Consumer Reports investigating motorcycle testing procedures
Click on the image above for high-resolution shots of the Aprilia Scarabeo 200
There's no arguing with the fact that high gas prices have fueled an increase in motorcycle and scooter sales. As Consumer Reports shows, the overall scooter market in particular is up a whopping twenty-four percent. Still, there are many issues with using two-wheelers for everyday transportation chores, with safety being of paramount concern. As CR reports, riders involved in motorcycle crashes are thirty-four times more likely to be killed than individuals in automobiles. Interestingly, head injuries make up a very large chunk of serious motorcycle injuries, which means riders wearing helmets are considerably safer than riders who choose to go out sans head protection.
For this reason, the popular consumer guide is beginning to study the market in an effort to provide its readers with valuable information regarding this recent trend and is considering creating a special set of testing procedures for two-wheelers. Data shows that the majority of motorcycle accidents could be avoided with proper training, so we look forward to seeing what, if anything, CR comes up with for testing.
Gallery: Aprilia Scarabeo 200
[Source: Consumer Reports]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
dchien84 7:50PM (6/24/2008)
Along with the rise in scooter and motorcycle sales, I predict a concurrent rise in "road rash", the cheerful, euphemistic term used for losing one's skin sliding along the pavement following an unplanned dismount from your vehicle.
Why not do the public a favor and encourage sensible riding with a better image than the girl in the shorts and sandals? Gloves and boots to start with - a full riding suit ideally. It's amazing how fast a street clothes, even jeans, will wear through while being dragged against pavement.
Here's an example of someone who is fond of their skin. (It happens to be the same suit I use.) http://www.pnwriders.com/shwaa-gear-review/20090-product-review-aerostich-roadcrafter-suit.html
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stevefazek 11:21PM (6/24/2008)
I dont get why people ride with no gear.
The average harly rider no helmet and jeans with a wife beater.
When i would ride i used kevlar lined jeans with fitted polly foam, Ankle high boots, leather gloves with kevlar palms and knuckles.
Oh an and a polyfoam/kevlar lined riding jacket from Alpine stars.
and of course a full face helmet.
it was comfy i was never hot and i took a nasty spill and all i had was a bruise on my hip and thigh.
no road rash just a cracked helmet and messed up riding jeans.
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Cervus 2:18AM (6/25/2008)
Never ever ever ride without the right protective gear. This means, even on a hot day, wear that armored jacket, gloves, and boots.
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myspace.comrios09 12:18AM (6/26/2008)
i agree that the girl in the scooter is not a good image. Wearing protective gear is the best way to go. I use to always wear a lether jacket, jeans, my helmet, gloves, and the day i decided not to because I was not going far a car pull in front of me causing me to brake not to hit him and i fell off the bike. I was just wearing a t shirt, luckily i had my helmet otherwise i would not even be here right now. the helmet took most of the impact then mt shoulder and last my right hand and body. I had pretty bad burn in my arm that i still carry the mark but I am still alive. people really need to wear their gear at all times no matter what, it doesnt matter if you are just going around the block you never know what is going to happen.
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Donald McNurlin 10:03AM (6/25/2008)
Exactly. If you're a rider, or considering becoming a rider, then this acronym is your friend: ATGATT.
All The Gear All The Time.
Even in 90-degree Alabama heat, you'll see me wearing a helmet, an armored jacket, armored leather gloves, armored riding pants, and steel-toed boots that come well above the ankle.
The reason for the high mortality rate can be attributed to many factors, but two of the highest are, IMHO:
A.) States with no helmet law.
B.) Riders wearing insufficient riding gear.
Sufficient riding gear does not mean that you have to buy the $727.00 Aerostitch Riding Suit. Sufficient riding gear does involve spending anywhere from $250.00 to $500.00 on a full set of gear. Sounds pricey, but it pales in comparison to the incredibly cost of hospital bills that you'll rack up. Here's what I wear: http://i35.photobucket.com/albums/d169/ozyran/donnieandveronica.jpg . That's not including the helmet, which I always wear, all the time.
So that's my spiel. I look forward to hearing comments from my fellow riders out there.
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Southernman 12:08PM (6/25/2008)
I was worried to see where this article (and comments) was going. I was expecting to read about some sort of bogus legislation or other gimmick. Common sense is key when it comes to gear. Ever seen a pair of race leathers after even a low-speed get-off? Now imagine that's your skin. Great comments folks! Dress for the slide, not the ride.
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Jim Villano 1:40PM (6/25/2008)
Donald, I think the high mortality rate is more attributable to so many newbies without any training. I'm not a fan of the new rider course which seems to focus on slow speed maneuverability, braking and clutch operation. Learning how to avoid the damned "cagers" has to be paramount. An advanced course I took in the Army 30 years ago worked on obstacle avoidance at speed.
Recently, in Huntsville, AL, I sat at a stop light and watched a lady in a light blue Mercedes convertable cruise through the red light. She was text messaging on her cell phone - I could see her working on it because she passed that close as she drove through.
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amg 1:48PM (6/25/2008)
My next vehicle purchase will likely be a maxi-scooter, as I need something capable of highway-speed travel. I appreciate the comments and suggestions so far, and I too always wonder in amazement when I see no helmets and exposed tats on a motorcycle. At the very least you'd think they'd want to protect the tats.
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Donald McNurlin 3:14PM (6/26/2008)
Jim,
I completely agree. I went through the Basic RiderCourse myself and I couldn't agree more with you. However, when I went through, we did do some maneuvers at speed - usually 20-25 mph - which focused on handling the bike in most situations, like when you have to do a fast lane change, and etc.
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Husker37 9:32PM (6/26/2008)
Safety Nazis and motorcycles do not mix!
90%of the time (Back when I rode) I'd wear shorts, maybe a shirt, and low top basketball shoes with no socks.
I'll admit I was very lucky when I passed out from heatstroke while racing a friend home and only breaking some ribs and my L. clavicle, but I rode mostly for the adrenaline rush. Now that I have Children, I don't ride.
(I initially gave it up when my state caved in to the Insurance lobbyists and passed a helmet law).
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Stip 1:49AM (6/29/2008)
I am surprised that dchien84 is recommending riding apparel in a muted blue color which will do a great deal toward making the motorcyclist invisible to distracted automobile drivers. I suggest that you read the Hurt Report:
http://www.clarity.net/~adam/hurt-report.html
Specifically these points:
6. In multiple vehicle accidents, the driver of the other vehicle violated the motorcycle right-of-way and caused the accident in two-thirds of those accidents.
7. The failure of motorists to detect and recognize motorcycles in traffic is the predominating cause of motorcycle accidents. The driver of the other vehicle involved in collision with the motorcycle did not see the motorcycle before the collision, or did not see the motorcycle until too late to avoid the collision.
14. Conspicuity of the motorcycle is a critical factor in the multiple vehicle accidents, and accident involvement is significantly reduced by the use of motorcycle headlamps (on in daylight) and the wearing of high visibility yellow, orange or bright red jackets.
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dchien84 1:59AM (7/01/2008)
I completely agree that visibility is a very important part of accident avoidance. The Aerostich suit is available in many colors including a hi-viz lime yellow. It's not the only solution of course - there are lots of good products out there.
I believe paranoia and experience on the rider's part helps too. I try to ride as frequently as possible, even if it's raining. I also try to maintain the attitude that everyone on the road is trying to kill me. That way I'm not as surprised when people in cars do stupid stuff, and I'm not freaked out if I get caught in a storm.
As it goes, I think there's an important point within Husker37 comment - folks on motorcycles and scooters have to realize that there's an inherent danger associated with the activity.
For me there's a balance between safety and how much trouble I'm willing to go through. Full race leathers every day? Probably safer, but I personally wouldn't do it. I'm in or out of the Aerostich suit in under 2 minutes (including a swap from shoes to boots) with my work clothes underneath.
But the message to those new riders of either scooters or motorcycles is - take this seriously! Almost everyone who rides comes off accidentally at some point. When you do, it can either be a very serious occasion with scars for life, or maybe you walk away from it.
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