Aug 23, 2022
 in 
Guides

Motorcycle Safety: Choosing The Safest Motorcycle In 2022

 By 
Ericka Ellis

If you're looking for the safest motorcycle in 2022, you've come to the right place. In this blog post, we'll explore some of the key factors you should consider when choosing a motorcycle, as well as some specific models that are known for their safety features.

There are a few key things to consider when choosing a motorcycle, with safety being the most important. 

Decide On The Type Of Motorcycle

First, consider the type of motorcycle you want. There are four main types of motorcycles: standard bikes, sports bikes, dirt bikes and cruisers. 

  1. Standard Motorcycles: 

Pros:

  • Budget friendly
  • Competent performance 
  • Simple with a practical style 
  • Variety of accessories to choose from 

Cons:

  • Its simplicity 
  • Typically not loaded with the latest technology or extravagant features 

Examples: Honda CB1100, Kawasaki Versys, Triumph Bonneville, Yamaha SR400, Suzuki SV650, Harley-Davidson Sportster, Ducati Monster

  1. Sports Bikes 

Pros: 

  • Lots of power, great brakes, and adjustable suspension
  • Top speed and racing level performance
  • Includes high technology 
  • Exciting to ride

Cons: 

  • Not practical for long distances/discomfort 
  • Exceeds most speed limits in 1st or 2nd gear
  • Need to be an experienced rider 

Examples: Ducati Panigale, Honda CBR models, Kawasaki ZX series, Yamaha    

R1 or R6, Triumph Daytona, Suzuki GSX-R models, Aprilia RSV4

  1. Dirt Bikes

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced (affordable) 
  • A sense of adventure & adrenaline rush
  • Many social opportunities for sports enthusiasts/competitors
  • Off roading 

Cons:

  • Bikes are not street legal 
  • Single riders only (not passengers) 
  • Pickup, RV, or trailer required to get to places to ride

Examples: Honda CRF450, Yamaha YZF450

  1. Cruisers  

Pros:

  • Easy and comfortable to ride
  • Easy to maintain 
  • Can be driven in touring as well
  • Mixture of a street and dirt bike
  • Ride on paved and unpaved roads 

Cons:

  • Heavy
  • Doesn’t give top speed 

Examples: Any Harley-Davidson or Indian, Honda Shadow, Yamaha, Kawasaki Vulcan, Ducati Diavel 

Each type of motorcycle has its own set of safety concerns. For example, street bikes typically have higher speed limits and are more likely to be involved in accidents. Dirt bikes, on the other hand, are more likely to tip over and can be more difficult to control. Cruisers are a good compromise between the two, but can still be dangerous if not ridden carefully.

What To Look For

Safety Features To Pay Attention To: 

Some other safety features to look for in a motorcycle include:

  • Anti-lock brakes: This is an absolute must. Make sure the bike you're considering has this feature. ABS helps to prevent the wheels from locking up during hard braking, which can help you avoid accidents. It's important to note that not all motorcycles are required to have ABS, so it's something to keep in mind when choosing a bike.

  • Engine size: When choosing a motorcycle, it's important to consider the engine size. Smaller engines are typically less powerful and therefore less likely to cause serious injuries in an accident. Larger engines can be more dangerous, but they also offer more power and speed. Choose an engine size that is appropriate for your skill level and the type of riding you plan to do.

  • Airbags: Airbags are a crucial safety feature in motorcycles. They can help protect you in the event of a collision or other accident.While not as common as they are in cars, airbags are starting to appear in more and more motorcycles. If the bike you're considering has them, it's definitely a plus.

  • Electronic Stability Control: This is a newer safety feature that is quickly becoming standard on many motorcycles. It helps keep the bike stable in case of a sudden change in direction or terrain.

  • LED Headlights: LED headlights are much brighter than traditional halogen headlights, making them much better for night riding.

  • Safety cages: Some motorcycles come with safety cages around the rider. These can help protect you in case of a collision.

  • Rider assist systems: These are becoming more and more common on motorcycles. They can help with things like throttle control, braking, and even keeping the bike stable at low speeds.

  • Side-impact protection: One of the most important safety features to look for in a motorcycle is side-impact protection. This can be in the form of airbags, side frames, or even just thicker padding on the sides of the motorcycle.

  • Choose a motorcycle with a good safety rating. The safety of a motorcycle is determined by its safety rating. The higher the rating, the safer the motorcycle. To find a motorcycle's safety rating, you can check out NHTSA.gov or IIHS.org.

  • Bright headlight: A bright headlight is another important safety feature, as it will help you see the road ahead, as well as help other drivers see you.

  • Motorcycle specific tires: Motorcycle specific tires are designed to grip the road better and provide more traction, which can help you avoid a crash.

  • Choose a motorcycle with good visibility. Good visibility is important for both you and other drivers on the road. Make sure the motorcycle you choose has a windshield and mirrors that offer good visibility.

As an added bonus, it’s important that you have a professional inspect the motorcycle before you buy it. This will help you make sure the motorcycle is in good condition and that there are no hidden problems.

How To Ride Safely

It’s important to know which features to look for when choosing a motorcycle but it is equally important for you to know how to safely prepare and ride a motorcycle. 

Here are a few tips to ensure you are safe while riding: 

  • High-visibility gear: When you're on a motorcycle, you want to make sure you're as visible as possible to other drivers. That means wearing bright, reflective gear, as well as installing reflective tape on your motorcycle.
  • Protective gear: Wearing proper protective gear, such as a helmet, gloves, and boots, can help reduce your risk of injury in an accident.
  • Helmet: Of course, one of the most important safety items for any motorcycle rider is a helmet. Make sure to choose a helmet that fits properly and is rated for motorcycle use.
  • Get trained on how to ride a motorcycle. If you've never ridden a motorcycle before, it's important to get trained on how to do it. You can find motorcycle training courses at many community colleges and motorcycle dealerships. If you want to know how to go about getting a motorcycle license, check out this article.

By following these tips, you can be sure you’ll choose the safest motorcycle possible for your next or very first ride. Enjoy! 

Safe Motorcycles To Consider

Now that you know what to look for in a safe motorcycle, let's take a look at some specific models that are known for their safety features.

Honda Goldwing

One of the safest motorcycle models on the market is the Honda Goldwing. The Goldwing is a large touring motorcycle that comes with a variety of safety features, including ABS, a windshield, and headlight washers. It also has a comfortable seat and a smooth ride, which can help you stay relaxed on long rides.

Suzuki Hayabusa

Another safe motorcycle is the Suzuki Hayabusa. The Hayabusa is a sportbike that is known for its excellent handling. It comes with ABS and a single-sided swingarm, which helps to improve stability. The Hayabusa is also equipped with a variety of other safety features, including a headlight modulator and a traction control system.

Yamaha Star Venture

If you're looking for a cruiser that is safe, the Yamaha Star Venture is a great option. The Star Venture comes with features like ABS, traction control, and a windshield. It also has a comfortable seat and a low seat height, which can help you stay in control of the bike.

When it comes to choosing a safe motorcycle, there are a lot of different factors to consider. However, by keeping the above information in mind, you can be sure to find a bike that is both safe and enjoyable to ride.

riding motorcycle into sunset

Note: RumbleOn is an Amazon Affiliate, dedicated to reviewing the best and safest gear and more, for riders everywhere. We may receive commissions if products are purchased from them.

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