Yahoo! Autos : VStrom2 Messages : 29651-29680 of 29723

Yahoo! Autos : VStrom2 Messages : 29651-29680 of 29723:

"From: Randy Hough
Date: Wed Nov 5, 2003 9:36pm
Subject: RE: Interesting Accident Stats (complete BS report)

This has been hashed over here in the last 3 months.

[RANT]
The writer has an agenda, and pulled only the numbers that support the
conclusion he wanted to reach before starting the report. It will be used to
justify rate increases for certain motorcycles and riders. It is full of
distorted truth, not exactly lies, but the data provided leads to false
conclusions.

The ONLY valid number that can be used is the death rate per Vehicle Mile
Traveled. Death count is not relevant, deaths per registered vehicle is not
valid. He tries to shock with a seemingly alarming statement 'The total
increase in fatalities between 1997 and 2001 is 1,065 or 50.3 percent.' He
compare the lowest year on record to 2001, so the number was as big as he
could make it. He does not state the fact that the death RATE is still lower
than it was in 1975.

If you take the time to learn how to use the FARS that is on the web, you
will find that the only kernel of truth is that over 40 riders are getting
killed at a rate that is far greater than the normal aging of the driving
population can account for. Now compare the 1000-1500cc bike sales since
1997 and look at the demographics of the people that buy them. You will find
that there has been a HUGE increase in over 40 riders buying big bikes. How
may RUB's do you know that bought a H-D as a new bike or first bike since
1997? If you look only at the death rate of over 40 riders and compare it to
all other age groups, you will find that over 40 riders die more often than
even the normal teenage and early 20's males that are the highest risk in
the normal driving population.

Crap reports like this on are a pet peeve of mine so I've done the research
and know how bad a picture this guy paints. The report is aimed at big bikes
and completely ignores the real cause of the high death rate. These riders
have no experience or training. They die just like the kids that have the
same lack of experience, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to figure
it out. Check your state/province,, how easy is it to get a MC cert for a 40
year old that has a clean record? What skill tests do they have to pass? Is
a rider training course required to get a MC tag on your license?

If they did require rider training before you could buy your $20,000 H-D how
would it effect H-D sales? What age group writes the laws? If you can afford
a $20,000 H-D do you care what your insurance costs are? If you had to ride
a 250cc bike in a rider course before you could don you beanie helmet and
'look cool' on your way to the bar, would you still think about buying a
H-D?

Since H-D is the only American made MC, do you think there will ever be a
law that might hurt their sales?
[\RANT]

Sorry ...

Can we talk about clutches and oil now?

Randy"