Summer Riding Gear Article from Ol' Red's MotorcyclesThe clothing, gear, and apparel commonly associated with motorcycle riders aren’t just about looking cool. Everything has a practical purpose, from helmets to riding jackets. These are crucial aspects of riding that keep you safe and comfortable while you experience the unadulterated joy of two-wheeled glory. Summertime heat brings some extra challenges to the field, but fear not, because Ol’ Red’s Motorcycles has you covered! We carry the best riding gear around, and we’ve gone ahead and written up this short guide to some essential items you should consider when getting ready for some summer fun. Read on for more information or head into our showroom in Simpsonville, South Carolina, near Greenville, Columbia, and Spartanburg.

Helmets

A good helmet is the most important piece of gear for safety you can get. You might think forgoing head protection is a great idea for keeping cool, letting the wind into your hair and whatnot. Unfortunately that’s extremely unsafe and also illegal in most states. Fortunately the problem of hot helmets has been apparent for a while, and the solution is in helmets designed to reflect heat and provide extra ventilation. A full-face helmet with vents for air flow and UV protection can make the difference between sweat in your eyes and comfortable airflow.

Half-helmets are another option for those looking for a bit of relief for their dome while still keeping to helmet laws. A half-helmet will give you the benefit of cooling air hitting your face and most of your head. You can even get half-helmets with additional ventilation like their full-faced counterparts. Look for gear that’s specifically designed to provide additional cooling or ventilation.

Jerseys and Jackets

Jackets are another common piece of riding gear that serves both as a stylish accent and pragmatic safety should you find yourself in an accident. And again it might occur to you to shed this extra layer to stay cool in warm weather, but the loss of protection won’t do you any good. Besides, there are plenty of jackets and jerseys out there designed specifically to increase air flow. Additionally, ventilated jackets provide a layer of protection from hash solar radiation, while keeping a pocket of cool air between you and hot leather. Some jackets are made of a mesh-like material that provides even more air flow while still retaining its protective ability. What’s great about these specialized jackets and jerseys is that they often have ways to take off certain layers should they be unnecessary, so you can find the right level of protection and comfort for your personal needs.

Pants!

Yes, pants! Finding the right pair for riding can be tough, but fortunately there are some solid options for keeping cool in warm weather. Most pairs of riding pants will come with built-in protection and strong materials that will keep you safe and turn your legs into a veritable swamp. Mesh pants, like mesh jerseys and jackets, are an alternative to increase airflow while retaining protective power. These pants are usually designed to be stretchy to provide as much mobility as possible. The only problem here is finding a pair that look good on their own, as they tend to fit a sportier style than a good pair of jeans.

This isn’t an exhaustive list, and there are plenty of other pieces of riding gear that can up your summer fun or else keep you cool to help you beat the heat. Don’t get overwhelmed by the options for riding gear! Stop by Ol’ Red’s Motorcycles for all your motorcycle apparel, and our courteous and knowledgeable team will help help you find what you’re looking for. We’re located in Simpsonville, South Carolina, and we proudly serve Greenville, Columbia, and Spartanburg. Come in today and let us show you the true meaning of customer satisfaction.