Cool Things Collection

Tag: Motorbikes

Have motorbike accidents increased throughout the years?

As traffic starts to increase again on the roads after a year of reduced travel, here’s how those who ride motorbikes can stay safe and alert on their journeys.

How do motorbike accidents compare to car accidents?

For the majority, most of England’s road-traffic is made up of cars, with this statistic taking up 80% of the roads in 2017. This figure accounted for 787 deaths on the road.

However, the number of fatalities to those who ride motorbikes is nearly half of that, which is a scary statistic considering motorcyclists only take up a small percentage of today’s traffic.

Those who ride pushbikes are, again, a small percentage but there is still a large portion of these deaths too.

What age group is most likely to be involved in an accident?

It’s been proven that motorcyclists who are between the ages of 25 and 59 are the most likely to be involved in a fatal or serious accident whilst driving their bike on the roads.

This is closely followed by those aged 20 to 24. In 2019 alone there was almost 1800 motorcyclists aged 20 to 24 seriously injured or killed whilst riding their bikes.

How does this figure look over time?

This figure remains quite shocking, but it has decreased by a large amount since 2008.

This could show that motorbikes are being made to be safer for the user, and it could show that bike tests such as CBTs are becoming more thorough. Having proper training and tests can help a new rider to understand their relation to the road better and leaves less room for mistakes that could be detrimental.

What are the most common causes for accidents?

One of the most common reasons for a motorcyclist to be involved in an accident is the failure to negotiate bends. This is where bikers will attempt to overtake each other at a bend in the road and be met with oncoming traffic. This could be due to approaching the bend too quickly or misjudging the bend.

Poor road conditions are another common factor. In icy conditions, or when grease, petrol and other debris has been spilled on the road this can cause the bike to lose grip and the rider to lose control. This can be particularly dangerous when travelling at high speeds and these types of accidents can cause serious injuries.

How can motorcyclists stay safe?

As motorcycle technology only continues to advance, it’s hoped that safety will follow suit and there will be more ways to motorcyclists to stay safe on the roads.

With newer bike models, they will include safety features such as sensors and warning systems to always alert you of your surroundings. This will also be incorporated into the helmets including voice control and Bluetooth connectivity, reducing the temptation of wanting to change music or add in a destination on their phones and taking their hand off the handlebars.

Motorcyclists should only aim to go on the road with the right protective equipment such as full leather bike suits, correct footwear, a reliable helmet, and gloves. They should also make sure that they have a trustworthy motorbike insurance plan set up in the event they should get into an accident or have their bike stolen.

26 July 2021
How to choose your first motorbike

To anyone that drives, it’s one of the best things that has ever happened to them. However, the most exciting part, aside from being on the road, is choosing your vehicle. Over the last decade, there’s been somewhat of a motorcycle boom in the UK, as many people switch from traditional cars to these two-wheeled beauties. While they may not be for everyone, it would seem that for many, the allure of a motorbike is just too appealing.

But, when it comes to choosing one, you may not be as clued up as when it comes to a car. That’s why we’ve highlighted several things you need to consider when choosing your first motorbike.

Insurance

First things first, get the less appealing parts out of the way. There are more types of motorbike insurance out there than you realise, and knowing what you can and can’t afford will highly influence the type of bike that you get, along with your must-haves.

Must-haves

Just like with any type of vehicle, you’ll know exactly what you’re looking for. So, the important thing to do is make a list of height, engine size, seat height etc, which will help you to narrow down the type of motorcycle model you’ll be looking at. This will also help you to inform the dealers, as they’ll know what to show you off the bat, rather than walking you around vehicles you won’t be interested in.

Style

Like most things, motorbikes aren’t a one size fits all vehicle. Although your must-haves will help you narrow the type of bike you’ll want, there are several categories to choose from, so knowing which is right for you is key. These are:

Sport Bikes

Light in weight and built for speed, these won’t provide the best comfort while you ride as the body will be placed in a more forward position, but will give you an absolute thrill as you drive.

Cruisers

Designed for comfort and not speed, these are the opposite to sport bikes. Therefore the seats tend to be lower and the handlebars higher for a more relaxed ride.

Dual Sport

If you owned a dirt bike when you were younger, and you’re looking to replicate that thrill – this is the style of bike for you. Light but tough, you’ll be able to drive this on various terrains.

Standard

These are for anyone really and come in a range of sizes and styles, making them a good option for those who aren’t sure about what they’ll be using it for.

New or used

While new models are more expensive and in a better condition, you’ll also have more modern technology built-in, whereas used vehicles offer a lower cost and the option of your dream bike at a fraction of the typical cost, but could cost more in maintenance. However, this will fall into your budget, much like your insurance, so keep this in mind while searching for your bike.

While there may be other things to think about, if you get these four aspects nailed down before viewing bikes, you could be sitting on your dream motorcycle before you know it.

28 June 2019
10 Cool Motorcycles To Own In 2018

It may be chilly outside right now, but it won’t be long before the spring and summer once again unleash the call of the open road. And when they do, you’ll want the very best hardware money can buy to make the most of it…while it lasts! So if looking to invest in a serious two-wheeler this year, here’s a look at 10 epic motorcycles to consider in 2018:

Yamaha XSR700

First up, the Yamaha XSR700 has a gorgeous design that harks right back to the classics of the 70s and 60s. Boasting a 698cc engine with 50 lb-ft of torque, the ride is seriously nippy and beautifully controllable. A testament to what can be done with genuine Yamaha parts these days!

Yamaha XSR700

Indian Scout Bobber

100BHP, ABS brakes and edgy styling are all part of the package with the Indian Scout Bobber. A seriously impressive ride for the kind of price that belies what you actually get for your money. And as for the tailpipe music…a dream come true!

Indian Scout Bobber

Suzuki GSX250R

Entry-level pricing makes the Suzuki GSX250R a highly tempting target for anyone looking to pick up a new bike this year. They’ve overhauled the 248cc parallel twin for the 2018 newbie, which not churns out a maximum of 25BHP. Which doesn’t sound like a lot, but it’s way more than you’d usually get for this kind of money.

Suzuki GSX250R

Honda CB650F

What stands out most about the Honda CB650F is its engine. This gorgeous-looking specimen packs a 649cc inline four-cylinder powerplant, which churns out the most power of any in its class and makes nothing but sweet music all the way to 12,000 rpm.

Honda CB650F

Kawasaki Z650

You can’t help but love the way the Kawasaki Z650 has been put together. Especially given that it packs the same chassis and engine as the Ninja 650. Supremely nippy and a joy to ride on even the longest trips, the 2018 Kawasaki Z650 is essentially a sportbike wearing a different costume.

Kawasaki Z650

Zero S ZF7.2

Now is definitely the time to think carefully about investing in an electric bike. The Zero S ZF7.2 being a prime contender for the current title, with its 89-mile range and unbeatable acceleration. Seriously – one crank on the throttle and you’ll be leaving sports cars in the dust.

Zero S ZF7.2

BMW R Nine T Pure

It’s cheap, but what you get for your money with the BMW R Nine T Pure is the kind of power, performance and retro styling that’s borderline priceless. BMW is hardly famed for putting out affordable bikes – the 2018 BMW R Nine T Pure apparently ushering in a new entry-level era for the brand. This motorcycle even looks cool in your lounge…

Harley-Davidson Street Bob

If you’re out to pick up a Harley this year, it might as well be the 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob. Meaty enough to mean business though stripped-back enough to give a much-needed burst of acceleration when needed, the 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob is the best Harley for those looking to pick up a Softail, without the excessive costs.

Harley-Davidson Street Bob

Triumph Bonneville Bobber

One of the most popular sellers in recent years for the famed British brand, the 2018 Triumph Bonneville Bobber is no less than a work of art. Aggressive yet minimalist with a solid 77BHP output, it’s a weighty and powerful piece of kit that’s more about cruising (and perhaps a little posing) than speed and acceleration.

Triumph Bonneville Bobber

Aprilia Shiver 900

Last but not least, the 2018 Aprilia Shiver 900 has a fantastically futuristic look to it that’s well on-trend with 2018 standards. An impressive update of the original from more than a decade ago, there’s 95BHP to play with from the 896cc engine, not to mention ABS and a tri-mode traction control system to help keep the tyres on the road.

Aprilia Shiver 900

Pretty cool selections of motorcycles there. Personally I’d go for the 2018 Harley-Davidson Street Bob as I love Harley-Davidson bikes, and a close second would be the Triumph Bonneville Bobber.

1 May 2018
5 motorcycle clothing tips for riding warm this winter

As the Summer begins to fade and those long sunny days are no more, it’s vital to know how to keep yourself warm on those upcoming freezing mornings, where the air is almost too cold to breath in. There is a ton of new and different clothes and technologies to stop you from freezing these days, so we have found the top five items that you need to keep yourself warm on the roads this winter, we wouldn’t want you to get chilly now would we.

1) Keep that chest warm

Keeping the body’s core warm is the most important thing you can do when riding in extremely cold conditions. Without that you won’t even be able to ride the bike, therefore a good quality motorbike jacket is essential. Not only will it keep heat in, it will also keep the cold out, and the rain/snow/sleet, whatever it is, you don’t want that getting through to your chest. It is also important to remember that a good winter jacket may not be the solution for you, you still have to stay safe, and even top end winter coats will rip apart if a rider comes off, so make sure you get a tough material to keep you warm and safe.

2) Upgrades

Upgrading your bike to get a heated seat and heated grips. As I previously mentioned, keeping your core warm in cold weather is of the utmost importance and a heated seat will aide you in this no end, it will keep the blood flowing in your body from your core to everywhere else. It will make you feel a lot better and far more comfortable. Heated grips will keep your hands and legs warm, which is so important as they generally get the least heat from your core, and are vital for your actual riding of the bike so you must keep them warm.

3) Underlayers

Heated vests and leggings are also a great way to keep your body going in the cold weather. The maintain the heat that you body exudes and there means that you waste barely any of your own heat, which means that your body is not having to work as hard to keep you warm, it essentially just ups your body heating efficiency.

4) Boots

Keeping your feet warm is similar to keeping your hands warm, they both struggle in the cold being so far away from the core of the body. Feet can be surprisingly sensitive and extremely painful when not looked after properly, keeping them warm and away from the harshness of the weather is a must, and a good pair of boots will do this.

5) Heat Pads

If you don’t ride all that often in the cold but just get out a couple of times a year then heat pads might be the way for you to go. They’re not so expensive and you could stash them in different parts of your clothing. Maybe not the best solution for long rides but could help you getting from A to B.

19 September 2016