Jerry Eichenberger
Serious Thumper
Offline
2006 S40. OEM windshield, saddle bags, Sportster
Posts: 2919
Columbus, Ohio
Gender:
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Bill and I disagree on most topics, this one included. As I said in an earlier post, I took a 40 year hiatus from motorcycling. During a good part of that time, I was an enthusiastic bicyclist, riding an average of 50 miles per week during suitable weather.
While there are some similarities, they really aren't all that many. Few people get killed in bicycle accidents, or even hurt that badly. It does happen, but not typically.
A good bicycle rider can cruise at maybe 20 mph, but more likely around 15 or so for an average, middle aged person. Hit anything at that speed and it will hurt, but with a helmet, probably not kill you.
Hit that same thinhg at 50 mph or higher on a motorcycle, and all bets are off.
My bicycle weighs less that 20 pounds. My S40 is considerably heavier - the control techniques for the two aren't the same. Rider posture is very different. Control in turns is much different, since you don't have engine power ( other than your legs ) being transferred to the rear wheel to increase to maintain dynamic stability.
For some reason, fewer cars hit bicycles. Maybe its because of the colorful jerseys and helmets that most bicyclists wear, and the slower bicycle speeds allowing for more time for a driver to see the bike, as opposed to black jackets, black jeans, and black helmets seen on all too many motorcyclists, and the higher speeds of motorcycles.
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