10 ways to keep cool while riding your motorcycle
Gear Driven
July/August 2006
By Motorcycle Classics staff
1. A good full-face helmet offers supreme protection, but when it’s really hot out, it’s not always the most comfortable option. HJC (www.hjchelmets.com) offers a variety of open face helmets, and one of our faves is the CL-33. It’s DOT approved with a polycarbonate shell, adjustable forehead ventilation, a brushed nylon interior and an integrated quick-change shield system. Price: $94.99 (for metallics and matte colors) or $99.99 (solids). More info: www.helmethouse.com
2. Even a well-vented helmet won’t completely prevent your head from sweating when it’s 110 F outside, but you can keep your head dry and your helmet fresh by wearing a Ultra-Tour Helmet Liner from Roadgear. The Coolmax liner wicks away moisture, and the nylon shell keeps your helmet clean. Available in red or black. Price: $15.95. More info:
www.roadgear.com3. Looking for something safe but not as hot as leathers? The Intercooled jacket from Power Trip combines perforated drum-dyed leather and Polymide mesh with a removable waterproof liner, protectors in the shoulders and elbows, a removable spine pad and more. Also available in black/black. Price: $199.99. More info: www.power-trip.com
4. Roadgear AirTek pants feature flow-thru mesh that allows rapid air-cooling, removable energy-absorbing foam in the knees and hip area and pockets galore. With a look and feel much like a mesh version of a pair of relaxed-fit cargo jeans, they’re a great summer alternative to leather chaps. Price: $109.90. More info:
www.roadgear.com5. Pegaso Vented boots by Set Up feature a synthetic leather upper with breathable vent panels, an extra leather layer in the shifter area, internal toe protection, injection-molded thermoplastic heel cups and Davos soles made with an exclusive Set Up formulated compound. Price: $129.99. More info: www.motonation.com
6. Allowing your hands to breath, these Tour Master Summer Elite vented gloves (
www.tourmaster.com) feature a goatskin top with a drum-dyed leather palm. A goatskin throttle guard and palm patch utilizes Tour Master’s “Shock Stopping” padding to help minimize vibration, while a Velcro-backed leather closure flap insures a secure and comfortable fit. Price: $34.99. More info:
www.helmethouse.com7. Based on technology developed for professional athletes, the performance fabric that makes up this CoolRider T-shirt provides accelerated wicking action that makes the shirt perfect to wear under your flow-through jacket in hot weather to keep you cool. It’s available in a variety of colors and sizes for men and women. Price: $34.95. More info: www.cruiserworks.com
8. Also available from Cruiserworks, Coolmax socks keep feet dry and happy, thanks to “space-age” material that wicks moisture away from feet like a sponge. Available in a variety of sizes, colors and styles, they come in packages of two pair. Price: $14.95-$16.95. More info:
www.cruiserworks.com9. A good sheepskin saddle pad cushions, cools and lets air circulate. When it’s sticky hot, you’ll sit cooler; when it’s freezing, sheepskin is warm and comfy. And between extremes it’s always luxurious. Aerostich’s exclusive, non-skid 3/16in PVC foam mesh base keeps the pad from creeping around on your saddle, even in aggressive riding, and each pad comes with eight bungee attachment points, two lengths of adjustable bungee, and four no-scratch nylon hooks for installation. Price: $67.00 (Rectangle, 11in x 14.5in, or Tapered, 13in x 18in) or $62.00 (Small Rectangle, 9in x 11in). More info: www.riderwearhouse.com
10. Who needs a cold, wet neck? You do, especially if it’s really hot out. The Evap-O-Danna is made from a soft, synthetic fabric that can soak up and hold more water than ordinary cloths. Soak it in water and let evaporation do its stuff. The Competition model is twice as thick for longer cooling in desert-like conditions and can also hold ice between its double layers. Price: $8.00 (Standard), $12.00 (Competition). More info:
www.riderwearhouse.com