Motorcyclists, stay cool and pack water in bags that are easily accessible so you can stay hydrated when you are stuck in traffic or if the weather heats up. Julian Stratenschulte/dpaWhen it is warm outside, motorcyclists are advised to protect themselves from the weather.They are naturally more exposed to the weather than car drivers, many of whom may be sitting in air-conditioned vehicles.On a motorbike, it can get pretty hot if you are wearing protective clothing and a helmet, especially when there's no breeze in a traffic jam.High temperatures can impair concentration, reaction times and performance so pose a significant strain on motorcyclists, warns Germany's Institute for Two-Wheeler Safety (ifz).AdvertisementAdvertisementWays to stay coolPlan your rides for the morning or evening hours wherever possible to avoid the peak heat between 1 pm and 5 pm.Adjust your route. It's better to take a longer stretch of country road with a breeze than to get caught in a potential motorway traffic jam – your sat-nav can help with planning and provide information on traffic jams.Take regular breaks to cool down. Don't wait until you feel exhausted to stop, but take a break as a preventative measure roughly every 60 minutes.Recognise the warning signs and react. Dizziness, headaches, difficulty concentrating or muscle cramps can be early signs of overheating or dehydration. Any indications mean you should stop the journey.Drink plenty of fluids even before setting off. "If you set off while already slightly dehydrated, you'll find it almost impossible to make up for the fluid loss while on the road," says Matthias Haasper from the ifz.As a general rule, drink regularly even before you feel thirsty because dehydration also leads to a loss of concentration and fatigue.A tip especially for traffic jams: keep drinks to hand in your tank bag.If you're only making slow progress in stop-and-go traffic, you should use the nearest car park to rest. "During longer periods of inactivity and in intense heat, it can be helpful to take shelter in the shade of a lorry, keeping a safe distance," Haasper says.Best motorcycle clothing for the weatherEven with the right clothing, riding can become more bearable without having to compromise on the protection offered by conventional gear.AdvertisementAdvertisementYou can find warm weather motorcycle clothing with mesh inserts or ventilation openings. These offer protection and good air circulation at the same time.A light-coloured helmet with good ventilation also helps to reduce heat build-up. Studies by Germany's Federal Highway Research Institute (BASt) showed temperature differences of several degrees compared to dark helmets, Haasper says.But as a general rule, don't skip on the protective clothing even in high temperatures. "When stationary in a traffic jam, of course, you can air your clothing a little," says Haasper.Drink plenty of fluids even before setting off on a trip. If you set off while already slightly dehydrated you'll find it almost impossible to make up for the fluid loss on the road. Christin Klose/dpa-tmn
