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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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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Is the End of Motorcycling Near?

 

For several years now I have seen more headlines and read more articles lamenting the end of motorcycling (as they see it).  Different authors and pundits point to a plethora of stats and demographic information to bolster their case.  Age of current riders, cost of ownership, declining sales, out of date image of a "biker," safety concerns and tightening regulations are just some of the "worrisome" signs for the motorcycle industry. 

However, as I continue to ride my experiences differ from many headlines on the topic of motorcycling.  My experiences; however, are not scientific in nature or method.  A little research on recent sales numbers shows positive growth in the market, although previous years had some declines.

There is a general push to attract younger riders.  Marketing for most motorcycle manufacturers is geared towards the 20-somethings and 30-somethings.  

 

Autoweek stated in a July article, "Following an increasing trend in motorcycle sales and ridership started by the COVID-19 pandemic, motorcycle manufacturers are continuing to see record sales numbers in 2023."  

MotorcycleData.com reported a 1.1% increase in sales in the first 9 months of 2023.  Other publications and websites expressed similar statistics.  So what are we to believe?

I don't know, but I do know I enjoy greatly riding motorcycles, talking about motorcycles, writing about motorcycles, going to motorcycle charity events, watching motorcycle racing and most other motorcycle related things.

I do believe the more motorcyclists we have the healthier the entire industry will be.  A healthy motorcycle industry means more market competition, which means better pricing, better products and more options for consumers.  A larger and healthier motorcycle community also wields more clout in regards to regulations.

Experience the excitement of motorcycle racing

So I was thinking how can we in the motorcycle community help promote this sport, lifestyle, industry, mode of transportation, and community we love?  How can we create a win-win situation for all of us that are involved and connected to motorcycling?  

Below are ten ways I thought of to bolster motorcycling.  I am sure there are more and I would love to hear your ideas.

Ways to promote the wonderful world of motorcycles!

1) Ride - ride often, ride to any place, be seen having fun - just ride!

2) Assist and encourage new riders, especially on social media.  I have read too many post where someone's comments are sarcastic, unhelpful, mean or anything less than encouraging.  Why would someone want to be a part of that?  

3) Support local shops, stores and dealership.  This doesn't mean I don't order online at times, but I do make sure to buy some things locally.  I will also give them a chance to match the price.  If we lose local shops it hurts the biker community.

600+ lb King of the Baggers on the race track!

4) Follow, watch and talk about the various motorcycle racing series. There is some great racing of all types of motorcycles.  Watch some of all and see what you like.   MotoGP, World Super Bikes, MotoAmerica, Supercross, Motocross, Flat Track just to name a few. (I know some require a subscription in order to watch so it's difficult to watch them all.)  The King of the Baggers  class in MotoAmerica is awesome to watch!  Search YouTube because some are free to watch there.

5) Support the sponsors of a race series - connect on social media, buy products and/or email companies and thank them for supporting motorcycle racing. 

6) Connect with riders and/or series on social media, this will increase a riders" or series' "value" to sponsors.

7) When possible attend a motorcycle event - rally, race, show, bike night...

8) Host a watch party for races.  For the past 8 years a good of friends and I have hosted MotoGP race watching at a local BBQ restaurant and plugged in the computer to the big TV and watched races that took place in Europe, Asia or other countries.   We invited others through social media and all gathered to watch even when it had taken place hours earlier.  It is fun and I met a lot of other riders and/or want to be riders.

Opening round of the 2023 season watch party at Rudy's Country Store

9) Increase knowledge and skill in order to keep yourself safe and to be prepared to give correct and safe information to less experienced riders.  Use layman terms when talking to a new or prospective rider.  Some riders talk down to new riders to show how much he/she knows.  Be encouraging, accepting and accurate, but use terms less experienced riders will understand.

Accepting and helping new riders is good for everyone.

 

10) Join a motorcycle/rider rights organization - American Motorcycle Association, Motorcycle Riders Foundation, ABATE to name a few.

I really believe when individuals see riders enjoying life, having fun, making meaningful contributions to the community, welcoming ALL riders and getting along regardless of different make and models those individuals will be drawn to motorcycling.  New riders will be good for the community.  

What ways do you see to help the motorcycling community?  How can we grow the sport/activity we love?  Add your thoughts in the comments.

Check out the Motorcycles Facts, Trivia and History page

Ride carefully and prayerfully!    

 Top Five Oz Videos

  

Connect and follow Biker Oz on the following:

        

Ordinary Biker Oz YouTube Channel has video reviews and more

Christian Motorcyclists Association

Come Ride With Us 

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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