Why riding a motorcycle makes you tired, even though you're just sitting

You get off the bike after an hour, and your neck hurts and your hands feel stiff. You haven't even gone that far, but you're already tired.

There could be a few reasons: gripping the bars too tightly, tensing your shoulders, getting cold, or forgetting to drink water. Then there's the wind roaring inside your helmet. Here's what you can do about it, so you have enough energy left after a ride to do more than collapse on the sofa.

Earplugs: a quiet exhaust doesn't mean a quiet ride

At speed, the engine isn't the only source of noise. Air flowing around your helmet is noisy too, and a full-face helmet doesn't guarantee hearing protection. Prolonged exposure to wind and engine noise can cause permanent hearing damage. Earplugs are worth wearing even if your exhaust is quiet.

Properly fitted foam earplugs or reusable hearing protection that fits comfortably under your helmet can help. They shouldn't hurt or come loose when you put your helmet on. Follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions.

And don't try to drown out the wind by turning up your headset. The volume button isn't hearing protection.

Relax your shoulders. The handlebars aren't going anywhere

Wind, an unfamiliar riding position, and tension can leave you with your shoulders up by your ears, gripping the bars as if someone's trying to take them off you.

Check in with yourself occasionally: are your shoulders tense? Are your elbows slightly bent? Are you putting too much weight on your wrists? Your grip should let you control the bike precisely without squeezing the bars as hard as you can.

If your hands regularly go numb or your neck hurts after every ride, ask an instructor or a qualified specialist to check your riding position and control setup. Putting up with it until the end of the season won't make the bike fit you any better.

Drink regularly, not a litre at the finish

In hot weather, you sweat under your riding gear and lose fluid. Dehydration can cause thirst, headaches, dizziness, and tiredness. Drink regularly, and drink more if you're sweating heavily.

Carry water and have a drink when you stop. Don't bury the bottle under all your luggage: if getting a sip means unpacking half the bike, it'll probably come home unopened.

You don't need to force yourself to drink constantly. How much you need depends on the weather, the effort involved, and your individual needs. There's no single amount that suits every rider.

Dress for the weather without giving up protection

You're hot while sitting in traffic. Then you reach an open road and the wind cuts through your jacket. Add rain, and suddenly a petrol station hand dryer looks very appealing.

Wind getting through your jacket? Add a windproof outer layer. Getting cold? Zip in the thermal liner or wear a fleece underneath, provided it doesn't make your riding jacket too tight. Too hot? Remove the insulation and open the vents. Rain on the way? Put your waterproofs on before you're soaked. Keep your protective riding gear on throughout: an ordinary windbreaker isn't a replacement for a motorcycle jacket.

Stop to warm up or cool down before the discomfort takes all your attention.

Your brain did the whole ride too

Following distances, mirrors, junctions, potholes, and choosing your line: you're constantly noticing things and making decisions. That takes effort, especially on unfamiliar roads or in heavy traffic.

Don't give yourself extra work. Set up navigation before you leave, silence unnecessary notifications, and choose a pace that gives you time to assess what's happening around you.

When you stop, get off the bike, walk around, loosen up your shoulders, and drink some water. Filling the tank doesn't mean the rider has had a break.

If you're getting sleepy, struggling to concentrate, or starting to miss turns, pull over somewhere safe. Coffee may make you feel more alert for a while, but it doesn't replace sleep. If you're nodding off, you need to stop and sleep, not open another energy drink.

The next part of the ride should be something you enjoy, rather than something your neck has to endure.