Scooters and Motorcycles Popularity and Wrecks Increase

... at least 40 percent steadily since 1997. Scooter and Motorcycle Popularity Parallels Dangers According to a news article from ... 24 percent in the first half of 2008. Additionally, the Motorcycle Industry Council, noted that Vespa saw a nearly 40 percent increase ...


As gas prices continue to rise to figures unseen before in the United States, as well as around the world, millions of Americans are looking at gas-friendly modes of transportation. Among the options available are scooters and motorcycles, which are quickly becoming sought after and a popular form of transportation.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that there are approximately 6.6 million registered motorcycles, not including scooters, in the United States. The NHTSA also reported that nearly 2,500 motorcyclists die in traffic accidents each year, and while this number was previously decreasing from 1990 to 1997, it has increased at least 40 percent steadily since 1997.

Scooter and Motorcycle Popularity Parallels Dangers

According to a news article from the Dallas Morning News on July 2, scooter sales had increased 24 percent in the first half of 2008. Additionally, the Motorcycle Industry Council, noted that Vespa saw a nearly 40 percent increase in sales while Yamaha reported a 65 percent increase over a one-year period.

A Consumer Reports article from June 2008 also discussed the popularity of motorcycles and scooters, which have increased tenfold. The article detailed sales of motorcycles, which have increased to approximately $1.2 million in 2006 alone -- a record unseen before. However, in that same year, it was reported that motorcycle fatalities accounted for more than 10 percent of all motor vehicle crash deaths.

However, motorcycle accidents are up approximately 127 percent since 1997 and the NHTSA reported that a motorcyclist is approximately 34 times more likely to die in a crash than someone in a passenger car. Additionally it has been reported that:

* In 2006, motorcyclist fatalities nearly doubled killing 4,810.

* According to the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) motorcylce deaths are on the rise whereas vehicle/automotive deaths have declined.

* Approximately 88,000 motorcycle riders were injured in 2006, according to the NHTSA.

* Supersport bikes (also nicknamed rocket bikes or crotch rockets) have fatality rates that are four times greater than other motorcycle riders.

* These supersport bikes made up only 10 percent of registered motorcycles in 2005, but were responsible for 25 percent of motorcycle fatalities in that year.

* Wearing a helmet can reduced crash fatalities among riders by nearly 37 percent, according to NHTSA.

Scooter and Motorcycle Accident Costs

While many individuals are moving toward scooters and motorcycles to save money on the costs of gasoline, often, individuals overlook that scooter and motorcycle accidents can be extremely costly particularly among those not wearing helmets and involved in a scooter or motorcycle crash.

According to analysts from the Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, working under contract for the NHTSA, who studied the results of 25 motorcycle studies conducted during the last few decades, the costs for motorcycle injuries can be priced for non-helmet riders from $7,200 upward to $30,400 in hospital-admitted and fatal accidents; whereas helmet wearers paid less after a crash costing anywhere from $3,000 to $17,400 in accident and hospital-related costs.

The study also reported that riders afflicted with a head injury will likely pay an average of $43,214 for trauma-center admittance and an average of $22,491 for hospital-admittance, while no head injury motorcycle or scooter riders involved in an paid an average of $15,528 for trauma-center admittance and an average of $11,430 for hospital-admission injuries.

Safety Tips for Better Driving

The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) runs education and informational programs for individuals hoping to learn about or become a motorcycle or scooter driver. Among the USDOT's recommendations are the following for the increasing number of motorcyclists and scooters drivers:

* Watch for the "no-zones" - often the blind spots of trucks as well as cars.

* Wear USDOT approved helmets at all times.

* Ride with caution and drive defensively.

* Never ride between lanes in traffic or share a lane with another vehicle.

* Ensure a motorcycle or scooter is updated on maintenance routinely.

* Wear protective clothing including gloves, boots and a jacket.

* Be aware of speeds and maintain speed limits; collisions often happen because of speeding into trucks and buses, which are often at the slowest speeds.

* Be prepared for bad weather as well as night riding, which increases the risk of an accident.

Seeking Accident and Injury Assistance after a Crash

Individuals who have been involved in a motorcycle or scooter crash should seek the assistance of an experienced accident attorney who can offer assistance as well as legal consultation regarding a wreck or injury. Because accidents among motorcyclists and scooter riders quite frequently are not their fault and can often occur because the driver of another vehicle didn't see the motorcycle or scooter, it may be wise to begin building a scooter or motorcycle crash case or lawsuit.

Developing a motorcycle lawsuit after such an accident may also provide monetary compensation to the injured motorcycle or scooter driver and help relieve the hefty medical bills associated with a crash, as previously noted.

By.Katie Kelley
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What about Customized Motorcycles?

.. you are extremely short or very tall. Having a customized motorcycle made to your specifications is a great alternative, but it is also more expensive. One of the most well known custom motorcycle makers is Jesse James, owner of West Coast Choppers. Jesse James has


Motorcycles are very popular, with thousands of them on the road. You will find them in a variety of makes and models for your enjoyment. Finding exactly the style you want that fits your body can prove to be difficult, especially if you are extremely short or very tall. Having a customized motorcycle made to your specifications is a great alternative, but it is also more expensive.

One of the most well known custom motorcycle makers is Jesse James, owner of West Coast Choppers. Jesse James has been passionate about motorcycles since he was seven years old. He has customized motorcycles for many celebrities including Shaquille O'Neal, Kid Rock, and Kyle Petty. The bikes range in price from $50,000 to $150,000.

While this is going to be much too expensive for the average individual, you can still get a great customized motorcycle from some other sources. There are many things you need to consider to get started. First, what is it that you need from a motorcycle that you can't get from a standard one at any retailer? If it is simply the colour, you will save a great deal of money by purchasing it from the retailer and having it repainted. In some cases, you may be able to contact the manufacturer and have the bike painted your ideal colour at the factory.

Most of the time, individuals need to have a motorcycle customized to fit them properly. Take Shaquille O'Neal for example. He is such a large person, that the average motorcycle just doesn't work well for him. Jesse James was able to use O'Neal's measurements to create a motorcycle that was comfortable for him to ride. Customized motorcycles are a great choice for those with a disability that prevents them from being able to operate a standard motorcycle.

If you are determined to have a customized motorcycle, take the time to research the various manufacturers you have to choose from. Keep in mind that you may have to wait several months or even years to get the motorcycle you want if the manufacturer is very busy. Always discuss the options you want in great detail as well as the price. If the manufacturer won't agree to your specifications then look for someone who will.

It is a good idea to conduct research about the manufacturer. Find out how long they have been customizing motorcycles. Ask for references and to see samples of their work. You will also want to inquire about warranty information and a guarantee if you aren't pleased with the work. In most cases, you will have to pay a deposit before work begins on your customized motorcycle. Make sure they are familiar with working with the model of motorcycle you want to have customized.

Having your very own motorcycle is a great recreational item to spend your time with. However, investing in a customized motorcycle will allow you to have the very best motorcycle that fits your style as well as your body. Being comfortable on your motorcycle will give you more enjoyment and you can also use it for long road trips. You are less likely to be involved in a motorcycle accident if the motorcycle is a proper fit. While a customized motorcycle is more expensive than a traditional model, it is an investment that is well worth it.

By.Uchenna Ani-Okoye
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How Good Motorcycle Security Means Cheaper Insurance

... monthly subscription cost to keep the service running. Motorcycle security is always a good idea; everything helps against the theft ... article: http://www.freearticles.co.za/search/node/motorcycle?page=1 Your Usage Rights: You may republish .



One of the major risks of motorcycles is theft, causing the increase of motorbike insurance all the time. A good preventative measure is to fit your vehicle with security in order to reduce your insurance cost and to deter thieves from trying to steal your pride and joy.

Security devices generally come in different categories ranging from 1 to 5 (1 being the best and most expensive). Below is a list of the category description:

Cat 1: Electronic alarm and immobiliser combined system

Cat 2: Electronic immobiliser (Upgradeable to Cat.1 with an alarm system)

Cat 3: Mechanical device such as a lock or chain

Cat 4: Wheel locking devices

Cat 5: After-theft systems, such as trackers or datatagging.

Each product is reviewed every 12 months, so the category may depend on the age of the system fitted to your vehicle. Although an alarm and immobiliser may start life as a Cat.1 system, after 12 months it may not be considered to be at this level.

The most effective type of security is locks, chains and especially disk locks. Cat. 3/4 devices or physical devices cause the most problems to thieves as they make the bike immobile when anchored. Rather than an electronic system that is reliant on power, mechanical devices can also be the cheapest to buy, although they are perhaps the most effective.

Many insurers do not offer huge discounts when considering security on a motorbike insurance policy, especially when you compare the cost of the security system to the amount of discount on the insurance. Although, many insurers may make the security a condition of the policy, they will not provide a price without a certain category security system fitted to the vehicle; this can be in relation to the value of the vehicle.

An average Cat. 1 alarm and immobiliser system could set you back as much as 350.00 pounds including fitting. These types of systems can include functions such as an alert to your mobile phone if your bike thinks it is being stolen, or a proximity sensor when someone might get too close to your vehicle. Quite often, an alarm and immobiliser such as this may be included and fitted when purchasing a new vehicle.

Many major manufacturers fit a standard immobiliser to their newer models, manufacturers such as Honda, Kawasaki or Yamaha fit newer vehicles with an ignition security system. Manufacturers such as Peugeot fit many of their newer scooters with mechanical security known as a Boa Lock, which can be pulled out from the rear of the vehicle and secured to an anchor point; all in an effort to reduce the cost of your motorbike insurance, as scooters are the most common type of vehicle to be stolen.

The most effective type of security that will always bring cheaper motorbike insurance quotes is a secure brick built garage. Most insurers can give such a large discount for this that the insurer may add an endorsement to your policy, to state that the vehicle must always be kept in your garage whilst at the home address.

Cat. 5 devices (After-theft products) include devices such as trackers, or tagging systems such as alpha dot or datatagging. These devices are designed to recover the vehicle after a theft has taken place. Although tagging systems normally cost between 30 pounds and 60, pounds tracking systems can be very expensive, in addition to the initial cost of the system you will also have a monthly subscription cost to keep the service running.

Motorcycle security is always a good idea; everything helps against the theft of your vehicle. Insurers will always help by reducing the cost of your insurance in accordance with the type of security fitted and where the vehicle is kept at the home address.

By.Anna Stenning
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The Consequences Of Being A Rebel Without Motorcycle Insurance

... is the cost of buying one, maintaining and purchasing motorcycle insurance to go with it. Insurance is a vital part of purchasing a ... insurance policy they should ideally be going for. Motorcycle insurance is very simple to understand, however, for those who have ..


Motorcycles are every bad boys dream and a man's ambition! For years, these feisty big and meaty vehicles have played an important part in upgrading ones image of being a thrill-seeking junkie. Usually one would associated a motorcyclist with a leather jacket, cigarette in the mouth and a certain American rebel without a cause, however, these days sitting on a motorbike is more common amongst the younger generation - with a few pockets of Mods and rockers to continue the bad boy tradition.

No Matter how much you want to buy your motorbike the only thing you cannot avoid is the cost of buying one, maintaining and purchasing motorcycle insurance to go with it. Insurance is a vital part of purchasing a motorbike, without that it can land you in huge amounts of trouble and as a new motorcyclist that would be the last thing you would want. Whenever one purchases a new bike, the first thing they should be thinking about is what insurance policy they should ideally be going for.

Motorcycle insurance is very simple to understand, however, for those who have very little experience in the process of applying for an insurance policy they will need to research upon the terminologies used. This can be very confusing at first, but once you have come to grasp how it works you will be scratching your head thinking what the fuss was about. It is a good idea to start looking for insurance companies, brokers and get a quote on your new bike.

The unfortunate thing about being a new motorcyclist is that you have to pay more than an experienced motorist. Try not to panic too much when reading this, but that is how it works and be rest assured that as the years pass on this will become cheaper. The more experienced you become, the more reliable you are on the road. Most of the insurance are from beginner motorists and this is a statistical fact so there is no way around it.

Motorcycle insurance come in three main categories, which are, third party cover, third party and theft cover and comprehensive cover. At this point, this should be self-explanatory, but for those who have never heard of this will be at a great advantage if they looked this up and compared insurance prices. It is always best to approach someone who has experience in paying for insurance policy covers. This way you can avoid the problem of paying too much for something has a standard price tag on it.

Other insurance policies can be to insure the rider only or the bike only. Some people can only afford certain, so you get what you pay for. Be careful if you do opt for the cheaper option as this will mean you will not be covered for anything else. My advice is to go for a fully comprehensive policy, it is by far the most expensive one of all the three policies, however, and you are guaranteed to be at ease should anything go wrong.

Failing to get any insurance will mean the following; a hefty court fine, loss of license, medical fees to pay, paying for damages to the other party (this can all set you back thousands of pounds, which I am guessing you do not want to part with), a ban on the road and maybe even a prison sentence. It is a fact and it is not wise to think it will never happen to you. These things are unpredictable; no matter how careful you are, it is always best to be prepared for the worst.

By.Anna Stenning
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Motorcycle Insurance With Points

.. can range from not ensuring good maintenance of your motorcycle - a CU30 endorsement would be incurred for using a vehicle with ... Even though these offences are of the minor nature, your motorcycle insurance would still generally increase. Motoring convictions ...


Motorbike insurance premiums are calculated on a huge number of different factors and one of which that can have a great impact is driving licence endorsements.

A motoring conviction might influence a motorbike insurance underwriter in his or her assessment of the risk and calculation of the final bike insurance premium. Taking penalty points or driving bans into consideration depends on when the conviction occurred, the frequency with which they occurred, if there is more than once offence and the severity of the offence.

Insurers know that there is a connection between the number of speeding convictions a person may have and their likelihood of making an insurance claim, so riders with speeding convictions are likely to face higher premiums until their driving record improves.

Generally insurers categorise motoring convictions into four sections and a speeding endorsement would be seen as a minor conviction. Other such minor convictions can range from not ensuring good maintenance of your motorcycle - a CU30 endorsement would be incurred for using a vehicle with defective tyres, to gaining points for driving without wearing spectacles - a MS70 endorsement would be incurred for driving with uncorrected defective eyesight. Even though these offences are of the minor nature, your motorcycle insurance would still generally increase.

Motoring convictions are material facts that must always be disclosed at the time of a motorbike insurance quotation and relate to a moral hazard. A moral hazard applies to insurance as they relate either to the insurance history of the policyholder or to his personal history or attitude.

Failing to stop and give particulars after an accident, an AC10, driving without due care and attention, a CD10, or using a vehicle which is uninsured, an IN10, are all deemed to be highly rated as a moral hazard but generally would only incur points on a singular basis rather than a ban.

As the severity of the endorsement increases, a driving ban would be awarded and this usually applies to careless driving offences, dangerous driving offences, disqualified driver offences and theft or unauthorised taking offences.

Drink driving convictions are taken very seriously by insurers. Convicted riders returning to the roads may face difficulty in obtaining bike insurance and will certainly have to pay far higher premiums than before their conviction. These higher premiums can well last for a number of years.

Apart from the one off major convictions that will result in an immediate ban, there is also a totting up provision where a rider can be disqualified if he/she accumulates twelve penalty points within a three year period. Ultimately, a rider who accumulates four minor speeding offences over three years will face a similar increased motorbike insurance premium as that of a convicted dangerous or drink driver.

With increasing use of speed cameras and stricter penalties enforced by the courts even careful drivers risk totting up points Under the New Driver Act, if a person has passed their motorcycle or car test on or after 1st June 1997 and incur six or more penalty points within the first two years of passing the first test, their driving licence is automatically revoked. This includes any penalty points you had prior to the test which are still valid. To obtain a new licence, you would have to re sit a test as a learner driver. This type of driving disqualification would also have an impact on your bike insurance premium.

In summary, more than two million motorists' driving licences will be endorsed with penalty points over the next twelve months. Should it be their first minor offence, Insurers will probably be quite lenient, however as they increase in numbers and severity, the insurers will definitely apply a loading thus ensuring higher motorbike insurance premiums for you.

Avoid all motoring convictions and get cheaper bike insurance.

By.Shaun Parker
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The Oldest Motorcycle Names Live On

.. history with a legion of fans that includes owners, motorcycle enthusiasts, old and young alike. Distinguished by its style, ... 1903 saw the introduction of its first production motorcycle. The early Harley-Davidson bikes were popular as race machines...


Royal Enfield and Harley Davidson have survived the test of time and have maintained loyal legions of fans.

Harley Davidson

This classic series of motorcycles has a long and storied history with a legion of fans that includes owners, motorcycle enthusiasts, old and young alike. Distinguished by its style, unique engine sound and fan loyalty, Harley Davidson motorcycles are unlike any bikes ever produced.

From modest beginnings in 1901, Harley Davidson Incorporated was the brainchild of William Harley who had developed a small, powerful engine. Like many engine manufacturers of the era, these engines were intended for use with existing bicycle designs, combining motorized power with pedal power. From a small shop in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harley and his partner, Arthur Davidson embarked on a journey that would revolutionize the world of motorized transportation.

1903 saw the introduction of its first production motorcycle. The early Harley-Davidson bikes were popular as race machines. By the end of the decade, Harley Davidson was selling a version if its bikes for use as police vehicles. Shortly thereafter, The Company introduced a 45 degree V-twin engine design that would represent a style synonymous with Harley-Davidson for years to come.

The post-war years saw a rapid expansion in production, along with some ownership bumps in the road. The mid 1980s saw ownership shift from AMF to a group comprised of Harley Davidson management. The Company went public on the New York Stock Exchange in 1987. The rest, as they say, is history.

The big V twin engine configurations were reflected in many subsequent designs including the F Head, Flathead, Knucklehead, Panhead and Shovelhead, all exceeding 1000 cubic centimeters in displacement. The smaller V-twin designs reflected a smaller displacement under 1000 cubic centimeters until the introduction of the Evolution and Ironhead series of engines and are found on the Sportster X series bikes.

The V Rod, introduced in 2002, incorporates a liquid cooled 1130 cubic centimeter super bike engine. The VRSC models are unique in both style and performance from all of its predecessors. The 60 degree V twin engine features fuel injection and was developed with the help of Porsche.

Even the Harley Davidson logo has created incredible marketing potential with after market merchandise and accessory sales accounting for up to 5 percent of the Companys revenue. The distinctive HD eagle reflects the respect Harley Davidson enjoys from competitors and motorcycle fans.

Royal Enfield

The pride of British manufacturing companies, Royal Enfield has established a reputation that dates back to the mid 1800s. Like many early manufacturers of personal transportation, founder George Townsend focus on producing parts for existing bicycle designs, and by 1893 was producing and selling complete bicycles under the Enfield name. It was not long before Townsend turned the name Enfield and its slogan built like a gun into household words across Great Britain.

The most endearing product introduction by Royal Enfield has to be the Bullet. With a single cylinder, four stroke engine, the 1933 Bullet sported a dramatic front to rear rake making for truly classic line. World War II brought a one of a kind bike from Enfield, the Flying Flea. Complete with its own parachute and packing cage, the Flying Flea could be dropped from an aircraft along with the troops provided a means of motorized battlefield transport not previously available.

The Royal Enfield line even included a version of the famous red painted Indian motorcycles, after the company acquired the brand name rights. The RE Indians were discontinued in the 1960s. Intense competition from Japanese motorcycle producers during the 1960s and 1970s meant the Royal Enfield needed bikes that could match the speed and performance of the Asian bikes.

The answer was the Interceptor line of extremely fast motorcycles, with a top speed of over 105 miles per hour and able to cover the quarter mile in les than 14 seconds. Sadly, production could not keep up with demand, and the Interceptor became the last of the Enfield line to be produced in England.

Royal Enfield motorcycles are still produced in India and exported worldwide, including to the United Kingdom and to the United States. The famous Bullet bikes still anchor this legendary line of motorcycles with versions which includes the 500 cubic centimeter Elektra X.

Mitch Endick
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How To Claim On A Motorbike Insurance Policy

A legal requirement for anyone riding a motorbike on a public road, motorbike insurance can often be complicated or difficult to understand. After the policy has been purchased, one of the more difficult points associated with motorbike insurance is simply how to make a claim. Depending on which type of level of insurance the policy holder has depends on what can be claimed for. However, all insurance claims should follow the same process.

In the event of an accident, all those involved should remain at the scene of the accident. It is against the law to ride away from the accident if involved or a witness. Assuming the accident is between the policy holder and another vehicle and no major injuries have been caused, in which case the Police and Ambulance service should be called as a priority, the first point to remember is to stay calm and relaxed. The process will be much simpler and quicker if both parties are amicable.

After checking that everyone involved appears to be relatively uninjured, both parties should exchange details. This means passing on full names, addresses, telephone numbers, vehicle registration number and insurance details. It is also worthwhile noting the area in which the accident took place as well as the type, make and models of all vehicles involved, for various reasons such as the car being illegally registered or the incorrect details having been taken down.

Once these details have been passed, all parties are free to leave the scene of the accident. If the vehicles involved can be moved away from the scene of the accident, either by riding, driving or with use of a removal vehicle, this should be carried out. However, if the vehicle cannot be moved, it should be secured as best as is reasonably possible and returned for at the next possible opportunity.

Soon after the accident has taken place, the insurance company should be contacted. Some insurance companies provide documentation that can be completed and returned to them via post, however a lot of companies simply ask for the policy holder to telephone them to provide all of the details.

After all of the initial details have been taken, the two insurance companies involved will then communicate and discuss the accident. A liable person, those whose fault the accident was, will be discovered and the claim will be taken from here.

For Fully Comprehensive motorbike insurance, the insurance companies will contact both parties and request further details over the following weeks. If any party was injured, they will send them to a Doctor who will assess the seriousness of the injury. Furthermore, if any vehicles were damaged, they will be assessed and if repairable, they will pay for the repairs. However, if the vehicle is written off as unsafe to use, they will provide the policy holder with money to the current value of the vehicle.

An insurance claim can taken months to progress and for the liable person it can have a detrimental affect on their future insurance premiums.

by: ChrisReinhold
About the Author
Kwik Fit Bike Insurance have a team dedicated solely to finding the best possible deals in motorcycle cover - and have an 18-strong panel of leading insurers specialising in quality Motorbike Insurance and Motorcycle Insurance Services