For most of us, riding a motorcycle is more than getting from A to B. It's switching off from everyday life and a close interplay between you and your machine. It's exactly this emotional closeness that has given rise to countless motorcycle myths over the years. They're passed on like old stories: in car parks, forums, on social media or over a quick coffee at the petrol station.
Many of these myths sound logical, some reassure, others sound brave. They all share one dangerous trait: they replace knowledge with belief. And that's where the problem starts. Tarmac, physics and the human body aren't impressed by experience, pride or habit.
Here we clear things up, honestly and without wagging a finger. You'll learn which safety misconceptions are particularly widespread among riders, why they persist and how in the worst case they lead to serious mistakes. It's not about scaring you. It's about looking more closely so you ride more safely and have more fun doing it.
Myth 1: riding a motorcycle is extremely dangerous
Hardly any means of transport is condemned as sweepingly as the motorcycle. To outsiders it's often a game with death, to many riders a passion with a calculable risk. The truth lies somewhere in between.
Of course riding has risks. You're more exposed, have no bodywork around you and less passive safety. But "dangerous" isn't a fixed state, it's the result of many factors. Riding style, experience, environment, weather, technology and gear change the risk enormously.
The figures are still serious: according to the German automobile club ADAC, more than 500 motorcyclists die in Germany every year and almost 10,000 are seriously injured. About a third of all motorcycle accidents are single-vehicle accidents, mostly in corners. The ADAC names riding errors and excessive speed as the main causes. The motorcycle itself is rarely the cause, but the person using it wrongly. What to look for when choosing a motorcycle jacket is covered in a separate article.
If you ride defensively and with foresight, adapt your speed and wear modern protective clothing, you reduce your risk significantly. Then riding isn't a daredevil adventure, but a conscious decision with a manageable risk.
The German Institute for Motorcycle Safety (IfZ) has many reports and statistics on accidents (German) involving at least one motorcyclist.
Myth 2: cheap motorcycle clothing protects as well as expensive clothing
This misconception is particularly treacherous because it pretends safety where there's often just a good feeling. Cheap motorcycle jackets and trousers look convincing at first glance: armour, modern cut, smart colours and CE certification. For many that's argument enough.
The decisive difference lies where you don't look straight away. High-quality motorcycle clothing is tested more thoroughly and uses more abrasion-resistant materials and stronger seams. It lasts longer in a crash, protects the joints better and noticeably reduces injuries.
Cheap clothing often saves on material thickness, armour quality and workmanship. In everyday use you hardly notice. But in a crash, seconds and millimetres decide. A jacket that tears open after a few metres on tarmac doesn't really protect you. More in Cheap motorcycle clothing: why it can be deceptive.
Motorcycle clothing isn't fashion but protective equipment. If you buy on price alone, in the worst case you pay with skin, bones or permanent damage.
Myth 3: with ABS nothing can happen
ABS is without question a big gain for safety. It prevents locked wheels, stabilises the bike under braking and helps above all in critical situations. That's exactly why many overestimate it.
ABS doesn't override physics. It doesn't automatically shorten the braking distance and doesn't compensate for excessive speed. If you ride too fast, brake too late or misjudge a situation, you'll hit limits even with ABS. In the worst case there's still a crash.
It gets difficult when ABS creates a false sense of security. Some brake later, harder or less prepared because they rely on the technology. Yet ABS only plays to its strengths together with clean riding technique and regular training. More in Emergency braking on a motorcycle.
ABS is a valuable helper, but not a shield against mistakes.
Myth 4: experienced riders need less protective clothing
Routine grows with experience. Short distances are ridden without full gear, the gloves stay behind, the jacket hangs in the wardrobe. Nothing's ever happened, and it looks cooler too.
Exactly this thinking is dangerous. Experience lowers the risk but doesn't eliminate it. Many serious accidents hit experienced riders in everyday situations. Other people's turning errors, sudden braking in front of you or unforeseeable situations can't be prevented by experience.
Protective clothing isn't a sign of insecurity but of responsibility. It protects not only at high speed, but especially in seemingly harmless falls in town traffic.
The tarmac doesn't care about your riding experience. It's merciless, however long you've been riding.
Myth 5: drivers cut up motorcyclists on purpose
This myth causes frustration, anger and dangerous camp thinking in traffic. The reality is much more sober.
Most of the time motorcycles are simply overlooked. The narrow silhouette, higher speed and unusual viewing angles mean they're perceived less well. On top of that, many drivers misjudge motorcycles, especially their speed. According to the ADAC, around two thirds of accidents between cars and motorcycles are caused by the driver, typically when turning and failing to give way at junctions.
Intent is rarely behind it. For you that means: always assume you'll be overlooked. Ride visibly, think defensively and never rely on your right of way. A few tips on motorcycle safety in road traffic are collected in another article.
Being in the right doesn't protect you from injury. And lying in hospital is even less cool than cruising around without motorcycle gear.
Myth 6: the louder the motorcycle, the safer
"Loud pipes save lives" is a stubborn saying. It sounds logical, feels good and fits the image. Reality looks different.
Modern cars are heavily insulated. Music, assistance systems and sound insulation mean engine noise hardly gets through. A loud exhaust is often only heard when the motorcycle has already gone past.
Visibility, the right position on the road and anticipatory riding bring much more safety than volume. On top of that, an extremely loud exhaust can provoke aggression and further worsen the image of motorcyclists in traffic.
Myth 7: motorcycle tyres are fine as long as there's tread
Many judge tyres only by tread depth. But an important point is overlooked: age. Rubber ages, hardens and loses grip, even if the tread still looks good.
An old tyre has less grip, lengthens the braking distance and behaves more unpredictably in corners. Especially in the wet or cold the risk rises significantly. A tyre that looks good can technically be long past it. According to the ADAC, use beyond the sixth year is generally no longer recommended, regardless of wear. Some tyre manufacturers have their own guidelines. You can read the age from the DOT number.
Myth 8: motorcycling isn't for older people
That's wrong and disrespectful too. Riding a motorcycle doesn't need youth, but attention, experience and self-control. Many older riders ride more calmly, defensively and with more foresight than younger ones.
Modern motorcycles have ergonomic riding positions, assistance systems and plenty of comfort. If you adapt your riding, you can ride safely at an older age too.
Myth 9: short trips are safe
"I'm only popping to the baker's" is one of the most dangerous sentences in everyday motorcycling. Especially on short trips people often do without protective clothing because they feel safe. Yet exactly in town traffic the typical dangers lurk: junctions, turning vehicles and driveways. Routine, time pressure and lack of concentration increase the risk further.
Even a fall at 30 km/h can cause serious injuries. Distance doesn't matter, speed and surface do.
Myth 10: motorcycling is purely a matter of the mind
Concentration is important but replaces neither technique nor gear nor physics. Riding a motorcycle is an interplay of mental strength, physical fitness, clean control of the vehicle and realistic self-assessment.
If you believe focus alone protects you, you underestimate what happens in traffic. Safety comes from preparation, training and respect for your own limits.
Why motorcycle myths persist so long
Myths are convenient. They make complicated things simple and deliver quick answers. "I've always done it this way" sounds reassuring but proves nothing. And if you cling to such myths, you don't develop as a rider either.
Many myths are only questioned after something has happened. If you look critically early on, you'll ride more relaxed and safely in the long run.
Summary
Motorcycling thrives on emotions and trust in your own ability. That's exactly what makes it susceptible to myths that feel good but are wrong. If you question old beliefs, you lose nothing of the fun of riding. On the contrary: knowledge replaces insecurity, preparation replaces chance, and good decisions replace risky habits. Motorcycling stays intense and honest, especially when you ride informed and with respect for reality.
Frequently asked questions
Does ABS shorten a motorcycle's braking distance?
Not automatically. ABS prevents locked wheels and stabilises the bike under braking, but doesn't compensate for excessive speed or braking too late.
Do loud exhausts make motorcyclists safer?
Hardly. Modern cars are heavily insulated, and a loud exhaust is often only heard when the motorcycle has already passed. Visibility, road position and anticipatory riding bring much more.
When should I replace motorcycle tyres because of their age?
According to the ADAC, motorcycle tyres should generally not be used for longer than six years, even if there's still enough tread. Aged rubber hardens and loses grip.
Do I need full protective clothing for short trips too?
Yes. Short trips have junctions and turning vehicles too, and even a fall at 30 km/h can cause serious injuries.
Sources
- Motorcycle accident statistics (Institut für Zweiradsicherheit, German)
- Riding safely: accident causes (ADAC, German)
- Car versus motorcycle: a dangerous encounter (ADAC, German)
- Motorcycle tyres: age and pressure (ADAC, German)
Last checked: September 2026. Statistics are updated annually.
