Apart from being an affordable and more enjoyable form of transportation, a motorbike can be a great asset to have in your home garage. It can be a great way to enjoy the outdoors and explore nature while traversing some of the most notorious terrains you may not be able to tread through with your 4X4. Additionally, it can also be a great way to cut through congested traffic, saving yourself tons of time and money. If you’ve just bought one or you’re considering owning a motorcycle, there are probably many things you don’t know about being a motorbike owner. Well, here are some of the things that many people didn’t know about owning a motorcycle until they became pro riders.
It Can Be Dangerous
While riding a motorcycle at full speed across traffic gives you a thrill like no other, motorbikes are among the most dangerous automobile units. This is primarily because a motorcycle is not constructed with safety features that a 4-wheeled vehicle comes with, such as seat belts, airbags, and a body of steel. Your body is more exposed, and the slightest loss of stability can lead to a life-changing or potentially fatal crash. Moreover, it can be tempting to perform moves that we only see in the likes of Tom Cruise Mission Impossible series or Keanu Reeves’ John Wick trilogy. This is why the pro’s from WanderingBiker say that it’s essential to arm yourself with the right safety gear always. Some of these include a helmet, riding boots, a jacket, rider’s knee pads, gloves, elbow pads, and ridding glasses in case your helmet lacks a windscreen. The clothes you wear should also be part of your protective gear, including the pants.
They Don’t Come Cheap
While it’s true that motorcycles are relatively cheaper than cars, not all motorbikes are made equal. Some mobile models are more expensive than the average vehicle. In addition to the purchase price, motorcycle gear can also cost anywhere between $500 – $1,000 and may need replacing from time to time. In addition to this, motorcycles also need insurance as well as regular maintenance. Tires, for instance, will wear out faster than car tires will, not forgetting that you’ll need to do an oil change at least every 6000 miles. This means that while they’re an inexpensive transportation alternative, owning a motorcycle may not be as cheap as many people purport it to be.
They Won’t Trigger Traffic Lights
Once in awhile, it’s not unusual for the street lights to fail to change, especially if you’ve not placed your car close enough for the street light sensor to detect your car’s presence. If you’re a bike owner, this is something you’ll have to deal with almost every time on those street lights that are triggered by the car’s weight. This is something that not very many bikers or motorcycle dealerships will tell you.
It Involves Getting Yourself Dirty
Motorcycle riding is fun, healthy, and quite thrilling. However, it’s not always all gloom and merry. Sometimes you may have to ride through tough terrain and harsh elements such as rain and hailstorm. Even if you have a motorbike umbrella, the simple add-on can only do so much in protecting you from the messes you may have to deal with. At times you may even have to ride through swarms of bugs, dust, exhaust, and a wide range of other harsh conditions. At the end of the day, it’s almost normal to get home all sweaty and smelly.
A Great Stress Reliever
Some of you may already know it, but owning a motorcycle can be a great way to escape from the normal stresses of life. As the wind hits the face at 65-80mph, some riders swear by it that they can feel the steam being blown off of their minds and happy mood being restored. Especially if you have a riding partner or two, owning a bike can be an amazing way to distress and relieve tension from your body, mind, and spirit.
It’s Like Joining a Club
When you own a motorcycle, you automatically get enrolled in the motorbike riders club! It’s funny how almost everywhere around the world, motorbike owners have love and respect for their own. It’s like they are unifying objects in away. Especially if yours is a flashy sports bike that gets eyes gazing and necks turning whenever you hit the turbo charge, owning a motorbike can be an amazing tool to get you new friends and relationships.
Last but not least, motorbike riding can be addictive, and for a good reason. Many bike owners find themselves overly attached to their rides; perhaps due to the thrill and fulfillment, it brings them. This is why you’ll find avid motorbike riders always wiping parts of their bike whenever they have a minute free at home.
