Safety features on vehicles have come a long way since seatbelts and airbags became standard equipment. Today, drivers enjoy features like lane-departure warnings, automatic braking, collision detection, blind-spot monitoring, and more. These features can reduce the risk of a crash and make collisions that do occur less impactful and less likely to cause injuries.

However, those features are almost exclusively limited to passenger vehicles, leaving motorcyclists wondering if newer bikes are any safer than older motorcycles. There’s no question that modern motorcycles have more advanced technology, but determining if they’re actually safer requires some research.

In this blog, we’ll share what we’ve found about the safety of newer motorcycles.

New Motorcycles Have Features That Reduce the Risk of Accidents

There’s no getting around the fact that motorcycles are much more dangerous than passenger vehicles. With no steel chassis, seatbelts, or airbags to protect them, motorcyclists must do everything in their power to avoid crashing.

Motorcycle manufacturers recognize this and have prioritized making new motorcycles safer than old motorcycles. Here are some examples of how new motorcycles are safer:

Advanced Braking Systems

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): Many modern motorcycles come equipped with ABS, which prevents the wheels from locking up during sudden braking. This reduces the risk of skidding and helps the rider maintain control of the bike.
• Combined Braking System (CBS): This system simultaneously applies both the front and rear brakes when the rider applies the brake lever. This provides more balanced and efficient braking, improves stopping distance, and helps riders remain in control when they need to suddenly stop or slow down.

Enhanced Traction Control

• Traction Control Systems (TCS): These systems monitor the speed of both wheels and adjust the engine power or apply brakes if wheel slip is detected, helping prevent loss of traction, especially in wet or slippery conditions.

Improved Frame and Design

• Crash-Resistant Frames: Modern motorcycles often use materials like aluminum and carbon fiber, which are lighter and stronger than traditional steel, providing better impact resistance and durability.
• Ergonomic Design: Improved ergonomics enhance rider comfort and control, reducing fatigue and increasing reaction time. Comfortable riders are more likely to react appropriately in emergency situations than riders who are fatigued or in pain.

Advanced Suspension Systems

• Electronically Adjustable Suspension: Some modern motorcycles feature electronically adjustable suspension systems that automatically adjust to the riding conditions, improving stability and handling.

Better Lighting Systems

• LED Lighting: LED headlights and taillights provide brighter, more focused illumination than traditional bulbs, increasing visibility for both the rider and other road users. Since one of the most common causes of crashes is riders being struck by drivers who didn’t see them, this safety feature on new bikes is extremely important.
• Daytime Running Lights (DRLs): These lights make motorcycles more visible during the day, reducing the risk of accidents even when visibility is at its highest for other drivers.

Improved Tires

• Advanced Tire Compounds: Modern tires use advanced rubber compounds that offer better grip in various conditions, improving overall stability and control. Poor road conditions are much more dangerous for motorcyclists than they are for people in passenger vehicles, as slick pavement or debris can easily lead to serious accidents.
• Tubeless Tires: Tubeless tires are less prone to sudden deflation in the event of a puncture, offering improved safety if a motorcyclist runs over a nail, shard of glass, or another sharp object in the road.

Electronic Rider Aids

• Ride Modes: Many modern motorcycles offer multiple ride modes (e.g., Rain, Sport, Off-Road) that adjust the bike’s power delivery and traction control settings to match different riding conditions.
• Cornering ABS: This advanced form of ABS adjusts braking force even when the motorcycle is leaned over in a turn, providing additional safety during cornering.

Regular Safety Standards and Compliance

• Stricter Safety Regulations: Modern motorcycles must comply with stringent safety standards set by the U.S. government and various regulatory bodies. This results in a higher baseline of safety features for new motorcycles compared to those from the past.

Tips for Staying Safe on Older (and Newer) Motorcycles

Although advanced features make modern motorcycles safer on the road than older ones, you can still take important steps to improve your safety while riding a vintage bike (though these tips apply to modern motorcycles, too):

• Regular Maintenance: Keep the motorcycle well-maintained by regularly checking and servicing the brakes, tires, engine, and other critical components. Address any mechanical issues promptly to ensure the bike operates safely and reliably on the road.
• Upgrade Key Components: Consider upgrading essential parts like tires, brakes, and lighting to modern standards. High-quality tires, LED lights, and improved brake pads can increase your safety on older motorcycles.
• Wear Proper Safety Gear: Always wear appropriate protective gear, including a helmet, gloves, armored jacket, pants, and boots. Gear designed for impact resistance and visibility is extremely important for protecting you in a crash.
• Ride Defensively: Be aware of your surroundings and anticipate potential hazards. Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, avoid aggressive maneuvers, and ride at a speed appropriate for road conditions and your motorcycle’s capabilities.
• Improve Your Visibility: Make sure you are visible to other drivers. Wear bright or reflective clothing and use hand signals when necessary. Ensure your bike’s lights are functioning properly to increase visibility.
• Practice Safe Riding Techniques: Get familiar with your motorcycle’s handling characteristics and limitations. Practice smooth acceleration, braking, and cornering to maintain control and avoid accidents.

Contact Our Oklahoma City Motorcycle Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation

Motorcycle accidents can happen in the blink of an eye to even the most well-equipped riders on the most advanced bikes. The costs associated with a motorcycle accident can be overwhelming, as they often put riders out of work and require expensive medical treatments and rehabilitation.

If you or someone you love is hurt in a motorcycle accident, know that the Oklahoma City motorcycle accident lawyers at Parrish DeVaughn Injury Lawyers have your back. We know all about the long road to recovery you’re on, and we want to be your advocate along the way. Contact us anytime for a free consultation and to learn how we can help.