Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Riding Technique Operation Sav-A-Newbie

Years ago when I use to live in California, I remember the statistics regarding new motorcycle riders. This "new" included anyone new to the state, new to motorcycles or just getting a new bike. The statistic was that the "new" rider had a 50% chance of being in a accident within the first 6 months. Almost 40% chance within the first year. After 2 years it dropped down to 25% and each year down a little more.

So this to me showed that experience as a rider, with the roads and with your bike where all key to surviving. I managed to survive for 18 months until I sold my Honda Goldwing (stripped down version, no fairing or bags).

I have also found that most bike accidents that are due to the biker are because the rider is going to fast for the conditions at that time.

When in city traffic try to stay within 5mph of the speed limit. The cagers have a hard enough time seeing bikes, but when going to fast in heavy traffic you will become just a shadow to them, and thus the excuse that "I never even saw the bike until we hit".

Tom