Dozens of tip-over tests have been conducted on late model motorcycles by IAG Research during the past year. IAG found that there was considerable variation between the amounts of damage to each motorcycle and that there was also considerable variation between the costs of repairs.

These variations were caused by specific features of design and by particular decisions made by designers and engineers in the pre-production phases of motorcycle development.

IAG would like to raise awareness among designers of the influence they have over motorcycle repair costs. IAG’s work inspired MDA member Tim Cameron to develop a new concept in motorcycle impact protection that has the potential to substantially reduce the degree of damage and the cost of repairs following a low speed fall.

The tip-over tests were developed by IAG following advice from MDA member Mike Samarzja of the Buell Motorcycle Company, USA. IAG would like to acknowledge the enthusiastic encouragement and active support of MDA President Glynn Kerr in the promulgation of motorcycle damage physical research.

The price of insurance is largely driven by the cost of damage claims. A surprisingly large number of motorcycles are badly damaged following low speed falls or stationary tip-overs. This contributes to high insurance costs that can make motorcycling unaffordable for many potential riders. A presentation on motorcycle damageability issues can be found at: www.industryresearch.com.au/motorcycle/

IAG found that motorcycles which fall off their side stands can cost just as much to repair as ones which slide down the road on their sides at speed. A comparison study of two Ducati 999 insurance claims can be found at: www.industryresearch.com.au/motorcycle/ 

Some design features were found to exacerbate damage and add to the cost of repairs. IAG identified certain other design features that can help to alleviate impact damage and reduce repair costs. A presentation on design features which add to costs and a presentation on design features which help to reduce costs can be found at: www.industryresearch.com.au/motorcycle/ 

For the tip-over testing, each motorcycle was an insurance total loss with cosmetic (non-structural) damage on one side only. The motorcycle was allowed to fall on its undamaged side from a stationary, vertical position. A presentation on tip-over test methodology can be found at: www.industryresearch.com.au/motorcycle/

The tip-over test results indicate that aftermarket motorcycle crash protection (“crash bungs”) can reduce the cost of repairs by as much as 40 percent. It was also found that the presence of pannier luggage can prevent a considerable amount of motorcycle damage. IAG found that naked motorcycles generally incur less damage than faired motorcycles, but it depends upon the quality of protection around the engine coolant radiator and to the exhaust muffler. A repair cost comparison following tip-over tests can be found at: www.industryresearch.com.au/motorcycle/ 

MDA member Tim Cameron witnessed the work carried out by IAG and was inspired to develop a new approach to energy management that he has named “Ablative Design”. The exciting aspect of Tim’s concept is that it enables individual elements to be developed from physical research and then seamlessly integrated into original designs without detracting from form or function. A design study by Tim Cameron featuring his Ablative Design Concept can be found at: www.industryresearch.com.au/motorcycle/