I. Motorcycle engineering changes |
 |
A. |
Frame design and construction |
B. |
New types of motorcycle (e.g., sportbikes) sold
as original equipment |
C. |
Suspension design |
 |
1. |
Front fork strength, stiffness, and geometry |
2. |
Rear suspension change from two to one shock systems |
D. |
Fuel tank design |
E. |
Handlebar design and construction |
F. |
Engine performance increases |
G. |
Tire and wheel improvements |
H. |
Brake efficiency improvements |
 |
1. |
Disc brakes more common |
2. |
Interconnection of front and rear brake systems |
3. |
Antilock braking system (ABS) |
4. |
Hydraulic brakes |
5. |
Linked brakes |
I. |
Emissions systems introduced |
J. |
Lighting changes |
 |
1. |
Daytime running lamps (DRL) since 1973 |
2. |
Integrated front parking lights |
3. |
Higher performance headlamps |
II. User population changes |
 |
A. |
Fewer total riders, higher percentage licensed |
B. |
Maturing of motorcycle riding population |
C. |
More females riding motorcycles |
D. |
More widely available training |
E. |
Changes in helmet use |
F. |
Use of fake helmets in helmet law states |
G. |
Fewer motorcycles registered |
H. |
Changes in available protective apparel |
I. |
Changes in use of protective apparel |
J. |
Riders have information from Hurt Report available |
III. Automobile engineering changes |
 |
A. |
Daytime running lamps (DRL) |
B. |
Improved bumpers |
C. |
More aerodynamic exteriors |
D. |
ABS |
E. |
Changing vehicle types, e.g., sport utility
vehicles (SUV) |
IV. Roadway Environmental changes |
 |
A. |
Roadside sound barriers |
B. |
Animal diversion barriers |
C. |
Rumble strips |