Common Motorcycle Riding Myths And Misconception

Those who don’t ride bikes, motorcycles and bike riding are something bit misunderstood. There are a lot of misconceptions about them out there. To the amazement, the biggest and astonishing myths come directly from the riders themselves. If you are amongst the member of motorcyclists group, you must have heard about the crashes and safety, there are chances of hearing some incorrect assumptions and legends come up. They might sound intuitive but once you check the facts about them, you’ll find them overrated. 

What are the common misconceptions about riding motorcycles?

Bike riding is so dangerous so there is no point of wearing gear as it is going to crash anyway

Among non-riders, motorcycles have a repo of kind of lethal two-wheeled time bomb which will explode into a fireball even at the slightest provocation. Well, the fact is that motorcycles are dangerous but they likely to injure you more than killing if you skip wearing gears especially helmets. Helmets will dramatically reduce the chances of the extent and severity of the injury. 

Helmets block vision and hearing; causes more accidents than they prevent

When it is about helmets, it is flat idiotic to ride without one. It reduces the probability and severity of head injuries and long-term disability. There is no evidence that helmet use has increased the chances of the accident but there are several shreds of evidence that using one helped in the survival. 

Loud pipes can safeguard you while riding on the street

Well, loud pipes save lives is a common myth as it helps crowd and other vehicles to notice the bike otherwise can’t see them increase their safety more than riding quietly. Loud pipes might get the riders noticed but that doesn’t mean they make you safer. Practicing safer riding habits increase your skills and gearing up does. 

The best evacuation is to “lay ‘er down”

You must have heard several times from riders ‘I had to lay‘er down while explaining how they got into an accident. The fact is in microseconds it took to lose bike control and riders opt to let their bike fall in a controlled low-side instead of regaining control. There is nothing called control crash and laying‘er down is not crash avoidance or controlled crashing. The method to control it is by enhancing the skills. 

Hearing protection is dangerous and causes crashes

It is quite tough to convince some riders to use earplugs as it is assumed that it cuts the ability to hear threats. Using ear plugs is not dangerous but going deaf can cause crashes. 

Racing tires over road tires

The use of different compounds and properties in racing tires works best when it is really hot for creating a grip. So, it is suitable for the dry road but can be very dangerous during the rainy season. A street tire will not only wear better but have more stability and gives a greater wet-weather performance. Road tires have better grip and give consistent performance over several heat cycles.

Conventional brakes are better than anti-lock brakes

With several tests done even dry, clean, flat pavement and it was proved that experience and skilled riders stopped in a shorter distance with anti-lock brakes. ABS safeguards riding results in few crashes and lets the rider to stop at shorter distances.

Well, the above are the most common misconceptions regarding motorcycle myths. There are many and might roll over your eyes but don’t forget to check the fact revolving around it.

Atul Pratap Singh

Guest Author Atul Pratap Singh, a successful entrepreneur and the co-founder of RPM India - a leading motorbike community in our country. Along with establishing and heading his acclaimed Brand Management company - V Spark Communications, Atul has made RPM India a nationwide motorbiking community with an inclination towards responsible riding for a cause.