Motorcycles are used extensively for commuting and leisure activities for year-round riders. It might be an enjoyable ride on the motorcycle under the open sky with the sun out, but dealing with the heat can also be challenging. Motorcyclists wear helmets to protect themselves from hot and cold weather. We have done thorough research to help you learn how to keep your head cool in a motorcycle helmet within a few minutes.
Helmets play an integral role in protecting the rider from severe injury in any road accident. Safety gear keeps the user secure in terms of any potential damage. The peak of summer leads to an excessive flow of heat in the atmosphere, making it a hard task for motorcyclists. You should take precautions to have a cool head while wearing the helmet during a heat wave.
Effects of Heat on Motorcyclists
Mid-summer leads to riding temperatures where people opt for air conditioning systems and shady places. Riding a motorcycle with a safety helmet is a tough task. It must be ensured that the lightweight motorcycle helmet is considered while buying one and optimized as well to provide proper passing of air to keep you cool. Excessive heat might have the following effects on motorcyclists.
- Heat stroke.
- Dehydration.
- Excessive sweating
- Exhaustion and sunburn.
Ways to Keep Your Head Cool in a Helmet
When the motorcyclist is on the move, the passing air can dry off all the sweat and keep the body in a comparatively calm state. But wearing a helmet can heat the head quickly because of its thickness and air non-permeability, which can be uncomfortable for the rider. Some ways that can effectively work to keep your head cool are described below to beat the heat.
Open the Helmet Vents
The primary way to cool off the inside of the helmet quickly is to open and adjust the vents and for that, you must consider a vented motorcycle helmet.
- Ensure that frontal, top, and rear vents are open for optimum airflow.
- Make sure that the vents are clean and not clogged with dirt.
- You can also make use of helmets which are integrated with a high-performing ventilation system.
- Adjust the vents accordingly to keep the airflow directed to your face and head, which will help dry out sweat effectively.
Use a Cooling Liner
You can use a sweat-wicking cooling helmet liner to stay cool in extreme heat. This liner is made of stiff fabric, which can potentially keep the heat outside. You can wear the liner inside the helmet.
- This inner liner keeps the head of the rider in a cool state.
- The cooling liner offers a comfortable riding experience.
- It can cool instantly.
- It can stay cool for many hours.
- It is lightweight.
- It keeps the sweat from getting to your eyes.
- It does not interfere with frontal vision.
Opt for a Neck Cooling Wrap
Another cooling gear for motorcyclists available in the market is the neck cooling wrap. These are made of light fabric with gels or crystals filled inside. They require prior cooling.
- You can wrap it around the neck underneath the helmet.
- It can stay cool for hours.
- It expands while absorbing any sweat.
- It can lower the temperature of the head and body and optimize the motorcycle riding experience in heat.
Get a Vented Riding Kit
With cooling the head, cooling down body temperature is also important. If you do not have properly ventilated gear for your motorcycle ride, the hot weather might cause various problems.
- Vented motorcycle jackets keep the body cool.
- Cooling gloves help keep the hands at a comfortable temperature and optimize bike control.
- They help you stay focused and also protect you from external heat.
Use a Wet Bandana
An efficient and cost-effective way to combat the summer heat on motorbike rides is using a Wet bandana. Soak the bandana in cold water for a few seconds, and you can tie it around your neck or head to provide a cooling effect with the convention process.
- It immediately cools down the temperature under the helmet.
- It is an easy way and can be used by anyone.
- When the bandana dries, you can re-wet it and use it again.
- It does not cover any space and can easily be placed inside a pocket or bag.
Use a Tinted Visor on the Helmet
The sun can be brutal in summer and emits harmful ultraviolet rays. It also emits heat and intense sunlight, which can be the cause of glares and heat stroke among regular motorcycle riders. You can use a tinted visor on the helmet to keep the reflection and rays out.
- Tinted visors keep bright sunlight and heat from seeping inside the helmet.
- It effectively lowers the temperature inside the helmet.
- It keeps the rider protected from UV rays.
- It keeps dirt and dust from getting in the eyes of the rider.
- It reduces glare and offers a comfortable ride.
Stay Hydrated
Hydration is key to rising temperatures. Heat leads to excessive sweating, which can make you lose all the salts leading to dehydration and cramping.
- Always keep a cold water bottle along with you during motorcycle rides.
- Take small breaks and drink water in between.
- Drinking enough water lowers body temperature and helps to keep your head cool inside the helmet.
- Consume juices and electrolyte drinks to keep your energy levels up.
Conclusion
Keeping your head cool for everyday motorcycle riders during peak summer is very important. Ignoring the effects of excessive heat can take a toll on your health. If not taken care of, it can cause heat stroke, migraines, confusion, and fainting. Helmets are necessary protective gear, but it can be taxing to wear them in the summer heat.
Make sure to keep the vents of your helmet open to combat the heat during your bike ride. Cooling liner and neck wraps also help to keep the head cool inside the helmet. A tinted visor also helps to keep UV rays and excessive heat from getting inside the helmet. Hydrating your body by drinking enough water also effectively lowers your head and body temperature to cool down during long rides.
