Top 5 Motorcycle Myths Debunked

Motorcycling is quite a common phenomenon these days. In fact, two-wheelers have become almost synonymous with motorcycles.

Motorcycling is quite a common phenomenon these days. In fact, two-wheelers have become almost synonymous with motorcycles. Yet, there are numerous myths surrounding this mode of commute, some ancient and some recent. Inexperienced riders and cynics of the trade mostly believe in such myths, but there are even ably-experienced riders who find them hard to shake off. I'll list the five of the top myths surrounding motorcycles.

Rugged and cool – the reason why bikers wear black leather: Black leather does make you look cool, but that doesn't imply the reason why bikers wear them. At least most don't wear black leather to look cool, some wannabes do though. It is when a biker falls off his/her ride at a considerable speed that leather comes to the aid. It prevents the friction occurring between the biker's body and the road, eventually protecting the biker from a grievous injury. And leather jackets usually come in black!

Motorcycles are best for short-rides and regular commutes: This is normally the perception of the general public. They believe that long distances call for a car since it is relatively and apparently faster and safer. And you can dump your heavy luggage anywhere in the vehicle. Motorcycles do in fact look like they were not made for long distance travel, and you need to carry a limited amount of luggage on one. But that doesn't mar the fact that motorcycles can travel virtually anywhere on the planet, regardless the distance. Traveling long distances on a motorcycle is called touring. With the ever-increasing technology, motorcycles have become faster and safer than the ancient ones. An experienced biker may take you 100 miles in better time than a chauffeur, and with your bones intact.

Front brakes are a liability, unless you are an experienced biker: This is the advice of the less experienced bikers to the starters in the trade. They think that the front brakes are dangerous for a first-timer. But did you know that more than 70 percent of the stopping power of the bike is in the front brake? Reputed motorcycle training institutes recommend hitting both the front and the rear brakes while halting. Putting all the pressure on the rear brake while stopping the bike may result in skidding of the rear tire. In such a case, it is recommended to keep the brake pedal pressed in order to avoid an accident.

Harley-Davidson gave birth to the first motorcycle: The three geniuses behind the world of Harley-Davidson, William Harley, and Arthur and Walter Davidson though may be widely regarded as pioneers of the motorcycle, are certainly not the inventors of the first motorcycle. Gottlieb Daimler, a German inventor, was the first to attach Otto's four-stroke internal combustion engine to a bicycle frame, thus creating the first ever gas-powered motorcycle. A steam-powered motorcycle was invented many decades before, by one Sylvester Roper. He was the first person to attach a steam engine to a bicycle. Harley-Davidson (formed in 1903) went on to enhance this idea and currently demands the greatest respect in the world of motorcycling.

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