Motorcycle Myths That Need to Die (Before You Do)

Let’s clear the air and bust some long-standing myths— Whether they’re about gear, performance, or maintenance, buying into a myth can cost you money, performance, or worse—your safety.         At Fastback Moto, we believe in cutting through the BS and keeping riders 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 MYTHS

❌ “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.

✅ 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.

❌ “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.

✅ 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.

❌ “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.

✅ 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.

❌ “Leather offers the best protection.”

Leather’s tough—but many modern textile suits outperform it in abrasion resistance, weatherproofing, and armor placement.

✅ 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.

🔻 “You don’t need gear for short rides.”

Most accidents happen close to home, not on long hauls.

✅ We recommend: Always gear up. Even for a 5-minute ride, gloves, a helmet, jacket, and boots can prevent lifelong injuries.

🔻 “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.

✅ We recommend: Know and follow Utah lane filtering laws, and do it safely: low speed, awareness, and consideration.

🔧 MAINTENANCE MYTHS

🔻 “Follow the pressure printed on the tire.”

That’s the maximum pressure, not the ideal one for your bike.

✅ We recommend: Always check your owner’s manual or swingarm sticker for the correct PSI, adjusted for load and riding conditions.

🔻 “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.

✅ We recommend: A full spring check. Want help? Schedule a pre-season tune-up or check out our [Winter Storage Tips](future link) to avoid issues next year.

🔻 “Used bikes save money.”

Sometimes. Other times, they’re a money pit in disguise.

✅ We recommend: Never buy blind. Schedule our 30-minute pre-purchase inspection to catch hidden issues before they cost you.

🔻 “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.

✅ We recommend: Match your tube to your terrain and usage. Ask us if you’re not sure.

🔻 “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.

✅ We recommend: Use additives like STA-BIL during storage, and always run fresh, high-quality fuel—not lawnmower leftovers.

🔻 “Regular revving keeps your engine healthy.”

Free-revving while idling just builds heat, wears parts, and wastes fuel.

✅ We recommend: Take it for a real ride, or use a battery tender during downtime. Cold revving = no real benefit.

🔧 PERFORMANCE & CUSTOMIZATION MYTHS

🔻 “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.

✅ We recommend: Tune with intent. Stay tuned for our upcoming post on [Aftermarket Mods We Actually Recommend](future link).

🔻 “American made is always better.”

We love U.S. brands—but even Harley, Indian, and big-name gear makers use global parts. The truth is: quality varies by component, not country.

✅ We recommend: Focus on proven build quality and user experience. A well-made part is a well-made part—wherever it’s assembled.

🔻 “The newest model is always the best.”

New bikes often mean new tech—but not always better reliability or value.

✅ We recommend: Check out our upcoming feature on [New vs. Legendary Bikes](future link) for perspective.

🔻 “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.

✅ 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.

 

❌ “Helmets block your view”
Modern full-face helmets are rigorously tested for visibility and typically provide a 210° field of view—more than your own peripheral vision can process. If anything, they reduce wind and debris distractions.
✅ We recommend properly-fitted full-face helmets for the best protection, visibility, and comfort.

❌ “Helmets increase spinal injuries”
This myth dates back to a misinterpreted 1980s study. Modern helmet tech, like rotational impact systems (MIPS, 6D, and Leatt’s Turbine tech), actually reduces the risk of both brain and neck injuries.
✅ Leatt helmets and neck braces are engineered specifically to reduce cervical stress during impact.

❌ “Only wusses wear gear”
ATGATT (“All The Gear, All The Time”) isn’t about fear—it’s about respect for the ride and your own body. Even seasoned riders get hit by distracted drivers.
✅ Wearing gear is a sign of experience, not weakness. And yes, we carry some great lightweight summer gear.

❌ “Leather always offers the best protection”
Leather is durable—but CE-rated textiles often outperform it in abrasion resistance, especially in wet conditions. And they’re usually lighter and more breathable.
✅ The best gear is the one you’ll actually wear. Come try on options that fit your style and climate.

❌ “You don’t need gear for short rides”
Most crashes happen close to home—often on those quick grocery runs or coffee cruises.
✅ Your skin doesn’t know if you were going 10 or 100 mph. Short ride? Still gear up.

🏍️ Riding Technique Myths

❌ “Don’t use your front brakes unless you have to”
The front brake provides 70–90% of your stopping power. Avoiding it drastically increases your stopping distance and risk.
✅ Learn progressive front brake application—take a course or ask us about technique clinics.

❌ “Loud pipes save lives”
There’s no real data supporting this. Most drivers can’t hear you until you’re already past them. Visibility and defensive riding save lives—plus loud pipes can annoy your neighbors and attract tickets.
✅ We recommend bright gear, good positioning, and aftermarket horns over exhaust noise.

❌ “Lane splitting is always dangerous”
In Utah, lane filtering is legal under certain conditions. When done properly, it reduces rear-end collisions in traffic.
✅ Know the law, ride respectfully, and stay visible. And yes, we support lane filtering—it keeps us safer.

❌ “I’m too experienced to crash”
Overconfidence is the #1 enemy of experienced riders. Skill helps—but physics and distracted drivers don’t care how long you’ve been riding.
✅ The best riders are always learning. Advanced riding courses make you sharper, not softer.

❌ “I don’t need a training course”
Riding is a perishable skill. Even racers keep training. Courses help you refine reflexes and reduce bad habits.
✅ Hone your skills. Ask us about local courses, MSF classes, or refresher clinics.

🔧 Maintenance & Mechanical Myths

❌ “Heavy duty tubes are always better”
They resist pinch flats, sure—but they also increase rotational mass and build more heat. They’re not ideal for every rider or terrain.
✅ Ask us which tubes match your riding style. Balance durability with performance.

❌ “Use the PSI printed on the tire”
That number is the maximum pressure—not the recommended setting. Always go by your bike manufacturer’s specs (usually found on the swingarm or in the owner’s manual).
✅ Need help? We’ll check and set it right for your load and conditions.

❌ “Aftermarket parts always boost performance”
Not all upgrades are created equal. Some “performance” exhausts reduce low-end torque or cause tuning issues.
✅ We’ll help you pick mods that actually improve your bike. Stay tuned for a future blog on our most-trusted parts.

❌ “Regular revving keeps your engine healthy”
Revving a cold engine can do more harm than good—especially with tight engine tolerances. Warm it up properly and ride gently at first.
✅ Let your engine heat evenly before pushing it. Revving at idle = stress, not success.

❌ “American-made bikes are always better”
We love Harley too—but let’s be honest: Japanese, European, and even Chinese parts show up on nearly every bike these days.
✅ A good bike is a well-maintained bike—regardless of country of origin.

❌ “Newer bikes are always better”
Not true. Plenty of older bikes have better reliability, character, or even handling. New doesn’t always mean improved.
✅ We’ll post a list soon of new and classic bikes we swear by.

🛠️ Buying & Ownership Myths

❌ “Used bikes are always cheaper”
Some are a steal. Some are a trap. You won’t know until you inspect them thoroughly.
✅ Don’t buy blind—book a 30-minute pre-purchase inspection with us to save hundreds later.

❌ “If it ran in the winter, it’s good to go now”
Batteries drain. Tires lose pressure. Fuel goes stale. Gummed carbs and clogged injectors are real spring killers.
✅ Get your bike checked out after winter. We have a full Spring Prep checklist—ask us!

❌ “Fuel additives boost performance”
Some additives help preserve fuel or clean systems—but they won’t make a weak engine stronger or magically raise octane.
✅ Use high-quality gas and a stabilizer when needed. We’ll recommend what works—not snake oil.

These myths stick around because they sound logical or they’ve been repeated for years—but that doesn’t make them true. If you’re ever unsure about something you’ve heard in the garage or online, ask us. We’re here to help.

Have you heard a myth that sounds sketchy?
Send it our way—we’ll break it down for you, Or better yet, stop by Fastback Moto and we’ll walk you through what actually works for your ride.

Don’t trust your safety to rumors. Trust a shop that rides.
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