It’s very common to hear people discuss all the benefits of riding motorcycles, but nothing good comes without a single drawback. Hitting the road on two wheels instead of four is certainly no exception. Before buying that first bike, aspiring motorcyclists may want to read on to find out about a few of the disadvantages of riding a motorcycle.
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1. Safety Issues
Traveling by motorcycle is far more dangerous than driving in a car. While drivers and passengers are protected by technologically advanced safety systems, there’s nothing to protect motorcycle riders from injuries, so the results of accidents tend to be more serious. There’s no way to avoid every potential safety hazard on the road, but riders can find out about motorcycle accidents and their most common causes before setting out for their first motorcycle trips.
2. Exposure to the Elements
Experienced riders often talk about how much they love the feeling of the wind in their hair and the sun on their skin, but they rarely discuss the flip side of the equation. Motorcycles provide next to no protection from the elements, which can be quite problematic if riders encounter rain, snow, hail, extreme wind, or even just a very hot, sunny day. Even the most experienced riders should avoid taking out their bikes during serious inclement weather events, even if it means walking or taking the bus instead.
3. Storage Limitations
Motorcycles have very limited storage, which makes them less practical than cars for running errands and going on long trips. Even fitting the day’s groceries into side bags or motorcycle trunks can be a big hassle, and planning a road trip requires packing extremely light.
4. Passenger Limitations
Needless to say, motorcycles also have some serious limitations when it comes to transporting passengers. In most cases, it’s safe to carry one passenger, but that’s it. There’s no way to bring along multiple friends or give the kids a ride to school if a motorcycle is a persons’ only form of transportation.
5. Lack of Comfort
Some motorcycles are more comfortable than others, but none provide the kind of comfort associated with traveling by car. While the lack of back support, adjustable seating, and climate control may be no big deal on short rides, they can make long-haul trips pretty challenging. Adding a motorcycle windscreen can help a little, as can buying a touring bike, but they won’t raise a motorcycle’s comfort level to that of a passenger car.
6. Greater Likelihood of Theft
Motorcycles are much lighter and easier to access than cars, which makes them more prone to theft. There are plenty of ways to secure motorcycles, but none of them will make them theft-proof, so parking in public places is always a bit of a risk. There’s also no way to lock up belongings out of view, so thieves are also drawn to possessions carried on bikes.
7. Need for an M-Class License
Motorcycle riders usually already have their regular licenses. In most states, they also need to have M-class licenses, which means dealing with extra red tape and spending more money and time on taking road tests.
Is It Worth It?
For most people, the benefits of riding a motorcycle still outweigh the drawbacks. However, this mode of transportation just isn’t for everyone. Aspiring motorcyclists should consider the benefits and drawbacks carefully before heading out to buy their first bikes.
