Motorcycle riders face higher risks on the road compared to drivers of enclosed vehicles. According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcycles make up just 3% of all registered vehicles in the United States and 0.6% of all vehicle miles traveled, yet they account for 14% of all traffic fatalities. Understanding the types of motorcycles that are most likely to be involved in crashes can help riders make safer choices and allow safety officials to better target interventions.
Motorcycle Sales and Registrations
In order to analyze motorcycle crashes, it is first necessary to look at motorcycle sales and registrations to see the distribution of different types of motorcycles on the road. According to Statista, around 504,000 motorcycles were sold in the United States in 2021. The breakdown was:
- Cruiser: 35%
- Standard: 17%
- Sport bike: 15%
- Touring: 10%
- Dual-sport: 9%
- Scooter: 6%
- Electric: 3%
- Off-highway: 3%
- Other: 2%
So cruisers make up the largest share of new motorcycle sales, followed by standards, sport bikes, touring, and dual-sports. Scooters and electrics have a small but growing share of sales.
Looking at registrations, Statista reports there were 8.4 million motorcycles registered in the U.S. in 2021. The breakdown was:
| Type | Share of Registrations |
|---|---|
| Cruiser | 43% |
| Sport bike | 19% |
| Standard | 14% |
| Touring | 8% |
| Dual-sport | 7% |
| Scooter | 5% |
| Electric | 2% |
| Other | 2% |
So the registration data shows cruisers make up the largest share of motorcycles on U.S. roads, followed by sport bikes, standards, touring, and dual-sports. Scooters and electrics still have relatively small shares of registrations.
Motorcycle Crashes by Type
Now that we have looked at sales and registrations, we can examine motorcycle crashes to see if certain types are overrepresented. According to NHTSA data from 2019, the most recent full year available, the breakdown of motorcycle crashes by type was:
| Type | Share of Crashes |
|---|---|
| Sport bike | 35% |
| Cruiser | 34% |
| Standard | 12% |
| Touring | 8% |
| Dual-sport | 5% |
| Scooter | 3% |
| Electric | 2% |
| Other | 1% |
Comparing this to registrations, sport bikes are overrepresented in crashes, making up 35% of crashes but only 19% of registrations. Standards also crash slightly more than their share of registrations, while cruisers crash slightly less. Touring and dual-sports are underrepresented in crashes compared to their registrations. Scooters and electrics continue to make up only a small portion of crashes.
Fatal Motorcycle Crashes by Type
Fatal crashes show a similar pattern. Here is the breakdown of fatal motorcycle crashes by type in 2019, according to NHTSA:
| Type | Share of Fatal Crashes |
|---|---|
| Sport bike | 38% |
| Cruiser | 35% |
| Standard | 9% |
| Touring | 7% |
| Dual-sport | 4% |
| Scooter | 3% |
| Electric | 2% |
| Other | 2% |
Again, sport bikes were overrepresented in fatal crashes compared to their share of registrations, making up 38% of deadly crashes but only 19% of motorcycles on the road. Standards and cruisers were also overrepresented in fatalities compared to registrations, while touring and dual-sports were underrepresented.
Key Factors in Motorcycle Crashes
Why are certain types of motorcycles overrepresented in crashes and fatalities? There are likely multiple factors at play:
Motorcycle Power
Sport bikes have very high power-to-weight ratios compared to other types of motorcycles. Their powerful engines can accelerate extremely quickly, reaching high speeds in a short period of time. High speed is one of the main risk factors for fatal crashes. Sport bikes also tend to appeal to younger riders who may be more likely to ride aggressively and take risks.
Protective Equipment
The riding position on sport bikes places more weight on the rider’s arms and wrists, rather than allowing the rider to sit upright and absorb shocks with their body. This can increase injury severity in the event of a crash. The aerodynamic fairings on sport bikes also increase the likelihood of the rider impacting components in a crash rather than sliding over the top.
Handling and Stability
Sport bikes are designed for optimal performance and aerodynamics, with lightweight frames and components. This can come at the expense of stability and ease of handling for less experienced riders. Their sensitive steering and throttle response requires finesse to control at high speeds and lean angles. inability to handle these bikes properly can result in loss of control crashes.
Rider Age and Experience
As mentioned, sport bikes tend to attract younger riders with less riding experience. Data shows that young motorcycle riders are significantly overrepresented in crashes. Lack of experience handling a powerful motorcycle can quickly lead to trouble.
Rider Behavior
The performance capabilities of sport bikes may encourage some riders to push limits and engage in thrill-seeking behavior like speeding and stunting. This reckless riding vastly increases crash risk.
Standards and cruisers have more moderate power and speed capabilities but may also suffer from lack of rider training. Their easy accessibility and affordability makes them popular choices for beginning riders. Poor braking and swerving skills can put these novices at high risk in an emergency.
Key Differences by Motorcycle Type
To summarize the key differences:
| Type | Typical Features | Crash Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Sport bike | Very high power, performance focus, aerodynamic fairings, aggressive riding position | High speed capability leading to fatal crashes, lack of stability and handling skill, inadequate protection in crashes |
| Cruiser | Laid back riding position, moderate power, focus on style | Popularity with novice riders, lack of emergency handling skills |
| Standard | Upright riding position, moderate power, minimal bodywork | Affordability makes it accessible for beginners, lack of skills and training |
| Touring | Designed for comfort on long rides, large windshields and saddlebags | Heavier weight mitigates crash forces, experienced riders |
| Dual-sport | Off-road capability, raised suspension, rugged construction | Slow speeds, experienced riders |
Recommendations to Reduce Motorcycle Crashes
Based on these findings, here are some recommendations to help reduce motorcycle crashes and fatalities:
- Enhanced rider training programs focused on emergency braking and swerving skills
- More rigorous motorcycle licensing requirements to demonstrate vehicle handling competency
- Targeted safety messages and interventions aimed at sport bike ownership
- Promotion of voluntary protective gear use beyond state requirements
- Research and adoption of advanced motorcycle safety technologies
- Improved roadway infrastructure and visibility for motorcycles
- Awareness campaigns highlighting motorcycle safety for all road users
Rider Training and Licensing
Improving the training and skills of motorcycle riders, especially for sport bike and cruiser owners, could help prevent many crashes due to lack of ability. Riders should learn and practice emergency braking, swerving techniques, proper cornering, and hazard perception. More rigorous testing standards for motorcycle licenses would ensure basic competency is achieved before independent riding. States could consider implementing tiered licensing with restrictions on power and speed for beginners.
Targeting Sport Bike Riders
Because sport bikes are clearly overrepresented in crashes, targeted interventions like educational campaigns and peer influencer models could help address behavioral factors and norms with owners of these bikes. Dealers and rental companies could provide safety information specific to sport bikes during point of sale or rental. Outreach at sport bike events and gatherings may also help spread safety messages through this community.
Protective Equipment
Helmet use laws should continue to be enforced, but riders should also be encouraged to invest in additional gear like chest protectors, air bags, back protectors, and riding suits that can drastically reduce injury in the event of a crash. Protective apparel requirements could potentially be linked to bike power, with minimum standards to ride the highest powered motorcycles.
Technologies and Infrastructure
Emerging technologies like autonomous emergency braking, traction control, and adaptive headlights could compensate for some rider errors and help prevent crashes. Transportation agencies should also consider motorcycle safety in infrastructure design, using measures like improved road markings and barriers, wider curve radii, and rumble strips.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sport bikes are clearly overrepresented in motorcycle crashes and fatalities compared to other types, likely due to a combination of power and speed capability, lack of stability and handling skill at high speeds, insufficient rider protection, and behavioral factors that encourage risk-taking. Cruisers and standards are also overrepresented in crashes due to their accessibility for untrained, inexperienced riders. A combination of improved training requirements, licensing reforms, targeted interventions for high-risk riders, protective gear promotion, adoption of safety technologies, and roadway enhancements could help address the motorcycle safety problem.