The Realities of Motorcycles

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There is something inherently thrilling about motorcycles. Unlike their four-wheeled cousins – which are primarily designed and styled to offer comfort and convenience – motorcycles offer the ability to offer an experience, to make your journey from A to B that little bit more exciting.

For many, the daydreams of riding a motorcycle along an open highway remain just that – a dream, an idea they like to indulge in from time to time, but not something they particularly seek to truly pursue. However, if you’ve seriously considered turning the motorcycle dream into a reality, here’s four things you need to know before you do so…

Motorcycles simply are more dangerous than cars

A huge amount of PR spin has sought to try to convince people that motorcycles aren’t unsafe or dangerous in order to increase the number of motorcycle riders on the road. However, reality cannot succumb to spin; as this expert law firm points out, motorcycles offer far less protection than cars – and this simple, basic fact is something that no marketing campaign or PR blitz can change. The less protected you are, the more seriously injured you will be in the event of a collision. While this fact alone shouldn’t necessarily be decisive – driving any vehicle carries inherent dangers – it’s nevertheless important to acknowledge this reality when considering purchasing a motorcycle of your own.

Inconvenience is an issue

Motorcycles may be rather enchanting, but many people find that owning a motorcycle is not particularly compatible with their lifestyle. If you regularly use a standard car to transport goods, or enjoy the ability to drive to events with your friends, switching to a motorcycle will make both of these common activities next-to-impossible. Due to this, you may want to consider buying a motorcycle in addition to a standard vehicle, rather than as a replacement.

There’s no (safe) way to “feel the wind in your hair”

You have almost certainly heard someone, at some point, describe riding a motorcycle with a description relating to the ability to feel the “wind in your hair” or “wind against your face”. While such an experience sounds wonderful, and has connotations of freedom and exploration, it’s not actually an experience any motorcycle rider should have. When riding a motorcycle, it is absolutely crucial to wear a helmet at all times, which immediately rules out the possibility of a wind/hair interaction!

The environmental benefits are questionable

It is often said that riding a motorcycle is better for the environment in comparison to driving a car. While it’s true that motorcycle engines are more efficient, and thus produce less than carbon dioxide than cars, Co2 isn’t the only concern when it comes to the environment. In particular, motorcycles emit nitrogen oxides, which have led to them being dubbed more polluting than SUVs.

In conclusion

When it comes to switching from four wheels to two, it is incredibly important to look through the glamor of motorcycles and focus on the facts. Having read through the above, you can now be more confident that you know a little more about the reality of owning and riding motorcycles, and are thus all the more likely to be able to make a well-informed choice in future.