Dress for the Slide and the Ride: Hot Weather Gear
Written by: Territory Motorcycle Training
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Time to read 4 min
Riding a motorcycle in Darwin’s tropical climate comes with unique challenges. The intense heat and humidity demand gear that not only protects you but also keeps you cool and comfortable. Discomfort on the road is a distraction you can’t afford. Staying focused is essential to staying safe. Let’s explore how to select the right safety gear for the Territory, keeping in mind the conditions you’ll face.
1. Helmets: Safety First, Comfort Always
Your helmet is your most critical piece of safety equipment. There is a reason that it is a legal requirement to wear a certified motorcycle helmet.
Australian Standard Certification : Ensure your helmet complies with AS/NZS 1698 or ECE 22.05 standards. This guarantees it meets rigorous safety requirements for impact protection. Look for the sticker on the back or inside of your helmet.
Ventilation : Multiple air vents will help keep your head cool, and avoiding dark colours will limit the amount of heat your helmet will absorb.
Lightweight Design : A light weight helmet will reduce neck strain on long rides, especially at our high speeds on outback highways.
Helmet Care : Regularly clean your helmet’s interior and exterior, and never drop it, or lend it out. Remember, a helmet is only good for one impact. After that, it must be replaced, even if no visible damage is apparent.
Visors : An internal visor is a great option to quickly eliminate glare on our outback roads. If you are using a tinted external visor to reduce glare, always carry a spare clear visor for riding at night.
Selecting the right helmet for protection, comfort and heat management is important for motorcyclists in Darwin's tropical weather. It is best to look for something with good airflow and avoid dark colours.
2. Jackets: Protection Meets Breathability
The right jacket can mean the difference between comfort and misery in Darwin’s tropical heat.
Leather vs. Mesh : While leather provides excellent abrasion resistance, it can be extremely hot for the tropics. Opt for a textile jacket with mesh panels or fully perforated leather for better airflow.
Removable Liners : Look for a jacket with removable windproof or waterproof liners for added versatility.
CE-Rated Armor : Ensure the jacket has protective padding in the shoulders, elbows, and back to protect critical areas.
Look for jackets with mesh panels and zipper vents. Woven textiles offer better wind permeability than leather.
3. The Reality of Road Heat
Riding in Darwin means more than just dealing with hot air; the heat radiating from the road is a serious factor.
Tarmac Temperatures : On a 35°C day, road surface temperatures can soar to 50°C or more. This intense heat radiates upwards, making it feel even hotter when riding.
Wind Chill and Overheating : While wind chill can make the air feel cooler at speeds, it doesn’t offset the effects of radiant heat from the road. Overheating can happen on the road. Properly ventilated gear and hydration are essential to staying safe and comfortable.
Road surface temperatures are often much hotter than ambient temperatures. Motorcyclists in Darwin's tropical climate need to be aware of the risks of heat exposure.
4. Gloves: Palm and Knuckle Protection
Your gloves protect one of the most vulnerable parts of your body—your hands. When choosing gloves for Darwin’s conditions:
Leather Palms : Leather offers superior abrasion resistance and durability, making it essential for protecting your palms in case of a slide.
Ventilation : Look for gloves with mesh or perforated panels to keep your hands cool without sacrificing protection.
Comfortable Fit : Poorly fitting gloves can affect your grip and control, so try sitting on a motorcycle and hold on to the bars, before you buy! It is also a good idea to buy gloves with a longer cuff, protecting your wrists from painful sunburn.
Gloves with a leather palm, knuckle guards and mesh ventilation are best for the heat.
5. Pants: Keeping Cool and Protected
Your lower half needs just as much protection as your upper body. Look for:
Kevlar-Lined Riding Pants : These offer excellent abrasion resistance while maintaining breathability.
Knee Armour: Keep your knees protected every ride with removable knee armour. The knees are especially prone to injuries from a fall, even at low speeds.
Stretch Panels : Increase comfort for long rides.
Kevlar jeans have excellent airflow, while having good abrasion resistance in all the critical areas such as the hips, knees and seat of the pants.
6. Boots: Safety from the Ground Up
Proper footwear is essential for foot and ankle protection, and not all shoes are created equal.
Avoid Laces : Laces can get caught in the bike’s moving parts, posing a safety hazard. If you must wear laced boots, ensure they are securely tucked away.
Leather Construction : Boots made from sturdy leather offer superior abrasion resistance. Motorcycle boots will have additional reinforcement in the toes, ball of the foot and ankles, to protect these areas.
Why Sneakers Don’t Cut It : Sneakers lack the reinforced structure and sole necessary to protect your feet and ankles in a crash. Opt for boots specifically designed for riding, with features like reinforced toes, ankle support, and non-slip soles.
In the event of rain, take your boots off when you get home and hang them upside down in a well-ventilated area to dry. Avoid using heat as it can cause the leather to perish.
Motorcycle boots offer the best protection of feet, toes and ankles.
Why Comfort Equals Safety
Discomfort on the road is a distraction. If your gear doesn’t fit well, traps heat, or causes irritation, it can take your focus away from riding. Properly selected safety gear allows you to stay cool, comfortable, and focused, ensuring you’re always in control.
Choose the right gear for the conditions you will be riding in. Safety and comfort and both important factors when selecting motorcycle gear, especially in hot weather.
Riding in Darwin’s tropical heat requires gear that’s up to the challenge of both protection and comfort.
From helmets with proper ventilation to mesh jackets, leather-palmed gloves, and reinforced boots, every piece of gear plays a role in keeping you safe and focused.
Choose your gear wisely, stay cool, and ride safe.