Above is a gaudified example of my bike, a 2004 Kawasaki ZX-10r. I bought this bike because of it's reputation for power, agility, and a slight edginess to riding it.
I've been riding all my life, I thought I knew fast. This bike redefines fast. It takes a lot of restraint to use this tool. It's not uncommon to look down at the speedo and realize you're going effortlessly 20-30 mph faster than you thought. As the tach sweeps past 7000, the front wheel loses interest with the pavement in the first three gears. Between 7000 and redline, it's an animal, your attention and reflexes better be spot on. 100 mph in first gear.
I really enjoy riding this bike, the skill and attention it takes, the satisfaction of finding the perfect flow. But I realize the flip side, that it can bite hard instantly if mistreated.
Apparently others don't. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released their report, and the ZX-10r tops the list ....
"Nine of the 10 motorcycles with the highest losses were supersports. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, a 1,000 cc supersport, topped the worst list, with collision losses more than 9 times the average."
Some other tidbits...
Don't drink and ride...
"Alcohol also is a problem in fatal crashes of motorcyclists, although less so than among passenger vehicle drivers. In 2005 it was a factor in the fatal crashes of 19 percent of supersport riders and 23 percent of sport and unclad sport riders. Alcohol impairment was an even bigger factor in the fatal crashes of cruisers and standard bikes and touring motorcycles, particularly among riders 30-49 years old. Thirty-three percent of cruiser and standard riders and 26 percent of touring motorcycle riders had blood alcohol concentrations above the legal threshold for impairment."
Also, wear your gear...
"Meanwhile, helmet use fell. Only 51 percent of riders wear helmets certified by the US Department of Transportation. This compares with 71 percent in 2000, according to the federal government’s National Occupant Protection Use Survey."
The whole report is Here. If you ride, it's definitely worth a read.
I've been riding all my life, I thought I knew fast. This bike redefines fast. It takes a lot of restraint to use this tool. It's not uncommon to look down at the speedo and realize you're going effortlessly 20-30 mph faster than you thought. As the tach sweeps past 7000, the front wheel loses interest with the pavement in the first three gears. Between 7000 and redline, it's an animal, your attention and reflexes better be spot on. 100 mph in first gear.
I really enjoy riding this bike, the skill and attention it takes, the satisfaction of finding the perfect flow. But I realize the flip side, that it can bite hard instantly if mistreated.
Apparently others don't. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety just released their report, and the ZX-10r tops the list ....
"Nine of the 10 motorcycles with the highest losses were supersports. The Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R, a 1,000 cc supersport, topped the worst list, with collision losses more than 9 times the average."
Some other tidbits...
Don't drink and ride...
"Alcohol also is a problem in fatal crashes of motorcyclists, although less so than among passenger vehicle drivers. In 2005 it was a factor in the fatal crashes of 19 percent of supersport riders and 23 percent of sport and unclad sport riders. Alcohol impairment was an even bigger factor in the fatal crashes of cruisers and standard bikes and touring motorcycles, particularly among riders 30-49 years old. Thirty-three percent of cruiser and standard riders and 26 percent of touring motorcycle riders had blood alcohol concentrations above the legal threshold for impairment."
Also, wear your gear...
"Meanwhile, helmet use fell. Only 51 percent of riders wear helmets certified by the US Department of Transportation. This compares with 71 percent in 2000, according to the federal government’s National Occupant Protection Use Survey."
The whole report is Here. If you ride, it's definitely worth a read.
Labels: Culture Commentary, Motorcycle
posted by Cyemm at 9:33 PM
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