Motorcycles are SAFER than you think... Here's why

[@rayleblanc1306]

One statistic you never see is how safe riding skills translates to safe driving in a car . I definitely feel I’m a better driver because of skills I learned as a rider , one being the situational awareness you develop as a good rider . Knowing where other vehicles are and awareness of your surroundings definitely helps in avoiding accidents.

[@socalmoto714]

I couldn’t agree more! It’s a massive skill transfer.

[@chriswilliams210]

I would also say vise versa and being a good aware car driver 1st will translate to a good aware Bike rider... I learned how to drive manual transmission cars in my teens which helped me learn how to ride a motorcycle... Next time your driving your car you will notice just how many car cages cut in front of you on the regular that it's crazy... You should anticipate that even more now while on a bike. I watched a ton of videos on riding and took my MSF course this year January 2024 and was skilled in the class I must say.... Been riding for 8 months now. Starter bike is an Aprilia RS660 and love riding... Be safe out there everyone 🙏🏿 and good video.

[@msreedaran89]

I really don't want to jinx anything by saying this. I want everyone to be safe and practice as much precaution as possible. I do think that car drivers having automatic / no transmission, a bunch of driver aids, and also distractions such as smartphones or infotainment systems makes the roads a lot less safe overall by making drivers less self-reliant on common sense. In simpler times, "operating a motor carriage" was a much more involved activity where mistakes/accidents were either due to skill deficiencies or less advanced mechanical technology; much less so because of risky behaviors by skilled people. Everyone should learn how to be a good pedestrian, go bicycling on the streets, ride mopeds, learn to drive manual transmission on a car, and only be allowed to purchase sports / performance vehicles (inclusive of cars, motorcycles, Slingshots, etc.) if they qualify based on a graduated licensing system. It is insane how much difficulty Americans have with such great infrastructure and orderly society, but places like India with far higher volumes and many more kinds of traffic have proportionally far less trouble with road safety. Bad things happen over there too and sometimes because of people doing dumb things, not following rules, or not even having common sense. But that basic common sense in road use in America could be improved greatly with more formal training / teaching than just relying on basic licensing education, law enforcement, and traffic controls. And just making cars bigger doesn't make them safer - huger masses at greater speeds just carry more momentum so vehicle occupants aren't necessarily much safer inside them. Finally, because younger drivers make up the majority of all violations and accidents, it should be mandatory for new driver education to include some form of performance driving where you either ride along or actually drive a high-capability vehicle on a closed course designed for it - in order to contrast it with regular driving on public roads for plain old transportation. This will teach people all they need to know to enjoy automobiles for the thrill of it and contain that sort of activity within environments designed for it - it might not eliminate street racing or something like that altogether, but it would greatly reduce it because it would also create new business opportunities for people to start building more of those kinds of venues. I guess I would add even one more thing - driver licensing exams should also require and test knowledge of vehicle insurance because far too many people ruin their financial lives because of motoring incidents. Everyone deserves a chance to be safe, have fun, and see all of this wonderful world over a full lifetime of experiences.

[@K.O240]

This was one of the reasons I felt comfortable getting on a bike despite all the safety hysterics. Not only have I never been in an accident in my 20 years of driving, I haven't even come close. Thanks to being observant, driving defensively and always expecting the unexpected.

[@filipfinodeyev5719]

I read that motorcycle riders are 23% less likely to get into a head on collision when driving. And as a rider, my situational awareness and ability to judge speed and distance definitely carry over to driving my car

[@rickconstant6106]

The obvious thing that makes riding a bike more dangerous is the lack of a protective cage around you. What makes this worse, is that modern cars give so much protection to the occupants, that drivers are complacent and less careful to avoid collisions. As a result, if you want to survive riding a bike, you have to do the thinking for the other road users, because you can't rely on them to avoid you. I've survived 54 years on bikes here in England, by riding as if everyone else is an idiot, always expecting them to do stupid things, and being prepared to take the necessary action to avoid it. It doesn't always work, and I have the scars and x-rays to prove it, but at 70, I still use the bikes as my everyday transport all year round and I don't intend to give it up.

[@maximusmiles8435]

Space and visibility.

[@cibsim]

From Ontario, Canada, I agree 100% with your comment. I ride since 1966 and never had an accident. Be aware of the danger, which is everywhere....

[@tagagogon6308]

It is strange that old motorcyclists who gave up riding due to family pressure died early than those who did not give up. Story after story of old people who stopped riding claim they became healthier when they took up riding again.

[@WHO-DAT-GUY]

@@tagagogon6308yes it’s physical activity and therapy all in one. Mental and physical therapy basically

[@c1fi364]

i think that you hit the nail on the head with the second thing you said, the roads in 1970 were sooo much safer than they are today, why? because the 1970 cars made you feel like you actually had to pay attention to drive them, modern cars have so much comfort and shit that drivers dont think they even need to have there eyes open to drive, and better yet, they dont even get punished because the cars are so safe that virtually nothing can seriously injure someone in a car unless its a major crash with another car, i recently got hit on my bike by a jeep that came into my lane, the guy told my insurance company that "i dont remember trying to get into the other lane i just felt my car shake and saw the bike flying" a crash that totalled my gsxr and broke my back, the car driver wasnt even effected in the slightest, and doesnt even feel enough remorse to be honest with a judge or my insurance company. people on the roads are ignorant and arrogant, thats what makes the roads unsafe.

[@miporsche]

I rode to the Sturgis motorcycle rally last summer. My 18 year old son rode along side me in a father son trip. While at Sturgis, the morning news gave us the Rally Tally everyday-news of arrests and accidents. Nearly all fatalities involved riders without helmets. There was one crash where they didn’t mention whether they wore a helmet. More than one fatal crash involved excessive speed. The arrests all involved drugs and alcohol. The lessons are easy: slow down, ride sober, wear gear, especially a helmet.

[@Nooziterp1]

Every time I hear 'Motorcycles are dangerous. My brother/friend/whatever was killed on a bike' I dig deeper and almost invariably they were riding like an idiot at the time. Like doing 60 in a 30 limit or going round a blind bend at 70. Or riding like this 3:37. Cars are dangerous if you drive like an idiot. The best one I have heard was from my boss at my first job when I was 17. He had a (small capacity) bike and his parents were continually nagging him: 'Motorbikes are dangerous. Get a car.' One day he was out on his bike when he saw a gap between two cars that was closing. So what does he do? Hang back like anyone with half a brain would do? No, he accelerates and tries to beat the gap. The inevitable crash. He then went to his Dad and said 'Look Dad. I've been thinking about what you said and you're right. Motorbikes are dangerous. I'm giving up riding and getting a car.' Being so young and naive at the time I couldn't think of anything to say, but if it happened now I would say 'Hey. Rather than giving up riding how about just giving up accelerating for gaps you can see are closing.' If he had been driving a car instead would he have said 'Cars are dangerous. I'm giving up driving.; Of course not! That's just stupid.

[@tomhenderson2575]

You backup my own observations. If you keep your speed reasonable, avoid the alcohol when riding, and drive very defensively, you greatly improve your chances of riding home. Having said that, I did collide with a 16 Y.O. girl, her first day with a license, on a freeway. She pulled across 2 lanes and across my lane immediately in front of me to reach an exit. It was a thrilling and terrifying moment for me. I was new at hiway riding and was afraid to hit my brake too hard and be hit by following vehicles. So we slapped together, side by side, with some damage to my hand and my bike, but my foot peg ripped a long gash in her passenger door causing much more damage to her vehicle than to my bike. At any rate, I rode the bike down the ramp with a broke shift lever, wondering why I could not down shift.

[@colinm1325]

Glad there wasn't too much damage, and you made it home, eventually....

[@infostack]

Always assume gaps in front of you (and in lanes on either side) will fill up. Anticipate that cars will move from 2-3 lanes over to fill the gap. That means monitoring a very wide field of view and accounting for stupid habits of many drivers all the time.

[@danielklopp7007]

Pro tip (55 years of accident free riding): avoid center lanes on multi-lane highways. By riding in the far right or far left lanes, you give yourself an "out" to stupid car behavior (i.e. you can head for the shoulder).

[@distancejunkiemonkey4491]

Think I’m gonna have to call you on this one. You just described a scenario where you were so aware that you saw the car coming at you from the left you then were able to check the traffic behind. You assess the situation and then not used your brakes because you had assessed the situation so well that you knew the drivers behind you would hit you? Instead of just moving to the right with the car and using the shoulder and not getting hit??? I’m pretty sure it’s more likely that you didn’t see it coming and then when you did see it coming out of your peripheral you froze. You probably stared at the car and got target fixated on it. That’s just more likely than you used all of the superpowers that you just described, but still got hit by the car and it’s OK it happens and then when we replay this stuff in our minds, we make up different versions of it to cover our mistakes.

[@socalmoto714]

Glad you’re okay! And I’m glad the message resonates. I’m human, but I do my best to gear up and ride defensively and as of now, I never feel in grave danger unless I let myself get too loose. Stay safe out there fellas

[@daneki3170]

Just turned 70,been riding street since 15 on custom Triumphs.Current bike is a 71 Triumph 650 I have had since 1980.I do all my own wrenching.2 lessons I learned in my teens,Even tho the car made a left turn in front of me,I would've been ok if I had been doing speed limit.Another lesson was questioning how much life my tires had left.If you are questioning any component,replace it! Pretty glad I grew up around 1%ers back in the day that pushed me to get manuals and do my own work and get to know every inch of my bike and keep it in shape.

[@denisthek]

I have a 1972 TR6 - growing up I am 2 years younger than you the Brit bikes were for the old guys over 25 at the time, we wanted 2 strokes RD350s H1s - Now that I am older I really like the mellow stuff. Been listening to audio books on lots of 1% ers pretty good stuff.

[@abellseaman4114]

AGREED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The best way to have a safe rife is to SLOW DOWN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@g.s.3450]

Thrill Seeking! One dirty secret that none of us mention is that motorcycling can attract a fair number of ‘thrill seeking’ personality types. We would never compare the safety statistics for hang gliding with the stats for passengers in an airline. Or rock-climbing accident statistics are not generally compared with normal hiker statistics. If you could design a study to control for the ‘thrill seeking’ personality type, the accident rates for motorbikes would be much more reasonable. Great video!

[@gregoryprice2593]

Right on. Based on crash data, roughly 80% of motorcycle fatalities can be attributed to "rider dumbassery".

[@billcarson1966]

MSF RiderCoach here. Trust me when I tell you the MSF courses are about safety and skill, not money. Believe me, we don't get paid jack squat. We coach because we're passionate about motorcycling and saving lives. I can't tell you how many arrogant students show up with riding 'experience', yet they can't pass the BRC written or riding test, our most simple course!!!

[@chuckwilson2301]

Enjoyed my MSF course two years ago ,made me a much better rider. I hadn’t ridden for 31 years. So I needed a serious refresher course. The MSF course that I took were for three wheelers, not two wheelers. I currently own and ride a Can-Am Spyder RTL and really enjoy getting out on the road and on the streets riding around. I miss a lot of fun those years that I didn’t ride.

[@TmitriZukowski]

I haven't seen a comment about 'the elephant in the room' on this topic, which is that plenty of car drivers actually *target* riders and *deliberately* try to cause harm - a very specific form of road rage. Ride long enough and you will start to notice this, even when it is subtle.

[@mohammede.4500]

Only in America

[@weaponson3-158]

They want to know if you can use your brakes.

[@TmitriZukowski]

@@mohammede.4500 Of course I am speaking from my own observation and experience in the US. If you don't have this where you are, then count yourself fortunate.

[@jackiemoon1556]

​@@mohammede.4500Im in SE Asia and i can assure u they blatantly do it here out of sheer nastiness, and it happens very regularly.

[@steve2515]

That's a fact.

[@leerepass9312]

I just started riding at 63, almost 65 now. My first two wheel choice was a Honda ADV 160 seven years after I went through the MSF course sponsored by HD for Veterans. After watching hundreds of training videos, yes I wanted that bigger bike but felt at my age starting small cc was the proper to begin learning. Maybe another year or two I will upgrade. But for now I'm having the time of my life on my Honda Scooter!

[@BeccifromOz]

I have a Honda PCX and love it. I have my eye on a 350 ADV if Australia ever gets them. Just started riding at 50, something I’ve wanted to do for 30 years.

[@wyvern4588]

Yep, riding for 7 months now, about 1,000 miles, all city and highway, I started with a Nightster 975, just got an XSR900 to replace it. I went through MSF and couldn't imagine NOT getting that education- I learned so much in 3 days. I surprisingly have much less fear than I'd thought, yeah, it's spooky in traffic sometimes, but especially on the XSR, I can see around me and position myself so I can see and be seen, I stay out of blind spots, anticipate worst case scenarios and only grab a handful of throttle where I know I am safe and nobody can pull out in front of me, I consistently practice honing skills in a safe manner. I wear a good full face helmet, airbag, leather jacket, good gloves and armoured Kevlar jeans, I hope I never go down, but if I do, at least I have a better chance of walking away without serious injury. I'm in my mid 30's now, I am glad to be on two wheels.

[@samoksner]

Have you driven in rush hour traffic at all? How was the HD as a first bike? Not took heavy / cumbersome? I'm thinking of starting on a 650 class bike for commuting in a bit of rush hour once I get comfortable.

[@davidmathers1141]

A 65 year old British person here who just wants to say WELL DONE for making this content. It won’t be popular with motorcyclists who don’t want to hear it. And it won’t be popular with non motorcyclists who don’t want to hear it. I rode 8,000 miles around the USA this year. Coming from a continent where helmet wearing is compulsory, I do wonder at the level of “it won’t happen to me” attitudes in evidence. That law is the reason I am here in my kitchen typing this comment. The 18 to 21 yr old me managed to hit my head off one car and the road (pavement) multiple times. While ordinary citizens who have never ridden a bike will never be swayed from their prejudice. Every tragedy is seized upon as “evidence”. So, again, well done for pushing the truth.

[@g.s.3450]

Nice video! I liked your data-based observations which show you have a lot more control than you think as a MC rider if you have some common sense. Also, another point worth mentioning is attending classes beyond the first MSF basic rider course. MC crash and fatalities in the USA are much higher than in European countries such as Germany. There, they require massive amounts of hours of on-bike and in-classroom classes. It takes a year or two of study and a clean driving record to even graduate up to a 500-cc bike. By contrast, here, we can take a one weekend class and ride any bike we want. No one can prove a positive correlation between the number of classes you take and safe riding. However, it’s worth considering. I’m 71 years old, take several classes a year, and consider them to be a life insurance policy. I used to work in risk mitigation, and it can be applied to cycling too.

[@philipparana9225]

It gets even more wild also when you look at how many are single bike accidents. If you also dig into the stats the most dangerous years for responsible riders (helmet not drinking , liscence) is 2-3 year riders. Good enough to feel confident and ride faster but not good enough to avoid other variables. Also riding at night seems statistically mich more dangerous.

[@syninys100]

'Single bike accident' is one of those stats that's impossible to determine much from. If a car is driving round a corner on the wrong side of the road, but the motorcyclist avoids the head on, at the cost of coming off the road; then because the car was not actually involved in the incident (despite causing it), it can be recorded as a 'single bike accident'. (Wether it does or not will depend on the specific policies of the group recording it; and potentially down to the individuals judgement). That's not to say it's never the riders fault; but it's also clear that it was not always the riders fault either. So, most of the time, there's actually not much that we can determine post hoc from such statistics. That said, I'm confident in the general thesis: motorcycle safety stats are made much worse by a small group of idiots.

[@MrBCRC]

That's also a time when riders are often stepping up to a bigger more sporty bike but without being trained in how to handle the difference. They're going from something that's relatively safe to throw around without any risk to something that can break traction at the rear with just part throttle and with brakes that really bite well. The number of accidents you see where on the mildest of corners on a clean road the bike just falls over because they're not acting smoothly on throttle or brake but worse they aren't managing their tyres properly. So many of those accidents are because they tyres are cold due to being the longest lasting tyres they could buy for the cheapest amount possible as opposed to being the tyres with the grip appropriate for the riding they want to do. So when they grab a handful of brake or roll on some throttle there's no forgiveness in the tyre... It just lets go. Even the right tyre with too much pressure can become the wrong tyre.

[@posteroonie]

An interesting stat that isn't collected would be, for riders of a motorcycle in a fatal crash, did they have access to a usable car too? When my motorcycle was my only option, I rode at night, in the rain, in icy conditions, and even back from drinking a few times. If I had also owned a car I would have used it instead of the bike in those conditions. Now I have a bike and a car, so I only ride when it's nice outside, during daylight hours, on familiar routes, and to places where I can know the cars aren't too crazy (I avoid certain roads and times of day). So my risk on a bike, and my stress over impending doom, went way down when I got a 4-wheeler.

[@lexdfox]

Good stuff, my thought is to stack the odds in my favor always. Wearing gear (especially a full face helmet), training, stick to reasonable speeds, and of course not be impaired by anything. It's not a 100% guarantee of avoiding anything, but every little bit helps.

[@openrangefilms2036]

Great video advocating a sane approach to riding a motorcycle. Take a safety course and don't assume that because you can ride a bicycle you can ride a motorcycle. Start with a small bike, and if you can - start with a dual sport and ride on dirt roads for quite a while so you develop a sense of traction and enhanced awareness of surfaces you are riding on. Wear a helmet and protective gear all the time. If you are a habitual drinker stay with bowling and avoid motorcycles at all costs.

[@lsummerrain723]

I've been riding for 50 years and have developed many skills and strategies to survive. My #1 way to avoid an accident with a car is to take routes that have the least amount of traffic. Even if I have to go many miles out of the way. Also works out good because that way I get to ride longer, and I love to ride!

[@FastSundayflyer]

Hi, great video! I retired a year ago and returned to riding for something else to do. I hadn't ridden in 20+ years and I quickly re-learned that keeping the speed down really helps to get out of bad situations. When checking out you tube videos of crashes I see a common theme. 95 percent of these show the bikers going at speeds well above the speed limits and then hitting corners. About 3% show what must be new riders. The bikers aren't really going too fast, but don't stop when the car in front of them stops, even though they had good spacing and plenty of time to stop. For these riders, I suspect that they have never driven a car either! Stay safe, Cheers! 😁

[@socalmoto714]

An interesting point. Congrats on retirement and thank you for your feedback! Cheers

[@devilsoffspring5519]

I've noticed that a lot, I also haven't ridden in years but when a moto crash happens in a video it's almost always because the rider was either oblivious or just plain reckless. A lot of the time they seem to be staring at the speedometer instead of looking at the road & traffic in front of them while wailing along at Mach 2 and approaching an intersection!

[@piotrmajerski1110]

Check the research on how much your reflex has slowed down over those 20 years and take it into account how much distance you keep from the vehicle in front. I found that I don't react as fast as I used to 20 years ago.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

@@piotrmajerski1110 The longer you've been alive the more distractable your mind is. You correct for it by increasing your following distance.

[@ericdeniz5413]

I’m a motorcycle rider myself, but it really depends on the type of rider you are. For me, other people are usually more of a danger to me than I am to them. In most cases, it’s careless drivers or motorcyclists who don’t pay attention to the road that cause accidents. By the way, I live in a country with a lot of motorcyclists, and it’s chaotic at times-some riders are a real danger to others.

[@BigAl53750]

I’ve been riding for just over half a century (52 years) and I’ve always ridden as if EVERYONE else on the road was deliberately trying to end my life. It’s worked pretty well so far. You can’t let your mind wander for even a second! You must be aware of the position of every other vehicle on the road and be watching them carefully. Always have an escape route planned for what the driver may do. The people on bikes that worry me the most are those who think they have more skills than they actually do. Also, riders who ride at or over their level of competence. The surprising fact here in Australia is that the age demographic that tends to have the worst numbers in terms of accidents is men aged between 45 and 55. The reason for this is that many of these guys used to ride when they were young, stopped riding when they started families and when their kids have grown up, they decide to get back on bikes, not taking into account the fact that; they’re out of practice, their reaction times are not as good, bikes are more powerful, and so on. Then there are the myths that many riders believe about bikes; that they can stop faster, corner faster, than cars. The ONLY thing bikes can do faster than cars, is accelerate! Cars can actually stop quite a bit faster than bikes and the same goes for cornering, because a car has four wheels and the weight of the car keeps those tyres in better contact with the road. Good video! I wish more riders would have the same thoughtful approach to riding. Keep riding!

[@denisthek]

Yes you are right, the reason I think that lots of MC riders think they can do everything better is because most people drive conservatively in 4 wheel vehicles. Also I never thought about the reentry empty nester rider. Schools say that's Red Flags when they hear I used to ride as a kid and I was good.

[@mikehawk6918]

You can't just generalize like that. A supersport will have better cornering and braking performance than the average car. On asphalt that is. On concrete you lose a lot of grip on a bike.

[@paulclark7637]

The way i always explain motorcycle safety is that on a motorcycle - with good skills - it is easier to avoid being in an accident (mostly because you have better visibility and choice of lines rhan in a car), but if you do get in an accident it's going to hurt worse. I'm ok taking that trade-off.

[@noeeon9910]

Better visibility? How? Can only see out the visor of my helmet. Can't see behind my bike only the sides..

[@paulclark7637]

@@noeeon9910 Better in the following ways: 1. To the front and forward angles: no screen and no pillars 2. To the side: no pillars 3. Behind: same as a car (mirrors!), plus any rider that has been trained properly knows to turn their head and do a shoulder-check before accelerating, slowing, or deviating from line (referred to in UK training schools as "doing a life-saver") 4. Most importantly: control road position to maximize view - for example move left in lane when approaching right bends, and right in lane when approaching left bends to see further around the bend. Shoulder-check / "life-saver" is core to basic training in the UK, but I have noticed is not taught in MSF courses in Canada. No experience of the MSF course in the US to comment. Road position to maximize sight-lines (and also to be visible to other road users) is taught on Advanced Rider courses. Just one example where MSF is the bare-minimum to get started riding a bike on the road; not all the training a rider should have.

[@noeeon9910]

@@paulclark7637 ok I agree with you on all but 3. I shoulder check naturally after using my mirrors "just in case" but I try not to because I take my eyes away from the road in front of me for a split second. Any thoughts?

[@laksjdfhghfhdkskdjfh]

Great video. As someone who's looking to get in on the scene this helped boost my confidence. I was getting a bit scared because people around me are telling me how dangerous it is. 😅 thank you for this in depth video.

[@socalmoto714]

This comment is exactly why I made it. Don’t let others fears stop you from doing what you’re passionate about. Make sure to take the right measures and safety precautions, and accept that bikes will never be as safe as cars. Lmk if you want any bike recs! Excited for you!

[@distancejunkiemonkey4491]

We need to change the conversation. The context needs to be on the operator of any and every device. So we need to stop saying motorcycles are dangerous, guns are dangerous, etc., and we need to start saying and putting the ownership on the operators, so maybe the conversation would go something like operating a motorcycle without training, education, and mentorship could expose the operator and other people around the operator to unnecessary risk. So start having conversations and identifying risk levels. By saying, something is dangerous it takes away all of the personal responsibility. And we as a culture have been doing this for a very long time. We’ve identified objects as dangerous. And as you can see entire careers and industries, are built around the object, being dangerous, namely, government industry.

[@socalmoto714]

Accountability for the person and ownership of that. 100% agree 🤝

[@devilsoffspring5519]

In all fairness, guns would be useless if they weren't dangerous. Same with motorcycles. Heck, same with electricity or any device that uses combustion or even nuclear reaction as an energy source. Any device or phenomenon that stores energy and/or uses energy relatively quickly can be considered dangerous in certain circumstances, it doesn't have to be a man-made machine. Just look at a hungry bear for example. Motorcycling can certainly be dangerous but I doubt it's anywhere close to having a pet grizzly bear in your living room, especially if you come home after having forgotten to feed it.

[@MrPotatochips4]

Well Done !! Took the MSF course at 60, worth it to be a safer rider. Instructor same age. Most impressed with the demonstration of how reflexes slow with age. getting back into riding really juiced my life. I really really try to stay within the posted speed limit. The stakes are pretty high to roll the dice, and I've kind of mellowed out, but hey, I'm still sometimes a knuckelhead for speed. Helmet always, no drugs. Stopping distance always less than the road visible ahead. Practice emergency braking. Never look at the girls when on a motorcycle. That's my own rule. Never look at the girls Never look at the girls Never look at the girls Never look at the girls Never look at the girls Never look at the girls Never look at the girls when riding, look at the road.

[@juju_767]

I want to mention something that impressed me about USA, in Argentina we have limitations in the driver license, 1sr and 2nd year you can have up to 150cc, 3rd to 5th up to 350 and after 5 years its open

[@devilsoffspring5519]

That's not a half bad idea, but a much more realistic and reasonable way of doing it is rating the bikes by power output and not displacement. Modifications, especially turbocharging, can allow tiny engines to produce an enormous amount of power!

[@simpletongeek]

I was riding 500cc Buell Blast on my MSF. I'm currently looking at RE Meteor 350. Either that or Kawi Eliminator 450.

[@WeeWeeJumbo]

this video was a lot more measured and balanced than i thought it would be, kudos

[@socalmoto714]

That means a lot - thank you!

[@ericweber1969]

Great video man! I don’t drink, don’t speed much if ever, always wear a helmet, and I’m licensed. Just gotta get myself a DRZ400SM now, and I should be good to go! 😊 in all seriousness, really good information!

[@pentiuman]

My sister's boyfriend Art, a lifetime biker, who wears a helmet, wrecked his bike a few weeks ago, when he didn't regulate his distance or speed, running into the back of a Tow truck. It broke his arm, and he is a higher risk patient, so they tried to NOT operate, but his arm didn't heal well, so they did operate. Of course, healing takes quite a while, but then he had a heart attack, and had to have a 2nd operation, a bypass. That took muscle and veins from other parts of his body, and those and/or his arm have gotten infected, so his attempted recovery has been difficult. The older you are, the harder it is to heal from any injury. So, you really can't afford to choose a riskier method of transportation and recreation. He's not currently riding, but of course, like so many, he vows to ride again, as soon as he can. That tells me that despite life threatening injuries, many bikers may not correct their attitude and plans!

[@wyvern4588]

Sounds like he might need a can-am if he is insistent on riding, they are a little safer and more visible. Of course, he probably needs to slow down and cherry-pick when and where he rides.

[@jadsmvs8651]

Riding is like nothing else. Unless you ride a motorcycle, it's hard to appreciate how much it means to people. It's called throttle therapy for a reason.

[@1968deadhead]

getting my first bike soon I am 56. have been doing lots of research as this is what I do. you have good info thanks keep it up,

[@_Corsa]

I’ve found over the years the people that say be careful out there are actually just portraying their fear of motorcycles onto you. Next time you see a bike and have to say something, say have fun out there. The majority of us know and practice how to be “safe out there”

[@johnanderson9735]

Training is definitely a plus, and continuing or advanced training is a plus as well. I took the beginning course twice, once after a 20 year break. Then the Total Control Intermediate Rider course, which improved my cornering skills tremendously.

[@padler]

thank you. Well done. The preamble is so long that I eventually lost image and switched, as interested as I was in the subject matter.

[@kevinsd99]

The MSF course I took really did help me with some good tips for safe riding, an awareness of what I need to keep an eye out for on the road, what maneuvers were most necessary to master. Wear a helmet. Full face helmets are safest. Don't drink or get high and ride. Be careful when conditions get weird - rain, snow, etc. Don't be a bad statistic. Ride safe.

[@infostack]

Before you ever get on a bike or go to a course I suggest training on a bicycle and learn to ride in a group (preferably race training). Riding at 30mph with your tires a few millimeters from other riders' tires in front or behind teaches you many things. In my opinion it's far more dangerous than anything I've encountered riding a moto. It's the best training for controlling a vehicle with 2 wheels and keeping track of all the variables around you.

[@miporsche]

Good point! Group riding gives you excellent control. However, I don’t think riding bicycles is ever more dangerous than motorcycle riding in traffic (like you, I do both, but I’m probably not as athletic as you). A 25 mph crash on a bicycle or motorcycle might break a bone but I’ll survive. It’s highway speeds that kill. A fast car hits a bicycle (happened to a friend of mine), or a motorcycle collision at speed.

[@robertholland7558]

That is called “ spatial awareness “ . There are other ways to test for that. Fact is operating a vehicle is just not for some. Pointless claiming it to be a right. If one seeks to be a nurse or doctor, but faints at the sight of blood, either learn to deal with that or seek a different profession. Ditto for being an accountant or psychiatrist, one needs to have certain traits, either natural or learned or just accept that those types of skills are beyond one’s “ ability “! Some tasks require agility, other strengths. When one lacks the natural ability it simply is not going to happen!

[@denisthek]

Thanks for the video, being in SoCal myself I like to take an unofficial poll of why more people don't ride especially in the LA area. Most say it's to dangerous in LA we have great weather and you can lane split since the beginning of Motor transport, as you know we also get better than Handicap parking. I pass cars and trucks lots of times and see the MC stickers with only one driver. Best advise cover brake and clutch be really careful in the intersections, and when the light turns green look both ways before going through the intersections and slow down in neighbourhoods.

[@socalmoto714]

Such a great point to bring up with SoCal. I lived in NYC area for some years and zero chance I’m ever riding with the amount of potholes they have from salted roads and harsh conditions. It absolutely blows my mind we only have CA as a state to lane split. It can be done safely

[@James-lu4en]

I’m 37, 6’2, 200lbs with a full licence in UK. Still on my Keeway Superlight 125 and a car. I love the slow cruiser feel and enjoyment from going 50mph around country lanes. When I upgrade it’ll be a 500/650 max

[@joeclark3149]

Does riding three on a bike have a category .. as a kid. We had two wipeouts in one day. I ride a BMW r1200st at 64. At 22 I put 50,000 miles on a Honda cm400t in Bakersfield CA Long break in between. I was surprised how long it took me to get use to riding again even though the beemer now feels more like a scooter to me. Watch the tires on cars. Know when to roll on the throttle and have fun. Heavy bikes means keeping the front wheel straight at stops. When slowing to a stop use just the back brake at low speed to avoid plunging the front shock. Balance is a big deal. Riding is not to prove anything. It’s a privilege and it’s good for the soul. It can give you a real sense of accomplishment too once you become proficient. Biking is one of those things that you can’t fake until you make it. You got to know and practice it. Older riders take your time in getting back into riding. It took me a couple years of casual riding to feel like I did in my twenties. It will come back to you if you are patient. You can always learn something new too

[@nicholaskalogris9985]

Great giving out the information on biking!

[@peterwilson8039]

I had this thought about Harley guys today. To be frank, I’m not a fan of Harley culture, but my thought was just the fact that they ride a motorcycle, and they’re not dead yet implies a certain base level of intelligence. I think that ties into what you’re saying here. It’s kind of a filter.

[@kevindowell6003]

Once the unlicensed, untrained, no helmet, at excessive speed, and intoxicated rider is taken out of the equation, the numbers change dramatically. The greatest danger to the rider is the rider. Your point that cars are safer in accidents certainly is true, so accident avoidance is important. Skilled riders riding responsibly can avoid accidents in the first place. A stat I would like to see is how many accidents are from riders that don’t ride often. I know many riders that only ride 1000-3000 over 3-4 months a year, so effectively always a new rider. How does their accident rate compare to riders that ride 10k-30k a year, riding year round. Effectively always with sharp skills. Stay sober, wear your gear, ride responsibly, take courses, drill/practice and enjoy.

[@slimfit767]

What does having a license have to do with anything? U think having a license makes one a better rider?

[@miporsche]

@@slimfit767no, it’s a mindset. Someone who thinks it’s fine to ride on streets without a license is probably a more dangerous driver. They are not interested in observing laws. Perhaps there are a few safe but unlicensed drivers.

[@telcobilly]

I had a similar accident in South Africa as a very new rider. I was passing two cars at the same time on a Honda 360 and the front car turned as I was coming down the opposing side. I hit the car with a glancing blow and punched a hole in the rocker panel below the doors with my foot peg. The bike was still rideable because I had to follow her home to make payment arrangements as I didn't have insurance. All I got was two tiny little scratches on my wrist, A broken spark plug on the bike and that was about it. As well as a lifetime lesson learned..

[@pjpace]

Great video - well documented and supported. One thing you kinda majorly missed the mark on was the engine size table. That's % of fatalities, but you need to bump that against % of engines by size on the road. If 30% of bikes are under 500cc but they contribute to 8% of the fatalities, then you have something there. If the bikes on the road in 2020 were 9% 1501cc, then your stats would say that's an irrelevant factor (notice how my percentages were different than yours but also add to 100% because I had to strip out "unknown" - that shouldn't be a category for bikes on the road).

[@socalmoto714]

Very valid point. I should have included a breakdown of bike size on the road for a proper comparison. Hindsight’s 20/20

[@Fury_BlackWolf]

I think most of those stats can be taken with a grain of salt for us living in the rest of the world. Especially stuff like a helmet is required, a proper license is required and same with inspection and so on. It's baffling how the laws and rules can change from one state to another within the same country. Where I'm from, they released some statistics where, in accidents between a car and a motorcycle, the car was responsible for about 70% of the cases. And they raise the insurance on motorcycles "because of the statistics" whether or not the motorcycle is responsible or not and even if the rider is driving spotless year after year. So definitely not perfect here neither.

[@kayvak7267]

The thing about drinking and driving is the lowered response times. That is what can get you and being tired from long rides or harsh conditions sort of emulates the effects of alcohol drinking. From personal experience, one that I won't repeat, I went on a hiking trip once and rode to the starting point early in the morning. When I got back to the bike, I was really tired and it was really hot outside. By the time I got home, it felt like I was riding on autopilot, it was sort of like I wasn't present, which could have been accentuated by a mild form of heatstroke. Moral of the story is to avoid riding in an exhausted state where your reaction times are low and can make the difference between getting home safe and crashing because of a misjudged corner or braking too late in case of an emergency.

[@robertYTB78g]

Totally agree, I would add making yourself more visible is a good idea on a bike, although most motorcyclists (other than the police) won't wear anything except black! Nice too see new bikes coming out now with better lighting and more colour, and more riders not afraid to break convention.

[@JK-rv9tp]

I recall magazine articles from the 70s and 80s that reviewed the data and highlighted that middle aged touring riders with experience had a fatality rate not much higher than the cars of the day.

[@chriswilliams210]

I would also say being a good aware car driver 1st will translate to a good aware Bike rider... I learned how to drive a manual transmission cars in my teens which is now a lost art,, which helped me learn how to ride a motorcycle... Next time your driving your car you will notice just how many car cages cut in front of you on the regular that it's crazy... You should anticipate that even more so while on a bike. Do the right speeds... I watched a ton of videos on riding and took my MSF course this year January 2024 and was skilled in the class I must say.... Been riding for 8 months now. Starter bike is an Aprilia RS660 and love riding... Yes, dont drink and ride and Be safe out there everyone 🙏🏿 and good video.

[@KittyCatMeowMeowTime]

The only motorcycle wreck I've ever been a part of was due to the rear tire kicking out on an icy road. The bike was fine. I was fine. I picked the bike back up, went down and around the mountain I was on, and proceeded to do a week of camping. I ride thousands of miles each year. My bike is used almost as much as my car so it's not as if I haven't crashed because it is inevitable, but I haven't ridden enough for it to happen yet. Simply, I employ strategies that minimizes my personal risk.

[@dariolinder4508]

What I would like to add is something I learned myself the hard way. Just because an accident isn't your fault, that doesn't mean that there aren't things that you could have done to avoid it.

[@colinwilliamson9114]

Thanks - great information. I live in Canada (on the Pacific coast) and I assume the stats are pretty similar other than we have helmet laws coast to coast. As well as the beginner coarse for all, for us old people I highly recommend doing some refresher training.

[@niallwildwoode7373]

I've always ridden the same way as I drive....wary of standing water, rough road surfaces and sharp bends, and noting that ALL other road users want to delete me. Defensive is the only way to stay alive on roads whatever you drive or ride.

[@alexmaccity]

You drive a car like their life depends on it, you ride a bike like your life depends on it.

[@jonroesler8155]

First time I totaled a bike was entirely my fault, passing on a blind curve and having to accelerate past the person I was passing in order to avoid a head-on and then having too much speed to navigate the turn. Second when a kid with only a permit turning left from a northbound lane didn't see me coming behind the semi turning left from the southbound lane next to me finally saw me coming mid-turn and panic-stopped in the intersection and left me nowhere to go. Never passed on a blind turn again and I always make sure I'm visible to oncoming traffic AND THE PERSON NEXT TO ME. Gaging the speed of oncoming traffic before making a turn. Always watching for gravel or dirt in the lane on curves, paying attention to other people's brake lights. Paying attention. (Survived 50 years riding, so far.) Learning from other people's mistakes is cheaper than from your own, and there's nothing cool about getting crippled (or worse) doing something stoopid... BUT some people's purpose in life was simply to be an example to others. "Was," being the operative word. Riding wheelies on public roads is just begging for it.

[@ThePoisonDrummer]

There is an old saying, "If you crash on a motorcycle, it's your fault!" It's an over generalization, but sort of makes your point.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

Well, it's your fault for riding it but not necessarily crashing it. I don't think many people ever rode a motorbike with the express intention of crashing it with the possible exception of Evel Knievel, but that guy was a different breed from the rest of us because being a death-defying badass is how he earned a living and not just how he entertained himself. With regards to that sort of deal, let's just say that Mr. Knievel was very committed to his vocation of choice compared to your average Joe brain surgeon or airline captain :)

[@Rhunyen]

My first accident I cracked my helmet. It saved me. Also, my MSF course has saved my life hundreds of times. I was a motorcycle messenger in the 1980s.

[@ghostoken]

In my experience it’s a combination of motorcyclist not knowing how to behave & cars not paying attention to their surroundings. But, at the end of the day you gotta face the music, motorcycles aren’t safe. Guns aren’t safe. Chainsaws aren’t safe. Driving to work isn’t safe. Everything has the potential to harm you, having the proper amount of respect for the situation is all you can do to prevent harm, so motorcyclists, stop riding as if I won’t accidentally plow you into the road like sack of tomatoes!

[@nikitarussian3]

its the people with them ,i cycle heaps but ive had a few bikes, my brother had a real nice ducati and i had a real old suzuki rgv 250 that was like new, but yeah there are some real peanuts on bikes ,a guy 50 minutes from my mums house was on a gsxr 1000 and hit a service ute at 140kph and now he is stuffed ,its on youtube the vid south australian police youtube channel has it , i want a gsxr 600/750 i sold my rgv and bought a suzuki swift sport because its more practical for shopping and i can put my bmx in the back and take mum for drives ,but i love bikes and south australia has awsome roads through the hills and its so pretty but theres heaps of marker posts where people have crashed and died from motorbikes and i live with my mum and theres a highway 400meters away and its a 60kph zone but summer nights guys and girls do wheelies down it at 180kph not all the time but ive seen them and can hear them at mums house.

[@joshdoddadbod]

What ive learned to avoid problems on the highways: ride in fast lane only to avoid rapid lane changes taking you out (usually someone about to miss their exit and goes across multiple lanes of traffic without looking for others) and ride slightly faster than other traffic which prevents you staying in someones blind spot and seems to help people notice your presence.

[@socalmoto714]

Great point!

[@jonasbaine3538]

I’m always in far left or right. Never like sitting in middle lanes.

[@joshdoddadbod]

@jonasbaine3538 right lane can be dangerous in my opinion for the reason I stated. I've been cut off by people merging and exiting in the right lane.

[@ronvaughan8041]

@@joshdoddadbod 100% Right lane is extremely dangerous when going through a city. I tend to ride one lane from the left and keep my speed up, just like you said. Sometimes I'll ride the far left lane if it makes sense to do so, but I don't make a lot of lane changes until I'm out of the city. Make calculated moves and be predictable. Some people believe in going slow, but going slower than everyone isn't the answer either. They bunch up behind you, eventually they start changing lanes to get around you, and then sooner or later some hothead in a BMW makes a sudden move and you're caught in the middle of it.

[@someguy9520]

Amen to that, especially on the highway I rarely if ever get overtaken there since I know my speed cameras and reduce my time on highway as much as possible

[@Thanatos2996]

Extensive dirtbike experience in conjunction with extensive driving experience does translate well, at least it did for me. The MSF course (which I did take before hitting the pavement, for the record) was helpful in getting me to consciously think about a couple things, but that was about the extent of it. The only thing I struggled with having never ridden on the street was doing a tight u-turn with my feet on the pegs, since that’s something unique to street riding, but even then I didn’t have any issues once I was doing actual u-turns with an actual, physical location to aim for instead of trying to stay within a painted boundary on the ground. I wouldn’t recommend anyone ride unlicensed, but I’d bet that unlicensed riders with dirbike experience are the minority of that statistic, and that it mostly represents young men with no experience buying a bike after riding a buddy’s a couple times and not taking the MSF. I like the prospects of someone who grew up dirtbiking riding unlicensed better than those of someone whose only experience is the 2-day basic MSF; there’s no substitute for real practice.

[@rbon2wheels]

Thank you bro and ride safe. Good info

[@davidmcbride8059]

Nice video and you present the data really well. Riding since 1978, I've raced and I do trackdays now in my late 60s, and I've had a lot of conversations with brand new riders and people aspiring to ride. Lately, I've stopped trying to help the 18-30 year-olds. There is some really strong denial or delusion going on with most of them that cause them to ignore advice and videos like these that makes them think that 200 hp bikes are good starter bikes and that turning off all the safety electronics is what they need. I don't know what kind of mental problem that is, but it runs waaaay deeper than an ability to do basic math. Maybe it's the y chromosome trying to withdraw from the gene pool, but this urge to self-extinction is staggeringly strong.

[@RedBud315]

Where I live you don't have to take the MSF course to get your M1 endorsement but, if you do then you don't have to take riding test at DMV. I've been riding almost 50 years now and I took the MSF course about 15 years ago just for an additional insurance break. When I took the course it was pouring rain the entire time and we still did the hard braking and tight turns with no issues. Well, one person got booted after 3 drops and broken levers. I was T-Boned by a red light runner when I was 17 and ironically doing a wheelie when I took off actually saved me from going underneath the car but, I don't condone riding like that on the street today. I did all my stupid stuff when I was young and stupid and luckily survived that. If you want to go as fast as you can take it to the track. Don't be selfish and jeopardize others who didn't sign up for the grand prix.

[@dmenaced]

Nice vid! Fellow Bolt rider here.

[@socalmoto714]

Bolt >> 😏

[@benniewenniger2075]

Be visible through your gear! White helmet! Reflection on your full gear. Lights on in the daytime. Ride with two fingers covering the front brakes! Don‘t ride in bad weather. Avoid riding in the dark.

[@asterix908]

Or just learn to ride in all the conditions you intend to ride. And learn to ride like you're invisible to others, meaning they cannot see you most of the time. Yes, try to be visible, but assume they don't see you.

[@fiercenfluffy]

biggest inference from engine size is definitely type of bike. most major sport/naked bikes fall into the 501-1000cc category. especially for younger people this is the type of bike with more of a culture of speeding/stunting/reckless riding. also dig into the stats for age range and type of bike owned. the age range with the most fatal crashes has a higher rate of sport bike ownership. correlate the cost to the engine size, bikes with 1000+ cc engines tend to be more expensive, older/more experienced people tend to be more likely to afford them. the engine size stats are certainly interesting. but they are absolutely driven by factors that are not directly related to the engine itself.

[@lateralus9244]

Sweet gun metal finish on your engine and exhaust, and great video, by the way!!! 501cc to 1000cc is where most high performance motorcycles fall into and is what you usually see out on the road. This is probably why you see the highest spike in that category. There are some performance bikes that go above that, but they are less common. This is likely why you see a big drop, because most Harleys are in the 1200 plus range -- they ride fast, yes, but still not like a performance bike rider -- and still, the statistics are much lower in this category. Interesting. 🤔🤔

[@socalmoto714]

Thanks brotha! Appreciate your feedback

[@floridaredneck]

Thanks for information that backed up with the source. I’m single and I’ve gone back and forth on buying, riding and safety, but I’ve concluded at over 55, I never speed or try tricks, I don’t drink, I wear full gear always, I don’t ride every day, I don’t ride at night, I don’t go long distances or interstates (I have a car) and I took MSF training. My selection was the Kawasaki Eliminator SE 451 CC. I’m 160#, the bike is light, nimble and has plenty of power just riding from one town to the next. I anticipate cars, though I’m not psychic. If a car is turning in front, I go toward the rear of the car, not try to outrun it around the front, and logical things. So I think I’m among a very low number, because I’m simply not in a rush. I’m in the over 55 group, I have a license endorsement (NFS class), I don’t drink alcohol, don’t speed, don’t lane split, never rode in a group, and basically wear a suit of armor. I don’t think there is a safer statistic other than being a non-rider. My epitaph will read: He did everything right; it was the car’s fault. Thanks again for the video!

[@trd4d]

I went through a rider course a few months back in Silverdale, WA to get my 3 wheel license. 8 hour class, four classroom and four on the range. Probably spent two hours doing anything other than sitting and waiting for the next lesson. However, I was involved in motorcycle safety for about 10 years, and definitely saw some benefit from their courses. As for the stats, they are only good for people who get paid to lean them the way that the requestor wants. MADD wants to demonized alcohol, you create stats that show alcohol bad. They don’t look at the fact that most fatal accidents are at night when accidents in general increase. And when people are more likely to have had a drink. Not one time have I seen a stat that showed the relationship of night crashes compared to day crashes where alcohol was not involved. Helmets is a little more cut and dry, but even that can be twisted if states that don’t require helmets also are more rural with higher speed limits. People need to get all the facts before drawing conclusions. By the way, I always wear a full face helmet because well, duh, they save pretty faces.

[@F3udF1st]

Without comparing to the non-dead riding group it's difficult to draw any conclusions. For all I know, 39% of all riders could be not wearing a helmet. Now, probably that is a factor, but my point still stands.

[@HJC1950]

Wear a helmet, a real helmet, better yet a full-face helmet, and make it a white one. I always wear a white full-face helmet. I've never used it in a crash, but I use it every time to avoid a crash since safety studies prove that a white helmet makes you much more noticeable to other motorists and lowers your accident rate. To add to that, your conspicuity helps you avoid accidents but is not the full story. Many of the worst motorcycle accidents are caused when a motorist's view is blocked but he proceeds anyway, involving you in a nasty accident, so you must always scan to identify when another motorist's vision is blocked, and realize how dangerous that situation is, slow down, and be prepared to take action to avoid the accident. I am 75 and still ride.

[@ClassicRider]

Good video - Be trained (MSF certification at a minimum ) and dress for the slide and then the ride - and dont "F' around on a bike - Im 73 and started at 14. Ride Safe !

[@nunyobizkneez]

its not a matter of if, its a matter of when PERIOD. Fatality or not, you can be THE most defensive rider in the world, it only takes that one car driver NOT paying attention to make a left turn in front of you at an intersection. Take it from someone who experienced it first hand. I did everything right, MSF instructor (at the time), regional track racer (at the time), full face helmet, full armor leather jacket, riding jeans (with armor), riding boots, not speeding (45mph in a 45mph), green light for me. Used brakes as efficiently as possible without dumping it, was in a full stoppie when I hit the rear quarter panel of the car as it passed through the intersection and I went flying all the way through the intersection and landed in the gutter on the other side of the intersection. Had the person NOT let off the gas mid way through the intersection because they saw me coming, I would have probably missed the car altogether and pulled the longest and best stoppie through an intersection in my life. My riding experience/skills and full gear saved my life that night. I have permanent damage to my spine, but luckily its not severe and I dont experience too many mobility issues due to this accident that was not my fault. I stopped riding on the street after this incident. I've crashed at WAY higher speeds on the track and walked away, I was lucky that night and was able to walk out of the hospital under my own power. Its not the rider, its the cars/drivers around the rider that are the problem.

[@KevinFreist]

I got hit in May this year. Been riding 47 years with no crashes or scratches. This one was bad. I coded twice on the way to the hospital. I had a DOT cert helmet. Was riding a light cruiser. Was not drunk or stoned. I did not have a license. Have had 7 different street bikes. Never felt the state was entitled to my money or obedience in this matter. Proof is in the result .the Dr that hit me , ran a stop sign and didn't have a good license to drive a car. Tarpon Springs police department didn't go to court and support the tickets and charges . Judge gave dr his license back. I wa in intensive care and surgeries for a month and unconscious for 6 weeks. Now just starting g to walk. Broke most important things like arms ,hands , face , jaw, neck ,hips and6 ribs.it's been a terrible thing and still is but I lived and am walking and am suing some bad actors.

[@KevinFreist]

Btw, I had no tickets an da my wife was told by LEO that I did nothing wrong and other driver ran a stop sign and was in violation. LEO ,s said this dr was rude and wouldn't render aid. A passer by stopped and saved me.

[@JSunday45]

I saw a statistic about vehicle fatalities and injuries. For my country only. Bicycles and motorcycles basically had the same numbers, Small CC bikes like scooters had the lowest numbers.

[@alex.m901]

@SoCal Moto: Suggestion: Instead of saying "Take an MSF course", say "Take a safety course". Taking any safety course is better than not taking one. But some state programs, like the one in California, are far superior to the mediocre MSF course. And take intermediate and advanced courses after the beginner class! It will make you so much more confident!!!

[@derikandreoli5177]

I ride more safely than I drive. I'm in my 50s, haven't received a traffic ticket in 30 years. I was rear ended once. I saw it about to happen, but being in a large SUV, I couldn't escape. On a bike I would have. There is obviously some objective danger, but it is largely controllable through how you ride, when you ride, and where you ride.

[@devilsoffspring5519]

I got rear ended on a motorbike once. Just because you see it coming doesn't mean there's much you can do, you can't just go barging into an intersection on a red light! When you're waiting at a red light, if the guy behind you is going to clobber you there's basically not much of anything you can do about it. It has nothing to do with your skill level. Probably the very best you can do is put the kickstand down and if you think you're going to get hit from behind, abandon ship. Motorcycling is inherently dangerous and anyone that tells you otherwise is either ignorant or lying. The factors that make it dangerous, aside from yourself deciding to ride, are out of your control. Just look at riding along sober, aware, and staying away from other traffic. An animal jumps out in front of you. SPLAT!!

[@derikandreoli5177]

@devilsoffspring5519 actually, I watched the guy coming. I couldn't fit my sub into the bike lane. Couldn't move forward because there was a line of cars. In this case, despite your poor imagination, the escape route was clear. So, in some circumstances (most importantly, the one I was actually talking about rather than the imaginary one in your head) escape routes are available to bikes but not cars.

[@maximusmiles8435]

This is anecdotal, but if you go to copart and look at wrecked motorcycles. The most represented type of bike you will see are roadsters. And just guessing here. But most of those fatalities of older riders, are not your more experienced riders. It's good to take up new things through out your life. But maybe re-think getting your first bike at 50. Of course you see the crotch rockets zipping through traffic like they can read the minds of everyone. But then you see old guys on roadsters riding their hog like they drive their car. Right up on the bumper of the car in front of them, dead center. Not a care in the world. Really it's a wonder there isn't more carnage.

[@hellmagex]

I always disagree with the idea that low cc = safer. Yes, you have less capacity for trouble, but you want the extra acceleration power to escape from a developing scenario. Especially a car merging over and not seeing you. At highway speed, you can slow down, but at slower speeds that won't save you, You want that bit of power to get away safe.

[@steveetier3025]

In addition to the fatal accidents are the crashes where the rider / passenger survive but have serious injuries such as road rash or injuries to the feet. I would add to your observation to wearing a helmet is wearing appropriate gear. Jacket, pants, boots and gloves.

[@therealfakecaptain7978]

Almost had two small "accidents" yesterday while driving my car while changing lane and making a turn. Both time I turned my head to see if a car was coming but didn't see one so I made a move and a car almost hit me. It's something that almost never happens when I'm riding my bike because : - a bike (unless it's a very small displacement one) is much faster and agile than a car so I can move quicker - I have a much better visibility since there is no car body to block my view - I'm usually paying much more attention to my surroundings when riding a bike than driving a car

[@washere6202]

18 year medic and rider as well. I can count on one hand the number of bike crashes I’ve attended that weren’t due to poor riding choices. The odd car takes out bike happens but the trend I’ve observed is definitely the rider being responsible for their own bad outcomes.

[@adrenalinehoarder6246]

Like your video. I looked in to all these stats and made my own determination on motorcycle dangers and realized it's mostly in the rider as far as safety goes... hit me up if you're in San Diego for a cruise sometime. I ride a Yamaha r7.. but I love cruising with all types of riders

[@socalmoto714]

Thanks man, appreciate your feedback. San Diego cruise would be sweet!

[@stevestretch6052]

I see people on phones, even going around a turn, and that scares the crap out of me

[@motoshark5847]

Most vulnerable place to be is when stopped aka red lights. Always leave yourself an out and scan constantly for threats. Keep that bubble big. Make eye contact with drivers. Stay away from cities and these days highways. Those are some of the things I do to stay out of trouble. My only street crash was my own doing from poor maintenance.

[@LionStrategic]

It's easier/faster to judge a cars intentions by making eye contact with their front wheel, not the driver. If the wheel is moving the car is moving. If they're sitting at a driveway or intersection and you see the wheels move, be ready for them to jump out in front or across your path.

[@patheally]

I figured out a way to ride safely and still have fun. You need to ride a lot to get comfortable with the road and how to avoid accidents. It's absolutely possible. 3 years and 17k miles later, and I feel I'm a very competent rider now.

[@Blair62]

Where I'm at, the unlicensed rider deaths are kids riding their dirt bikes on the street recklessly. Why their parents buy them the things is beyond me. Agree that a lot of the safety is determined by the rider.

[@tiborsipos1174]

The engine size is pretty misdiagnosed. I heard from many channels that in the USA you can ride any bike with that daily moto training course. Thats why the "beginner bike" phrase even exist. So why would anyone go for the "inferior bike" if you can pick even a 1200cc beast? In the UK at age 17 the biggest bike you can ride is 125. If you're crazy enough an really itch to burn some cash, you can do A2 at age 19 that limits you to 400cc and above 24 only you can do unrestricted license. On the other side don't underestimate "small bikes" Most 125cc scooters can go 65mph without braking a sweat now. Thats more than enough to get a ticket or kill people (including the rider). So I don't think 125cc are "safer" because restricted power. There are less accident because how many 2 wheeler pick a scooter? On the other spectrum when I was deciding what moto to buy, I was thinking about what a bigger engine actually gives to me? It will eat more fuel, that's for sure. I am not a racer, I need the bike to get from pointA to B, commuting is the main purpose.

[@socalmoto714]

Great points. In hindsight, I’d like to see the stats (specific to the US) on how many 500cc< bikes are on the road compared to other classes. My point was more centered around the idea that bc we allow an 18 year old with a provisional to buy a Hayabusa, new riders should really take their time and start small. There are too many great bikes in that class to make an excuse for going straight to a 600CC sport bike or 1200CC+ cruiser imo

[@jonroesler8155]

Big, heavy motorcycles are harder to stop and harder to maneuver than smaller, lighter ones. It's that simple.

[@mr123undead]

​@@jonroesler8155no a s1000rr probably better brake (brembo, dual disc, better tire) than your 125cc scooter.

[@robertjones7792]

Texting by automobile drivers have been the biggest problem way before not having a helmet. Most people cannot walk and chew gum at the same time let alone text while driving.

[@Ridenonthefly]

I am a lifelong rider in my mid fifties. Firstly, motorcycles are inherently dangerous. You have to accept this fact. But it also means you have to use a completely different mindset on a bike from that of a car driver. Route planning is an understated life skill on bikes. Pick bike friendly routes. For example, avoid the left turn filled commercial “stroads” where an SUV will guaranteed turn left in front of you. Avoid high speed highways on Friday nights when people are focused on their weekend or getting home. Take the slow road with less traffic. Wear your gear. Don’t drink (highly recommend ice cream!). Slow down. Stay away from large riding groups and ride with peers who value your life over showing off. And take courses and refresh your skills. I love riding off road, it keeps me sharp and places to practice braking, counter steering, sliding the rear etc.

[@lifeatredline1783]

No endorsement = other driver's insurance companies painting you as inexperienced, at fault ultimately suing you.

[@delmarrey9077]

It’s speed that kills. Been riding since 1971 and racing bicycles before that. The faster you go the more chance of injury/death. The LESS crowded the streets, the more dangerous. It’s the surprise hit that takes out most bikers. I spend my winters here in the Philippines and there are 3 MCs to every car. It’s chaotic to ride here but surprisingly I hardly ever see any accidents. It’s a free for all like everyone just started riding with no traffic enforcement. But they manage here with little events. Most MCs here are usually less than 175 cc and you can’t really get up much speed for very for long (traffic). Riding in the USA is more dangerous due to the car drivers don’t expect to see MCs. You have to make yourself VISIBLE!

[@ElectraWillem]

It can be dangerous depending of your riding style. After almost 50 years I still ride, so it can be done !

[@socalmoto714]

100% 50 years riding takes a lot of discipline! Congrats and stay safe!

[@SlowRiderDucati]

I'm 62 and I ride my Ducati Diavel V4 every day out here in California on the freeways for my 100 mile round trip commute. For me the extra Horse Power is required for safety as I can accelerate away from dangerous situations safely as well as slow down very quickly. I grew up riding street bikes in Los Angeles CA since the 1970s and I only got taken out once when I was fifteen by a no yield left hand car turning into my lane. That cost me a compound fracture of my femur, thigh bone, and three months in traction in the hospital. My helmet was destroyed, so wear your helmets boys. I have not had as many accidents since in over the last 40 years.

[@glenwallace6314]

I just looked out the window at the snow falling and am very jealous that you can still ride.

[@SlowRiderDucati]

@glenwallace6314 get a snowmobile 🤣

[@NMalteC]

The cavalier path to ride in the US with or without a licence is mind boggling. Compare with Europe!

[@K.O240]

Another one I found interesting was of all motorcycle accidents, only 70% involved another vehicle. Involved not necessarily meaning included in the damages. I.e. 30% of all motorcycle accidents were rider error. These were obviously less fatal than collisions with vehicles however.

[@andulasis6283]

Im Not a biker yet, but a cyclist who rides a ton every day. I know it’s not super comparable, but I’d say that 50-60% if not even more of the incidents I have had, could have been prevented if I was more careful. I assume it’s similar to biking. Temptation and distraction is deadly, especially when combined.

[@steve00alt70]

Can you do the UK stats too? As in the UK motorcycles represents only 1% of the traffic.

[@Nooziterp1]

Yes, being in the UK myself I would find that interesting.

[@brianhoppenrath8379]

1st thing training helps, a lot of accidents on curves they can’t handle, you would be surprised solo riders on Harley’s can’t do curves. Not only Harley’s though. Training helps. Alcohol also, like you said helmets, all the gear all the time.