Balancing the Need for Speed with Motorcycle Safety

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There’s nothing quite like the exhilarating feeling of the wind rushing past you as you twist the throttle and your motorcycle surges forward. For many riders, the allure of speed is a fundamental part of the motorcycle experience. However, with great power comes great responsibility, and motorcycle speeding can be a double-edged sword. In this article, we’ll explore the thrill of speed, its risks, and the crucial importance of safety while riding.

The Thrill of Speed:

Let’s face it; speed is one of the main reasons people are drawn to motorcycles. The sensation of acceleration, the lean into corners, and the open road ahead can be irresistible. It’s an adrenaline rush like no other. But it’s important to remember that, while speed can be thrilling, it should always be tempered with caution and respect for the rules of the road.

The Risks of Motorcycle Speeding:

  1. Reduced Reaction Time: As your speed increases, your reaction time decreases. When you’re riding at high speeds, you have less time to respond to unexpected obstacles or changes in traffic conditions. This reduced reaction time can be a recipe for disaster.
  2. Increased Severity of Accidents: In the unfortunate event of an accident, higher speeds can lead to more severe injuries. The laws of physics dictate that the force of impact increases exponentially with speed. So, even a relatively minor collision at high speed can result in life-altering consequences.
  3. Decreased Control: Maintaining control of your motorcycle becomes more challenging as you push the speedometer to its limits. Sudden maneuvers or obstacles can become much more difficult to handle at high speeds.

Prioritizing Safety:

  1. Gear Up: Always wear proper safety gear, including a DOT-approved helmet, protective clothing, gloves, and boots. High-speed crashes can result in severe head injuries, and a helmet is your best defense.
  2. Know Your Limits: Every rider has their own skill level and comfort zone. It’s crucial to ride within your limits and avoid peer pressure to keep up with faster riders.
  3. Obey Speed Limits: Speed limits exist for a reason. Stick to them and adjust your speed according to road conditions, weather, and traffic.
  4. Stay Alert: Keep your focus on the road at all times. Avoid distractions like texting or daydreaming. Staying alert can help you react more quickly to potential hazards.
  5. Skill Improvement: Consider taking advanced riding courses to enhance your skills and learn techniques for safe high-speed riding.

Conclusion:

Motorcycle speeding can be an exhilarating experience, but it comes with inherent risks that should never be underestimated. Safety should always be a rider’s top priority. By respecting speed limits, wearing proper gear, and continuously improving your riding skills, you can enjoy the thrill of the ride while minimizing the dangers associated with excessive speed. Remember, it’s not about how fast you can go; it’s about how safely you can get there.

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Understanding Motorcycle Fatalities: Causes, Consequences, and Countermeasures

Motorcycle fatalities represent a significant public health concern globally. The allure of freedom and adventure on two wheels often overshadows the inherent risks associated with motorcycles. In this essay, we delve into the complex issue of motorcycle fatalities, exploring their causes, consequences, and potential countermeasures to mitigate this tragic trend.

I. Causes of Motorcycle Fatalities

1.1. Lack of Protective Gear
Motorcycle fatalities are often exacerbated by the absence of protective gear such as helmets, gloves, and proper riding attire. Non-use of helmets, in particular, significantly increases the risk of severe head injuries in accidents.

1.2. Speeding
Excessive speed remains a leading factor in motorcycle fatalities. Riders, especially young and inexperienced ones, tend to overestimate their abilities and underestimate the dangers associated with high speeds.

1.3. Impaired Riding
Alcohol and drug impairment impair a rider’s judgment and coordination, increasing the likelihood of accidents. Impaired motorcyclists are at a greater risk of collisions due to impaired reaction times and decision-making.

1.4. Inadequate Training
Inadequate rider training is another factor contributing to motorcycle fatalities. Many riders do not receive proper training before taking to the roads, leading to poor handling skills and limited knowledge of safety measures.

II. Consequences of Motorcycle Fatalities

2.1. Loss of Life
The most devastating consequence of motorcycle fatalities is the loss of life. When accidents occur, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable than occupants of enclosed vehicles, often resulting in fatal injuries.

2.2. Economic Costs
Motorcycle fatalities impose significant economic costs on society. These include medical expenses, legal fees, insurance payouts, and productivity losses due to injuries and fatalities.

2.3. Emotional Impact
Motorcycle fatalities have a profound emotional impact on the families and friends of the victims. Coping with the sudden loss of a loved one due to a preventable accident is a heavy burden to bear.

III. Countermeasures to Reduce Motorcycle Fatalities

3.1. Mandatory Helmet Laws
One effective countermeasure is the enforcement of mandatory helmet laws. Countries that have implemented strict helmet laws have seen a significant reduction in head injuries and fatalities among motorcyclists.

3.2. Rider Education
Comprehensive rider education programs can equip motorcyclists with the necessary skills and knowledge to safely navigate the roads. Governments and organizations should invest in accessible and affordable rider training.

3.3. Impaired Riding Prevention
To combat impaired riding, strict enforcement of laws against driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is essential. Public awareness campaigns can also emphasize the dangers of riding while impaired.

3.4. Speed Limit Enforcement
Enforcing speed limits and implementing speed reduction measures in accident-prone areas can reduce the severity and frequency of motorcycle accidents caused by speeding.

Conclusion

Motorcycle fatalities are a multifaceted problem with grave consequences for individuals and society as a whole. To address this issue effectively, it is crucial to target the root causes, including the lack of protective gear, speeding, impaired riding, and inadequate training. Implementing countermeasures such as mandatory helmet laws, rider education programs, impaired riding prevention, and speed limit enforcement can significantly reduce the incidence of motorcycle fatalities and spare countless lives from the tragic consequences of motorcycle accidents. Achieving safer roads for motorcyclists is not only a matter of regulation but also of fostering a culture of responsible riding and awareness.

Superbike-Coach Corp

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Coach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach expert witness

What’s really wrong here

I know we all share one of those phenomenons, and you can ask me later how I know. There are many actually, which seem to be human nature, but I want to uncover this one here- let’s call it ‘false loyalty’. Let’s begin with some examples to also point out how dangerous this can be, for herds and down to the individual.

Like, blindly follow a president no matter what comes out of of his mouth or what he does. A love for a brand no matter how bad it is actually. That rock star you’ve loved to death, even when he was a crackhead and alcoholic and beat up his wife. That friend you admire so much, and who seem to be so cool when reckless  riding. Please don’t get me wrong. I am not judging you because we all have this in us. I believe it is a kind of protection of what you love and you don’t want to see it gets hurt. Just like mother love, who would defend and protect her child no matter what it did. So we’re good here… relax :-)

BUT… false loyalty makes you oversee or even not see reality very often actually. Sometimes even if you do- you fight to death or find arguments the shit to achieve peace of mind for something which is actually fucking wrong. If you take a honest look into yourself, then I bet you’ll find out that also you have ‘this’ in you. For the most people it comes out subconsciously. Being in favor of someone/something can be very dangerous, yet can have huge herd effects. Something, I believe, the Nazis took advantage of. You, the individual, feel absolutely OK with it- but you are actually equally responsible for the shit going down, right?! It seems that if ‘your hero’ looks bad- that also this throws a bad light on you, because there is this kinda connection. Bad decision making and not knowing (most of the time) that you are standing on the wrong side is the outcome.

How does all this come to us, the motorcycle community? Well, here it is. Groups, so like the motorcycle community herd up. We are brothers and sisters who have something in common and we defend what we have no matter what. Though, that kind of loyalty blinds us quite a bit and often we’re not able to see who’s really wrong. Just like in those YouTube video series’s ‘Crazy People VS Bikers’. The title polarizes already, doesn’t it?! I want you to watch it and then compare what you see with what I see below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1oBdyRD0rg

00:00 That rider was passing the blue car and went on throttle to also pass the gray car… on the right side. That’s not a escape maneuver. This is stupidity and showing off. That makes it 0:1 against us, so ‘the not the crazy ones’.

00:12 I agree, the car could have give more space, but since nothing happened, is it really worth  to scare a teen and to hit the car?! I mean, we are passing cars like that with every lane split, right? 0:2 I’d say.

00:42 The rider passes on the right which is technically illegal. Not 100% sure but his speed is well beyond 45. The long rig his blaming deep out of his heart is merging to the right before the rider was even see-able. Also, when you pay attention. If it really would have been that “close”… why does he come off the brakes half way and keeps rolling next to the truck. Because he wants to rant and dramatize. He’s looking for trouble. 0:3 I’d say.

00:55 Sure, the car should not have change lane, but was it really that close? The rider was defenetly in the blind spot, but the car merged extremely slow so that the rider could have just rolled a little to the left. This has some “I own the road character”, and he should not bring himself nor others in danger by zigzagging, almost standing on a freeway to discuss through a open window. 0:4 I’d say.

01:33 Yup, that car passed a other car over double yellow. Now those un-helmet rock stars start playing Sheriff and actually passing cars on the shoulder to chase him down. Seems that the blue car behind one of those guys gets a little angry because they are blocking the street now. Sure the guy is inpatient but he only tells them to go, while the rider flipping him off. 0:5 I’d say.

02:35 Yep, the car merged a little early to the right but it wasn’t close ate all. In fact the rider stayed super stubborn on his route. Not an inch to the right lane which seen to be all clear to go around. He even had so much time to rev his ego out. 0:6 I’d say.

02:48 Yai. We’ve found the first ‘crazy one’. So it’s 1:6 right now.

02:55 Don’t know what this is. Shit happens. Don’t roll back vs don’t stay in the blind.

03:08 This is actually a real ass move. The rider saw the signal- goes on the throttle just as much to block the van from merging. F’n dirty move, and the finger tops it off. 1:7 it is.

03:22 Yep, not really clean, but the car had the blinker out and the biker actually slowed down so that the driver probably had to think ‘they let me in’. In fact nothing happen, but the ride dramatizes the nothing and to calm his ego. 1:8 I’d say.

04.39 Another dick move. The rider actually didn’t pay attention to the front. The car merges and he could have go easily on the right lane. Instead, stubborn on path and honks the driver away. He is looking for trouble with his helmet cam, that’s all. 1:9 I’d say. He’s also playing a good Samaritan at the end of the clip.

06:05 I have no clue what the car driver possibly done wrong. The rider is acting up for nothing. At this point I believe he’s only looking for trouble and to play Sheriff. 1:10 for sure.

06:25 The rider is totally in the blind spot of the car. In fact it never was that close. He didn’t had to brake or swirl hard- actually had plenty of time to honk the horn. Nothing happened and is not worth flipping the bird, cuz’ that happened to all of us ones. Can’t tell if the driver checked his left shoulder, so I call this 2:10.

6:45 I seriously have no clue wtf is going on here, but that lady seem to have issues. Though… maybe… when you look back on what I am pointing out and ‘see’ what’s really wrong- than that lady is maybe just sick and tired of motorcycle riders in general. This is the picture what the “crazy people” actually have of most of you: Loud, rude, ego driven, owning the road, and so on and so on…

Before you feel bad with me… look at it objectively and not with false loyalty. Don’t blame me for telling and pointing out the truth. I’m sure you have lot’s of stories to tell where it really was a close call- so have I. I know we are a community, but that doesn’t mean that the connected loyalty can make us blind and to defend riders who cause the reputation we have.

Relax and be reasonable. Be a role model- a gentleman. Do that, and you make riding for yourself even more enjoyable.

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

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The truth about motorcycle riding gear

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We’ve been all 18 years old ones. Lacking on reasonable decision making big time, and the only thing slowing us down was the size of balls. Back then, when I started riding on the street, I was not thinking in terms of protection, and it actually didn’t seem anyone would care, really. Also I didn’t freeze money to be able to buy riding gear along with that motorcycle. A ridiculously cheap helmet and a not even real leather jacket should do the job. Guess what… I’ve learned it the hard way.

I was knocked out and woke up on the lap of a Dutch lady who gave me water. Even though I hit that guardrail pretty hard, it seemed I got away without fractures. To give you a measure… the chassis of my bike broke in three pieces. My helmet flew off my head even though the strap was closed. My ‘alibi leather’ jacket ripped apart on the left side, as well as my jeans and sneakers. Positive aspect… that EMT didn’t had to cut much to get me out of the rest of my clothes. The pain of 3rd degree burns is something you’ll never forget, and the treatment is is a journey. Nurses pulling asphalt pieces with pin setts and literally washing your wounds with iodine. I’m sure today you’ll get a partially anesthetization and a trophy just for attending… I got a wood stick to bite on back then. Then they patch your open wounds up, which gets renewed every day. Done that ones?! Well, at least there the hair ain’t grow anymore.

Akkaya Replica by MJL Leathers

Akkaya Replica by MJK Leathers

Needless to mention that my interest for proper riding gear was triggered immensity. Since then, the quality and efficiency of my riding gear has priority and is top notch. I actually can look back through decades of development of riding gear and to be somewhat part of it when I got into racing. One of my early sponsors developed my racing suits in an impressive speed, and upon lots of fan requests they made a street rider version, the ‘Akkaya Replica’, which turned to be a bestseller for MJK Leathers in Europe. It was quite a pleasure to autograph fan suits in the paddocks :-)

But enough of me, so let’s see what’s suppose to be “real” motorcycle riding protection here. Let’s see what I can give you on the way here from what I’ve learned with all this, and with the things I still get to see with about 1500 students per year. First off… when do you need the best riding gear possible? How about during the time when your riding level is not that good- or if your balls are bigger than your ability to judge ‘distance and speed’?! That’s when you’ll need it the most. Don’t ya?! Now where are you at? How do you see yourself leveled objectively when you take ego out of equation? That seems to be impossible for the most, so how about we don’t put the gear question based on level and prioritize this.

MotoGear USA and Superbike-Coach

MotoGear makes affordable custom suits

I’m guessing you are not a professional rider, so you do a regular job. You have Mondays to do- a family to feed. Someone is waiting for you at home and you want to be safe as possible. Now what is the safest motorcycle riding gear… real leather! Tight sitting and sweat tearing leather- from the neck down to your feet. At this point it doesn’t matter if it’s a one-piece or two-piece leather suit as long as you can zip them together. Why leather over textile? If you watch MotoGP, then you see them getting up 90% at a time, and sometimes running back to the garage to keep going with the session… in the suit they just crashed with. I’ve seen riders crashing in textile on a parking lot which made that stuff useless. Just this comparison should ring the alert bell.

Even if your textile gear sits some kind of snug- the flex in there and the fact that it burns through (so things come lose then) doesn’t keep all your protectors in place. They turn away at first contact with the asphalt and so your knee, elbow or shoulder is receiving full impact. Non of the textile like materials can deliver the strength, flex and heat resistance leather can give you. I’ve seen riders actually getting injured by the protection. He was in kevlar jeans. The ‘alibi’ knee protector slid away- he broke his knee cap, and the protector cut so deep into his flesh so that his leg bone was exposed. Yea, no shit!

Snug leather is more sexy anyway, isn’t it? Yup, I know it’s hot- I know it’s more expensive, but you guys need to finally understand to add another 1500 onto this subject… your health over horsepower.

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

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Unlearn to be able to Learn

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So I was watching a Moto America race on TV the other day. Truly enjoyed it but less the commercial breaks though. During one of those commercial breaks, there was one of a more or less renowned motorcycle racing school, which appeared to me to operate more on the smarter edge. I’m not to shy to admit that I was wrong…

Fancy production, but still on the cheesy side they explained how Trail Braking works. Goal is to ‘appear samaritan’- but you figure quick that the actual goal is to showcase that they actually teach to Trail Brake in their school. That’s the truth. However, that’s not my problem. What bothers me at this point is, that they blasting critical information with a wide spread shot to riders who mostly NOT READY for such skill yet. Trail Braking separates the men from the boys. This is a skill to be mastered only when other physical skill subjects are sitting well enough and habits are successfully removed beforehand.

You also can’t just drop off only a fraction of the full scoop to a wide spread of people and leave the rest to ‘figure out’. Do Trail Braking wrong and it can turn to a death trap. Quite a risky move on their end if you ask me. To Trail Brake, lots of things will have to be adjusted under control. Only then you can move into it. Trail Braking goes way beyond physical capabilities. This technique demands a solid range of ‘mental coolness’. This can freak most riders out, because throttle, brake, clutch and shifting procedures are different then what MOST riders have learned over years. Change all this and more while you go way faster into turns under Trail Braking could also trigger to panic. Your eyes and brain are not trained and ready for this yet (mental coolness) and that will be the biggest problem.

Things have to be unlearned to be able to learn. Mental coolness has to be established to be able to try and master.

Spreading these information without all of the above is almost like a half-way-instruction on how to climb Mount Everest without a guide. Now how many pairs of ears and eyes who’ve seen that commercial are even capable to climb Mount Everest in the first place… especially when there is no guide?!

Smart move!

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

 

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COVID-19 and how Superbike-Coach deals with it

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I wished I’d have a solution for all of us. Especially I feel for those families who went- or are about to go through the worse with this Corona virus. So I hope YOU- our students and fans, that everything is fine with you so far.

Personally, I am tired of hearing it… wash your hands and keep 6ft distance. It seems though that some are not getting it and calling up for group ride outs and meet ups on social media. That attitude is to find also with churches etc. I mean… a line around shopping centers for toilet paper is a great way to keep spreading. So my conclusion is that they more likely to risk to catch the virus standing in line- than inability to wipe ass… Is that about right?! Simple risk math: How many shits does it take before heading out to ICU?!

I am worried that stupidity keeps the virus coming in waves as we’re waiting for the vaccine, which is the only way to get to the lives we’ve all had before COVID-19. Stupidity will extend the pain and loss, but that’s not all. This ignorance is extremely disrespectful to all those who try to do the right thing, and to all businesses who HAVE to shot down. Don’t be one of them.

So, I already covered how we deal with classes affected by track lock downs. Now I want to take advantage of the ‘extra time’ I’m having and to make videos to keep helping my fellow riders. I’ll also keep writing articles, just like the new one I’ve posted. I want to encourage you to make use of your extra time and to work on your bikes and gear, and to get ready for you to ride again. That way you might get a ‘don’t look back’ attitude, and I am here to answer questions in regard upgrades… or even for some mental support.

Of course, I also want you to know that Superbike-Coach is still here and will be there for you when time is right. Please do your best to slow the spread:

  • Have your own mug when getting a coffee
  • Ride slower as usual- cuz’ you don’t want to go to ANY hospital right now!
  • Have a mask when you know there are people
  • Have gloves when filling up your fuel tank
  • Wipe off shipments
  • Buy your grocery online and pick up, or better have it delivered
  • Call mom and dad!

Hope is good… too much though might blinds you.

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

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Getting Lost in Electronic Riding Aids

I remember testing one of the first Traction Control systems coming out, and it was horrible. Back then, a TC prevented any rear wheel spin immediately. Not in a smooth way, but almost like a light-switch type shut off. That might have helped a less experienced rider, but for those who operating the throttle on turn exits at a level where the rear wheel purposely spins faster than the front- might works against them. It takes smoothness to powerslide and a committed and steady throttle control. An interruption just like a TC causes at that time got me in trouble. That clearly has changed a lot over the years and electronic rider aids have improved immensely. That benefits especially street bikes/riders, and the development ‘department’ is motorsports.

More stuff is coming from there, like: Backing-In control, Wheelie control, Launch control, and even Powerslide control. Other rider aids like ABS have not been developed there because they are not using any ABS. Why not?… because they extent braking travel- ergo- you’d have to brake earlier- ergo- slower lap times. That should ring the bell already, shouldn’t it?!

In motorsports… doesn’t all the electronics take away the advantage the top racers have in terms of riding skill actually?! Where did the ‘surprise effect’ go when the red light turns off and all bikes/cars coming off the start literally equally? How to judge a performance when a TC replaces pure determination and drawing fat black lines on the exits of turns? When mastering a throttle turns to a ‘just hold it wide open’ wheelie control. Does it really give the race more quality this way? Personal preference I guess…

Significance had the computers entering the motorcycle sport. Tons of sensors reading data into the software which truly helps to get closer to the ‘perfect’ setup. Just imagine what kind of advantage this took away from those racers who had the ‘butt-meter’ and the smartness to communicate it to the team engineers. Sure, the top guys are still able to do this, but what does this make the others?

Examples out of Formula One are easier to pick because the influence of electronics is way more obvious as in MotoGP? In the area when Formula One cars had a few driver aids, there was Canadian racer Jacques Villeneuve the only one who took the Eau Rouge chicane at Spa Francorchamps in Belgium, flat out. Needless to mention that this didn’t work out all the time but you can say the man was flying and on height of his career. Electronics makes the famous Eau Rouge chicane to a video game everyone can play, well almost. There is barley smoke coming off those fat tires when they start. Launch control took it away from those who could control a almost 900 hp beast, and not to mention traction control which replaces a sharp feel to max out tire grip.

Lot’s of it has been banned meanwhile… luckily, but the technology went over to street cars. Power-steering and stabilization, auto-downforce wings, electronic stabilization- just to name a few- and also to see in motorcycles such as active suspensions, traction control, power brakes, backing-In control, cornering ABS, quick shifters, auto blib and whatnot. Don’t understand me wrong here, because I don’t undergo today’s MotoGP or Formula One racers at all. They are on the highest level of Motorsports for a darn good reason, and to max out these new elements have to be mastered as well.

Sure, the aspect of rider aids in regard rider level quality has no relevance for street legal bikes. Mainly these e-gizmos are helping riders in regard safety, but… is all of it really such a great thing?!!!

ABS for example. Good thing to cover the panic grab, but other than that it actually extends braking travel (which is why it’s not in racing btw). It takes braking power away. So I coached a upcoming CHP Motorcycle Officer ones and when I told him this, he actually choked. He mentioned that the CHP ran statistics to find out why their Officers got more hurt since they swapped from Harley’s to BMW’s, which supposed to be safer rides. They found that Officers ride beyond the pace they use to and that all those electronic aids kicked off a confidence boost and a false feel of safety. Hmmmm…!

My theory also goes into Traction Controls, which are making young riders more likely buying a 230 hp motorcycle. In the end, Joe might rides over his capabilities. Oh and there is a Slid Control now too, which controls a powerslide when exiting turns in lean. You gotta be freaking fast already to even get there and to make that work… but Joe might thing that this is no big deal anymore:

Headcoach Can Akkaya, Superbike-Coach Corp

 

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