Riding a Supersports Motorcycle in Wisconsin: What Difference Does It Make?

Motorcycling in Wisconsin is fun. Bikers love their machines, their fellow bikers, the joys of skillful riding and the beauty of the countryside. Motorcycle riding is thrilling because bikes have engines that are very powerful relative to their weight, which allows them to rush forward with the slightest wrist movement on the throttle.

Whereas most bikers opt for touring and cruiser models, some Wisconsin motorcyclists are hooked on the power thrill and want to increase the dose. They go for supersport motorcycles, which are different from cruisers in many ways:

• Lightweight frame;
• Very powerful, high rpm engine;
• High ground clearance to allow cornering;
• Fairing and windscreen to reduce air drag;
• Powerful multi-piston brakes.

There is a downside to supersports motorcycles, though. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, supersports bikes are four times more likely to be involved in fatal crashes than other types of motorcycles. At speeds of up to 190 mph, even their high-performance brake systems will not allow them to avoid unexpected obstacles.

Supersports are popular with young drivers, which explain why their fatality rate is 22.5 deaths per 10,000 registered motorcycles, compared with 10.7 for sport models, 5.7 for cruisers and 6.5 for touring bikes.

Victims of fatal accidents involving supersports were 27 years old on average. Touring riders killed in accidents were the oldest, with an average age of 51.

If you have been hurt in a Wisconsin or Illinois car, truck or motorcycle accident, contact the attorneys of Hupy & Abraham, S.C. today at 800-800-5676 (toll-free) or 414-223-4800 (local) for a free evaluation of your case, or send us an e-mail with your questions. Hupy & Abraham has lawyer offices in Milwaukee, Madison, and Appleton in Wisconsin, and Gurnee and Bloomington in Illinois.