Things Non-Riders Say That Make No Sense

As a motorcyclist, you’ve no doubt grown accustomed to being outnumbered, both on and off the road. But somewhat annoyingly, motorcycles are just common enough that everyone fancies themself something of an expert on the topic, even if they’ve never thrown a leg over a bike.

No doubt you’ve heard some variation or another of the following bold assertions, and most often presented as accepted truth rather than some misguided opinion.

Prepare to roll your eyes, grit your teeth, bite your tongue, and re-live your frustration:

“You Know Those Things are Called Donor Cycles for a Reason…”

Motorcycle safety is the primary topic where non-riders feel like they know better than actual riders. 

And safety is a huge topic of conversation here. There is no argument: riding a motorcycle carries additional risks relative to driving an armored four-wheel vehicle. 

However, “relative” is the operative term. It’s more accurate to say that “riding a motorcycle is somewhat less safe than driving a car” than it is to say “riding a motorcycle is dangerous.”

Additionally, the inherent risks of riding a motorcycle can be significantly lessened with some basic steps that largely mitigate them. If someone learns the proper technique, rides defensively, follows the rules of the road, gears up properly, heeds the conditions, and – most importantly – doesn’t ride while impaired – motorcycling is a generally safe activity. 

It never comes with zero risks, but neither does a game of basketball, a walk on the sidewalk, or a drive to the local grocery store, and no one ever screams at you or calls you an idiot for doing any of those.

“You Must Have a Deathwish…”

This one is related to the previous example, but dedicated to riders who either race or partake in track day rides on a closed-circuit.

Non-riders assume that anyone who does these things is driven by adrenaline alone with no concern for their welfare. 

In fact, the opposite is true. Testing the upper limits of your skills and the capabilities of your motorcycle are hugely rewarding experiences, but ones that can only be safely performed on a racetrack.

And doing so requires much more than adrenaline – it also requires technique, training, finesse, and practiced judgement. 

Remove cars and walls from the equation, and even crashing in a controlled environment becomes remarkably less fraught. 

“Motorcycles are an Anti-Social Nuisance”

Many drivers are offended by the mere presence of motorcycles on the road. They think we “block” traffic (umm… we are traffic), yet take offense when we are allowed to split or filter through lanes (which actually reduces congestion for everyone).

They hate the noise associated with motorcycles, even though the majority of riders conform to noise regulations and can be considerably quieter than many souped-up autos or cranked-up car radios.

Again, we’re a part of traffic. Motorcycles and motorcyclists come in many different forms. In fact, the majority of bikers found in heavy traffic situations are simple commuters looking to get to work in a convenient, economical manner. 

That’s pretty far removed from the anti-social tag. 

“You Must be in a Gang”

Granted, if you’re a rider, you really should find yourself a group of like-minded individuals to take to the road with, however organized or official. 

But that’s far removed from the Hollywood-fueled nightmare of the lawless gang of thugs and criminals many non-riders associate with a “motorcycle gang.”

While there’s a glimmer of reality supporting that depiction, it’s akin to assuming someone is a mafioso or yakuza simply due to their descent.

It’s ridiculous and, frankly, insulting.

“Is That Your (Son’s/Boyfriend’s/Friend’s) Bike?”

Too many assume that motorcycles are the exclusive domain of young white males.

That’s just plain wrong and becoming less and less accurate by the day.

Every year, women, older, and non-white riders become an increasingly large and important percentage of the overall demographic.

Some non-rider minds are just slower in catching on to that reality.

“Nice Ninja!”

Okay, you saw Top Gun. But no, not every sportbike is a “Ninja.”

Similarly, not every cruiser is a “Hog.”