Crotch Rocket Motorcycle Death Statistics: What You Need To Know
Crotch rocket motorcycle death statistics show that these supersport bike riders are 4 times more likely to die than riders of other types of motorcycles. 20% of motorcyclist deaths in the U.S. involve supersport motorbikes. Nearly 50% of the fatally injured supersport riders are under 30 years of age. And, speed is a factor in 57% of these types deaths.
What is a crotch rocket?
A crotch rocket motorcycle – which is also referred to as a supersport motor bike – is a high-speed, high-performance consumer version of a racing motor bike. It has reduced weight, increased power for quick acceleration and nimble handling. (IIHS) It can reach speeds of 190 mph. (RAND)
The need for speed
The statistics shows that excessive speed was a contributing factor in 57% of deaths among the drivers of of crotch rocket motorcycles. (RAND)
What makes supersport motor bikes so appealing is also what makes them so dangerous: speed.
However, the downside to all of that built-in speed is its propensity to hasten the death and serious injury of supersport motor bike riders.
Crotch rocket death statistics
Drivers of these high speed motor bikes are 4 times more likely to die than riders of other types of motorcycles. (IIHS) Speed is a contributing factor in nearly 60% of crotch rocket deaths. (RAND) In 2022 (the most recent year for which data is publicly available), there were 1,224 supersport motorcycle drivers killed in the U.S., which was approximately 20.6% of all motorcycle driver deaths. (IIHS)
48.4% of fatally injured supersport motorcycle riders in 2022 were under 30 years of age. (IIHS)
Over a five-year period, the claim frequency for supersport motor bikes was nearly 3 times the national average. (IIHS) This was the highest of the 11 classes or types of motorcycles.
Similarly, supersport motorcycles also had the highest overall “collision losses” at nearly 3.5 times the national average. (IIHS) Again, this was the highest of the 11 classes or types of motorcycles.
The IIHS has reported that “[s]upersport motorcycles make up a small fraction of registered motorcycles, but their riders are overrepresented in fatal crashes.”
Injuries are more likely to be severe
Although riders of these high speed motor bikes are 4 times more likely to die than other motor bike riders, their injuries are more likely to be severe in the event of a crash. The most common injuries include: (1) TBIs; (2) head injuries; (3) spinal injuries; (4) broken bones; and (5) hand and wrist injuries.
Helmetless riding and fatalities for supersport motorcycles
Surprisingly, helmetless riding does not appear to be a contributing factor to the high death rate among riders of crotch rocket motorcycles. In 2022, 84% of the supersport motor bike drivers who died were wearing helmets. (IIHS) In fact, helmet use was the highest among these type of motor bike riders.
This goes against the conventional, statistics-based wisdom that wearing a motorcycle helmet saves lives. Since the repeal of Michigan’s universal motorcycle helmet law in 2012, the number of unhelmeted motorcyclists (“Helmet Not Worn”) who have died in crashes has increased 30.9%. (Michigan Traffic Crash Facts, 2012 and 2023)
With so many deaths of supersport motor bike riders who were wearing helmets in 2022, this highlights how truly dangerous these supersport motor bikes are.
Insurance recommendations
If you are going to ride a crotch rocket in Michigan, then you are legally required to carry motorcycle liability insurance. (MCL 500.3103(1))
Under Michigan law, you must have liability insurance for your motorcycle with limits of $250,000 and $500,00 – although the law does allow motorcyclists to purchase lower limits of $50,000 and $100,000. (MCL 500.3009(1) and (5))
Coverage for first-party medical benefits is optional. (MCL 500.3103(2))
However, if you plan to drive or ride a supersport motorcycle without a helmet, medical is required.
Motorcyclists who choose to ride without a helmet must have at least $20,000 in first-party medical benefits coverage. (MCL 257.648(5)(c))
Safe riding tips for supersport motor bikes
“No speeding” tops the list of the most important safe riding tips for supersport motor bike riders. Driving too fast is a contributing factor in 57% of deaths among the drivers of supersport motor bikes. (RAND) Other tips include: (1) Not driving while under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs; and (2) Not driving while distracted.
Injured in a crotch rocket motorcycle accident? Call the auto accident attorneys at Michigan Auto Law
If you were injured in a supersport motor bike crash in Michigan and you need legal help, call Michigan Auto Law now (800) 968-1001 for a free consultation with an experienced motorcycle accident lawyer. There is no cost or obligation. You can also visit our contact page or use the chat feature on our website.
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