The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly of Riding a Motorcycle

That first moment you press the on switch, its exciting. The sound and the rumble will bring a feeling too many people will never understand. And while it’s warming up, and you are putting those gloves on, your heart is already starting to flutter. Is it lust or love? Hey that’s your private business, but these are the moments you live for. 

Unfortunately, motorcycling does comes with risks and responsibilities, and this article will go through some of these points, but much like a marriage, we never listen and at least the bikes won’t take half of our Super. 

The Good: Freedom, Thrill, and Community

The Sense of Freedom

Perhaps the first word that comes to mind is freedom. When you can feel the wind, hear the motor and zip around that slow car it brings a feeling of freedom. Like nothing is in your way. Riding the ocean road or around mountain bends, you are out in the elements. A car just does not match. 

The Thrill and Adrenaline

Motorcycling brings a thrill that comes from the moment decide you are going for a ride. No need for jumping out of a plane or climbing a huge rock (boring!). You can be riding a sports bike and manoeuvring around corners or overtaking at high speeds. A touring bike will take you off roading where excitement will hit its peak. All these moves will get your senses going and keep your reflexes sharp. 

The Community and Culture

Bike Shows, Rider meetups and a nod with a fellow rider shows that we all share a passion and can bond over our bikes. Riders are a community and even the lone wolf of the pack will find help and friendship if they really need it. Its not just a bike, it’s a partner for life’s challenges. 

The Bad: Costs, Maintenance, and Exposure

High Costs

So, you have bought a bike, now you need the gear. It all adds up. Then add on insurance which can cost more than cars. Repairs and servicing aren’t fun for you or your wallet either. Saying that, I still think it’s better than a massive loan on a brand-new entitled Land Rover…just saying. 

Maintenance and Upkeep

Motorbikes can be a little fussier than cars. Chains need to be lubricated, oil needs to be changed, brake checks, tyre pressure and electrical are all serious maintenance and checks that need to be done on a motorcycle. When you decide to own a motorbike, you must commit to regular maintenance. 

Skipping maintenance can be dangerous, but so are electric cars that catch on fire….just saying. 

Vulnerability to Weather and Environment

Riders are definitely in a lot more risk than drivers. We have no doors or metal surrounding us. We cop the heat, the rain, the hail and flying debris. Any unexpected animal around the bend or a new pothole can be extremely dangerous. Riders need to be aware 100 percent of the time or it won’t be pretty. 

The Ugly: Risks and Accidents

Increased Risk of Injury

The most experienced riders are as much at risk of injury as new riders. Unfortunately, it’s something we can’t escape. Some drivers just do not see us, or obstacles won’t get out of our way. We can lose control of our bikes and sometimes it works out and other times, not so much. Quality riding gear is fantastic and can save your skin but breaks or fractures can change your life. 

Traffic and Aggressive Drivers

If we didn’t have bad drivers, riders would be cruising, but that’s a dream we will never reach. Motorcycles are smaller and can get out of sticky situations and this is why defensive riding is a must. Unfortunately, careless and aggressive drivers are not paying much attention to motorcycles, and traffic doesn’t help when frustration is already building up. If we aren’t alert, then we could be in a very dangerous situation. 

Legal and Regulatory Challenges

Motorcyclists have less room for error when it comes to law enforcement. Depending on locations and states, traffic laws such as lane splitting and riding in bus lanes may vary. So before you hit the road, see what you can and can’t do in the state you are in so you don’t cop an unwanted fine, increased insurance premiums or annoying legal fees. 

Conclusion

And there it is, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly sides of Motorcycling. Did it make you want to sell your bike? Yeah, I didn’t think so. Get out, enjoy and smell that freedom mixed in with a bit of soul soothing petrol.