Staying safe on the road may be harder for motorcyclists because of their limited protection. These motorcycle riding myths can make it harder. 

Safety Myths Motorcyclists Should Ignore

If you're a motorcyclist, you know there are plenty of myths associated with staying safe on the road. These are just a few of the most popular myths you should ignore if you want to stay safe on your ride.

Leather Gear Is for Looking Cool

Let's be honest, leather jackets do make just about anyone look cooler, but this isn't the reason motorcyclists wear them. Leather is actually the perfect material for riding because it offers great abrasion resistance and some of the best insulation properties. This means it can protect motorcyclists from cuts and scrapes that may not be too uncommon on the road. During colder days, a leather jacket can keep motorcyclists warmer and well protected from inclement weather. You also don't have to stop at a leather jacket. There are plenty of other leather biker items you can invest in, including gloves, boots, and vests.

Full Face Helmets Limit Visibility

Many people think that helmets which offer face protection can reduce visibility because of the added material. The truth, however, is far from that. In fact, full face helmets that follow the Departments of Transportations's safety standards will provide a 210 degree field of view. This means that your peripheral vision won't be affected by the added protection your helmet includes. Not only will your view not be obstructed, the added protection can also keep bugs, wind, and other debris out of your eyes and face, allowing for better visibility.

Streets Are Safer Than Highways

The idea behind this myth is that since you travel at lower speeds on city streets, motorcyclists will be safer. Unfortunately, the majority of accidents involving motorcyclists occur on city streets. Part of the reason motorcyclists may be safer on highways is because of the wider lanes. This extra space gives motorcyclists a larger pocket to travel in while keeping a safer distance from other vehicles. Highways may also include some sort of center divider, keeping opposing traffic to a minimum. While this may seem unimportant, motorcyclists know just how dangerous opposing traffic can be, especially when drivers are distracted. Even if a motorcyclist doesn't get hit by opposing traffic, simply getting clipped or having to swerve out of the way of a distracted driver is enough to put a motorcyclist in real danger. To stay safe on the road, be sure to keep your motorcycle properly maintained. To start, give it a synthetic oil change in Kyle. Contact the oil experts at Syntex Lubricants at (512) 848- 8240 to learn more about the benefits of synthetic oil. To check out their full range of AMSOIL Oil products, head over to their online shop.

Helmets Don't Help

If you're considering riding your motorcycle without a helmet, don't. While some people may think that helmets break necks during accidents or that they cause more damage than good, this simply isn't true. Helmets that meet DOT standards offer great protection and can even reduce the occurrence of neck injuries during an accident. Helmets don't increase the risk of accidents if they fit right and are up to standard. Since most accidents happen at lower or reasonable speeds, your helmet will definitely help reduce the chances of suffering potential injuries.

Big Bikes Are Good for Beginners

Most experienced motorcyclists know this isn't true, but beginners may not understand why. To put it simply, larger bikes are heavier, making them more difficult to maneuver. Larger bikes also offer higher torque, which will be easier to handle with some experience under your belt. While a larger motorcycle may look cool and can impress your friends, they'll be less than impressed when you end up slipping off your bike. If you're a beginner, stick to something that's comfortable for you and that is made for your level of experience.

Be Heard to Stay Safe

It's not uncommon to hear a motorcycle before you see it. While a loud exhaust pipe may draw some attention your way, it may not be the best way to ensure other drivers see you. Since your exhaust pipe shoots noise rearward, the drivers in front of you may not even notice the extra noise. If they have their windows up and are listening to the radio, they may not notice the noise at all. The best way to stay safe is to ride defensively and to stay seen. This means staying out of vehicles' blindspots, increasing following distance, wearing reflective clothing, and ensuring your motorcycle's lights are working properly for night rides.

Synthetic Motorcycle Oil in Kyle

Prepare your motorcycle for the winter with a synthetic oil change in Kyle. To find the perfect synthetic motorcycle oil, contact Syntex Lubricants at (512) 848- 8240. Their experts can recommend products like AMSOIL's 20W-50 Synthetic V-Twin Motorcycle Oil, which is designed to give your engine maximum protection.