Motorcycle Myths That Need To Die (Before You Do)
Motorcycle Myths That Need to Die (Before You Do)
Let’s clear the air and bust some long-standing myths throughout the motorcycle community. Whether they’re about safety, gear, performance, or maintenance, buying into a myth can cost your hard earned money and a slightly shameful visit to a local motorcycle shop. At Fastback Moto, we believe in cutting through the BS and helping you stay safe on the road with smart, safe, and fact-based riding practices.
Whether you’re on the road, on the trail, or in the garage, here’s what’s real and what’s BS.
🛡️ SAFETY & GEAR
❌ MYTH
❌ “Full-face helmets block your vision.”
Not true. DOT- and ECE-certified full-face helmets must meet strict field-of-vision standards. typically provide a 210° field of view—more than your own peripheral vision can process. If your helmet feels limiting, it’s likely a fit issue, not a design flaw.
❌ “Helmets increase the risk of spinal injury.”
This myth came from a debunked study in the 1980s. Modern helmets distribute force to reduce trauma to the brain and neck.
❌ “Only wusses wear protective gear.”
This one’s as tired as an unbalanced chain. Protective gear isn’t about fear—it’s about respect: for yourself, your passengers, and the road.
❌ “Leather offers the best protection.”
Leather’s tough—but many modern textile suits outperform it in abrasion resistance, weatherproofing, and armor placement.
❌ “You don’t need gear for short rides.”
Most accidents happen close to home, not on long hauls.
❌“Lane splitting is dangerous.”
In Utah, lane filtering is legal in certain situations. It’s not the same as California-style splitting, and when done correctly, it’s been shown to reduce rear-end collisions.
✅ FACT
✅ We recommend properly fitted full-face helmets for the best protection, visibility, and comfort.
Bonus: it protects your face from wind, bugs, rain, and road debris.
✅ We recommend: Look into gear like Leatt’s helmet + neck brace system—designed to reduce rotational forces and protect your cervical spine. Better tech, smarter safety.
Better Tech, Smarter Safety
✅ We recommend: Find gear that’s CE-rated, fits right, and is comfortable enough that you’ll actually wear it. The best gear is the gear you’ll put on every ride, even for a quick trip.
✅ We recommend: Look at textiles with CE Level 2 armor, high-denier fabrics, and impact zones. The best gear for you is what fits, protects, and breathes well enough to use consistently.
✅ We recommend: Always gear up. Even for a 5-minute ride, gloves, a helmet, jacket, and boots can prevent lifelong injuries.
✅ We recommend: Know and follow Utah lane filtering laws, and do it safely: low speed, awareness, and consideration.
🔧 MAINTENANCE MYTHS
❌ MYTH
❌“Follow the pressure printed on the tire.”
That’s the maximum pressure, not the ideal one for your bike.
❌“If my bike ran fine in winter, it’s good to go now.”
After winter, your battery might be weak, tire pressure low, fuel stale, or carbs gummy.
❌“Used bikes save money.”
Sometimes. Other times, they’re a money pit in disguise.
❌“Heavy-duty tubes are always better.”
HD tubes are great for off-road abuse, but they can overheat or be harder to change for daily riders.
❌“Fuel additives boost performance or fix bad gas.”
Some stabilizers help keep fuel fresh, but they won’t “fix” old gas or act as miracle performance boosters.
❌”Regular revving keeps your engine healthy.”
Free-revving while idling just builds heat, wears parts, and wastes fuel.
✅ FACT
✅ We recommend: Always check your owner’s manual or swingarm sticker for the correct PSI, adjusted for load and riding conditions.
✅ We recommend: A full spring check. Want help? Schedule a pre-season tune-up or check out our Winter Storage Tips to avoid issues next year.
✅ We recommend: Never buy blind. Schedule our 30-minute pre-purchase inspection to catch hidden issues before they cost you.
✅ We recommend: Match your tube to your terrain and usage. Ask us if you’re not sure.
✅ We recommend: Use additives like STA-BIL during storage, and always run fresh, high-quality fuel—not lawnmower leftovers.
✅ We recommend: Take it for a real ride, or use a battery tender during downtime. Cold revving = no real benefit.
🔧 PERFORMANCE & CUSTOMIZATION MYTHS
❌ MYTH
❌“Aftermarket parts always improve performance”
Some do, but many aftermarket exhausts or intakes reduce performance if not tuned properly. You may lose torque or run lean.
❌“American made is always better.”
We love U.S. brands, however, even Harley, Indian, and big-name gear producers use global parts. The truth is: quality varies by component, not country.
❌“The newest model is always the best.”
New bikes often mean new tech. Although it doesn’t always mean better reliability or value.
❌”I’ve been riding for years. I don’t need a training course.”
Experience is great—but skills fade. And road conditions, laws, and bikes evolve.
✅ FACT
✅ We recommend: Tune with intent. Stay tuned for our upcoming post on Aftermarket Mods We Actually Recommend.
✅ We recommend: Focus on proven build quality and user experience. A well-made part, wherever it’s assembled.
✅ We recommend: Check out our upcoming feature on New vs. Legendary Bikes for perspective.
✅ We recommend: Take an advanced or refresher course every few years. Many insurance companies even offer discounts.
🚦 Final Thoughts: Let’s Keep Each Other Rolling
Whether you’re wrenching, riding, or just getting back in the saddle, having accurate information matters. The more truth we share as a riding community, the safer—and more fun—it gets for all of us.
✅ Want to ride smarter this season?
- Bring your bike in for a spring checkup or safety inspection
- Schedule a 30-min pre-purchase inspection before buying used
- Ask us any myth you’ve heard—and let us bust it with facts
👇 Drop your questions, comments, or myths you’ve heard in the comments below or swing by the shop. We’re always down to talk bikes—and set the record straight.