Hey Arizona, how do you deal with the heat?

[ButterSmooth]

At the end of last Summer, I was suffering when the temperature got into the 90°s. My comfort range on 2 wheels was from 60° to 100° -- on the Spyder it's from 40° to 90°. While the range is greater on the Spyder, those 90°+ days were miserable.

My conclusion is that I don't know how to deal with the heat. So, here's a plea for advice from those of you who live and ride in the warmer areas of the country. The 'choke' point for me seems to be my Shoei RF1200 helmet, but I'm sure there are many other things I can improve.

[SportsterDoc]

I have regularly written at temps up to 116 degrees F.
HJC IS-33 helmet
Carhartt long sleeve t-shirt (good UV rating)
Wranglers
Boots
Lightweight deer skin gloves
Flip up the face shield at signals.
Keep moving as much as practical.

[bigbadbrucie]

For me, I think, is age related. On my ‘wing I would ride all day in 90 degree heat. I was in my late 40’s early 50’s then. Now I’m in my late 70’s and riding the Spyder and I can barely stand 80 degree heat.....and yes, we do get those temps up here in Canada. just my .02.

[RideOn]

Ditto to what SportsterDoc said, but I've also found that mesh jackets help a whole lot compared to a t-shirt. As long as you're moving, the mesh will give you sun protection and be cooler than without it.

Don't forget some sunscreen for your face, even with the helmet. I've come back home a few times with a nose that was so burned it felt more like shoe leather than skin. Same for any exposed skin; between sun and wind on the ryde, burns will be fast and deep.

:doorag:

[ButterSmooth]

I have regularly written at temps up to 116 degrees F.
HJC IS-33 helmet
Carhartt long sleeve t-shirt (good UV rating)
Wranglers
Boots
Lightweight deer skin gloves
Flip up the face shield at signals.
Keep moving as much as practical.

I'll look into the helmet. It seems to me that the Ryker, with your body in the air stream, would be more like a motorcycle than the RT. The wind protection that makes 40° comfortable is stifling at 95°.


Ditto to what SportsterDoc said, but I've also found that mesh jackets help a whole lot compared to a t-shirt. As long as you're moving, the mesh will give you sun protection and be cooler than without it.

Don't forget some sunscreen for your face, even with the helmet. I've come back home a few times with a nose that was so burned it felt more like shoe leather than skin. Same for any exposed skin; between sun and wind on the ryde, burns will be fast and deep.

:doorag:

I ride with a t-shirt under an armored mesh jacket, and it works except when stopped. Never had an issue with burns.

and bigbadbrucie, you may be on to something. I'm a bit long of the tooth, too.

[YumaGary]

Be very respectful of heat, hydrate frequently and be careful not to ride to far. It was probably heat that killed a friend of mine and wrecked his Spyder this summer,

[MRH]

Without any doubt, the most important temperature change I made was to purchase the BRP short windshield and add an X-Creen like this one:
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/mra-x-creen-tour-variable-windscreen-spoiler-blade
You can adjust it on the fly to push the air right into your face on a hot day, and it helps even at slower speeds because it catches a lot of air.

A mesh jacket that is mesh all the way around is also a big help. Most are only mesh front and back, and on the top of the sleeves (where the air doesn't catch on a Spyder). I also wear very light gloves that are really designed for dirtbikes. I have one by Fly that I love, but now everything I see is only part mesh.

On the truly hot days, I also use a cooling vest (you just soak it in water)
https://www.amazon.com/TechNiche-International-Adult-HyperKewl-Cooling/dp/B004VMF2MY/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=cooling+vest&qid=1608258819&sr=8-7

[SportsterDoc]

Bruce: The older I get (74 in 2 months) the narrower my comfort zone for temperature. It was 15°F when I left my northern Arizona ranch 4 AM Tuesday and I was definitely using gloves to handle propane cylinders and such!

In the Southwest 90° F is just warm... however, it is generally a dry heat or a dry cold... and that makes considerable difference.

When I had my CB 1100 I went up to Mount Charleston (roadways are over 8,500 ft elevation), went through a shower and my long sleeve t-shirt was soaking wet... By the time I descended to 3,000 feet elevation it was completely dry.

[MRH]

Oh, and I ride with the clear screen on my Shoei Neotech 2 up, and with a very form fitting pair of glasses over my eyes. That way the wind is in my face, but my eyes don't dry out.

In the dry heat, you can be reasonably comfortable in the 90's with my setup. Also keep lots of water on hand, and drink before you get thirsty.

[SportsterDoc]

Ride On: very good points about sunscreen. When I used a 3/4 helmet I used high SPF on cheeks and nose.

Long sleeve Carhartt button up shirt sleeves are not as long as their T-shirts. When I have ridden with a button up long sleeve Carhartt and only a short sleeve T-shirt, I got a lot of color on my wrists between the shirt and my gloves. The long sleeve T-shirt pulls out farther over the wrists.

For my 1100 mile ride in September I had three layers available. A long sleeve button up over a long sleeve T was almost too warm, but heading north through the Navajo reservation I didn't want to give up the collar for sun protection on my neck.
Trees for a shady stop along highway 89 are extremely rare north of Flagstaff.

[SportsterDoc]

Butter:
I had Dart Marlin fly screens on my Moto Guzzi and Honda; Sport windscreen on the Ryker. One negative aspect of hot weather riding on the Ryker is heat at the feet especially when stopped and the fan kicks on

[ButterSmooth]

Without any doubt, the most important temperature change I made was to purchase the BRP short windshield and add an X-Creen like this one:
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/mra-x-creen-tour-variable-windscreen-spoiler-blade
You can adjust it on the fly to push the air right into your face on a hot day, and it helps even at slower speeds because it catches a lot of air.

A mesh jacket that is mesh all the way around is also a big help. Most are only mesh front and back, and on the top of the sleeves (where the air doesn't catch on a Spyder). I also wear very light gloves that are really designed for dirtbikes. I have one by Fly that I love, but now everything I see is only part mesh.

On the truly hot days, I also use a cooling vest (you just soak it in water)
https://www.amazon.com/TechNiche-International-Adult-HyperKewl-Cooling/dp/B004VMF2MY/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=cooling+vest&qid=1608258819&sr=8-7

I bookmarked the vest -- sounds like a great idea, thanks!

[SportsterDoc]

Yuma Gary: Yes hydration is critical. The Rykers glove box will hold three half liter water bottles. With one pre-frozen and all three inside an insulated bag , cold water is possible throughout the day.

[ButterSmooth]

Oh, and I ride with the clear screen on my Shoei Neotech 2 up, and with a very form fitting pair of glasses over my eyes. That way the wind is in my face, but my eyes don't dry out.

In the dry heat, you can be reasonably comfortable in the 90's with my setup. Also keep lots of water on hand, and drink before you get thirsty.

I've been looking at the Neotech 2. How is it for airflow?

[MRH]

I've been looking at the Neotech 2. How is it for airflow?

Since I almost always ride with the screen up, it's fine for the way I ride. A 3/4, of course, let's in much more air, but they also provide zero jaw protection, and I like my teeth. My wife just got a Shark modular (much like the Neotech) and it is lighter and has some great design choices. Absolutely check it out -- it may be my next helmet (as much as I love my Shoei).

[YumaGary]

Be very respectful of heat, hydrate frequently and be careful not to ride to far. It was probably heat that killed a friend of mine and wrecked his Spyder this summer,

[ButterSmooth]

Since I almost always ride with the screen up, it's fine for the way I ride. A 3/4, of course, let's in much more air, but they also provide zero jaw protection, and I like my teeth. My wife just got a Shark modular (much like the Neotech) and it is lighter and has some great design choices. Absolutely check it out -- it may be my next helmet (as much as I love my Shoei).

Shoeis fit my head perfectly. I live where mail order is the only choice, so trying on isn't an option. I will check it out. Do you have any comments about the head fit when compared to Shoei? I want face protection -- the world couldn't take an uglier me...

[canamjhb]

When the temperature gets above (about) 95F there is no cooling from evaporation (sweat) and air over your body will increase your temperature. You NEED to cool it by external means. That is, get into a cool environment. Wet yourself down with cool water or some other way. I take breaks about every half hour to cool down in extremely hot weather. I carry a spray bottle of water and use it liberally. Keep your skin covered with long sleeve shirts and pants. Drink more water than you think you need because you really do need it. And don't try to be a tough guy and ride it out. The heat WILL overcome before you know what is happening..... Jim

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

Visor open, face protection from the raised windshield, mesh jacket, and over 90 something a water soaked cool vest I bought at Cycle Gear. The cool vest makes a 10 to 15 degree difference. I've ridden at 110° + comfortably with it.

[2dogs]

I liberally cover exposed skin with #30 sunblock. Wear a long-sleeved white T-shirt over a cool vest and carry a camelback 1/2 full of ice and 1/2 full of water. I make frequent stops to refresh the cool vest and my camelback. I've put down a lot of miles that way.

[MRH]

Visor open, face protection from the raised windshield, mesh jacket, and over 90 something a water soaked cool vest I bought at Cycle Gear. The cool vest makes a 10 to 15 degree difference. I've ridden at 110° + comfortably with it.

It sounds like you have a great vest, which one did you go with?

[MRH]

Shoeis fit my head perfectly. I live where mail order is the only choice, so trying on isn't an option. I will check it out. Do you have any comments about the head fit when compared to Shoei? I want face protection -- the world couldn't take an uglier me...

Sorry, the Shoei fits me very well, and I haven't tried on the current version of the Shark in my size. If you get a chance to go to a motorcycle show, it can be a great place to try on just about every helmet out there. That said, I don't know how their new outdoor format may change that:
https://motorcycleshows.com

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

It sounds like you have a great vest, which one did you go with?
I think this is the one. https://www.cyclegear.com/gear/sedici-cooling-vest It holds a lot of water! I have to take my wallet out of my back pocket as my whole backside gets wet! In the dry Idaho climate at 95°+ and 65 MPH the vest stays damp for about 45 minutes to an hour or so. Humidity plays a big part in how well the cooling works. The drier the air the more evaporation and cooling.

[jaherbst]

Soaker Vest!

Jack

[ARtraveler]

All good suggestions above. :2thumbs:

At last, I am even able to answer with some suggestions. Been in NW Arkansas since May of 2019. We see hundred degrees quite a few times during the riding season. We have slowly developed our "hot" riding gear, and currently use the following:

For the hottest days, local rides, on mostly deserted roads:

Bell/Sena Mag9 helmets: faceplates up

Lightweight leather gloves...she likes golf type gloves, I like fingerless

Hi-Viz T-shirt OR Hi-Viz Long sleeve...she likes the long sleeve and I go for the T. Have a great sun tan on the arms by end of June.

Jeans: we both like them.

Good riding boots, we gravitate to the ankle high types when really hot, otherwise, standard boots.

For long distance rides on the more traveled roads: We use MESH jackets. I have found VIKING brand...for $49 that are Hi-Viz and mostly all mesh.

Not perfect but it suits us and we are comfortable with it. ALWAYS, ALWAYS helmets, gloves, boots, and good jeans. No shorts, or flip-flops. :bowdown:

[iridenow]

I have asked a similar question before. The response I got was put the bike in the garage at 10am and don't take it out until the sun goes down. Anything over 100 degrees merits a car.

[vindex1963]

Lived in Phoenix 24 years, rode year around. 50 miles daily for work and 200 miles to the get away house up North. Always cover up, exposed skin is dehydration, mesh jacket and a skull cap under the helmet. Hottest ride was 200 miles coming home from Tombstone on a 120 degree day, that was an experience, I read that 12 inches off the pavement it's 140 degrees.

[Peteoz]

When the temperature gets above (about) 95F there is no cooling from evaporation (sweat) and air over your body will increase your temperature. You NEED to cool it by external means. That is, get into a cool environment. Wet yourself down with cool water or some other way. I take breaks about every half hour to cool down in extremely hot weather. I carry a spray bottle of water and use it liberally. Keep your skin covered with long sleeve shirts and pants. Drink more water than you think you need because you really do need it. And don't try to be a tough guy and ride it out. The heat WILL overcome before you know what is happening..... Jim

Yep, as Canam says above, regular breaks out of the sun, and rehydration are essential. We get over 100 temps on a regular basis over summer. Also, as Jack and others have said, a cooling vest works wonders. I rode two hours to a service on a 110 degree days, without a cooling vest, stopping every half hour to rehydrate and rest in shade, and I was still absolutely knackered when I got there.

I bought a BMW cool vest (the only one in my size at the dealer), and found an old cool rider skullcap buried deep in my saddlebags for the trip back. I rode home in the same temps the next day, wet them up and re-wet them at stops, and only had to stop every 45 minutes, and felt OK when I got home. Keeping the body core cool is a huge help.

Luckily I had booked in to a motel overnight for the service. I believe if I had attempted to ride home the same day, wearing the same gear I had worn on the way down, I probably wouldn’t have made it without some serious body damage.

Pete

[ButterSmooth]

First, let me thank everyone for helping me figure out a course of action for the coming Summer.

The three things that came up most often were helmets, vests, and mesh jackets. So, the changes I have planned are:
1. New modular helmet
2. Cooling Vest
3. Cat delete, to remove a source of heat
4. New Sea-Sky adjustable air deflectors

I already have a mesh jacket and the cat delete pipe is on the way. My current helmet (Shoei RF1200) is six years old and since it fits perfectly, I think I'll go with a Shoei Neo-tech II, so there are more ventilation options. The vest is an inexpensive option to carry in the frunk, along with extra water bottles. The air deflectors will hopefully make a big difference, too.

The heat here is not nearly as severe as Arizona, so I think I'll be good.

[remus]

I also use a neck wrap that is just like the cooling vest. Being a cheapskate I made my own. I also ride with the visor open slightly for more air flow, you will also have more noise from the airflow and engine. Also there is an electric vest that uses an ice chest to circulate water through the vest.
https://www.thewarmingstore.com/compcooler-motorcycle-rider-solo-cooling-system.html?mainc=COMP-BMCS-126LV-1-XL-2XL&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=&scid=scplpCOMP-BMCS-126LV-1-XL-2XL&sc_intid=COMP-BMCS-126LV-1-XL-2XL&gclid=Cj0KCQiA5vb-BRCRARIsAJBKc6LxvIx1AO2E46qbF3pFkhs-YPI5scBP3SxcPx1kVUnqb5isOj5JA7oaAn0WEALw_wcB

Below are a couple videos with tips.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQJSfMybics

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5RAbEtl7g0

[old Timer]

Over 50 years of riding here, lived in Az 25 years, now in New Mexico. Ride all year. I always wear at least a Duluth Trading Long Sleeve T Shirt. The Sun is your enemy on your skin on a Motorcycle/ATV/ or Spyder/Ryker. At very hi temps, above 90, I always wear a full Mesh jacket over the Long Sleeve T shirt. Keep well hydrated, I drink lots of Gaiter Aid. The Mesh keeps the Sun off while the T underneath absorbs the sweat and with the airflow thru the Mesh, the Long Sleeve T Shirt acts like an Evaporative Cooler and you stay nice and cool. These riders that ride in sleeveless T's and no helmet especially in the Summer Sun, IMHO are total idiots. Also a full coverage good flip up helmet. Down when riding at speed, up when slow or stopped.