Summer is undoubtedly the best time to be a motorcyclist. The sunny scenery, seemingly endless hours of daylight, and most importantly, no rain (most of the time). But with that being said, it can get uncomfortably hot for us bikers, especially at low speeds or in traffic.  

To stay cool and comfortable on summer motorcycle rides, you have to have the right riding gear. So, here’s our favourite motorbike clothing items to help beat the heat:  

 Unlike cotton, which absorbs sweat and stays wet, moisture-wicking fabrics pull sweat away from your skin and spread it across the surface to evaporate quickly. This keeps your skin dry, preventing that clammy, sticky feeling under your gear. Sweating helps cool your body naturally. Wicking fabrics support this process and help keep your core temperature down.  

Wet fabric rubbing against your skin can cause painful chafing, especially in areas like your underarms, thighs, and neck. Moisture-wicking base layers help minimise this. 

 A mesh jacket keeps you cool, safe, and comfortable when riding in hot weather — it’s one of the best ways to keep the heat at bay without compromising on protection. 

Mesh motorcycle jackets are made with large perforated panels that allow air to flow freely through the jacket while you ride. This constant airflow helps evaporate sweat, cool your skin, and prevent overheating—especially at speed.

 Most mesh jackets will also still come with a high standard of protection, meaning you aren’t compromising on your safety to stay cool.  

 A tinted visor helps you see clearly, ride comfortably, and protect your eyes from the sun and glare, making summer riding safer and more enjoyable.  

Using a tinted visor has a similar effect to wearing sunglasses. It will protect your eyes from the sun and reduce glare from sunlight bouncing off the road, other vehicles, or your bike.  This can be blinding and distracting.  

Good tinted visors will also block harmful UV rays, reducing the risk of long-term eye damage or fatigue from overexposure whilst also keeping your head cool.  

If you are planning on riding during darker hours, then reconsider using a tinted visor. Instead, consider a photochromic visor, which automatically adjusts the tint level based on current conditions.  

 Wearing a lightweight neck tube may seem counterintuitive, but it actually offers several important benefits for comfort and protection. Not only will it keep your neck and any other exposed skin from getting sunburnt, but it'll protect you from the wind and, much like the moisture-wicking clothing we discussed, it’ll pull sweat away from your skin, helping you stay cool and dry.  

It’ll also act as a barrier between your skin and your helmet, absorbing sweat and oils that would otherwise be absorbed by your helmet, helping to keep your helmet cleaner and less smelly.

 It might be tempting to go without gloves in the heat, but ventilated gloves give you the best of both worlds: cool hands and crash protection. Like the mesh jackets, ventilated gloves are made with perforated leather, mesh panels, or breathable textile materials. This allows air to flow through the glove as you ride, reducing sweat buildup and helping your hands stay cool and dry.  

 That rounds out our list of the best summer motorbike clothing. So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself some fresh motorcycle gear now: