How to prepare your motorcycle for the summer heat?

How to prepare your motorcycle for the summer heat? Tire pressure, cooling and more

Vlasta Chalupný a Jiří Fulín

Share the article

28.05.2026

Cooling, tire pressure and the things that most often destroy motorcycles in summer

Every summer we solve the same problems in the workshop – boiled EXC after a slow enduro, overheated brakes, chains pulled out by dust or mousse destroyed during one hot weekend.

Most of these problems can be prevented with a few minutes of pre-ride inspection.

High temperatures take a toll not only on the engine, but also on the tires, brake fluid and the entire chain set. Hot asphalt and slow technical passages in the terrain can reveal any neglected maintenance during the summer.

In the article we will look at:

correct tire pressure during the heat,

checking the cooling and coolant,
washing the motorcycle after riding in dust,

taking care of the chain in summer conditions,

other things that unnecessarily destroy motorcycles in the summer.

Source: https://marketing.acerbis.it/gallery/10129-shooting/10616-shooting/472-shooting-2025#galleryD-31

Engine cooling: why do motorcycles boil in the summer?

We see this most often on enduros when riding slowly in the forest or on technical rides. The motorcycle does not have enough air flow and the temperature rises quickly. If there is also old coolant or a clogged radiator, there is a problem.

The basis is simple:

regularly check the fluid level,
clean the radiators,
change the fluid approximately every 2-3 years.

Old coolant often still does not "freeze", but it loses its anti-corrosion properties and dissipates heat more poorly.

MEFO RECOMMENDS AND ADVICE

If the fan switches on unusually often or the motorcycle pushes fluid out through the overflow, the problem is often only in the old radiator cap or clogged radiator fins.

Tire pressure: why does it rise in the summer?

Hot asphalt and fast driving increase the pressure in the tire by half a bar. Therefore, always measure the pressure when cold – ideally before riding.

Low pressure causes excessive heating of the tire and its deformation. Conversely, an overinflated tire has a smaller contact surface and worse grip.

In addition, in motocross and enduro, the mousse suffers a lot in the summer. If not enough mousse gel is used during assembly, the mousse overheats in the heat and degrades quickly.

Washing the motorcycle with a water jet: the most common mistake after riding

Never wash a hot motorcycle immediately with cold water. Sudden cooling can damage the brake discs, exhaust and other metal parts.

Also, be careful with high-pressure washers. The water jet can easily get water into the wheel bearings, steering neck or electrical system.

When washing:

Let the motorcycle cool down for a while,
Do not spray directly on the bearings,
Keep the nozzle away from the radiator and electronics.

MEFO RECOMMENDS AND ADVICE

After aggressive washing, the bearings in the wheels and the starter buttons often come off.

Take care of the mousse, it must always be slippery, like a snail.

Chain and brakes in summer conditions

Dust and fine dirt act as an abrasive paste. If you use too sticky lubricant, the chain will pick up all the mess from the track.

Chain:

clean regularly,
lubricate ideally every 300–500 km,
and do not use aggressive degreasers or gasoline,
use special cleaners

Change the brake fluid at least once every 2 years. In the summer, the brake system is extremely stressed and old fluid can cause the lever to fall off at high temperatures.

Source: https://marketing.acerbis.it/gallery/10129-shooting/10616-shooting/472-shooting-2025#galleryD-23

Summary

Summer motorcycle maintenance is not complicated, but it does require regularity. Most of the problems we see in the service center in the summer are caused by neglected cooling checks, poor tire pressure, or overheated chain and brakes.

Just a few minutes before riding and your motorcycle will repay you with reliability even during the hottest temperatures.

Our Store

A wide range of products and excellent service.

Not far from Strakonice, in the small village of Jinín next to the world-famous motocross track, you will find our MEFO store. Here, you will always be greeted by friendly salespeople who will be at your disposal throughout your entire shopping experience.

View Details

Menu

Your shopping cart

How to prepare your motorcycle for the summer heat?

Our Store