Hello fellow riders—Rob here. If you've ever done a race weekend in July in Texas, you know what I’m talking about when I say heat is its own kind of opponent. Racing motorcycles in hot weather doesn’t just test your bike setup—it tests your body, your gear, and your mental focus. And if your gear isn’t right, you’ll be cooked before you ever see a checkered flag.
So let’s talk about a few ways I keep my cool (literally) when the temps are climbing and the asphalt is hot enough to fry eggs.
1. Build Your Suit with Summer in Mind
We make quality jackets and suits for several reasons, not the least of which being you not passing out from heat stroke. A few things I always recommend when someone tells me they ride in hot weather:
- Perforated leather: Full perforation on the front, inner legs, and sleeves creates actual airflow. Think of it like turning your suit into a wearable air vent system. Your sweat can actually do its job—evaporate.
- Lighter colors on the back: That all-black aesthetic might look cool, but it feels 20 degrees hotter. For the back and shoulders—go with white, silver, light grey, or even a bold color. Keep it light where the sun hits hardest.
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Mesh liner: Our suits come standard with a liner that helps move moisture away and lets air flow between your body and the leather. Combine that with a proper base layer (more on that below) and you’ve got a system that works with you, not against you.
2. Wear a Real Base Layer—Not Gym Clothes
Let me say it again louder for the folks in the paddock: What you wear under your leathers matters. I see so many people rocking Under Armour or random athletic gear. It’s not the same thing.
A proper moto-specific base layer (like our Bison undersuit) helps your leathers go on easier, come off easier, and—most importantly—keeps you cooler.
Here’s why:
- It wicks sweat away from your skin so your body can cool itself
- It acts like a second skin, improving mobility
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It prevents hot spots and skin irritation when the suit gets damp and sticky
Hot weather is when a good base layer shines. You can buy 1- or 2-piece Bison or VnM Sport baselayers at https://bisontrack.com/collections/bison-ready-to-wear-undersuits. (Pro tip: You’ll want a fresh one for each day, so have at least three for a full weekend!)
3. Ice Packs in the Speed Hump? Yup. Do It.
This is one of my favorite tips. If you’ve got a suit with a decent-size speed hump (and most of our race-fit Bison suits do), you’ve got a perfect spot to stash an ice pack.
Take a couple of ice packs (or simply a Ziploc bag full of ice) and slide it in there just before your session. It won’t last forever, but it will make a huge difference during those 15-20 minutes on track. I personally prefer the ice option, as there’s a bonus: Leaving the bag open slightly will allow cool water to run down your back as the ice melts!
I’ve done this at COTA, at Hallett, at MSR—and I’ve had people come up after asking “Why are you not dying out there?” Ice in the hump, baby.
4. Hydrate Way Before You Think You Need To
I’m not gonna go into full "dad mode" here—but if you’re not drinking water the day before your ride, you’re behind the 8-ball. Throw in some electrolytes. Get in the shade between sessions. Eat real food.
And if your suit is perforated and you’ve got the base layer and ice pack situation dialed? Your body can actually handle that heat.
Final Thoughts
Look—riding fast is hard enough. Don’t let your gear be the thing that holds you back. At Bison, we build every suit with safety first, but comfort is a close second. If your gear is fighting you in the heat, you’re not going to ride at your best—and worse, you’re risking dehydration and heat exhaustion.
We’re here to help. You’ve got a lot of ways to customize your Bison suit to work for you in the heat. Want help figuring out what to build for your local summer conditions? Shoot me an email or stop by at the track. I’m always happy to talk shop.
In the meantime, stay hydrated, and as always: Go Fast, Be Safe.
—Rob