Well, I moved to Arizona from Michigan in 2010. Sold my bike in Michigan and have been without for 5 years.

Just picked up my Iron 883 and the mid-day temps are climbing up around 80° while must of the rest of the Country is -30°.

I am anticipating summers as they have been over the last several thousand years... insane hot beyond imagination from people that have not lived in Arizona (and/or Iraq).

My request is for information on honest (not smart-***) advice on riding my bike to work and not having shade. (Shade is possible but only under trees where birds would layer the bike with ***** an inch thick before the end of the day).

Temperatures are going to be well over 115° and that black seat is going to be like lava when it's time to go home at the hottest part of the day.

My idea thus far is to get a white towel to take with me, lay it across and secure it somehow so the wind doesn't take off with it. Other than that, I was hoping you guys/gals had some good ideas for me.

Thanks!

 

Get a white towel and cover your seat lol

On a serious note Id opt for one of those half covers and some shade

 

I understand your concern as I have thought on the same lines. I also ride my bike to work each day and it sits in a blacktop parking lot 8-9 hrs a day in the hot sun. I had thought about a half cover, but I don't think they make one for a bike with a windshield. At my old job I could park on the loading dock, no loading dock on this job.

 

Keep it covered up during the day & use one of these while riding. They let air circulate between you and the seat while riding & they DO WORK.




http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...large-seat-pad

 

http://www.cycleshade.com

 

I attached a sheep skin cover on my seat, very comfortable. My hand grips has no metal where my hands grab them.

 

I can ride until its 95-100, then thats it. You'll roast and feel like passing out at lights above that unless its a really short trip. Get a car for the summer.

 

I envy you!
I've always wanted to live in Arizona for some reason (I've never even been there)
One day I'll visit there and if it's the way I picture it in my head then I'll move there! Good luck on cooling you backside.

 

Pick up a cheap fitted sheet such as a twin or perhaps a crib sheet.

Then just wrap around the handlebars and rear fender.

The sheet is small enough to throw into your backpack when not needed.
However from what I've been told; people in Michigan park their bikes in Nov., Jan., and Feb. and people in Arizona park their bikes in Jun., Jul., and Aug.

 

Sorta along those lines, I had the Stage 1 upgrade installed on my 2009 Softail Custom. Reduced the engine heat significantly.