Welcome to Episode 124 of Chasing the Horizon, the podcast by, for and about motorcyclists. We take an in-depth look into the motorcycle industry in a way few other outlets do!
I recently came across a news item about a study which determined anti-lock braking systems (ABS) on motorcycles serve to reduce the chance of fatality in a motorcycle crash by 22%. Instead of just reporting that item as a news story in an episode, I decided to reach out to the author of the study, Eric Teoh.
Eric works for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a non-governmental organization, and you’ll notice right away he is not a motorcyclist. Because we felt this study was worth digging into, we made our first-ever exception to the “our guest must be a motorcyclist” rule – after all, you don’t need to ride a motorcycle to conduct (or majorly update, as is the case here) an academic dissection of statistical data.
You can check out the IIHS motorcycle page and even download a copy of the study if you like. Connect with the IIHS on Facebook (even though it’s mostly car stuff), Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, where you can watch endless videos of vehicle crash tests (they are FASCINATING!). Be sure to check out this video of exactly how effective ABS can be when it comes to motorcycles.
In the news for this episode is more info about shortages likely affecting the motorcycle industry – this time it’s shipping containers, those giant metal boxes in which goods cross the oceans.
Both MotoGP and World Superbike (WSBK) wrapped up their 2021 seasons, and both circuits have brand-new champions! MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi – now retired and a freshly-minted member of the Motorcycle Racing Hall of Fame – had to fend off some rumors about the sale of his racing team, VR46 (as opposed to “just” a sponsorship).
We took a look at some product news, specifically Cardo Systems updating most of their budget offerings.
In electric motorcycle news, BMW Motorrad put the CE 04 into production and the US Army is testing the use of helicopter-mounted Zeros for use by special forces units. Almost as cool as sharks with lasers on their heads for sure!
Thanks to webBikeWorld for funneling news our way, and be sure to check out their website for the latest motorcycle news and in-depth product reviews.
Since we don’t have a Patreon page for you to visit, the easiest way to support Chasing the Horizon is by joining the BMW Motorcycle Owners of America. Digital memberships are $39 a year and traditional memberships are $49 a year; each come with a wide range of member benefits, including access (digital or in your mailbox) to BMW Owners News, the MOA’s monthly magazine. You also get access to one of the best roadside assistance programs for motorcycles available (sorry, only applies to the US), become eligible for a $250 motorcycle training scholarship every year, up to $750 off a new BMW motorcycle, discount tickets to great events and much, much more!