Adventure Bike Rider Forum

catcitrus wrote: ↑Tue Jul 03, 2018 10:35 am I've not long got back from a 2 week camp at St Leon sur Vezere--trail riding on the little Yam. Because its loaded and not fast I deliberately avoid all motorways and stick to N and usually D roads (riding from Calais)--no traffic to speak of and plenty of shade--much easier to cope with the high temps--black top is always 10 deg hotter!

92kk k100lt 193214 wrote: ↑Tue Jul 03, 2018 3:41 pm

catcitrus wrote: ↑Tue Jul 03, 2018 10:35 am I've not long got back from a 2 week camp at St Leon sur Vezere--trail riding on the little Yam. Because its loaded and not fast I deliberately avoid all motorways and stick to N and usually D roads (riding from Calais)--no traffic to speak of and plenty of shade--much easier to cope with the high temps--black top is always 10 deg hotter!

I was down with Catcitrus on this camp, on a......................K1100LT.

Yes we got heat too but have found a few things for 35c riding. Using Ks now for 8 years and lots of 35c riding in France.

I don't use a satnav at all, but in 35c the best place by far is on the motorway, some speed means air movement and cooling. Sitting in traffic on a D or N road in 35c isn't an option of any kind.

The only thing I have on is a pure cotton underwear and light cotton t shirt under the gear and all vents open, sleeves open and leg vents open but thick cotton socks that allow some breathing but also are a cushion layer. The K1100LT screen is adjustable and quite easy to get it to keep airflow over you. It takes effort to get the right angle, too vertical and it sucks warm air up from around the engine, the right angle you get an airflow from the slot under it.

I use the same gear in winter but remove thermal linings in summer. Its XL size so I can put layers on in freezing weather which means in summer its loose and draughty if I want but in winter is warm and snug.

I did a 550 mile run up to the Roscoff ferry the day I left, 9 1/2 hours, it got hot hot hot as it does but I was very comfortable. I don't let more than 90 minutes pass without a stop, light eats and cold drink. Before I left the top box was packed with readily accessible food fruit and cold drinks [stainless steel flasks]. Sadly yes one pays motorway prices for the fuel in these situations but no time is spent melting in slow moving traffic. I also usually keep some fruit int he tank bag, accessible on the move but didn't do that this time.

Another little trick I found was to wash the bike gear, blue Persil non bio, [removes all the crap] before you go on a long trip.

One other major item too. There are different height screens for the K1100LT so check which one you have. I took off the tall one and got a short one and it was an incredible improvement. £39 plus VAT, free post in UK. You will definitely cook with the tall screen.

Back again in September.

• travel early and/or late in the day, rest up at lunchtimes drinking plenty of water and eating fruit such as nectarines
  sadly do not drink too much alcohol
  cool shower with baby wash and then talc those nooks and crannies again using baby lotion products - might make you smell funny but at least you don't end up walking like John Wayne
  do not use aftershave nor body sprays - the J&J talc will keep you smelling nice
  I also found keeping road speed down allowed air to flow into you not just over the fairing