Choose Comfort Over Style: How Uncomfortable Motorcycles Can Be More Dangerous

Driver and passenger comfort is a major selling point for most passenger vehicles. In fact, few people are willing to purchase a vehicle if it causes them or their passengers to experience discomfort during a test drive.

However, comfort isn’t always prioritized or even considered over aesthetics when purchasing a motorcycle. Because of that, hundreds of thousands of motorcycles are sold yearly in the U.S. that unnecessarily strain riders’ bodies because they are designed primarily for looks or raw performance.

If you’re a motorcyclist, it’s important to know that riding an uncomfortable motorcycle can have effects beyond waking up with a sore back. It can put your health and even your life at risk.

Consider these factors before riding or purchasing an uncomfortable motorcycle.

Discomfort Can Impair Riding Ability in Many Ways

An uncomfortable motorcycle can increase your risk of crashing in several ways:

• Distraction and Fatigue: Discomfort can lead to distraction as you try to find a more comfortable position. This distraction reduces your focus on the road. Additionally, discomfort can lead to fatigue more quickly, decreasing your reaction time and alertness.
• Poor Control: An uncomfortable seating position or poorly placed controls can make it harder to operate the motorcycle efficiently. If you cannot reach the controls comfortably or constantly need to adjust your grip or seating position, it can affect your ability to steer, brake, and accelerate properly.
• Reduced Reaction Time: Discomfort can cause muscle strain, leading to slower reaction times. If your body is tense or sore, it can take longer to react to sudden obstacles or changes in traffic conditions.
• Impaired Balance and Stability: An uncomfortable motorcycle can affect your balance. For example, if the seat is too high or the handlebars are too far away, you might struggle to maintain a stable and balanced riding position, especially at low speeds or when stopping and starting.
• Increased Stress: Riding in an uncomfortable position can increase your stress levels, making you more prone to mistakes. Stress can impair judgment and decision-making, increasing the likelihood of taking risks or making poor choices.
• Exhaustion: Over longer rides, the cumulative effect of discomfort can lead to significant exhaustion and physical pain, making it much harder to stay focused and maintain control.

Ensuring your motorcycle fits you well and is adjusted for maximum comfort is important for safe riding. This includes adjusting the seat height, handlebar position, and footpeg placement to match your body dimensions and riding style.

Tips for Finding a Comfortable Motorcycle

To find a motorcycle that fits you well and is suitable for all types of usage, including long trips, start by determining your riding needs.

Factors to consider include:

• The riding you’ll be doing (commuting, touring, or off-roading)
• The terrain you’ll be traveling on
• The typical distances you’ll be riding
• Your body size and ergonomics — ensure you can comfortably reach the ground, handlebars, and foot pegs

Visit motorcycle dealerships and test ride multiple models to get a feel for each bike’s comfort and handling. When test riding, check important features for comfort, like seat padding, handlebar position, foot peg placement, and adjustable suspension.

Consider versatile motorcycle types like touring and sport touring bikes. Look for customization options like aftermarket seats, adjustable handlebars, windshields, and luggage storage. Check for advanced features like cruise control, heated grips and seats, and electronic aids (ABS, traction control) to enhance safety and comfort.

What Types of Motorcycles Are Best for Long Trips?

Although discomfort can be a potential safety issue on trips of any length, it’s most common on long trips. Because of that, it’s important to prioritize comfort when purchasing a motorcycle that will be used on long trips.

Touring bikes, sport touring bikes, and adventure bikes are good choices when traveling long distances on two wheels:

• Touring bikes are specifically designed for long-distance comfort, featuring large windshields, plush seats, and ample storage.
• Sport touring bikes combine the performance of sport bikes with the comfort of touring bikes.
• Adventure bikes offer a good balance of on- and off-road capability with upright seating.

Contact Our Ohio Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for Experienced Help

The biggest risk motorcyclists face on Ohio’s roads isn’t discomfort or inexperience. Instead, it’s other drivers. Many Ohio drivers report not seeing motorcyclists in the seconds before collisions occur. Whether it’s due to distraction or daydreaming, riders are highly vulnerable when drivers aren’t looking for them.

If you or someone you love was hurt in a motorcycle accident caused by a negligent or distracted driver, we want to help. The Ohio motorcycle accident attorneys at Nurenberg, Paris, Heller & McCarthy have decades of experience building claims for injured riders, and we can help you, too. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Related Posts