Riding a motorcycle is therapeutic for many riders, helping them to relax after a stressful day. But there are aspects of motorcycle touring that can upset or exhaust riders.
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1. Flat Tires
Motorcycles don't have enough room to carry spare tires. It does not help that the front and rear wheels are often different, meaning you cannot substitute one for the other.
If you get a flat tire, your trip will come to a complete stop. It is best to have tubeless tires, a puncture repair kit, and an air compressor with you, especially if you plan to go on longer rides.
The likelihood of getting a flat tire is higher when riding a motorcycle. Running over a loose nail or hitting a pothole are common ways for tires to become flattened. At least one of your tires has likely become flat if your motorcycle starts to tremble or is less responsive.
1.1 How to Prepare for a Flat Tire?
To lessen the likelihood of getting a flat tire and to be ready for when it occurs, there are several steps you can take:
- Check Your Tires' Tread Depth, Pressure, and General Condition Regularly: Low tire pressure may slowly flatten the tires and hasten tire wear if you continue riding. Make sure to look over the tires for any signs of wear and tear, punctures, or damage.
- Carry a Tire Repair Kit: If your motorbike has room to carry it, make sure to have a tire repair kit with you. Though using a tire repair kit is only a temporary solution, it will allow you to reach your destination or the shop where it can be repaired properly.
2. Carrying Luggage
It is easier to carry belongings on a shorter trip, but less so when traveling longer distances.
Backpacks are the worst option for carrying luggage on a long-distance trip. They make it impossible to ride with a companion since the backpack takes up the passenger seat. Also, as you are riding, your weight may constantly shift towards the sides.
To carry belongings, some motorcyclists mount saddlebags; however, they can add weight which makes it more difficult to maneuver and can't be carried with you when you are off your motorcycle.
Another type of motorcycle luggage includes tank bags. These bags have magnets to attach to the tank, making them useful for storing items you wish to keep close at hand. However, they have limited storage capacity.
3. Traffic
No rider likes to deal with traffic since you are forced to stop and wait in long lines of buses and other vehicles.
Every rider wants to avoid traffic since the exhaust fumes can overwhelm you.
4. Accidents
Motorcycle accidents are more likely to occur than with any other vehicle. Other vehicles like cars have airbags, seatbelts, and canopies. Motorcycles are not fitted with such safety measures.
Due to the lack of protection, an accident could result in you being flung off your vehicle and your motorcycle being badly damaged. The best way to reduce the risk of injury is to get the appropriate riding gear.
Here are ways you can reduce the risk of getting into an accident:
- Always wear a helmet
- Scan your surrounding
- Ride at the speed limit
- Stay in your lane
- Wear proper riding gear
- Avoid riding in bad weather conditions
- Practice and improve your riding skills
5. Carrying Helmet
After parking their motorcycles, many riders have to choose whether to bring their helmets with them or not. Many people choose to leave their helmets on their bikes, while others feel uncomfortable leaving their helmets unsupervised.
If you ride mostly in cities, you are probably familiar with the struggle of figuring out how to carry or store your helmet. In addition to carrying it, you also need to find ways to keep it from being badly damaged.
6. Helmet Hair
Helmet hair is only an issue if you need to go to a job or an event. When your helmet is left on your head for a long time, your hair may become matted, flattened, or ruined after it is removed.
Another issue is that wearing a helmet for a long time may result in hair loss. Your helmet constantly pulling at your hair may cause the roots to be brought closer to the surface of the scalp. The hairs at the front of the scalp may stop growing as a result of their roots losing their anchorage in the scalp. This condition is known as "traction alopecia."
7. Rain
Rain is irritating for a variety of reasons, often because it results in riders getting soaked, wheels often losing traction, and reduced visibility.
It is more difficult to ride in the rain. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 75% of weather-related crashes are due to slick pavement. According to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration, motorcycle riders are significantly more likely to get into severe collisions. For motorcyclists, it is crucial to practice safe riding habits when riding a motorbike in the rain.
Here are ways you can ride safely in the rain:
- Ride slowly
- Avoid suddenly turning and braking
- Constantly scan the road for oil spots, puddles, or other road hazards
- Avoid leaning too far
- Wear waterproof riding gear
8. Fatigue
Even if you ride responsibly, you will experience pain and discomfort if you ride for a lengthy period of time. Longer rides are more difficult to handle, thus requiring you to take frequent breaks. It is best to fit your motorcycle with a silica-coated seat if you intend to go on a long trip.
Here’s how to reduce discomfort or fatigue on longer rides:
- Take short breaks at regular intervals
- Get a comfortable motorcycle seat
- Get plenty of sleep
- Keep yourself hydrated
- Do not drink alcohol or medication
9. Buses and Trucks
Buses and trucks are often disliked by motorcycle riders due to being slow, noisy, and constantly blowing smoke in your face. At a stop sign, stopping next to a bus will make you feel like you are inhaling exhaust fumes.
10. Sore Buttocks
After a few hours of riding a motorcycle, your rear will start to feel sore. Most seats only ensure comfort when doing short commutes, with the rim and baseplate underneath the cushion gradually digging into your bottom as time goes on. Recently, silica-coated seats have grown in popularity due to offering better comfort. But even they cannot completely eliminate soreness in your buttocks due to riding for an extended period.
11. Last Words
Motorcycle riding is a passion for many people who enjoy riding and need a healthy way to deal with stress. But at the same time, there are a few things that all motorcycle riders hate. To make motorcycle riding easier and more comfortable, it is recommended you find plausible ways to make these problems more manageable.
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