We hear about the dangers of riding a motorcycle all too often but rarely are the physical and, more importantly, the mental benefits spoken about. Riding a motorcycle comes with a lot of mental and physical benefits. For starters, it helps to clear your mind and provides a great way to relieve stress. Additionally, it gets you outside and forces you to take in some fresh air and vitamin D. Furthermore, it's a great form of exercise that helps to improve your cardiovascular health and strengthens your leg muscles. And lastly, it's just a fun activity that can help to improve your mood and overall sense of well-being.

Top Physical & Mental Health Benefits Of Riding A Motorcycle

5. Positive Outlook

That feeling of pure joy after a long ride is something every motorcyclist can relate to. The reason we feel so happy is pretty simple; every twist of the wrist releases adrenaline which, in turn, releases endorphins. These ‘feel good’ hormones improve our mood, increase pleasure and minimize pain. 

So, endorphins give us that joyous feeling but, after a ride, there’s also that sense of relief, like a weight has been lifted.

This is similar to mindfulness meditation: Body position, speed, road position – on a motorcycle you’re constantly analyzing and adjusting depending on the situation. This ties us into the present moment, and means our minds have no room for worries about money, jobs or any other day-to-day problems.

You’re fully engaged while riding. This is why your mind is like a blank slate when you throw your leg off after a long ride.

4. Cognitive Function

Riding a motorcycle can help to increase cognitive function as it requires the rider to be constantly aware of their surroundings and to make quick decisions. This can help to improve reaction times and increase the rider’s ability to think on their feet. Additionally, the act of riding a motorcycle can help to clear the mind and allow the rider to focus on the task at hand, which can lead to improved concentration and focus.

But a scientific study, conducted by Ryuta Kawashima, who partnered with Yamaha Japan and Tohoku University, found exactly that. Riding a motorcycle improves your cognitive function, by as much as 50%. 

This is down to the fact that riding a motorcycle requires a high level of alertness and rapid problem-solving. According to Kawashima, “the driver’s brain gets activated by riding motorbikes.”

3. Core and Neck Strength

The day after their first long ride, many motorcyclists report the same aches and pains – muscles in our necks are always at the top of the list. Wearing a helmet for a few hours a day would strengthen your neck regardless, throw windblast into the equation and you’ve got a real neck workout.

This is especially true for those who ride without a windshield. You still need to make sure your motorcycle fits you correctly, as constantly cranking or straining your neck will have a negative impact in the long run. 

This means checking the handlebars, seating position, and foot pegs are right for your measurements. Riding a motorcycle requires lots of muscles to work together but your core ties everything together.

Every maneuver you make on a motorcycle involves the use of your core, especially low-speed maneuvers. The movements are low-impact and relatively low-intensity so it’s something you may not notice but, if you’ve been riding for a while, your core will be stronger.

2. No More Squats

Riding a motorcycle requires you to constantly move around on the bike, gripping with your thighs and knees. These movements strengthen your thighs and in turn, strengthen your knees. 

The muscles in the thighs are used to keep the patella and other bones in the knee in place. Since the movements are low-impact, people who suffer knee or thigh pains describe riding a motorcycle as a kind of physical therapy. 

For those lucky enough not to have those problems, riding can help you stay injury free. 

1. Burn Some Calories

Yes, you can burn a substantial number of calories while a riding a motorcycle –  the gift that just keeps giving.

Those who like to get dirty can burn up to 600 calories per hour of intense motocross riding. Stick to the streets and you can burn between 200-300 calories per hour, especially if you ride with some vigor.

Even passengers on sports bikes can burn up to 50 calories per hour. But, unfortunately, passengers on cruisers and tourers aren’t likely to see their calorie expenditure go up.

Conclusion

Overall, riding a motorcycle can increase cognitive function because it allows a person to use both sides of their brain at the same time. It also increases the level of dopamine in the brain, which has been linked to improved cognitive function. While riding a motorcycle comes with a lot of risks, there are also a lot of mental and physical benefits that are good to consider.