Pros & Cons of Group Motorcycle Riding

Some riders like to be surrounded by their friends when creating new memories. Others are lone wolves who prefer to ride solo. Motorcyclists must take certain precautions while riding with a group to ensure better safety and visibility on the road. This article will discuss the pros and cons of group motorcycle riding.

1. Group Motorcycle Riding

Group motorcycle riding is an opportunity for a fun sport for motorcyclists to meet new people and make friends. Motorcyclists often form groups with other people who share similar interests. The best way to meet other motorcyclists is to become part of a motorcycle club and become acquainted with its members.

There are many riders who prefer to go for solo riding but both solo and group riding have their own perks and benefits.

2. Pros and Cons of Group Motorcycle Riding

Listed below are the pros and cons of group motorcycle riding:

3. Advantages

3.1 Company

Most riders feel most comfortable traveling with like-minded individuals on board refers to good company. Motorcyclists can discuss various topics without fear of judgment. Having good company also gives you the chance to ask your fellow riders questions and learn new skills.

3.2 Visibility

It is easier to spot a line of motorcycles than a single one. Riding alone, even while wearing reflective gear, runs the risk of not being detected by other drivers due to how compact they are. But when motorcyclists ride in groups, they can be easily spotted by other drivers and pedestrians. The noise generated by a number of motorcycles is often the first thing to draw attention.

3.3 Security

Riding in a group may discourage thieves and pickpockets from attempting to steal your belongings. Motorcyclists in a group take care of each other and look out for each other’s motorcycles and accessories.

3.4 Discover New Locations

Group rides can involve discovering new locations. Every motorcyclist has something new to share with the whole group which can result in learning new things frequently. In a group, motorcyclists must ride with a sufficient distance between them and other motorcyclists to avoid mishaps.

3.5 Organized Rides

Making sure to plan the route for your group ride beforehand will ensure better organization on the road. It is recommended to have a meeting to review the route, rest stops, instructions, and riding order before setting out to ensure every rider knows what to expect. This makes the whole journey a smooth one.

3.6 Motorcycle Club Membership

When riding in a group, you may get the opportunity to meet members of a motorcycle club. If you develop a close bond with a club member and express interest in joining their club, they may introduce you as an aspiring member. Having such connections may improve your chances and reduce the time necessary to gain full club membership. Motorcycle clubs conduct functions that allow motorcyclists to build connections. These connections help you to gain familiarity in the desired circle.

3.7 Riding Advice

Riding in groups gives you an opportunity to watch more experienced motorcyclists and learn how to imitate their safe riding habits. You can also ask for riding tips from your fellow riders. Even if you consider yourself an experienced motorcyclist, motorcycle riding can be an ongoing learning process, so never hesitate to ask for advice. Sometimes even the little things confuse riders, for instance, gripping the throttle, or putting feet on the footpegs. With the right advice, motorcyclists can turn into professionals.

3.8 Extra Hands to Help with Repairs

If your motorcycle suffers a breakdown due to mechanical issues, the other riders in your group can help you identify the problem and make repairs. Having multiple people working on your motorcycle will help get it fixed faster than it would have been doing it alone. This negates the need to call for roadside assistance or take your motorcycle to a repair shop.

4. Disadvantages

Listed below are the disadvantages of group motorcycle riding:

4.1 Longer Breaks

Group motorcycle rides require longer breaks. After riding for a long time, motorcyclists need to stop at restaurants or hotels to get sufficient rest. It also takes longer to refuel at gas stations if there are more vehicles than gas pumps available. Also, some riders may want to make frequent stops outside of the planned breaks, which can result in getting to the destination later than planned.

4.2 New Members

It can take time to get acquainted with new people in your group. Not every motorcycle group is open to newcomers due to being less experienced. Many motorcyclists have little tolerance for newcomers who have difficulty following the rules and regulations of the group.

4.3 Egotistical Riders

Occasionally, you may have to deal with egotistical riders who feel the need to show off their motorbikes or their riding skills. This kind of behavior can disrupt the riding order and increase the risk of a collision with members of the group or other vehicles. If a rider shows signs of being difficult, it is best to remove them from the group rather than risk future arguments. It is better to keep your ego in check and stay away from such egoistic riders.

4.4 Unwanted Attention

Motorcycle riding groups may draw more attention than a single motorcyclist. If a single member of the group is not following the speed limit or violates any road laws, it could result in the group getting in trouble with the police.

4.5 Showcasing Abilities

Riding in a group gives motorcyclists a chance to showcase their skills to the entire group. On the other hand, if a motorcyclist is riding alone he won’t be proving anything to anyone. Group riding gives motorcyclists a sense of being watched so they try to show off whatever knowledge or skill they have. Showcasing your abilities becomes a life-threatening situation when this results in overspeeding and motorcyclists’ lives are compromised.

4.6 Difficulty Keeping Pace

When riding with a group, you must follow the pace of the other riders. You cannot ride too slowly or quickly or you risk accidentally bumping into the other riders. If you are a group leader, it is your responsibility to set the average speed and communicate with the other riders to ensure they follow it.

4.7 Different Interests

Even though the route, rest stops, and locations to visit are decided before the start of the trip, some members may want to alter the plan during the ride. Many riders are unsatisfied with following the original route and want to go their own way, which could cause conflict within the group. Some members suggest a change in routes which is why many group riders dissociate themselves from the group and like to ride solo.

5. FAQs

5.1 Why is a Pre-Ride Meeting Important?

A pre-ride meeting is when the group decides every step of the route, including when and where to stop for breaks, the average travel speed, etc.

5.2 Do Group Rides Take Up a Lot of Road Space?

Motorcycle riding groups do take up a lot of space. It is better to ride in a staggered formation to leave more room for other vehicles to maneuver.

6. Final Thoughts

Motorcyclists may go riding alone or with a group depending on how they weigh the pros and cons. Group motorcycle riding ensures better visibility on the road and ensures safety in numbers. You also can ask other riders for advice and help to fix your motorcycle. Riding in groups can be dangerous if your group gets the attention of the police. Egotistical riders take pride in showing off their riding skills which can be detrimental to the group. Viking Bags has many parts and luggage options, including sissy bars, fairing, handlebars, crash bars, sissy bar bags, and saddlebags you can install for a better riding experience.