Owning a motorcycle is a popular want in this day and age, and often enough it’s considered easier and more convenient than having to own and operate a car. And yet, you’ve got to think through first: There’s quite a few more dangers to consider when you’re using a motorcycle on the road, as well as quite a few more accessories to invest in to keep the ride smooth and enjoyable. Not to mention your inability to ferry friends and family back and forth, and the most you can take is one at a time!
But could it be worth it for you to buy one anyway?
How many times have you found yourself staring at photos like this online? (Image)
There’s Different Road Rules
When you’re on the back of a motorcycle, and you’re feeling the breeze on your body and have nothing but open road ahead of you and good countryside views all around you, you won’t be immediately aware of all the new hazards on the road. You bought the vehicle to finally live your dreams of becoming a biker, complete with the leather jacket, and now you intend to enjoy it.
But if you’re a cyclist, you’re going to need to be aware of the new rules that affect you. Of course, you have to pass an entirely new test to make sure you can even ride a motorcycle, and you’ll have to hold a different license as well. You’ll have to be dressed to the nines in the proper gear, and despite the knowledge that you should never go riding a motorcycle without a helmet, that can get expensive to keep up with. You’ll need to have gloves on for better grip, some eye protection to keep the wind, dirt, and bugs out of your face, and even some rain gear to make sure you and the bike are never soaked through whilst out on the road. And it’s a good idea to have a visibility aid on your bike or your person as well, to make sure cars can never miss you when you’re driving on roads with them, especially at night.
Car Drivers Might Not Be So Friendly
You’re a cyclist, you can weave in and out of traffic whenever you need to, immediately pulling to the front of the queues, and any other oncoming cars always have a chance to miss you in their mirrors. You’re a small vehicle, they aren’t on the lookout for you!
And that means you might experience a lot of hostile and defensive driving from car users when you’re out on the road. They might not use their signals in front of you, meaning a greater chance of collisions, and they might shout and swear out of their windows at you – it’s something you’ll have to learn to cope with. Can you?
There’s few transferable skills to put to use when you go from car driving to motorcycle riding, so make sure you’re ready to make that change.