing choices.
A full-length protective suit is another option for those who want to be sure they are protected against minor injuries as well as severe accidents. These suits are usually made out of heavy material such as nylon or polyester and are worn over pants and a shirt.
Your first requirement is a jacket, whether leather or synthetic. You'll also need at least one, if not two, extra pieces of long-sleeved upper body accessory apparel. You'll want to wear these layers to be warm while it's chilly, and then remove them when it warms up. Leather jackets are best because they're airy and let some heat out but keep your body cool.
Other necessary gear includes helmet, gloves, boots, and pants. The more protective equipment that you can add to this list, the better. If you plan to ride in cities, consider wearing a jersey over your shirt to hide any imperfections. Men should wear shirts with sleeves, and women should avoid sleeveless styles since they show off too much skin.
Finally, always wear appropriate footwear for motorcycles. This means riding boots for men, women, and kids; shoes that protect your feet from stones and other debris on the road; and something comfortable to allow you to enjoy the ride.
With these essentials in mind, you should be able to ride in anything from 30-degree temperatures to 90-degree days without suffering from heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Of course, being aware of your surroundings and taking it easy if you feel tired or sick will go a long way toward avoiding these problems entirely.
When it's really hot outdoors (98 or 100 degrees Fahrenheit or above), you're traveling in a blast furnace. The breeze does not cool you down; rather, it exacerbates the effects of heat on you. The same is true with a cold. If you've never driven in really hot weather, imagine using your wife or girlfriend's hair dryer on 'high. 'It gets even hotter than that.
The most effective way to protect yourself from extreme temperatures is to avoid them. Stay out of the sun and try not to go more than an hour without drinking any type of liquid. This will help you keep cool. If you do end up riding in these conditions, it's best to stick to empty roads or rural areas where there are no people around to suffer from your negligence.
As for actually dying from excessive heat, the answer is yes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), between 40 and 50 percent of all motorcycle fatalities can be attributed to riders being unable to resist the urge to ride in extreme temperatures.
The NHTSA also reports that riders are more likely to die if they are not wearing a helmet. In fact, according to its data, there are two times when you are more likely to be killed if you aren't wearing one: first, when you are riding alone and second, when you are riding in extremely hot weather.
The following items should be worn at all times when riding:
Temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit are ideal. Aside than that, any temperature is good... heat doesn't affect me too much. The most crucial factor I have when riding is whether or not it will be dry. Rain can be extremely unpleasant.
If it's going to be dry though, even if it's hot, that's perfect world condition for me. I like being out on the open road with no rain or snow falling from the sky.
The more moisture there is in the air, the faster you will wear out your clothes and equipment. This is especially true of leather items. Even plastic parts such as footrests and turn signals can become damaged if they get wet.
If it does start to rain, you should avoid roads with a lot of traffic so you don't need to stop to let cars pass. This is especially important if you're drinking alcohol. The chances of getting into an accident greatly increase when you're tired or drunk.
The best option is to stay off the highway and find a quiet street or path where you won't be causing problems for anyone else.
If you do end up in an accident, make sure to keep yourself safe by stopping quickly and avoiding moving objects.