The discussion around health and motorcycles is usually focused on the increased risk of harm in an accident, and while you might be statistically safer in a car or truck, motorcycles have their own set of benefits that go behind being more fun to ride. Riding a street bike won’t replace the need for proper diet and exercise, but you might be surprised by some of the ways they can help us relax, practice focus, and even help with some muscles you might not normally use.

At SoCal Honda Powersports, we don’t need any convincing on why street bikes are great fun to ride, but sometimes it helps to remember that we’re not necessarily aware of every benefit of the enjoyable activities we take part in. Keep reading for more information about the health benefits of riding motorcycles.

Stimulation for Your Brain

Driving a car or truck is a passive experience, with many motorists reporting zoning out on longer drives and still being able to navigate the normal flow of traffic. You do not have this luxury on a motorcycle! You must stay alert and ride actively, both to operate your bike and to stay safe. This means that your brain will be more active while you’re riding a motorcycle than when in a car or truck. Maintaining that higher level of brain function is a great way to stay alert in the long term. More motorcycle use keeps riders alert on the road, which translates both into a better ability to negotiate traffic, and an overall increase in brain activity.

Feel-Good Chemicals

While a more active brain isn’t going to directly benefit your mental health, it does relate to some of our body’s most feel-good chemicals. The fun and adrenaline of riding a motorcycle can improve your mood drastically, and the perfect ride might be equally as effective as therapy or meditation for helping riders to think clearly.

You might be able to get some stress reduction when out on your bike, and literally riding away from your problems for a bit can help put things into perspective. This can come directly from the adrenaline and endorphin rush you get from every pull of the throttle, as these chemicals are what make thrill rides so thrilling!

Workout for the Muscles

Anyone who has been out riding all day long will know that it can be a tiring activity. There are physical demands you might just not be aware of, and even if you don’t feel the burn, you shouldn’t underestimate how much your body is working to support your riding lifestyle. Just the effort to keep a bike upright at a traffic light can exercise your core, and maintaining the right riding posture for your class of bike can help to strengthen your neck, back, and shoulders. Your leg, knees, and thighs get a workout as well from all the balancing and lifting.

While riding a motorcycle won’t replace a good exercise routine and professional therapy, riders shouldn’t overlook the health benefits they do receive while kicking up dirt and blasting down the freeway toward adventure. Head into SoCal Honda Powersports to check out our selection of street bikes for sale. We’re located in Carson, CA, and we proudly serve all those in Los Angeles and Long Beach.