The latest MSF study of motorcycle crashes

[UtahPete]

https://www.revzilla.com/common-trea...=boosted-posts

[UtahPete]

https://www.revzilla.com/common-trea...=boosted-posts

The 20-page study can be down-loaded here https://www.msf-usa.org/downloads/ms...tudy_Paper.pdf

[UtahPete]

https://www.revzilla.com/common-trea...=boosted-posts

The primary Incident Type for the 30 crashes is summarized in Table 2. The most common case was a ground impact at low speed, which is defined more fully in the data dictionary as “…two-wheeled vehicle falls coincident with low or no speed (even if in gear), due to issue not defined in other Incident Type categories. The rider allows the bike to lean while it is being stopped, just beginning to move from a stop, or making a turn at low speed. Vehicle upright stability is lost due to lack of input by the rider to counteract the effect of gravity.” (Williams, McLaughlin, Williams, and Buche, 2015).The low-speed (“capsize”) crashes are a unique dataset that is not found in traditional crash studies. Though they occur at low (or negligible) speed, they are events that are important to riders. They also have the potential to reveal a breakdown in rider task execution, baseline proficiency, or a temporary reduction in readiness to ride (e.g., fatigue and attention) that could result in problems during a continued ride. These low-speed “crashes” appear to be relatively typical among everyday riding, and are included in the risk analysis. They are events that riders want to avoid, and their analysis provides a basis for continued exploration and categorization of all motorcycle incidents.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Very good info .... but Mostly applies to TWO wheel Mtc's ....... unfortunately the Insurance companies use studies like this to increase OUR rates, even tho they are LESS than valid for Spyder's...... jmho .... Mike

[UtahPete]

Very good info .... but Mostly applies to TWO wheel Mtc's ....... unfortunately the Insurance companies use studies like this to increase OUR rates, even tho they are LESS than valid for Spyder's...... jmho .... Mike

I dunno - you'd have to ask Denman about insurance company practices. But, it does reinforce the idea that Spyders are WAY more stable at lower speeds, and therefore safer than 2-wheelers.

[HankD]

The primary Incident Type for the 30 crashes is summarized in Table 2. The most common case was a ground impact at low speed, which is defined more fully in the data dictionary as “…two-wheeled vehicle falls coincident with low or no speed (even if in gear), due to issue not defined in other Incident Type categories. The rider allows the bike to lean while it is being stopped, just beginning to move from a stop, or making a turn at low speed. Vehicle upright stability is lost due to lack of input by the rider to counteract the effect of gravity.” (Williams, McLaughlin, Williams, and Buche, 2015).The low-speed (“capsize”) crashes are a unique dataset that is not found in traditional crash studies. Though they occur at low (or negligible) speed, they are events that are important to riders. They also have the potential to reveal a breakdown in rider task execution, baseline proficiency, or a temporary reduction in readiness to ride (e.g., fatigue and attention) that could result in problems during a continued ride. These low-speed “crashes” appear to be relatively typical among everyday riding, and are included in the risk analysis. They are events that riders want to avoid, and their analysis provides a basis for continued exploration and categorization of all motorcycle incidents.

This sounds suspiciously like the "Dammit, I dropped my bike" issue.....which of course has NEVER happened to me (where is the Liar Liar Pants on Fire emoji? )

[UtahPete]

This sounds suspiciously like the "Dammit, I dropped my bike" issue.....which of course has NEVER happened to me (where is the Liar Liar Pants on Fire emoji? )

Kinda hard to drop a Spyder. I've never done it. But, I will admit to dropping my 2-wheeler, in the hotel parking lot, at the end of a 12-hour riding day.

[Bob Denman]

A Spyder is a motorcycle, and the study is valid.
It shows that we are actually our own worst enemies...

Pay attention, and slow down!

[pegasus1300]

There are some very good lessons to learn from this study,even for us 3 wheelers. Look father down the road, you'll be more prepared. Not doing this was the cause of my first motorcycle crash in 50 years of riding. ABS is not a cure for bad habits. Your bike wont stop on a dime and give you 9cents change. Right turns are dangerous also. We concentrate on the left hand turns because of oncoming traffic but there are other dangers in right hand turns.
I would like to see a study that focused on 3 track vehicles as opposed to single track ones. There are getting to be enough trikes out there now of all varieties to warrant such a study and I hope one comes soon.

Thanks for posting this Pete.

[HankD]

Kinda hard to drop a Spyder. I've never done it. But, I will admit to dropping my 2-wheeler, in the hotel parking lot, at the end of a 12-hour riding day.

Yes, I'm getting to the point where the idea of the "touring bike lifting technique" makes my back hurt even thinking about it....thus the Spyder (among other reasons).

[old Timer]

If there was a study on 3 wheeled motorcycles, I would strongly suggest 3 categories.

1. Reverse trikes,--Can am Spyder for example

2. Conventional trikes,--HD tri Glide for example

3. Side car rigs,--The Ural for example

I would also suggest that the rate of accidents are much higher with the conventional trike set up, the main reason 3 wheeled ATV's were discontinued.

[UtahPete]

If there was a study on 3 wheeled motorcycles, I would strongly suggest 3 categories.

1. Reverse trikes,--Can am Spyder for example
2. Conventional trikes,--HD tri Glide for example
3. Side car rigs,--The Ural for example

I would also suggest that the rate of accidents are much higher with the conventional trike set up, the main reason 3 wheeled ATV's were discontinued.

I'd put money on it. This is a great marketing opportunity for Can-Am; I hope they jump all over it.

[old Timer]

Unfortunately, I doubt that Can Am will bring up the subject. Case in point, the BMW opposed twin motorcycle. It is well known among industry insiders that the cylinders sticking out are the best lower leg/ankle/foot protection of any motorcycle. In any side impact situation or low side your legs are protected, it is almost impossible to knock a BMW cylinder off in a crash. You will never see that fact in an advertisement or published fact sheet.

Lots of reasons for the omission, some Legal and some due to Political Correctness.

[jwulf74]

So it really sounds like the main cause is the Nut on the handlebars...

[UtahPete]

So it really sounds like the main cause is the Nut on the handlebars...

The untrained, distracted nut on the handlebars, to be precise.

[RinconRyder]

Kinda hard to drop a Spyder. I've never done it. But, I will admit to dropping my 2-wheeler, in the hotel parking lot, at the end of a 12-hour riding day.

And never, NEVER wash your Goldwing wearing flip flops on a smooth concrete driveway.

Just sayin'

Took several days to find my other testicle.......

[2dogs]

ANY ONE on a new bike for the first 6 months. Prior experience doesn't count.

[foxtail1]

Kinda hard to drop a Spyder. I've never done it. But, I will admit to dropping my 2-wheeler, in the hotel parking lot, at the end of a 12-hour riding day.

I can identify with this. I coulda sworn I'd put the kickstand down... (It was so embarrassing!)

[Bob Denman]

And never, NEVER wash your Goldwing wearing flip flops on a smooth concrete driveway.

Just sayin'

Took several days to find my other testicle.......

Leave a mark.jpg

But you never told us where you found it!

[crazycanuck]

Leave a mark.jpg

But you never told us where you found it!

in his wife's purse

[Bob Denman]

He and I have a lot more in common, than either of us could have possibly dreaded...

[UtahPete]

Why does every thread, no matter the subject, have to turn into a string of unrelated banter?

[Bob Denman]

What are you griping about; nobody is fighting!

[SteveLaoyster]

There are some very good lessons to learn from this study,even for us 3 wheelers. Look father down the road, you'll be more prepared. Not doing this was the cause of my first motorcycle crash in 50 years of riding. ABS is not a cure for bad habits. Your bike wont stop on a dime and give you 9cents change. Right turns are dangerous also. We concentrate on the left hand turns because of oncoming traffic but there are other dangers in right hand turns.
I would like to see a study that focused on 3 track vehicles as opposed to single track ones. There are getting to be enough trikes out there now of all varieties to warrant such a study and I hope one comes soon.

Thanks for posting this Pete.

Paul, you have got some very good points there. When I had the motorcycle safety course they taught us to look 3, 6 and 12 seconds out in front of us. This gives the rider time to prepare for things they are going to encounter & things they might encounter while traveling. Of course the 12 seconds out is more like a sweeping look to see what might be encountered.

[pegasus1300]

If there was a study on 3 wheeled motorcycles, I would strongly suggest 3 categories.

1. Reverse trikes,--Can am Spyder for example

2. Conventional trikes,--HD tri Glide for example

3. Side car rigs,--The Ural for example

I would also suggest that the rate of accidents are much higher with the conventional trike set up, the main reason 3 wheeled ATV's were discontinued.

having owned all 3 there is no comparison between the old ATV trikes and a converted trike. They just as safe as any other motor vehicle. You seldom hear of a Trike in a crash. I switched because no matter what you do to them the steering is heavy. The only thing I didn't try was an Erles front end and I would have liked to try that. I had a BMW in the late 60's with that kind of front end and it was neat. The Spyder is a great fun ride and since I am a believer in ABS I liked the fact that in most conversions you lose it but not in the Spyder.