This World Motorcycle Day, we will bust 5 myths around bikes. From age-old beliefs to half-truths. Here’s what you need to know:
Bigger Engine = Faster Bike
A lot of people believe a bigger engine will mean a faster bike. This belief evolves from the old saying ‘no replacement for displacement’. While it was true for the early days of motoring, the technology has evolved since. Today, a sporty 400 can outperform a laid-back 650. It all depends on how an engine is tuned.
Wearing Riding Gear Makes You A Racer
This has happened with many serious motorcyclists. People see riders in riding gear and automatically assume them to be racers. They think that by wearing a good-quality helmet, jacket, boots, and gloves, riders are trying to imitate pro racers. They do not understand the safety aspect of it. Irrespective of skill and experience, accidents can happen, even while riding in the city. Riding gear cannot prevent accidents, but it can definitely keep the rider safer.
You Cannot Tour On Small Capacity Bikes
This myth has been proved wrong so many times now. There are some passionate riders who have travelled cross-country on commuters. There are even examples of people riding to Ladakh and back on small-capacity bikes. Sure, big bikes give you more power and comfort, but they aren’t a necessity for fulfilling your wanderlust.
Scooters Are Only Meant For The City
The scooters are an extension of the previous point. There are countless examples – one of the most legendary ones has to be Adil Jal Darukhanawala covering the Sahara desert on a two-stroke Kinetic DX.
Covering long distances has become much easier on scooters because of powerful and more reliable engines, good mileage, and most importantly, improved comfort. Scooters like TVS Ntorq 150, Yamaha Aerox 155, the upcoming Honda ADV 160 and Yamaha Nmax 155 are great options for weekend getaways or even long-distance touring.
Short Riders Cannot Handle Tall Bikes
Motorcycling is all about skill, and this is a prime example. It’s easy to say that tall bikes aren’t for short riders, but there are so many examples out there. Riding a bike is all about learning the necessary skills – be it throttle control, or knowing how to maintain balance when stopped.
Talking about this myth, modern bikes make it even easier with lower seat height options and lowering mechanisms on premium bikes. Irrespective, it all boils down to skill.
