10 myths about motorcycles and motorcyclists
Read it yourself, show it to your mom, granny and your wife to ease some of their fears about two-wheelers and those who ride them. Here are the top 10 myths about motorcycles and motorcyclists.
Motorcyclists don't live long
This is the most common misconception that has no basis whatsoever. Agreed that modern day motorcycles are more inclined towards speed & power and that you can leave the showroom in an absolutely standard model and accelerate to 299 km/h, and even faster after tuning. But with an increase in power, the machine becomes more obedient, its weight decreases considerably, and the suspension as well as the brakes are improved. Almost all modern motorcycles are equipped with ABS, moreover, powerful models are equipped with traction control (an electronic system that protects you from slip).
In the last ten years, technology has stepped forward a lot, and in order to fall from a motorcycle, you really need to act in an utmost stupid manner. Again, you will find these types of people not only on a motorcycle, but on the other types of vehicles as well. But this should not stop the ‘sensible genre’ to enjoy and have fun.
Falling off a motorcycle is associated with serious injury
This myth was born in the early 1900’s, when motorcycle gear and equipment were not very popular for a number of reasons, primarily due to its absence or inefficiency. Even athletes back in those days used to compete in woollen boots or tarpaulin boots, helmets in design and appearance resembled chamber pots, there were few people who wanted to wear this, so, even despite the low speed of those motorcycles, their fall was serious.
With the advancement in technology, things have been improved for good; motorcycle jackets can withstand prolonged sliding on asphalt at speeds over 300 km/h. So even after sliding for hundreds of meters, the rider stands on his feet and picks up his motorcycle. The ordinary looking jeans are equipped with Kevlar inserts. Additionally, brands like AGV are acclaimed worldwide for producing premium motorcycle safety helmets that have been tested in the laboratories for crashes and slides. All in all, with proper equipment and safety gear, the chance of serious injury has reduced considerably.
Motorcycles are expensive
A new small-sized motorcycle from the continents of Asia costs around $2800 (Read: best and cheap motorcycles). Price for a relatively efficient second hand motorcycle from European regions would cost around the same. A brand new motorcycle from a renowned manufacturer with a decent cubic capacity will cost around $5500 (which will last for several years of trouble-free riding). When compared to a four wheeler, these are not so expensive at all. In fact, in terms of performance, a half-million-dollar bike will accelerate and turn at the same speed as a supercar which is ten times more expensive. Operating costs are also noticeably lower. Although you may need to pay for a parking space, similar to a car, but it pays off in fuel economy and low maintenance. Well, time savings and positive emotions are difficult to assess in monetary terms.
You can break traffic rules on a motorcycle
A motorcyclist on a powerful modern motorcycle usually tends to violate traffic rules five seconds after entering the road. Behind the wheels of a sports bike, in which the first gear ends at 160 km/h, and there are six of these gears, you don’t even have the time to notice your speedometer. But lately, traffic rules have become very firm. You can find speed tracking cameras on every corners of the street. And if you happen to ignore these, there is a high possibility that you may receive a ticket within a week of your violation. Besides, traffic policemen are also equipped with modern day motorcycles and are equally trained in catching violators. Their motorcycles are relatively fast, and most importantly, they ride around the city all day, that accorded them a lot of experience in catching careless riders.
In general, the scope for violating the traffic laws and escaping is somewhat higher on a motorcycle, but recent developments in technology and advanced training skills imparted to the policemen have made offenders to think twice before violating the norms. And think of it this way, ten years ago it was possible to drive drunk without a license in an opposite lane, but if you do this today, you may end up in jail within an hour.
Motorcyclists form gangs, rob, kill, sell weapons, and drugs
Motorcycle gangs have been a favorite topic for filmmakers, writers and other action content producers over the past 50 years. In reality, even during the heyday of motorcycle gangs and motorcycle clubs, they consisted of a very small number of motorcyclists. “1%”, the legendary patch on some outlaw motorcycle clubs, referred that 99% of the motorcyclists were law abiding citizens, and the remaining 1% were the ones who were crooked. And, with the growing prosperity of western society and the strengthening of the laws, this has further reduced to 0.01%. In America, the situation is even more prosaic; since our criminals prefer four-wheeled vehicles rather than a two wheeled ride.
Motorcyclists can be seen from head to toe with stripes and tattoos, but this is a sign of belonging to a subculture, and not to a gang.
Buying a motorcycle guarantees increased attention from the opposite sex
A brunette in a short skirt in the back seat of a motorcycle is another common romantic cliché. Indeed, girls constantly revolve around motorcyclists. But it is difficult to say what comes first, an egg or a chicken, that is, first a motorcycle appeared, then they, or vice versa. No doubt that a two-wheeled machine emphasizes the merits of a good person, but if you are dull and boring, even the fastest motorcycle in the world will not help. Wives need not worry too; a motorcycle is unlikely to provoke a faithful husband to betray (but just in case, it is still worth removing the passenger footpegs!).
The best way to connect with a rider is to ask him about the price and top speed of his bike.
In fact, this is the best way to end the conversation. Motorcyclists have a list of stupid questions that are constantly asked by dumb nuts, and the trio of “price, speed, and mileage” occupies the top three of the charts. So make sure you come up with something more original.
Motorcycle is unable to carry luggage
There are different types of motorcycles that serve different purposes in life. Of course you may find it difficult to carry a bag on a super sports bike, but when it comes to touring or adventure touring bike, you can carry as much luggage as you like. You can also find motorcycles that have built-in luggage cases that are even worthy of carrying enough essentials for a three-week long trip, unless, of course, these things include a Great Dane! Jokes aside, on almost all the motorcycles, you can install either specialized or universal luggage racks, thanks to which the carrying capacity increases dramatically.
Driving in the rain is uncomfortable and dangerous
This is true if you decide to go cheap while purchasing your motorcycle equipment. In a few minutes your jacket will be soaked in rain, dirt will enter your face through the raised fogged visor of your helmet, and you will shudder with horror as you ride through the slippery markings. If these are the circumstances you surely want to avoid, it makes sense to get better equipment and gear. A raincoat, membrane boots and gloves, a helmet with good ventilation and an anti-fog visor, a motorcycle with a heated grips, anti-lock and traction control systems, all these make your ride in the rain less cumbersome. This being said, we have seen riders spending weeks in the wild, winding thousands of kilometers under the downpours, and still enjoying themselves.
Riding a motorcycle is like a drug, you try it once, and then you won't get off your whole life.
And this is no longer quite a myth. As they say, “four wheels carry the body, two wheels carry the soul”. One of the most common types of land transport; motorcycles form an emotional bond with their owner. It gives a comparable feeling of freedom both while commuting daily to and fro from your office and during an adventurous motorcycle tour. There are no barriers between you and the outside world which helps you stay connected with the nature. In addition to the emotional aspect, there is also a rational one; the days when the motorcycle was a rare, risky, and expensive source of entertainment are gradually disappearing, more and more people are getting on two wheels, as it is cheaper, faster, and lot more enjoyable.
