High-powered motorcycles, also called superbikes or sports bikes, are fun and exhilarating. They have so much more power than other motorbikes, and you will always feel it when you start and rev the engine or accelerate down a straight road. However, motorbikes can be incredibly dangerous, especially if they are operated by inexperienced riders.
Lack of a Protective Barrier
There are other dangers associated with high-powered motorcycles that we will explore below. Still, they are all compounded by the lack of a protective barrier and safety features that you would find in a car. There is nobody to protect you in case a vehicle hits you, and there are no seatbelts and airbags to protect you in case of an accident.
All this means that motorcycle riders have to be very careful on the road, watching out for the actions of other drivers and their own due to how catastrophic motorcycle accidents are for the rider. They should also make themselves visible when riding at night to ensure drivers and other road users see them.
Speed and Acceleration
High-powered motorcycles are known as such because they are built to deliver incredible acceleration and exceptionally high speeds. Therefore, it is very easy for an inexperienced rider not to know how to handle the high burst of power when they let the clutch go or the speed when they start pushing the bike as far as it will allow them.
These situations lead to either the rider losing control of the motorcycle or exceeding safe speed limits, both common causes of motorcycle accidents. Also, riding at high speeds, even when the driver has total control of the motorcycle, reduces their reaction time. Less reaction time means they are more likely to hit a pedestrian or other road user or be seriously injured when they cannot avoid hazards.
Unusual Ride Characteristics
High-powered motorcycles have characteristics that are very different from those of other motorcycles. They have sensitive controls, sharp handling characteristics, and aggressive riding positions. If the rider does not have experience with these characteristics, they will struggle to keep the motorbike under control. The result is instability, wobbling, and overcorrection, all of which lead to accidents.
Misjudging or Misunderstanding Braking Distances
It is easy to misjudge or misunderstand the braking distance of a motorcycle because high-powered motorcycles achieve very high speeds, and the rider might not realize how fast they are going.
If they are at a higher speed and thus require a longer distance to stop, they will either hit what is in front of them or swerve to avoid it. If they know the exact distance, they can avoid both. If they do not, the result is serious accidents resulting in injuries, fatalities, and personal injury lawsuits if another party is injured due to the rider’s actions.
While they are fun to ride, high-powered motorcycles are also very dangerous in the hands of the wrong rider. Their power and speed require experience and precision when riding. Riders are also required to follow traffic laws, especially speed limits. If they injure a passenger or other road user, they could be sued for the damages caused.
Those injured in motorcycle accidents can contact our attorneys at Farnsworth & Vance for a free consultation. You can talk to us directly by visiting our offices at 2525 Gambell Street #410, Anchorage, AK 99503, or call us now at (907) 290-2576 for a free consultation or to set an appointment.