Three Common Motorcycle Myths Debunked

In this post on MCrider, let's take a closer look at three common sayings that you often hear bikers say that are misleading or just plain wrong. My name is Kevin, and I'm the host here at MCrider, where I release a weekly video every Friday morning focusing on motorcycle skills or road strategy. Hit the subscribe button and the bell icon to get notifications of every new video.

If you are not a Member of MCrider click here to see all the benefits of Membership.

The Myth of “I Had to Lay Her Down”

The first saying that we often hear bikers use is the phrase, “I had to lay her down.” This is usually an excuse for poor braking skills, resulting in a crash. Riders might say, “Well, I meant to do that anyway.” In my earlier years of riding, I laid one down due to my lack of emergency braking skills. Let's explore why this phrase is wrong and what you can do to overcome it.

What are the problems with the phrase, “I had to lay her down?” First, you simply can't just lay a motorcycle down in motion. Many forces are at play, including two gyroscopes underneath you that keep the motorcycle upright. As much as you might try to push a motorcycle over, it's not going to lay down. What you can do is lock the brakes and cause a crash, but that's precisely what we're trying to avoid.

Every time you lay a motorcycle down, you're 100% guaranteed to have a crash. Your motorcycle tires in emergency braking are going to stop a motorcycle much better than the seat of your pants will. By using emergency braking and keeping a motorcycle upright, you're doing a much better job of avoiding an accident or, in the worst case, lowering your speed enough so that when you do have an impact, it's at a much lower intensity.

How to Avoid “Laying It Down”

As a rider, what can you do to avoid the old “I had to lay her down” scenario? One of the first things is to choose a motorcycle equipped with ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). ABS helps in panic situations where you might grab the brakes too hard or if the surface conditions are less than ideal.

Additionally, practice emergency braking, whether your bike has ABS or not. This involves spending time on a parking lot to keep your skills sharp. You should also practice swerving, as sometimes swerving around an obstacle is a better option than braking. Another technique is the “brake and escape,” where you use emergency braking to scrub off speed but then release the brakes and swerve to avoid an unavoidable accident.

The Misconception About ABS

The next phrase we hear riders say is that they don't like motorcycles with ABS because “ABS just gets in the way.” However, according to the Police Motorcycle Roadcraft handbook, the quickest way to stop on a dry road is to brake just before the wheels lock, this is called threshold braking. ABS only activates when your tires lock up, meaning if it’s kicking in, something is wrong with the braking technique.

Understanding Threshold Braking: A Key Technique for Safe Driving

If you've ever found yourself in a situation where you need to stop your vehicle quickly, you might have heard about a technique called threshold braking. But what exactly is it, and how can it help you become a safer, more effective driver? Let's dive into the basics of this essential driving skill.

What is Threshold Braking?

Threshold braking is a riding technique used to maximize the braking performance of a vehicle. The goal is to apply the brakes with enough force to slow down the vehicle rapidly without locking up the wheels and losing traction. This technique is especially useful in situations that require sudden stopping, such as emergencies or driving on slippery surfaces.

Why is Threshold Braking Important?

1. Maintains Traction: By preventing wheel lock-up, threshold braking ensures that the tires maintain maximum contact with the road, providing better control and stability.

2. Shortens Stopping Distance: Properly executed, this technique can significantly reduce the distance required to bring the vehicle to a stop, which is crucial in avoiding collisions.

3. Improves Safety: In emergencies, the ability to stop quickly and safely can prevent accidents and save lives.

Understanding ABS

ABS sits in the background and never interferes during normal street riding. If ABS is activating, you’re either using poor braking techniques or riding too aggressively for the conditions. A proper assessment of why you think ABS is getting in the way is essential because it should not activate under normal conditions.

The Helmet and Neck Injury Myth

The third myth is that helmets cause neck injuries. This belief stems from a study in the 1980s by Jonathan P. Goldstein, which suggested that helmets increased neck injuries. However, this study has not been replicated, and newer studies show that helmets actually reduce neck injuries and provide significant protection against head injuries.

The Importance of Helmets

Helmets protect against more than just neck injuries; they significantly reduce traumatic head injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration states that helmets make riders 35% less likely to die in an accident and reduce traumatic brain injuries by 67%.

In my research, I found several studies, with the best one linked at MC Rider Helmet Study. This study provides comprehensive data on helmets' impact on neck and head injuries, offering you the information needed to make an informed decision.

Conclusion

Personally, I believe that helmets save lives. They offer the best protection and increase the odds of surviving a crash. While I support individual rights and a rider's choice, the facts are clear: helmets do not increase neck injuries and significantly reduce head injuries and fatalities.

For more in-depth discussions, join the forums at MCrider Member.

See you on the road.