With the warmer weather finally making its appearance, motorcycle lovers across the country are finally dusting off their leathers and their waterproofs and are making a point of getting their bikes ready for the road. The drier weather makes those bucket list rides possible and it also means that those less experienced in motorcycling start taking their first journeys.
Motorcyclists are often tutted at on the road by those in cars, and this is usually due to the fact that no matter how vigilant road users are, motorcyclists are quick, stealthy and seem to come out of nowhere. Whatever you do as a motorcycle driver, even if you are an old-hat and own a selection of preowned motorcycles in the garage, your safety will be questioned. There is nothing wrong with a little extra safety measures, but there are some myths about motorcyclists that just need to disappear from the road entirely. So, what are the top five myths that motorcyclists everywhere would like to dispel the most?
Myth 1: Leathers Are All For Show
There is not one motorcyclist out there that enjoys the heat that comes with being on a long journey and wearing leathers in the heat. Leathers are purely a safety feature of the motorcyclist as it’s resistant to abrasion and road rash in comparison to other materials and it’s a great insulator against the wind and rain. Also, the accessories of leather gloves and pads look cool – there’s no denying that.
Myth 2: Helmets Cover Your Eyes
Thanks to the safety regulations out there, full-face helmets don’t cover the eyes and you CAN see. They’re also an excellent bug-squishing tool and catch the elements instead of your skin. It means the rider experience is also free of distraction, making for a safer ride.
Myth 3: You’re Obvious To Drivers
So much nope in that sentence. Motorcyclists should never operate under the delusion that a car will see you coming up from behind. If riders could wear neon colours on the road, they will so that they can be seen and accidents could be prevented.
Myth 4: Beginners Need Big Bikes
It’s a bad idea to get straight on a giant bike for a rider, even if they do look awesome on the road. Bigger bikes weigh over 600 pounds, which means the handling is far more difficult than anything they ever felt before. Beginners should always go for a smaller bike until they can feel confident and comfortable on the open road.
Myth 5: Streets Are Safer Than Motorways
Nope. Sometimes, the hazards on a regular neighbourhood street can be far greater than the open road. It’s difficult to drive on an open motorway for a prolonged length of time, but more crashes happen in urban areas than open ones.
Understanding riders on the road is so important if you’re going to be out in a car. If you’re a rider who is ready to don their own leathers, learn what’s safe and what’s not before you start your engines.
