Common Myths And Misconceptions About Dirt Bikes
We're in the heart of summer and many dirt bike fanatics are soaking up the sun and tearing up the trails. But there are many urban myths and misconceptions floating around about dirt bikes about safety, crashes, and performance.
You may have heard some of these myths yourself and may have even believed them. But if you check the facts, you'll see that these common dirt bike misconceptions are actually false.
That said, here are some of the most common myths about dirt bikes.
Wearing a helmet does more harm than good
Misinformation about helmets have led some dirt bikers to believe that wearing one can do more harm to your body than good. The idea is that the increased weight of the helmet will cause your head to move around and fracture your neck when you're in an accident.
That's not true. Studies and statistics have found that there's a very low chance of sustaining a neck injury when you're in an accident. And laws require dirt bikers to wear helmets to protect your head while you ride. Your helmet is there to protect you from skull fractures in the event of a crash.
It's good to lay your bike down before a crash
The idea behind this myth is that you'll be safer when your dirt bike is at ground level so you're not thrown into the air when you get into an accident. But in truth, laying your dirt bike down will actually make you crash even faster.
The rubber of your tires are designed for off-roading, which means they stop better than plastic and metal. It's better to try and slow down before your crash than to lay your bike down.
What's more, accidents often happen too fast for a dirt biker to lay their bike down in the first place. Oftentimes, you're not even aware when you're going to crash.
Younger riders are at greater risk of an accident
It's true that new riders are at greater risk of injury because they lack experience while they're out riding on the trails. But older dirt bikers aren't any less susceptible to crashing.
In fact, more experienced dirt bikers who believe their experience means they're safe from collisions and injuries can end up getting seriously hurt if they're not careful. No matter your age, it's important to wear the proper safety gear and equipment while you're out dirt biking or motorcycling.
Are you looking for dirt bike equipment?
It's no joke that motorcycles and dirt bikes are some of the most favored recreational vehicles. According to the Department of Transportation, there were up to 8,410,255 motorcycles registered in just the U.S. eight years ago. That means one out of every 36 people you meet owns a motorcycle.
If you're looking for motorcycle equipment or dirt bike equipment to repair your ride, or if you're in the market for a new ride, Nelson's Speed Shop has what you're in the market for. For more information about our dirt bike equipment or to ask about our dirt bikes for sale, contact Nelson's Speed Shop today.