Which Motorcycle Calls To You?

As an aspiring motorcycle rider, there are many factors to consider.

Do you have previous riding experience?

Are you mechanically inclined?

Are you naturally coordinated or uncoordinated?

Are you attentive?

These are all baseline questions that will speak to your ability to safely ride a motorcycle.

At the same time, motorcycling is very much a passion project. In the face of fear and anxiety, we choose to move forward, to live our lives on our terms only. This means that sometimes we have to put the logical part of ourselves to the side, and follow our heart.

Whether you’re called to a sportbike by its sex appeal, its design, or its ability to nearly take flight; called to a low, rumbling, cruiser in a relaxed position, chugging along with the wind in your face; or perhaps, an adventure bike ready to take on all the roads the world has to offer; there is a motorcycle for you.

Sometimes it is easier to just take a quiz like the “What Type of Motorcycle Should I Get Quiz”.

Do you have any more clarity now? Still Curious? More Questions? Lets help you out.

Taller rider looking for their type of motorcycle? There are some motorcycles types that will benefit you as a taller rider>!

Risks of Motorcycling

Well, if you’re here wondering about which motorcycle would be good for you then you’re definitely aware of the risks that come with riding a motorcycle. Maybe you’re wondering if motorcycling is safe in 2023.

The answer is always a yes and no. 

Motorcycling can be as safe as you make it. There are many risk-reduction techniques that you can employ as a rider, but it all depends on you as a person. It depends on your attentiveness, your skillset, your experience, and other factors that you cannot control such as road conditions and other drivers.

On the topic of motorcycle types, there are some factors to be considered as well.

For example, sportbikes are highly powered machines capable of getting even the most experienced riders in trouble; however, these bikes are also the most nimble providing the agility and braking power to maneuver yourself as needed. So there is some risk, as a new rider, to riding a sportbike, but you can find safety in the ability to stop at a faster rate and maneuver yourself easily.

On the other side of the coin, cruisers are low, slow, and heavy. Cruisers are not even remotely capable of the same acceleration as their sportbike alternatives, but they come at the cost of less agility, more weight, and a lesser ability to brake adequately. In other words, potential impulses of speed as a new rider will be less likely, but should you find yourself in a compromising situation, you will also have less of an ability to get yourself out of it. You will be less nimble, with an inferior braking ability when compared to a sport bike.

Different Types of Motorcycle Injuries

So what happens if I have a motorcycle accident? Well, many things could possibly happen.

In a world of high rates of speed, tons of pounds around you, and no protection for yourself, the possibilities are endless and sometimes catastrophic. Sometimes, you can be thankful for some accumulated road rash. 

Compound Fracture

A compound femur fracture is one of the most serious injuries that can be sustained in a motorcycle accident^[1].
Common bones broken in motorcycle accidents include the femur, lower extremities, upper extremities, and head^[2].

Types of bone fractures commonly seen in motorcycle accidents include stable fractures, open and compound fractures, comminuted fractures, and forearm fractures^[3][5].

A retrospective study of 81 patients with open fractures caused by motorcycle accidents found that lower extremity injuries were the most common type of injury sustained^[4].

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4167047

Road Rash

Road rash is a type of skin abrasion or friction burn that occurs when the skin comes into contact with a rough surface^[1][2].
It is a common injury among motorcyclists, and can range from minor scrapes and bruises to more serious second- and third-degree burns^[2][3].
Factors such as speed, the type of surface, and the protective clothing worn can affect the severity of road rash^[3][4].
Treatment for road rash includes washing the wound, applying an antibiotic ointment, and covering it with a bandage^[4][5].

In more severe cases, medical attention may be necessary to prevent infection or further damage to the skin^[3][4].

https://www.motorcyclelegalfoundation.com/motorcycle-accidents-road-rash

Concussion

It is possible to suffer a concussion in a motorcycle accident^[1][2][3]. Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and can range in severity, with symptoms such as confusion, dizziness, nausea, and headaches^[1].

In some cases, concussions can lead to a loss of consciousness^[5]. Motorcycle riders are at an increased risk of suffering a TBI due to the lack of a protective metal frame^[5]. If someone is thrown from their bike during an accident, they could strike their head on the pavement or on a nearby object^[5].

Long-term complications from TBIs can include mental illness and neurological disorders^[2], as well as changes in taste and smell^[2]. It is important for anyone who has been involved in a motorcycle accident to seek medical attention immediately if they experience any symptoms of a concussion or other TBI^[1].

https://www.autoaccident.com/types-of-traumatic-brain-injuries-in-motorcycle-accidents.html

All of this being said, do not let these injuries scare you. Let these injuries be a motivator for you to ride safely and always be gaining new skills, and practicing old ones.

As with many things, motorcycling specifically is heavily reliant on you, the rider, to determine how safe it can be.

With your type of motorcycle in mind, lets move forward and seize the day!

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