Superfunkomatic – Observations of the Socially Inept

i’m going through the process of having to renew insurance for my motorcycle which is a bit of a frustrating experience. i have a 20 year clean driving record but it’s getting harder every year to find an insurance company that will insure motorcycles.

many have quote rates as high as $3000/yr for basic coverage. the rates are punitively high, basically it’s the insurance industries way of saying “we’re out of this business”. if you really want coverage, you’ll pay – dearly.

i’ve been lucky enough to find one insurance company that has been helpful and offer rates in the $600/year range, which is still high considering the amount of use the vehicle gets, but far more palatable than the mortgage-sized payments others are asking for.

i think it’s time to go to the root of the problem – young riders with high powered motorcycles. a graduated system like the U will keep young inexperienced riders from riding 150+ horsepower motorcycles until almost their thirties, unless they want to pay upwards of 3000 pounds annually for insurance combined with payment on the bike.

the fact that a 16 year kid can buy a bike for $10,000 that has a 10 times higher horsepower to weight ratio than a $100,000 sportscar should be an issue that there’s a problem. that combined with the accident rate of ‘crotch rocket’ bikes in the hands of young riders shows that it’s time for a system that protects young people from themselves. it seems obvious to me that a teenager doesn’t have the experience or respect for handling what can potentially be a weapon for themselves and others.

rather than being punitive to riders that have established records, the system should be set up to encourage experience and safety and allow riders to move gradually towards higher power machines. the motorcycle industry will not regulate itself, and it’s marketing appeals to youth – lightning fast machines, high powered, ultimately high top speeds and sex appeal in the designs – no wonder young riders are drawn in, those bikes speak to them – they provide a sense of power, inspire awe and unleash primordial instincts with speed. also teens have the highest rate of drinking and driving, a lethal combination.
learn, gain experience, develop skill and the motorcyle insurance industry can profit rather than paying out claims. they make more money long-term, and keep customers and their accounts. but honestly, i think the insurance industry is just taking advantage of the situation – harder to get insurance, there is still demand, they will obviously charge more – capitalism.

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