Supersport bikes are safest

"DollaMoneyAve" (DollaMoneyAve) 04/08/2014 at 13:55 • Filed to: TWOWHEELSGOOD

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I have a friend who constantly talks about how stupid and dangerous sports bikes are. I always defend them because, in fact, they're safest bikes you can buy.

A bike is only as dangerous as it's rider. Every bike, whether it's a Honda Rebel 250cc cruiser or a BMW HP4, is capable of doing the speed limit. How much faster the rider chooses to go beyond that isn't a result of a dangerous bike, but rather a reckless rider.

The inherent differences between the two bikes are what gives the sports bike the advantage. The aggressive riding ergonomics put the rider in a position where he is better able to control both his weight and the weight of the bike. Speaking of weight, most cruisers will outweigh a sports bike by 100 to as much as 400 pounds. On the low end of the spectrum you're looking at around a 20% increase; Many full size cruisers weigh almost double what a sports bike weighs. For example, the Triumph Daytona 675R weights 407 pounds wet, while the Indian Chieftain weighs 848 pounds wet. This weight is also spread across a much longer wheelbase, making it harder to keep under control, and making cornering much more difficult. The low pegs on a cruiser also limit the available lean angle, making high speed cornering impossible. When I say high-speed cornering, I don't mean speeding. Take a country back road with a speed limit of 45. There may be some tight, decreasing radius turns that a sports bike could take at the speed limit without having to slow down, whereas the cruiser would have to. Also, good luck making mid-corner adjustments or transitioning over from corner to corner on a 700 pound bike with high bars and low pegs.

Many people associate cruisers with comfort, style and safety — and responsible adults. They often associate sports bikes with speed and danger, and reckless young people. However, this is misinformed thinking, because 73% of motorcycle fatalities occur in riders 30 years old or older. (As of 2011) Also, less than half of fatal accidents involve a speeding bike, with that percentage decreasing year after year. So while speed does kill, it's not a prerequisite.

The counterpoint is that sports bike can be less forgiving, especially high displacement models. Yes, the throttle is twitchy and a yank of the crank will arrange a date between your windscreen and visor. Yes, with that much torque and horsepower it's easy to spin the rear tire and low side coming out of a corner. However, you shouldn't riding a literbike if you haven't already made those mistakes on a 250cc. Besides, many sports bikes come standard with advanced rider aids such as ABS, TC, WC, etc. While many cruisers offer ABS, they don't offer the level of computerized rider aids that sports bikes do. But hey, at least you've got a speaker system and sat nav right?

People will also argue that while it may be less capable, a cruiser is more comfortable and not as bad for your back. The truth is, a cruiser is worse for your back, because you can't properly stand up and use your legs to absorb bumps in the road. With your back straight up and your legs out in front, each jarring pothole sends a shockwave directly up your spine as the bike jumps up underneath you and kicks you in the ass. If you're sitting on a low chair right now, spread your legs farther than shoulder width and all the way out in front of you and try to stand up. It's impossible! On a sports bike you can raise yourself up, use your legs as a suspension and let the bike jump underneath you, so your body doesn't take the impact. The also allows the bike to settle itself underneath you and regain composure. If you're looking for comfort, I'd recommend a sports tourer or an adventure bike, such as the KTM 1190 Adventure R, which very well may be my next bike if I decide against the D675R. Touring bikes are comfortable but can be obscenely heavy.

Cruisers do have their place in my heart, don't think I'm just being a hater. I learned to ride on a Suzuki GZ250 and then a Honda Rebel 250, and recently put 400 miles in one day on a rented Harley Sportster. They sound great, look great, and draw less attention.

It's just frustrating that whenever I would leave on my GSX-R, people said be careful and goodbye like it was the last time they were going to see me; when my buddy leaves on his cruiser, they say, "Have fun!"

This is the bottom line: If you're cruising along at 55 mph, and a motorist in front of you loses control of their car, wouldn't you rather be on the bike with the superior braking and handling capability? You will be able to make a sudden evasive maneuver with more ease and control on a sports bike than you would on a cruiser.

What say you, Oppo?

LappingLuke > DollaMoneyAve 04/08/2014 at 14:03

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I've always thought it crazy that on so many cruiser style bikes, if you lean too far over you can lay on the exhaust pipes and pick up the wheel and crash. Totally whack.

Your boy, BJR > DollaMoneyAve 04/08/2014 at 14:09

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where does this fit?

Jeff-God-of-Biscuits > DollaMoneyAve 04/08/2014 at 14:11

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I say that you are close, but the ergonomics of a "standard" give a better advantage in the control department. The ergonomics of the supersport are designed more with aerodynamics than control in mind. The standard gives you a more upright seating, better ability to absorb bumps, and wider bars that are closer to you, giving you much more leverage in throwing the bike around. Cruisers are neat, and I did a 3 month road trip on a sportbike, but at the end of the day, something like a biggish standard would, in my mind, be the "safest."

Party-vi > DollaMoneyAve 04/08/2014 at 14:13

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You start out stating a motorcycle is only as safe as it's rider, and then proceed to do exactly what your friend did - albeit bashing the safety and control of cruisers vs. sport bikes.

My dad has a ZZR1200 and a HD Fatboy and has no issues riding the Fatboy like the Zed Zed. I've seen him drag pegs and hang his ass off to get into corners. Granted, a cruiser is always going to be out-cornered by a sport bike, but like you said this largely depends on the experience of the rider. Also, as someone who rode a cruiser (sold it *sads*) you can absorb road irregularities by standing up - you plant your feet on the footboards and pick your ass up.

You can also make the same maneuvers on a cruiser that you can on a sport bike, you just need to have a different plan of attack. Always have two exits in any situation and have a back-up plan assuming the worst happens when you're riding. I've done emergency maneuvers on my old V Star 1100 - true, it's not as snappy as something smaller and quicker but I'm still alive.

Another point I'd like to bring up is that, while he's never dropped the Fatboy my dad has been in two accidents on the ZZR (low side in a parking lot after going across gravel, high side after merging onto a road and passing gravel on the crest) and has dropped it probably 3 times (crash protectors went on after the first incident).

I think you'll see people wishing you well on your sport bike because the public's general perception of sport bike riders; lane-splitting hooligans that speed by and weave through traffic and are accident prone. Non-riders see cruisers for fat guys that make lots of noise and ride slow in the passing lane (this is pretty much true). At least they're worried about you :)

DollaMoneyAve > Party-vi 04/08/2014 at 14:18

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Basically I've been told that sports bike are dangerous and cruisers aren't, and set out to disprove that theory. I wasn't trying to say that cruisers unsafe, just that sports bike are actually very safe in comparison.

Party-vi > DollaMoneyAve 04/08/2014 at 14:26

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It's horseshit that sport bikes are dangerous - anyone repeating this statement hasn't rode a sport bike I guarantee. Like you said it's the rider that makes this determination.

Sorry if I seemed defensive, but it appeared as if you were stepping on the safety and comfort of cruisers to put sport bikes on a pedestal.

yamahog > DollaMoneyAve 04/08/2014 at 14:30

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Why is this person still your friend??

Only half joking.

I like telling those types that it's their car making the roads more dangerous for my bike :P

timateo81 > DollaMoneyAve 04/08/2014 at 14:37

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I don't really get your point. People will ride the bike they want to ride; safety starts thereafter. The proficient motorcyclist will have situation awareness of the surroundings and be constantly prioritizing immediate risks and anticipating ways to mitigate those risks. The proficient rider of a cruiser will be aware of braking limitations and not put him/herself in a situation that over-reaches his bike's capabilities. In the same vein, someone ride a "super" bike will be aware of traction limitations and throttle control and live within his means.

The "safety" you're grasping to in this piece isn't really about the bike, it's about the rider and his/her ability to perform at a level that does not exceed capabilities. You mention this in the first paragraph.

DollaMoneyAve > timateo81 04/08/2014 at 14:42

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I see what you mean, and yes, an experienced rider will see this matter in exactly the same way you do.

Just consider the point made at the end - if an out of control car swerves in front of you, you're better suited to avoiding that hazard on a sports bike.

Luc - The Acadian Oppo > Your boy, BJR 04/08/2014 at 14:45

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perfectly in my garage! man that's a good looking bike.

DollaMoneyAve > Jeff-God-of-Biscuits 04/08/2014 at 14:51

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You're 100% right in that there are ergonomic advantages to a standard. I was aiming to disprove the argument that cruisers are safest and sports bikes are most dangerous.

The S1000R (w/ DDC) is being considered for my next bike along with the Daytona 675R and KTM 1190 Adventure R.

DollaMoneyAve > Your boy, BJR 04/08/2014 at 14:51

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Everywhere a bagger doesn't!

McLarry > DollaMoneyAve 04/08/2014 at 14:55

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Reminds me a bit of Clarkson's argument that supercars are much safer than economy cars because a car that's designed to handle well and brake from 200mph repeatedly is going to be much better in an emergency situation than something that's designed to 100mph tops.

Most stereotypes have their root in reality, however... What bike you buy says something about you - folks don't usually buy a sport bike unless they plan to use it. It's like taking off in a Lotus Elise vs an MGB - people make assumptions about your intentions...whether you appear to be just rolling out for a cruise or to tear up the road, and yeah these folks might be wrong but that doesn't mean there's no reasonable cause to think that way.

Not trying to stir the pot, but thought this would add some perspective from a non-rider.

DollaMoneyAve > McLarry 04/08/2014 at 15:03

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You're right. Yes, many stereotypes are based in reality... but at least you are able to take a step back and recognize that it is indeed a stereotype, and therefore not always true. Many people lack that ability.

Joel Ness > DollaMoneyAve 04/08/2014 at 16:40

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as a rider of over 2 solid years (yes, even dismal rainy northwest winters) on a sv650 and more recently an sv1000, I can tell you that current super sports bikes are where it's at for the right balance of responsiveness and rider aids to negate a lot of user errors. I've made mistakes on both bikes and they bit me in the ass (no rider aids). Though they aren't the most sophisticated bikes, they are sports bike oriented. They are light, the ergonomics are sports oriented (without being overly aggressive) and I can toss these things around in traffic in fractions of a second. Think: that motorcycle robot in terminator salvation. I'd take the BMW s1000rr in a second because of all the electonic gizmos (especially the dynamic suspension) if it wasnt murder on my back. Can't say much for Harleys but sports tourers like the fjr are surprisingly nimble (test rode one) and therefore would qualify as safe in terms of predictable, confidence inspiring performance.

Joel Ness > McLarry 04/08/2014 at 16:52

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I would agree with timateo81 and yourself. I didn't really think about the rider aspect of it too much. If I was to be brutally honest I would say that I am a risk taker on the road and I purchased my choice of weapon that suits that need (or desire). Just the same for those that are cruising long mile types, there weapon of choice is a lot different but so is their riding style. Each has it's different set of factors involved with situational awareness. The intent to take risks can be reflected (although not always) by bike choice. This is why many real bikers who have done it long enough have a stable of bikes for different "moods".

Joel Ness > DollaMoneyAve 04/08/2014 at 17:03

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to answer this directly:

"This is the bottom line: If you're cruising along at 55 mph, and a motorist in front of you loses control of their car, wouldn't you rather be on the bike with the superior braking and handling capability? You will be able to make a sudden evasive maneuver with more ease and control on a sports bike than you would on a cruiser."

Yes, as a sportsish bike rider I would certainly prefer being able to react to an unexpected situation with a bike that is nimble and able to carry out my inputs in a linear and predictable manner. Flickability is one of the main traits that riders looks for in a super sports bike second only to outright power and acceleration unfortunately. Today's sports bike have an increased focus on compliant and sophisticated suspension setups compared to just 10 years ago. So that's reassuring.

DollaMoneyAve > Joel Ness 04/08/2014 at 19:25

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The S1000RR doesn't come equipped with Dynamic Damping Control, it's only available on the HP4 version which sold out it's limited run a while ago. You can get it on the S1000R though, which is something I'm looking into for myself.

I essentially agree with everything else you said.

bob and john > DollaMoneyAve 04/10/2014 at 01:06

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totally agree. when it comes to making evasive maneuvers, sports bikes win hands down every time.

that being said, Yamaha's V-max look AWFULLY tempting from certain angles

DollaMoneyAve > bob and john 04/10/2014 at 09:45

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Good looking bike, but not as fast as the dealer would make you believe. The Super Tenere adventure bike is quicker... on knobbies.

bob and john > DollaMoneyAve 04/10/2014 at 12:46

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well, it hits the 1/4 in 10.1 second, which is less then 1/2 a second behind the s1krr. and THAT is a quick friggen bike
but 700 pounds and 38 mpg is not something I find attractive on a bike. its a drag-strip monster, not a corner carver.
I'll stick to my Sv650 for tht for the time being XD

DollaMoneyAve > bob and john 04/10/2014 at 12:51

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Quarter mile in 10.1? where did you get that stat?

bob and john > DollaMoneyAve 04/10/2014 at 13:19

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motorcyclist online. they did a comparison of the v-max and the diavel back in 2011.
v-max did it in 10.04 seconds, diavel in 10.13

DollaMoneyAve > bob and john 04/10/2014 at 13:47

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Ok, so I guess you're right. I read the article. However, they did use a professional racer, and aired down to 20 psi on prepped track. Those are about as ideal as ideal conditions get. A normal guy (experienced but not professional) like you or me would run in the 11's.

The VMAX forum guys typically run in the 11's, stock, which is why I raised that question initially.

bob and john > DollaMoneyAve 04/10/2014 at 13:50

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oh, that is 100%. i'm also willing to be with an exhaust, tune, and some practice you or I could get it down the track in tht time.

'sides, there is has to be something said when a motorcycle makes 165hp and 100ft-lbs of torque at the wheels.....

Ninjarider > DollaMoneyAve 12/06/2015 at 14:05

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Agree. Sportbikes are superior in not only performance but safety as well. In accidents I imagine most or at least more than half are due to inexperienced riders. If it isnt mostly the autos fault for pulling in front of a bike or say coming into a oncoming lane ect causing the accident its novice riders not being able to steer, stop or accelerate properly. As for speeders like myself at times rarely are these riders getting killed unless its in a street race, and again experience or lack there of is the main factor. Any bike is dangerous when the rider is inexperienced or reckless. And by reckless I mean speeding on congested roads and any stunts under any conditions. The sportbike gangs and the trick groups is why sportbikes have gotten such a bad rap. In reality most sportbike riders, being the smallest group of motorcyclists that get killed, are mostly experienced and over 30. Speed doesnt kill, stupidity does.