I know that motorcycles in general are considered "death traps" but do they break it out by make and model. Are there any statistics on that? Not being a smart a*s, I really don't know. Depending on how many of each make is out there, wouldn't that be relevent? I know crotch rockets are getting a bad rep, but because of the speed that they are driven, not because of quiet or loud. Do they keep statisics on what caused the accidents and the circumstances, and are they readily available to the general public or are they just all lumped together. In order to be known as a death trap people have to haveaccess to information and then form an opinion based on that. Otherwise it's just all conjecture. I have antecdotal evidence and my own experience to base my opinion on. Until I see something different, I'm gonna go with that.

 

Well, I will be one to admit it, I like my LOAD pipes. In fact, I know that my LOAD pipes have saved me a few times but I can't prove it with science. If something is LOAD it gets peoples attention and many times as others have said I could be pulling up behind someone and the LOADNESS of the pipes would alert them. They obviously are not going to help with the clowns turning left in front of you but why not reach for any advantage you can get.

You may think I am giving a LOUD of **** here but I will take my chances with pipes others can hear. Just one more thing to take a LOUD off my mind.

 

Helmets gloves pipes horns jeans chaps vests jackets tassle waving dyna etiquette part 794,094,832.886

 

As a former MSF instructor, I still get a lot of info on safety stats, and I have never seen any reference to make and model, except the consistant "sport bike riders are overly represented infatal accidents," which was first established way back when the Hurt Motorcycle Report was done. What is now showing up, however, is the large increase in fatalities in the 40+ age group.

This is the latest info that I've received, and note that it goes back to the fall of 2004.

Older Motorcycle Riders Driving Death Rate Higher
Sept. 1, 2004 – Older motorcycle riders are increasing rapidly and are driving the death rate upwards. Last year, 46 percent of motorcycle fatalities were riders 40 and over, an increase of 21 percent since 1993, according to statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Motorcycle fatalities rose by 348 to 3,592, an 11 percent increase. The mean age of motorcyclists’ fatalities has also increased from 29.3 years in 1990 to 36.3 years in 2001. The analysis also indicates a corresponding rise in the average age of motorcyclists killed and greater involvement of motorcycles with larger engines in fatal crashes. Two-thirds of the riders killed on 1,001-1,500 cc engine size were 40 and over years old.
Since 1980, motorcycle ownership among the 40 and over age group has increased significantly, from 15.1 percent in 1980 to 43.7 percent in 1998.
A recent analysis of age trends shows that over the past 10 years, fatalities in the 20 to 29 year old age group, the group with the highest annual number of motorcycle fatalities, decreased, while fatalities in the 40 and over age groups increased. During this time, however, there were more driving age individuals in the 40 and over age group in the United States.
Forty percent of fatally injured operators tested positive for alcohol, and 32 percent had a BAC of 0.08 or higher and alcohol use was highest among operators 40 to 49 years old, followed by those 30 to 39 years old.
The motorcycle community is experiencing astounding growth. New unit sales of on-highway motorcycles have increased approximately 91 percent since 1997. The Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC) expects motorcycle sales to continue to increase over the next 5 to 7 years – meaning more motorcycles on our Nation’s roadways. MIC estimates that 471,000 new on-highway motorcycles were sold in the United States in 2000 alone compared to 379,000 in 1999.
While motorcycle fatalities rose by 348 to 3,592, an 11 percent increase, passenger car fatalities declined by 778. SUV fatalities increased by 456, 55 percent of which were rollover crashes. This increase was partially accounted for by increases in SUV sales.
Motorcycle Riders in Fatal Crashes
Since 1997, motorcycle rider fatalities have increased each year, according to the recently released estimate from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA)

 

I stand to be corrected. You're right, I have no idea why people buy loud pipes. I never talk to them on rides, Idon't read magazines or this forum... Excuse me while I pull my head out of my a$$... [sm=imsorry.gif]

 

To me its like when you hear a siren from a cop or a firetruck...you start looking around....I myself have seencagers look in there mirror when I'm on there side, just from the sound when i rev a little to let them know im there.......

 

Hey, take all the time you need.

 

funny

 

Ive stopped cars from pulling out by rapping my pipes THIS summer. You can hear my bike form 300 yrds approching you easy... Maybe one day you will believe maybe not, as for me I KNOW.

im sure your mileage will vary...

 

I hear your not a biker if you cant load a pipe...
just saying...