You’re thinking of buying your first motorcycle. You know that riding a bike is more dangerous than riding in a car, but you’re willing to accept that risk. Still, you want to make things as safe as you can. Are some types of bikes riskier?
What you’ll find is that it is more about how you ride the bike and how well you understand your specific vehicle. For instance, sport bikes have a reputation for being dangerous, but much of the danger lies in the fact that they’re incredibly quick bikes. People drive them too fast, they accelerate too quickly and they lose control. You can ride them safely if you choose to.
That’s not to say that all bikes are made equal. For example, some experts have noted that the popular cafe racer style of bike is harder to balance on than a full-size touring bike. This could make it more likely that you’ll lose control, especially if your tires are not properly inflated.
Your biggest hazard, though, is the same no matter what type of bike you ride: other drivers. You face risks from cars turning left in front of you, drivers tailgating you, people merging into your lane and drivers making a whole host of other errors. When they make mistakes, you face the greatest risks because your motorcycle is so much smaller than the other vehicle.
After an accident, you may be facing high medical bills, lost wages and many other related costs. Make sure you know how to seek financial compensation and exactly what legal steps to take.
