Your Summer Riding Checklist — Part II

Are you ready to hit the open road this summer?

We provided you with a few items that should be on your summertime riding checklist in a previous post, so be sure to read through that information if you haven’t yet seen it! In today’s entry, we’ll continue to provide you with items that should be checked off before you hit the road this summer.

RC Components is proud to be your trusted resource for a wide variety of custom motorcycle parts. We carry everything from custom chrome motorcycle wheels to custom exhaust pipes, and we can fit our parts to nearly any motorcycle make and model. Read on to learn how you can prepare for summer riding, and visit our online store if you’re ready to create the bike of your dreams!

Summertime Riding Tips Continued

Get a New Helmet

When was the last time you replaced your helmet? While you’ll generally hear that a helmet should be replaced every four to five years, investing in the latest technology is never a bad idea, especially if your current helmet wasn’t designed for riding in the heat. 

Look for a helmet made from carbon fiber or a combination of polycarbonate and fiberglass, as both of these options provide exceptional protection without weighing you down or trapping heat. Your helmet is the most important piece of gear you’ll be wearing, so don’t be afraid to spend a bit extra to get something that you can rely on for years to come.

Check the Rest of Your Gear, Too

While your helmet should always be your top priority, you should also evaluate the rest of your riding gear before you start riding in the heat. Start by taking a look at your jacket — does it have ventilation, or was it designed primarily to keep you warm? Mesh jackets designed for warm-weather riding can keep your cool and protected, so consider purchasing a new jacket as you’re shopping for a helmet. Your gloves, boots, and pants should also be ventilated if you want to maximize your comfort on the road.

Keep Your Engine Cool

Nothing puts a damper on a trip quite like a stalled bike, and an overheated engine will quickly put you on the side of the road if you’re not careful. Before you take off, check your bike for any leaks or blocks in the water pump and the accompanying hoses. If necessary, purchase an aftermarket water pump to ensure that your bike won’t overheat and stall if you end up idling in the sun.

Beware of Hazards

You should always be on the lookout for hazardous road conditions, especially on hot summer days. In many states, summer is when construction workers take to the highways and major roads to perform repairs, and you should keep a close on the road for scattered debris.

Tar snakes — bumpy lines that form when the sealant used to repair roads is exposed to heat — can be extremely hazardous for motorcyclists, as they reduce traction and are so soft that foreign objects can become embedded in them. If you notice tar snakes coming up, reduce your speed and try to keep your bike at a 90-degree angle with the road.

Check Your Tire Pressure

Under-inflated tires are always a hazard, but they can be even more dangerous in the summer. In high heat, under-inflated rubber tires will have more friction with the pavement, meaning that they’re much more likely to burst. To prevent a blowout on the road, pack a tire gauge in your bag before you hit the road, and thoroughly check your tires before you start your engine.

Shop With RC Components Today!

We hope that today’s entry will help you get prepared for any riding you plan to do this summer. If improving your bike is on your to-do list, then be sure to look through our extensive catalog of custom motorcycle parts to find everything you need to create the bike of your dreams. We carry an incredible selection of custom chrome motorcycle wheels, custom exhaust pipes, and other components for almost every make and model, and our friendly customer service team is always happy to help you find the right fit for your bike.

We look forward to helping you create the bike you deserve!