Five Motorcycle Myths That Need to Die

For years, myths and half-truths have spread through the riding community—some harmless, others downright dangerous. Today, we’re exposing the biggest motorcycle myths that refuse to die. Buckle up your helmet because some of these might just change the way you ride forever!

1. It’s Better to Slide the Rear than the Front

This myth is one of the most common—and dangerous—ones out there. Many riders believe that if they have to lose traction, it’s better for the rear tire to slide rather than the front. The idea likely comes from childhood when skidding on a bicycle was fun and manageable.

But here’s the reality: on pavement, losing the rear tire in a corner can lead to a high-side crash, one of the most violent types of motorcycle accidents. When the rear tire regains traction suddenly, it catapults the rider into the air, leading to serious injuries.

On the other hand, if the front tire loses traction, the result is typically a low-side crash, where the bike slides out underneath the rider. While still not ideal, it’s far less violent than a high-side. The best solution? Avoid sliding either tire by applying smooth, controlled braking. If you need to slow down mid-corner, apply the front brake gently and avoid abrupt inputs.

2. Motorcycles Are Dangerous

Every rider has had the dreaded gas station conversation—the one where a stranger tells a horror story about someone they knew who died on a motorcycle. While it’s true that motorcycle crashes can be fatal, the full story often reveals crucial missing details.

Statistics show that many fatal crashes involve untrained, unlicensed, or impaired riders:

• 30% of motorcycle fatalities involve riders without a valid motorcycle license.
• 43% of riders in fatal crashes had a blood alcohol level of 0.08% or higher.
• 65% of fatalities involved riders who weren’t wearing helmets.
• 77% of crashes involved front-end collisions.

What does this tell us? The key to safer riding is proper training, staying sober, wearing protective gear, and knowing how to use the front brake effectively. Next time someone tells a grim motorcycle story, ask: Was the rider licensed? Were they wearing a helmet? Were they drinking? The answers might surprise you.

3. Fast Equals Skilled

This one doesn’t need much explanation. Many riders equate speed with skill, but going fast doesn’t make you a better rider. True skill comes from control, awareness, and the ability to ride smoothly in any situation.

The most skilled riders—those who race professionally or train others—don’t feel the need to prove themselves on public roads. Instead, they ride conservatively on the street and save their speed for the racetrack. So, don’t be impressed by riders who boast about their speed or push limits in unsafe conditions. Confidence is quiet.

4. Motorcycles Are Cheap to Operate

Once upon a time, motorcycles were the budget-friendly alternative to cars. In the 1970s, fuel-efficient Japanese bikes were a response to the oil crisis, offering significantly lower fuel costs compared to gas-guzzling cars.

• Modern motorcycle tires wear out much faster than car tires. A rear tire might last 7,000 miles, while a car tire can last 60,000 miles.
• Maintenance costs, insurance, and high-performance parts add up quickly.

The truth? Riding isn’t about saving money—it’s about passion. If you ride, you do it because you love it, not because it’s the most economical choice.

5. Parking Lot Drills Make You a Better Rider

To be clear, parking lot drills do improve slow-speed maneuvering skills. But do they translate to real-world riding? Not always.

But times have changed. While motorcycles can still be fuel-efficient, the overall cost of ownership has risen:

As a motorcycle coach, I’ve worked with law enforcement officers who are masters of low-speed cone drills. However, when it comes to high-speed riding, many struggle. That’s why police departments seek additional training beyond traditional parking lot exercises.

Slow-speed drills provide immediate gratification—you see quick improvements. But if you want to be a better, safer rider on the street, you need to practice at real-world speeds. That means controlled braking, smooth throttle inputs, and learning to read the road ahead.

Final Thoughts

Motorcycle myths persist because they feel intuitive or have been repeated for years. But as riders, it’s our responsibility to separate fact from fiction.