
Those same five heat-loss mechanisms you may remember from TIP #54 (radiation, respiration, conduction, convection, and perspiration) can also work to cool you down in hot weather. STAY COVERED Ever seen a picture of a Touareg tribesman in the Sahara? He's covered from head to foot. Only...
When heading out, you know you've got your spectacles, your wallet, and other essentials. But here are a few more things you should make room for. First, carry a spare key, preferably tucked into an inside pocket or somewhere else that it'll be hard to misplace. Next, a small pen-sized...
Just like your head, a helmet has plenty of parts that need to work together to protect your brain. These are the things to look for. 1. PROTECTIVE VISOR Shields face/eyes from sun/wind. Provides a mild level of crash protection. Helps reduce noise. 2. HARD OUTER SHELL Plastic, Kevlar,...
BEAT THE HEAT Planning to ride across Death Valley in July? Most modern bikes are pretty tolerant of hot weather, as long as you keep them moving so there's airflow over the radiator or cooling fins. Riders are a different issue, but there's plenty you can do to stay cool. First, wear textile...
Texting, phone calls, narcolepsy, general ineptitude—automobile drivers may not be deliberately trying to kill you, but they can do a fine job of it without trying. Your defense? First, get as far away from them as possible—especially their blind spots. Second, be conspicuous. In other words,...
Kids are the future of motorcycling. Get them started early, and you're ensuring the future of the sport. Better still, riding is good, clean fun. Riding a motorcycle is all about personal responsibility, and the sooner a kid learns about that concept, the happier he or she will be. If you have...
It's hard to pick the right line when your teeth are chattering. Any warm body—including yours—loses heat through five mechanisms: radiation, respiration, conduction, convection, and perspiration. Here's how to combat them. STAY DRY Water conducts heat about 200 times better than dry air; ergo,...