Are Harley Davidson Motorcycles Safer than Sports Bikes?

Harley Davidson fans are always up for comparing Harleys with other bikes. However, this time, the comparison sparks curiosity: Are Harley-Davidson motorcycles safer than sports bikes?

Those who own and ride Harley know what type of motorcycle it is. It is a cruiser , and most of the models are heavyweight. They are built to deliver sheer torque to take the rider long miles.

Meanwhile, motorcyclists are all familiar with sports bikes. These bikes are fairing monsters designed to conquer race tracks and run at high speeds.

Both Harleys and sports bikes belong to two different motorcycling worlds. Users of both Harley-Davidson and sports bikes have their reasons for riding and loving these bikes.

Harley Davidson, the national U.S. motorcycling brand, represents authentic American cruiser culture. Meanwhile, sports bikes are for those who love to go fast. Most young riders love sports bikes.

However, one aspect that is often overlooked by most riders is safety. Safety is the most important riding element when it comes to motorcycling. So, which is safer to ride, a Harley Davidson or a sports bike?

The answer that may come to your mind right away is a Harley. However, let’s see whether it is practically and statistically accurate. Continue reading this article to learn whether Harley-Davidson motorcycles are safer than sports bikes.

We all know that sports bikes are way faster than Harley-Davidson motorcycles . Sports bikes are built to be ridden at high speeds. They are made for riders who love getting the adrenaline rush of cutting the wind at top speeds. The engine installed in sports bikes is made to deliver high horsepower and rev up the rear wheel.

On the contrary, Harleys are mostly slow compared to sports bikes. Though they have large-displacement engines, even more significant than sports bikes, they tend to compromise on horsepower in favor of torque.

Harley Davidson motorcycles, which are mostly cruisers, are built for traveling long miles. They are capable of carrying luggage for a multi-day trip.

Motorcycles that can go faster and accelerate quickly are more prone to accidents. This is why sports bikes are recommended for only trained and experienced riders.

However, not everybody can ride a Harley-Davidson. They may not be as fast as sports bikes, but they are quite powerful and heavy.

When riding within the city, a Harley Davidson motorcycle is a better option than a sports bike. Sports bikes are aggressive, and they offer a forward riding position to lower the air drag and go faster. However, this reduces the ability of the rider to focus on the road effectively. Due to these reasons, it is not preferable to ride sports bikes in populated city areas. Using sports bikes for city traveling is riskier. When you are going fast, even a tiny obstacle can create a dangerous scenario that can cost you your life.

On the other hand, Harley-Davidson motorcycles are ideal for city traveling. They offer smooth and comfortable rides in the town. You are sitting upright while riding a Harley. Also, you have a better view of the road and traffic around you. Such qualities of Harley cruisers make them more preferred and safer for riding within the city.

Though Harley Davidson motorcycles are better than sports bikes for city traveling, they could be better. Regarding cruising on the highways and open roads, there is no better bike than a cruiser. However, in areas where the traffic usually remains busy throughout the day, a Harley motorbike isn’t suitable. They are pretty heavy to maneuver and get extremely hot in stop-and-go traffic.

Weight is another important factor in motorcycling safety. A heavyweight motorcycle tends to be difficult to handle, and a novice rider may find it extremely difficult to maneuver and turn corners on it, particularly at slow speeds.

Then why are cruisers safer than sports bikes when they are heavier than the two? This is because there are several advantages to being heavier. Heavyweight can be a huge problem for beginners, but it is manageable for expert riders.

Harley Davidson motorcycles are bulkier, and their weight is smartly centered lower to the ground, making them more stable.

The more significant issue is not the weight only that causes problems and makes it unsafe. The thing that makes riding unsafe is the power-to-weight ratio. Sports bikes tend to have a high power-to-weight ratio. They are pretty lighter than Harleys but have high horsepower, making them extremely agile and reactive. Sports bikes provide a fraction of a second for riders to decide in emergencies.

Cruisers are mostly heavier. However, even if you find a lightweight cruiser, it will have a small-displacement engine, ensuring a low power-to-weight ratio.

The best motorcycles that are used ideally for comfortable long-distance rides are Harley-Davidson motorbikes. Harley usually manufactures cruisers, baggers , and touring bikes , mainly designed to suit the needs of American bikers and motorcycling culture.

Most Harley-Davidson motorcycles ensure upright riding posture and spacious legroom and have ideal handlebar positions for a relaxed cruising experience. You can ride these bikes continuously for hours without getting fatigued.

The more comfortable you are on a motorcycle, the safer you are. This may not sound statistically factual, but it is true. When you are comfortable, you pay more attention to the road and details. You feel more active in dealing with emergencies and have more time to judge and react to a dangerous situation.

On the contrary, sports bikes offer a highly uncomfortable riding position. Your back will start to hurt after 1-2 hours of riding a sports bike. This will likely increase the chances of getting into a problematic riding situation. You may be unable to deal actively with an emergency on a sports bike.

A 2010 survey suggests that sports bikes are four times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident than cruisers. This proves that Harley-Davidson motorcycles are safer than sports bikes.

All the aspects mentioned above are relevant and, to a certain extent, play a role in making sports bikes more dangerous than Harley motorbikes. However, they are backed by statistics. These are the general perceptions regarding motorcycling.

As far as statistics are concerned, the biggest reason sports bikes are less safe than Harley-Davidosn motorcycles is something else. You will be astonished to know that the reason why sports bikes are more likely to get into an accident than Harley motorbikes is not speed, aggressive riding style, top acceleration, and lightweight design. The age and experience of riders make sports bikes dangerous to Harleys.

Most riders who prefer to ride sports bikes are young and are below their thirties. They need to gain more experience in motorcycle riding.

According to a recent survey that was done back in 2016, almost 59% of riders riding sports bikes are young and are below thirty years of age. Meanwhile, only 25% of cruiser riders are in their thirties. This establishes that the rider's age and experience have much to do with motorcycle riding safety.

However, it is only sometimes valid for cruiser riders. The statistics reveal that sports bikes and young riders are a deadly combination. Riding a sports bike is not a joke. You need to have adequate experience to ride a sports bike safely.

Based on statistics, design, comfort, and performance, touring bikes are the safest motorcycle type. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), touring motorcycles are involved in the fewest motorcycle accidents because they are highly stable and comfortable. They are designed to prioritize safety.

According to the stats, super-sport bikes are involved in the most motorcycle accidents and are the unsafest. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), almost 20% (1,169 fatalities) of total motorcycle deaths in 2021 involved super-sport bikes. However, the number of registered super-sport bikes that year was only 6.3%.

Harleys are preferred over other bikes, particularly in America, for various reasons. However, their outstanding resale and holding values make a significant difference. They are also durable. They tend to hold their value majorly because of their incredible brand name and worth. They are proudly considered the national motorcycle brand of America.

Harley-Davidson motorcycles are well-known for their large-displacement and torquey engines. However, there are a few old and discontinued models that make a good choice for beginners. These include the H-D Sportster Iron 883 , Sportster 1200, Softail Slim , Sportster Forty-Eight, and Sportster SuperLow. These cruisers have low seat height, low center of gravity, and comparatively smaller engines for a safe riding experience.

There are various reasons why Harley-Davidson motorcycles are safer than sports bikes. This is mainly because these bikes are not as super-fast as sports bikes. Harleys are also more comfortable and stable and provide a better road view than sports bikes. However, it is only sometimes the type of motorcycle that confirms safety. In most cases, the rider is responsible for riding safely.

Statistically, sports bikes are unsafe because almost 59% of riders are young and inexperienced. On the other hand, nearly 75% of riders riding cruisers and touring bikes are skilled and experienced.

Riding a sports bike requires good practice, experience, and skills. You must adequately handle a motorbike at high speeds and sharp corners.