9 Motorcycle Myths - a guest post by Warren Massey

9 Myths About Motorcycle Riding

There are motorcycling myths that are just too good to die. Below are 9 of those myths, a few with my own commentary, which seem to hang around forever.  

1. Open-face helmets are just as good as full-face helmets: Full-face helmets provide better protection by covering the entire head, including the chin and face. They reduce head injuries by 64% and neck injuries by 36% compared to open-face helmets. Plus, they offer better noise reduction. 
2.  Using car tires on motorcycles is fine: This myth is dangerous. Car tires are incompatible with motorcycle dynamics, especially during cornering. Stick to motorcycle-specific tires for safety. While I have never seen this in person, it must be something that happens as this comes up from time to time.

3. The rear brake stops a bike better than the front brake: Actually, using the front brake is more effective and safer. Proper braking technique is crucial, and the front brake provides over 70% of a motorcycle’s stopping power.
4. Motorcycles are more dangerous than cars: While motorcycles have inherent risks, proper training, gear, and awareness can mitigate these risks. Responsible riding matters more than the vehicle type. Statistics show that more riders are injured in single vehicle crashes than in crashes with cars.
5. Helmets break necks in a crash: False. Helmets protect your head and neck. They do not cause neck injuries; they prevent them.
6. “Laying it down” is the best way to avoid a crash: No, it is not. Staying upright and using proper braking and maneuvering techniques is more effective for avoiding accidents.
7. You must be strong to ride a motorcycle: Strength matters less than skill and technique. Proper body positioning and control are essential, regardless of physical strength.
8. You can get expert skills just riding on the road.  Just riding from point a to point b over and over will only give you the skills to ride from point a to point b.  You really need to take, at least, the basic and advanced riders’ course to hone your skills.  There are other levels of training to move your skills to a higher level.  Then do the training with your passenger.
9. Loud pipes save lives: Contrary to widely held belief, loud exhaust pipes do not necessarily make you safer. Becoming a better rider through skill development and awareness is more effective for safety. While less restrictive exhausts may add some horsepower, OEM exhausts are designed for midrange performance where you spend most of your time riding. I can debate this one with myself. I have two motorcycles, one with stock pipes and one with loud pipes. Anecdotally, I see more folks look around for me as I move up in traffic when I am on my loud bike, they can almost feel the rumble. But I cannot prove it one way or another if this is really a myth.

Remember, understanding these myths may help you become a safer and more informed rider!

If you have a Motorcycle Myth riders should be aware of let me know in the comments. - Oz

About Warren Massey – Warren began riding motorcycles at the age of 5, according to his mom, and has never looked back!  Warren started his blog IJustWant2Ride.com in 2013 and currently has over 20,000 followers. Warren is also a co-host on the world’s longest running motorcycle podcast “The DawgHouse Motorcycle Radio” which has run weekly for 16 years. 

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Best Helmet For Motorcycle Riding

There are so many helmet manufacturers and a plethora of models.  Making a choice can take some serious time and involve both online research and/or in person research.  So many questions need to b e answered by each individual to help make a decision that one will not regret.  Some of the questions are: What is my budget?  What type of riding do I plan to do?  What features do I want?  Is ventilation or quietness more important?  Do I want built in drop down sunglassess? Do I want full-faced, 3/4, 1/2, modular?

Taking into consideration all my answers and what I wanted in a helmet I started looking for a new helmet after I realized my AGV K1 did not have the ventilation I desired.  Ventilation locations are engineered with specific riding styles in mind and I was not riding a supersport bike so the AGV K1 wasn't what I needed.

 

I researched and read reviews before going to three different shops in the Dallas-Fort Worth area to see and try on various brands and models. I spent a good amount of hands on time with the helmets checking features, design, fit and finish.

I kept going back to a couple of Arai helmets but they just did not feel as good as the only other Arai I ever owned - Arai Profile Hotrod  I bought at a silent auction in late 2016, but that model was not available in the shops I visited.  I decided to check online for the helmet I wanted.

I found a European website, Motocard, that had the Profile!  They had a few different paint schemes including the Nicky Hayden replica.  I was so happy and placed the order.  In seven business days I had my helmet.

The Aria Profile Nicky Hayden pays tribute to the last American MotoGP champion with a high quality design and finish.  The air vents are plentiful with a big chin vent, two scalp vents,  two brow vents located at the top of the visor and five exhaust vents.  The removable and washable liner and the cheek pads are plush and durable. And, to top it off the helmet is designed for safety with the Arai "glance off" technology.

The newer version of the Profile is easier to change the visor with its pop-off side pod.  This system makes changing the visors quick and simple.  The visor comes pinlock ready and the pinlock works great and is easy to install.

Now after wearing the helmet for over a year I can say without hesitation this is the best helmet I have ever worn.  When riding at a "spirited" pace the road noise is less than other helmets I have owned.  The vents provide good air flow keeping heat to a minimum.  

Two top vents, two brow vents and a big chin vent

The big brow vents allow at airflow.

The plush interior is comfortable and wicks moisture away. Even at the end of a long day of riding (300+ miles) my face and head are not fatigued from the helmet.  

If you are looking for a quality helmet and your budget will allow $350 - $450 I highly recommend you consider the Arai Profile. 

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Update

Page changed to "Motorcycles Facts, Trivia and History" from Tuesday Trivia after two years of posting.

The Ordinary Biker Oz Motorcycles Facts, Trivia and Historypage is now 1 year old!  The first entry was made January 14, 2020 concerning a German engineer named Gottlieb Daimler. A new installment has been added each week, except for the week of June 30th (I was leading a week of riding in the Rocky Mountins of Colorado for some friends) and the week of Thanksgiving (I was in rural Mississippi visiting the in-laws and eating great country cooking).

I have learned a lot and learned I have a lot yet to learn.  The history of motorcycles and the men and women who have help to advance motorcycle technology, riding, racing, usage and enjoyment is interesting and creates a spirit of thankfulness to those who have ridden ahead of us.

Awesome gear for every rider!

The number of "failures" and disappointments are far greater than the successes and exuberant moments which make it to the "history books."  I often wonder how many versions of the first KTM motorcycle failed before the R100 was released (see September 22 post).  

How many riders died before T.E. Lawrence's death and Sir Hugh Cairns decided to develop safety motorcycle helmets (See July 14th's Trivia) and the development of rider safety gear that followed.

I look forward to learning, sharing and adding more Tuesday Trivia in 2021.  I hope you enjoy it and learn something new and interesting. 

It has also been a year of my affiliate relationships with Dainese and Duke Cannon.  As an affiliate, if a reader follows a link from here to the affiliate site and makes a purchase I get a small commission.  I have ordered and used products of both companies before becoming an affiliate and I still am a customer to both.  I enthusiastically recommend both companies and would even if I wasn't an affiliate partner with them. 

Thank you to the readers who have followed a link and made a purchase!  

Be safe and enjoy the ride and when not riding visit Tuesday Trivia, my most read review posts, my recommended venders page or the latest post at Ordinary Biker Oz.      Be sure to leave a comment and/or question.  I love hearing from you.

       

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# Based on reviews, word of mouth and discussion with others I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with this business, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

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Arai Profile Helmet Review

 Do you wear a helmet?

Once a rider gets past the debate of to wear or not to wear a helmet if the decide to wear a helmet there are still many more helmet questions to answer.  There are half helmets, full-faced helmets, 3/4 helmets and modular helmets.

So many helmets

There are a numerous helmet manufactures each with dozens of models.  A motorcycle rider can find a helmet for less than $100 or up to over a $1,000.  So many choices.

This can be overwhelming for a new rider.  Making a good decision and keeping the cost in a budget can be difficult.  New motorcycle riders will have friends giving a lot of advice and opinions. Probably the hardest and yet the most important decision revolves around cost.  Does a higher price make that big of a difference?

I have owned six full face helmets made by four different manufacturers over the years as well as multiple half helmets and one 3/4 helmet.  I have been very budget-minded when purchasing gear.  I had to be careful and not spend too much.

I had friends who did not wear helmets, some only half-helmets and among those who wore full-faced helmets there was a wide range of brands and cost.  I would look at the helmets of riders who wore more expensive helmets and I wondered if the money spent was really worth it.  Of course they thought so.

Time for a new helmet

In July 2016 I decided to increase my budget on gear.  So after some shopping around I made a purchase and spent the most I ever had for a new helmet when I bought the Bell Qualifer DLX.  The helmet came with the  Transitions® Adaptive Shield which intrigeud me .

In November 2016 I wrote a review on the Bell Qualifer DLX.   I was very pleased with the helmet and the visor.  The full review gives more details.  You can find the helmet at the Motorcycle Gear Superstore.

Bell Qualifier DLX

Upgrade opportunity

As luck would have it I attended a friend's event called the Martin Hootenanny in October of 2016.   At the event there was a silent auction benefiting CMA Run For the Son.

I noticed a pre-owned Arai helmet up for auction.  I examined the helmet and asked some questions.  I decided to bid on it and I won the silent auction for the pre-owned (worn about 5 times) Arai Profile Hotrod helmet (Hotrod graphics).  The helmet had no signs of usage and reports were it had been worn very little.  For $85 I thought "how can I go wrong?"  This was an inexpensive way to get first hand experience and knowledge about a high-end helmet. The graphics are not what I would have chosen in a perfect situation, but the yellow stands out and probably is more visible to automobile drivers. 

Arai Profile - Hotrod

 hime to wear the Arai

I did not start wearing the Arai helmet until January, after I secured a second Sena 20S helmet mount.  I could now transfer the Sena 20S from Bell helmet to Arai helmet without having to move the mount and speakers.  You can find Arai helmets at the Motorcycle Gear Superstore and
if you make a purchase I get some gas money.

At first I rotated between usig the Bell helmet and the Arai helmet.  By March I had decided on wearing the Arai for every ride.  The three major reasons for wearing the Arai full time were comfort, ventilation and reduced wind noise.  The fit and feeling of the Arai was so comfortable.  The material on the inside was smooth and soft.  The shape fit me well, although I know some motorcycle riders where the shape is not best for them.

The airflow was noticeably better.  My head did not get as hot or sweaty and I could feel the air flow over the skull.  The chin vent and forehead air vents allowed a good amount of airflow and they were easy to open and close.  With the amount of air flow provided I was surprised the road noise was not more intense.  The noise level was the least I had experienced with a full-faced helmet!

The Aria helmet is one of my favorite and best motorcycle gear buys so far!  I made a video review of the Aria helmet for my YouTube Channel and you can see it by following this link to Arai Profile Video Review.  You will find other reviews, ride videos and more on the Ordinary Biker Oz Channel.  Subscribe and you will get notice when I post new videos about gear, roads and more.

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

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Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Bell Helmet Qualifier review

 So many choices!

I have owned six full-faced helmets and three half helmets in my 12.5 years of riding.  Due to life situations I always be on a tight budget, but over the last two years or so the budget for riding gear has increased.  So my first five full-faced helmets leaned more to the economical end of the spectrum.

During the June 2016 Moto Oz Beat The Heat Tour the chin air vent cover of my AFX Freedom Helmet, which I wore for approximately four years, fell off.  I liked the helmet, but decided to get a new one.

Checked out top helmet reviews

I did more research than usual and narrowed my list.  I decided to buy within the mid-range ($200 - $350) of helmets.  While talking about my options with a friend he praised his Bell helmet, especially the Transition visor.  That got my attention.  I ride a lot including mornings and evenings.

I had one Bell helmet in the past and like it.  With my friend's recommendation the Bell helmets moved to the top my list.  I had to decided which one.  I found the Qualifier helmet fit great.  I had the option of the Qualifier with the standard visor or the Qualifier DLX with the Transition Adaptive Shield.  I purchased the Bell Qualifier DLX Rally Helmet with the Matte Titanium Rally color scheme.

Click here to visit Motorcycle Gear Superstore

Image from BikeBandit.com

I am very pleased with my purchase!  There are several features which makes this the best helmet I have owned.  Most notable is the transition visor. 

In the shade

In the sun

 Features of a quality helmet

The transition from clear to shaded and back is not instantaneous, but is pretty quick and sufficient. When shaded only the most sensitive eyes would need to also wear sunglasses.  Not have to take two visors when knowing there will be some evening/night time riding is so convenient.

The padding is soft, comfortable and snug.  By far this is the most comfortable helmet I have owned.  The fit is snug without being too tight and the padded wind collar reduces slippage and wind noise.  The removable lining provides moisture wicking and is washable.

The three vent locations (chin, forehead and top of the head) allow for adequate ventilation.  With all helmets more air flow increases wind noise.  The Qualifier DLX is a good combination of reasonable air flow with less wind noise.

Final Thoughts

Overall this helemt a great value.  The "bang for the buck" is impressive. The comfort, the fit, the transition visor and the air flow add to the value of the helmet.  Having worn the Qualifier DLX for for 10000+ miles I am a very satisfied customer.

 

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Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

              

 

Please visit the following great companies:

THE ESSENTIALS FOR MODERATE SELF-IMPROVEMENT

 

Awesome gear for every rider!

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

* I have personally ordered from and/or visited these businesses and based on my experiences I recommend this company.  I have an affiliate relationship with the businesses, which means if you follow this link and purchase, I will receive a small commission and will get to ride more!
 

Feedback on these businesses is appreciated.  You may comment below.

 

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight." - Proverbs 3:5-6 

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Two online companies to try!

Through the years I have ordered motorcycle related gear, equipment, accessories, clothing... from several companies.  I have recently been looking at The Motorcycle House and Viking Bags.  Although Motorcycle House has been around for 7+ years, until recently I had no knowledge of them.

My contact with them has been pleasant.  All dealings have been courteous, professional and prompt.  They are sending me a jacket and the website states "1 Business Day shipping."

The company states, "We're passionate about Motorcycles regardless of what Model and Make you ride."  This is evident by the wide selection of 1/2 helmets, Full Face helmets, jackets for men, jackets for women, full leathers for sport bikes and more! 

Prices are VERY competitive, which coincides with the company goal "to help riders save money and also provide the best customer service possible."  I like their prices and so far the customer service.

Once the VikingCycle Bloodaxe Leather jacket comes in I will let you know what I think of their product.

VikingCycle Bloodaxe Leather Jacket

I am currently not in the market for cruiser luggage and/or saddlebags, but Viking Bags has some great looking luggage.  They have a wide selection of products they manufacture.  They stand behind the products with a good warranty and exchange policy.

They also make sport bike luggage that looks very well made, stylish and functional.  I am especially interested the saddlebags for my son's ZX6R Ninja.

I really think both companies will continue to grow, thrive and service the biker community.  Check them out.

I finally found one I like!

Honestly, if I was 100% sure I would never crash I would love to ride without a helmet, but since I live in a world where there are 4 wheeled cages on the road and wild critters that will dart out in the road, I opt to cover my skull.  Admittedly I wear among the least protective helmet, a 1/2 helmet, but it is a DOT approved helmet.

Over the years I had not found a helmet that I really liked enough to suggest it to anyone.  I realize that every individual's head and hair combo makes it impossible for manufacturers to make perfect fitting helmets for all of us.  We all try to find that helmet that we can use and at the end of the day not feel like our head has been squeezed in a clamp or rubbed because it is too loose.

On my recent 1,200+ mile trip to Orlando and back I tested my most recent helmet acquisition - the AFX FX-3 Karbon Beanie Half Helmet that I got from Riders Discount.

AFX FX-3

When I first tried on the helmet it seemed a little tight, but as I wore it on some shorter riders before the big trip I realized that it fit well and did not move as much as my older helmet.  The snug fit did NOT cause any pain or pressure and I did not have to overly tighten the chin strap to stop excess movement of the helmet.

Once on the road to Florida I knew I would get a true test to the comfort or discomfort of the helmet.  The first day we road to Natchez, Mississippi - 430 miles.

River boat on the Mississippi River in Natchez, Ms - photo taken from the west side of the river.

I have a short windshield so I quickly noticed that the small visor did not catch as much air and push on my neck as much as my other helmet, that was nice.  The strap secures easily and the end of the strap can be kept from flapping around by using the elastic loop above the latch to keep the strap fastened down.  I would prefer a snap instead, but the loop worked OK.

When I took my helmet off after one full day of riding I had no discomfort to my head (maybe some helmet hair, although I don't have much to mess up). 

On Friday March 19 when we left Orlando to head back to Texas the temperature was the highest for the entire trip, reaching into the 70's.  On that day I realized that the helmet did not have air vents.  Although, that was not a big issue on this trip I can see that it will be in the hot summer days in Texas.  

Overall, I like the helmet.  It has been the best 1/2 helmet I have owned (I had 3 in addition to this one).  I like the fit, the look, and the performance.  The only concern is the lack of ventilation and I will know more after some riding in Texas during July and August.

Would I buy the AFX FX-3 Karbon Beanie Half Helmet again?  Yes.