According to Ultimate Motorcycling’s website, there are over 13 million Americans who owned a motorcycle in 2018. Thanks to the massive motorcyclist community, motorcycles are a common appearance on roads and highways, and awareness is being spread about motorcycle safety. Unfortunately, motorcycle safety has been a big problem on America’s roads since their early start as steam-powered bicycles in the mid-1800s. In fact, the inventor of the two-cylinder steam-powered velocipede (bicycle) in 1867,Sylvester Howard Roper, died while riding his own invention.

Although many steam-powered, self-propelled bicycles appeared in America in the mid to late 1800s, the first bicycle with a gas-powered internal combustion engine was developed by Gottlieb Daimler, a German man who went on to found the company that would later become Mercedes-Benz, and Wilhelm Maybach in 1885. They dubbed their revolutionary bicycle the Petroleum Reitwagen (literally translated as “riding car”). Although this was not the same as the motorcycles we know today, it was a major step in the modern direction.

As these self-propelled bicycles developed further, they began to morph into early versions of modern motorcycles. The first production motorcycle in the U.S. was built in Charles Metz’s factory inWaltham, Massachusetts. The popularity of the motorcycle continued to grow as more and more people found different uses for its light, quick, maneuverable frame. Motorbikes like these were even utilized in WWI to replace horse-riders who carriedmessages, performed reconnaissance, and acted as military police. Soon motorcycles began to rise in popularity thanks to the dedication and work of many famous motorcycle companies such as the classic Harley Davidson Motor Company that we still know and love today.

Types of Motorcycles and Brands

There are a wide variety of types of motorcycles, and brands that make them, available in the modern marketplace. Below is a synopsis of some of the most common types of motorcycles from the Motorcycle Legal Foundation and a list of some of the most popular brands.

Types of motorcycles (not all included):

• Standard: The Standard motorcycle is a classic and common staple in the motorcycle world. It is not overly fancy or complicated, which makes is a great ride for beginners. However, it is also not too small or simple for an experienced motorcyclist and can be outfitted with a number of enhancements if desired. It is a well-rounded vehicle that is as popular as it is for that reason.
• Cruiser: Also called a Chopper, the cruiser is the perfect motorcycle for easy riding and “cruising” for long trips or just a ride around town. It is known for its low seat height, which is part of what makes it such a comfortable ride. This type of motorcycle is also great for both beginners and veterans of the motorcycle world and can be accessorized as much as is desired.
• Sport Bike: A powerful motorcycle that is built for speed and maneuverability, the Sport Bike is famous for its forward-leaning ergonomics, high seat position, and lightweight body that lend to its agility and momentum. It is not exactly the easiest-to-ride bike, but with the right accessories it can be a good bike for anyone.
• Touring: As is implied by the name, this large motorcycle is not meant for speed and agility, but rather for endurance and long-distance touring. Thanks to its size, storage is not an issue, which is great for the long trips it is meant for. Although the size might scare off newbies, it is actually a very stable, versatile bike that will last a long time.
• Off-Road: A motorbike with the benefit of high suspension, a lightweight frame, and tall seating, the Off-Road motorcycle is perfect for adventure in all different kinds of terrain. Since dirt bikes do not typically come equipped with lights or turn signals, this is not usually a bike for the road, and thus may not be a good match for everyone. However, with a few adjustments and accessories, it can be modified for road and non-road travel converting them into dual sport. -+

Reputable Motorcycle Brands:

• Harley-Davidson
• Honda
• Suzuki
• Yamaha
• Ducati
• Kawasaki
• Triumph
• Aprilia
• KTM
• BMW
• DKW (Audi)

Motorcycle Safety and Why it is Important

As any motorcycle owner would know, there are lots of pros to owning and riding a motorcycle. They’re generally less expensive than the standard car, get better gas mileage than most commuter car, almost doubling the miles per gallon, they’re easier to fix because they’re not as complicated and big as most cars, they’ll last a long time with proper care, and, of course, they look cool. However, there is one major con to riding motorcycles that oftentimes scares motorcycle-admirers from buying one of their own: riding a motorcycle puts you at greater risk for crashes and for major, even fatal, injuries to result.

The risks when riding a motorcycle are so high for a few reasons:

• Motorcycles do not have the same protections that cars do. There is a lot less of a barrier between the passengers and the outside, thus there is a lot less room for mistakes because of how exposed the passengers are. Any motorcycle crash is much more likely to be fatal to the driver and passengers than car crashes.
• Motorcycles are not as visible on the road as regular cars. Because they have much smaller bodies, are much faster, and have less lights to indicate there is a vehicle on the road, other cars can much more easily not detect a motorcycle when changing lanes, turning, etc. This fact is especially true at nighttime, when visibility is hindered by the dark, and also when there is inclement weather.
• Motorcycles are much more susceptible to road hazards and road instability than four-wheeled cars are. Motorcycles only have two wheels and do not have nearly the same stabilization mechanisms that other vehicles do, so when they hit a bump, pothole, or something lying in the road, they are liable to crash if they can’t keep control of their bike and recover.
• Some states allow motorcycles to weave through traffic and travel on and across lines that divide lanes, a practice called “lane splitting”, which can make for a dangerously risky situation. All it takes is one slip up by a car or the motorcyclists themselves for things to take a nasty turn.
• Motorcycles can be challenging to ride and control, especially for inexperienced riders. Unfortunately, many fatalities result from inexperienced motorists attempting to perform tricks on the road, race other cars, not wearing a helmet while riding, and other dangerous activities like speeding or wheelies.

Motorist Visibility is the Most Important Aspect of Motorist Safety

Every aspect of motorist safety depends on the visibility of the motorcycle on the road. Even if the motorist drives defensively, wears a helmet, and has good control of their bike, if the other cars on the road cannot see them then they are still at extremely high risk of losing their life in an accident.

Due to a motorcycle’s size and lack of lights, they are much less likely to be spotted by other cars on the road, and therefore much more likely to be crashed into, cut off, or sideswiped by other vehicles. Although a motorcycle’s size cannot be changed, it can be modified instead to have clear, aggressive lights with turn signals to announce its presence on the road and inform other drivers of what they are doing.

Fortunately, there are companies that cater to motorcyclists’ needs on the road and recognize the potential dangers of riding motorcycles. They create products that are designed to help make a motorcycle more visible on the road while remaining affordable and fashionable. One such company is OZ-USA, one of the leading producers of road safety products, including motorcycle accessories and lights to help you have a smooth, safe ride.

OZ-USA: Products Designed for Motorcycles

The company OZ-USA, based in and shipping from California, manufactures high-quality accessories and lights for motorcycles and a variety of other vehicles. They are the go-to website for your vehicle and motorcycle upgrade needs at the most affordable prices on the market. Below are some examples of their budget-friendly but luxury-quality products for motorists.

OZ-USA offers a variety of lights and light bars to help increase visibility for your motorcycle dramatically. Their light bars often come with turn signal capabilities, such as their silver chrome, hooded, steel light bar or their smooth black finish light bar made of steel and unhooded. Both of these models are virtually universal and will fit a wide variety of makes including Harley Davidson, Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki cruisers. These light bars will help illuminate the road and warn other vehicles of a motorcycle’s presence.

If you would like something smaller than a light bar, try OZ-USA’s auxiliary lights for motorcycles. These lights are a great upgrade that will not only help you see better at night, increase your visibility to others day or night, but also are easy to install, universal, and smaller than lightbars.

OZ-USA also makes LED turn signal lights. Since most motorcycles do not come with their own turn signals, this upgrade will be sure to make you safer on the road. The advantage of LED turn signals is that they are 2-3 times brighter than usual incandescent bulbs and yet use much less power. This makes them a perfect candidate for smaller-battery motorcycles and ATVs.

One of the most dangerous crashes for motorcycles is rear-end collisions, and they can often be fatal. That is why it is important to consider adding rear lights to your motorbike, which OZ-USA offers as well. These additional lights will dramatically decrease your chances of getting rear-ended while on your motorcycle, especially at night.

Thanks to their wide variety of types, sizes, shapes, and colors of lights, you are bound to find a product that you resonate with that will make your motorcycle experience safer.

OZ-USA also offers a huge variety of helmet visors, tail brake lights to help prevent rear-end collisions, fender mudguards, and even plate holder mounts. To explore these products and more, visit oz-usa.com. For any questions, concerns, or requests for bulk-buying deals, contact OZ-USA at 619-618-0444.