One factor that contributes to motorcycle fatalities in older riders is that they tend to buy "cruiser" motorcycles like the one you pictured. These might look great and ride well in a straight line, but their lack of agility due to excessive weight and poor suspension makes them the last thing you want to be on in an emergency situation.

I've been riding motorcycles for 35 years, the last four on what are called "dual sport" bikes. These are at home on or off the road. They are light, agile, and have nearly limitless lean angle and long suspension that allow them to float calmly over irregularities in the road while positioning the rider high up and visible to traffic. Having off-road capability opens up median strips and unpaved shoulders as emergency escape routes if an auto driver tries to occupy the same space as you.

The only down side is that there's no chrome to polish, but that means you have more time to enjoy riding.

Michael Silverstein

Cary