Comments on: 19 Common Motorcycle Myths

By: Michael J Capoccia

Michael J Capoccia — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 18:15:07 +0000

loud pipies…Okay IF you want a loud pipe to warn other drivers about you. then you have to ppint the open end forward. the noise pattern of an exhaust pipe is a lot like a trumpet the noise exit in the direction of of the bore with faairly small side lobes (noise going forward). so in effect you suprise a car driver as you go past.

here is a controlled study showing that the MC is not heard until about 40feet away at BEST. giving no time for a car driver to react well.

https://motoadn.ro/test-motorcycle-loud-pipes/

By: Michael J Capoccia

Michael J Capoccia — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 17:58:13 +0000

In reply to Steve Larsen. Kevlar and cordura in several studies show better protection from impact but lesser for abrasion. on the road the bigger issue is impact not abrasion. unless you are playing ricky racer which is a death wish anyway. Leather drawbacks .MAINTAINANCE> lether deteriorates rapidly unless manitained. Ihave experiance on damp leather (bates) tuning into a host for various aliein looking life forms back in my road racing days (I realluy men days..i succked)

By: Jim Morrison

Jim Morrison — Wed, 08 Nov 2023 17:18:26 +0000

Re: Myth #1, loud pipes are annoying when you are behind the noise at almost any distance short of a half mile. This comment is kind of about deer whistles. While riding through deer country on a 94 VFR I have noticed that deer seem to be more aware of the high pitch coming from gear driven cams. They perk up their ears and turn away quickly, and usually disappear to the forest every time. Just a theory, but I think it has merit due to the number of times I have observed it, although “simply paying attention” may be contributing to my experiment. Thank you for the article. As I used to tell my crew during safety meetings, it only takes a second to find yourself in trouble no matter what you’re doing. Pay Attention!

By: Kenneth Queto

Kenneth Queto — Mon, 06 Nov 2023 17:07:25 +0000

Good article I’ve heard and seen all of those bad ideas in my50 plus years of riding. One reason for “leathers ” still being still made of leather is it works well in regards to abrasion protection and does not melt like some synthetic material. Probably more important is some synthetic materials have such low drag factors that they don’t slow the rider down in a slide and even allow the rider to accelerate on impact. The first generation of synthetic race suits on the market failed due to their reputation for extending the length of the slide after impact. Of course this old information from my club racing days back in the 1970’s,when we had ancient technology.

By: Merv

Merv — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 11:50:03 +0000

In reply to Snowdog. I’m on my 3rd c/t on my 3rd Wing. Some C/Ts have more curvature than others, so you need to be selective for the best handling. Low speed (parking lots) can be tricky. “Ride it like you stole it” can be a good friend at the right time and right place. I will say this, never go “darkside” on the front. Being forced onto gravel roads for whatever reasons can become a handful in handling. .

By: Russ Thompson

Russ Thompson — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 04:57:12 +0000

Riders that believe a car tire is a good option have “zero” engineering sense and even less common sense. I can’t even begin to explain how idiotic it is to run a car tire on a bike.

By: Rob

Rob — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 01:56:14 +0000

I’ve been riding daily since 1970, legally since 1974. Spot on. Maybe re wet weather gear. I wear all my waterproof protective gear then a1 piece plastic over suit and plastic over boots. That will keep hands and body dry all day. You won’t Leo hands dry. In the wet pot you good warm gloves in the top box and wear light gloves with handle bar heater on. When you ride out of the rain pot your nice dry warm gloves back on.

By: Chris Keller

Chris Keller — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 16:08:20 +0000

In reply to Douglas W Freeman. I disagreed with a few of these myself, good points. But if someone can outride you on a car tire, they just a better rider than you are.

By: Steve Larsen

Steve Larsen — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 21:28:01 +0000

In reply to Tim. Tim, I did some more looking around WRT your question on Leather vs. Kevlar and Cordura for MotoGP racers. You are right, those road racing suits contain leather. Based on a lot of research and studies I found, leather is ideal for slides. Kevlar and Cordura are stronger and more durable. I also found MotoGP suits contain Kevlar panels as well as stretch sections with elastic fabrics like Spandex. You'll also find carbon fiber and D30 in the suits to protect shoulders, elbows, knees, and shins - strong but without impacting mobility. I hope this answers your question.

By: Steve Larsen

Steve Larsen — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 21:09:28 +0000

In reply to Snowdog.

Snowdog, thanks for your comment. The inspiration for this came from hearing the same myths reported over and over – things I knew to be false and thought everyone else did, too. Not so. Just 10 days ago while riding old Route 66 through sections of northern AZ, we came across a fellow riding a 1990’s era Goldwing with an automobile tire on the back. When I suggested to him it may not be the best idea, he countered with how he gets “far more miles” on a car tire and they’re cheaper. Some people believe some crazy stuff.