I do not mind the heat, but ride mostly AM this time of year...sometimes PM for local errands.
Use a helmet (not required in New Mexico) mainly to keep sun off my head
A long sleeve light colored T shirt keeps sun off my arms.
Not as much issue with long traffic signals in central New Mexico as there was in Las Vegas, NV.
Attached photo is of my 2016 Moto Guzzi V7II, 4 PM, 21 June 2017 in Las Vegas.
The LCD display in the tach indicates 116 F (display while riding, not parked in sun)
I was only 70 then, but heat seems no different at age 76.
One of my slowest rides ever was last summer when I was coming home from eastern Iowa and riding through southern Idaho. Temp was well into the 90's. I stopped about every 30 minutes to drink water and cool down, and this while wearing a cool vest. The memory of that discomfort is what keeps my Spyder parked during these hot days now.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
This link is to the company that actually make the chilled vest for various companies. This is the one I meant to post the first time. Have talked with a few folks that have used them and they were all happy. Should have ordered one last year, could sure use it about now. https://www.compcooler.shop/
Last edited by Peter Aawen; 07-19-2023 at 01:24 AM.
Reason: Fixed attach display ;-)
2013 STL SE5 BLACK CURRANT
SpyderPop's: LED bumpskid
SmoothSpyder: dualmode back rest
T r * * LED:foam grip covers, Tricrings, FenderZ,
brake light strips, wide vue mirrors
Rivico SOMA modulation brake leds
sawblade mowhalk fender accents
minispyder dash toy
Lid lox
KradelLock
Pakitrack
GENSSI ELITE LED H4 headlights
FLO (Frunk Lid Organizer)
BRP fog lights, trailer hitch
SENA 20S EVO
Two days ago, was on on my new to Me beautiful, thanks again Russ, Spyder for about 4 hours, air temp was mostly 102 F, really enjoyed it due to the very low Humidity's in the 10 to 20% range. If one dresses properly not a problem at all. You must utilize the Human Body's ability to be an evaporative cooler. I always wear a Duluth Trading long sleeve Tee shirt, bandana around my neck, Mesh Jacket, boots and long pants and Gauntlet Gloves. And of course a helmet. None of those stupid wan-a-be beanie helmets.
It was 102 when I took this pic and later when down into the White Sands basin heading to Home in Alamogordo 104 F had a great ride, stayed well hydrated. BTW, the Spyder doesn't seem to mind the heat at all.
Last edited by old Timer; 07-19-2023 at 11:49 AM.
Dean O
Gran Pa Hoon
Founder San Jose BMW
Builder of the Motorcyclist Cafe Barn and Bunkhouse
Alamogordo, NM
50-85 is my sweet spot, but I'd rather ride colder that hotter . I work out in the heat, but I truly HATE hot weather. I'll ride to work on a day it's going to be 93 because I have 12 hours before the ride home will likely be about 83 .
2021 RTL Marsala Dark Edition 4.13.2021
Lamonster Riser
Spyder Extras Docking station
Zumo XT (my own Plug & Play cable)
WrapMySpyder Carbon fiber partial kit.
Baja Ron ultra performance sway bar and end links
2015 RTS SM6 Intense Red
born on date 3/2015 (mine on 9/12/15)
Sold on 4.13.2021 33k of fun.
Yep, it's hot.
6 straight days @ 111 degrees.
Now 5 straight days @ 112.
I ride early, around 6am when it's only 85 or so. No midday, afternoon, or evening riding, as even at 9pm it's still 95-98.
Yep, it's hot.
"A Wise Man Once Said, I Should Ask My Wife."
2017 Champagne Metallic RT-S SE-6 Rivco Dual Flag Holders; Slingmods Highway Pegs; (Hate Them) Airhawk Seat Cushion; Show Chrome Black Touring Rack w/ Risers & Touring Windshield; RAM X Mount For TXTAG; TackForm Phone Mount; Lidlox; Magic Mirror Mounts; Guardian Bells; WOLO "Bad Boy" Air Horn; Dual USB Power Outlet With Voltmeter; 12V outlet for misc. stuff; Spyderpops Full View Mirror Turn Signals; Large Brake Pedal; Kott Grilles; Large Mud Flap; BajaRon 3 Piece Sway Bar, Last But Not Least, Kuhmo Rear Rire, Vedrestien Fronts.
2017 RT-S , Brake pedal extender is twice the size of the stock pedal. Champagne Metallic
I must be dumb or just too stoopid, last Sunday I rode 657? miles in 90+ degree heat with gear on.
Yep, it was hot, but I drank constantly. So, my answer to the OP's question, NO it's not too hot to ride. Not that I'm in New England it might be too wet or too deep to ride.
It's been in the high 90's/low 100's here all week. I could really use some wind therapy, thinking about an evening ride when it's a refreshing 80 or so!
All kidding aside, I would take a 100 degree day out west than a 85-95 degree day on the east coast! I could do that and have done it a little! Keeping the hydration going is the important thing out there, you don't realize your sweating, here in Maine right now your swimming in water dripping in places that aren't much fun! I have often said, I would take a foot of snow anytime!!!
80 would be close to the nightly low here. 06:00 now and it is 75. I will go out and work for 4 or 5 hours when it gets light enough to see.
The heat index for today is 108. Got up to 107 heat index yeasterday afternoon. I ride when I want to. It doesn't get too hot to ride. I try not to ride where there is stop and go traffic when it is hot. Gets just as hot every year from June until August. Tomorrow is the longest day of the year, then it will begin to cool down some. I slow down some when it is really hot, but I don't stop doing the things I always do. Life is too short to sit around in front of an air conditioner.
80 would be close to the nightly low here. 06:00 now and it is 75. I will go out and work for 4 or 5 hours when it gets light enough to see.
The heat index for today is 108. Got up to 107 heat index yeasterday afternoon. I ride when I want to. It doesn't get too hot to ride. I try not to ride where there is stop and go traffic when it is hot. Gets just as hot every year from June until August. Tomorrow is the longest day of the year, then it will begin to cool down some. I slow down some when it is really hot, but I don't stop doing the things I always do. Life is too short to sit around in front of an air conditioner.
Really curious about the term “heat index”. That’s a term that does not get used much ho here....what we hear quite often is “feels like”. It may be 33°C on the thermometer but it “feels like” 37° because of the humidity. Is that the same as your heat index? curious minds want to know!
Really curious about the term “heat index”. That’s a term that does not get used much ho here....what we hear quite often is “feels like”. It may be 33°C on the thermometer but it “feels like” 37° because of the humidity. Is that the same as your heat index? curious minds want to know!
Yeah, same thing.Look in the lower, left corner of the weather report, and you will see the humidity is 96%. The heat index don't go up much until the temperature gets above 90 degrees. After that, the humidity sends it higher fast. Just another way to figure out when the heat starts to affect your body. In the winter it is the wind chill factor that determines when you will get frostbite.
I quit mowing for the day about 10:00 AM. The temperature was only 86 degrees, but the humidity was 75%. The weather reports here also call it "Feels Like". I don't check the temperature and humidity constantly when I work outside. Been living in this area all my life, and I can feel it when it starts getting too hot. I won't go back out until the sun gets lower in the sky. Used to work all day in the sun when I was younger. 73 years old now, and can't do it no more. If I am working in the shop in June, July, or August, I sometimes work at night and sleep during the days.
I must be dumb or just too stoopid, last Sunday I rode 657? miles in 90+ degree heat with gear on.
Yep, it was hot, but I drank constantly.
So, my answer to the OP's question, NO it's not too hot to ride.
Not that I'm in New England it might be too wet or too deep to ride.
You are a good example of how each body can handle heat differently. What works best for me isn't the best for you, and vice versa.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
Based on my one experience of suffering real heat stress I will caution everyone to not assume the heat affects your body right away. Several years ago I was at a GWRRA rally in Pendleton, OR. On Friday I participated in the Advanced Rider Course which was held at Wildhorse Casino. The day was hot, in the 90's on a hot asphalt parking lot. On Sunday I headed for home. About an hour from Pendleton I felt like I was suffering the flu with chills and being tired. I stopped at a rest area but couldn't sleep, so got back on the Goldwing and headed out. Twice in a matter of minutes I lost control of the bike and ran into the gravel and dropped the bike while exiting the rest area. Fortunately an Oregon State Trooper came by and helped me get going. Later I realized what had happened was I had suffered the effects of heat stress, two days after the heat exposure! That was the first time in my life I had suffered heat stress and did not recognize what it was.
So, I will say that just because you don't feel like you are succumbing to the effects of heat while you're in it, don't bet against the fact you may actually be being affected by it.
2014 Copper RTS
Tri-Axis bars, CB, BajaRon sway bar & shock adjusters, SpyderPop's Bumpskid, NBV peg brackets, LED headlights and modulator, Wolo trumpet air horns, trailer hitch, custom trailer harness, high mount turn signals, Custom Dynamics brake light, LED turn signal lights on mirrors, LED strip light for a dash light, garage door opener, LED lights in frunk, trunk, and saddlebags, RAM mounts and cradles for tablet (for GPS) and phone (for music), and Smooth Spyder belt tensioner.
Based on my one experience of suffering real heat stress I will caution everyone to not assume the heat affects your body right away. Several years ago I was at a GWRRA rally in Pendleton, OR. On Friday I participated in the Advanced Rider Course which was held at Wildhorse Casino. The day was hot, in the 90's on a hot asphalt parking lot. On Sunday I headed for home. About an hour from Pendleton I felt like I was suffering the flu with chills and being tired. I stopped at a rest area but couldn't sleep, so got back on the Goldwing and headed out. Twice in a matter of minutes I lost control of the bike and ran into the gravel and dropped the bike while exiting the rest area. Fortunately an Oregon State Trooper came by and helped me get going. Later I realized what had happened was I had suffered the effects of heat stress, two days after the heat exposure! That was the first time in my life I had suffered heat stress and did not recognize what it was.
So, I will say that just because you don't feel like you are succumbing to the effects of heat while you're in it, don't bet against the fact you may actually be being affected by it.
Good advice! We have been in the Extreme Danger part of the chart posted by Gwolf for the last 3 weeks now. People are literally dying in this heat. Yesterday it was 119, today about the same. Humidity or no humidity, that heat will kill you if you do not take proper precautions. Stay safe..... Jim
2005 Windveil Blue Premium Mustang Convertible
2008 Honda GL1800/California Sidecar Trike, SOLD
2014 Platinum Silver Satin Spyder RTL, SOLD
Semper Fi
Here in CA's Central Valley, we are a little bit cooler than Phoenix but just as dry. The worst thing in the afternoon is the extreme sun intensity. That radiant heat makes "hot" even more intense.
For me, as long as I get out by 8 AM, with temps in the low 80s, and back by 11, I'm pretty much okay. I wear a mesh jacket, and as long as I'm moving it helps keep me cool. Just as important, it provides some extra "shade" compared to bare skin.
After being baked all day in the sun, evenings are still in the 90s and 100s, so an evening ride isn't a great option.
Take care of yourself,
Rob
“There comes a time in the affairs of men... when we must seize the bull by the tail and face the situation.” - W.C. Fields
So how many of you have been like me the past several days, very reluctant to get out and ride because of the heat? For several days now, and quite a few more to come, the temp in SW Idaho has been around 95° to 100°. Above 95° I find it's just takes too much effort to keep cool and avoid heat stress. A cooling vest really helps but it's a bit of a pain to use. I think my reluctance to ride is about 1/3 laziness, 1/3 fear, and 1/3 prudence. Anyone agree?
It is never too hot to ride. But that doesn't mean it is any fun either. I ride for pleasure and hot air blasting me at 100+ is not pleasurable.
2022 Petrol Metallic RT Limited / 'PYDER'
Peter Pan has struck again!
80 would be close to the nightly low here. 06:00 now and it is 75. I will go out and work for 4 or 5 hours when it gets light enough to see.
The heat index for today is 108. Got up to 107 heat index yeasterday afternoon. I ride when I want to. It doesn't get too hot to ride. I try not to ride where there is stop and go traffic when it is hot. Gets just as hot every year from June until August. Tomorrow is the longest day of the year, then it will begin to cool down some. I slow down some when it is really hot, but I don't stop doing the things I always do. Life is too short to sit around in front of an air conditioner.
I think JUNE 21st was supposed to be the longest day??
We are lucky in southern Nevada where we have temps almost always over 100. It is only get to 114-115 this coming weekend. The good thing is: It's a dry heat!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Yeah, we lived in Vegas and Henderson, NV for several years, even spent time in Pahrump as part of our territory, we did tactical training at Front Sight, which was really great. After living in and working in Fresno, CA the Intense dry heat was a bit too much after a while. We moved to Tullahoma, TN for spell, the humidity was brutal and almost unbearable.
Now we reside in WA State, stupid expensive but one of the coolest and most beautiful states