Suzuki Tops Most, Least Stolen Lists
Fast moving, high-powered sports motorcycles known familiarly as "crotch rockets" are the most likely to be stolen and crashed, according to a study of an insurers data.
The research was conducted by Mayfield Village, Ohio-based Progressive, which said it examined claims data on more than 2 million motorcycles. As of last year, there were 7 million motorcycles registered in the nation. Progressive is the nation's largest motorcycle insurer, according to the company.
In first place for bikes likely to be stolen was the Suzuki GSX-R Series. It also topped the list for cycles most likely to be crashed, Progressive said.
Rick Stern, motorcycle products manager at Progressive, explained that for motorcyclists who buy a variety of machine that is often stolen or often involved in crashes, the rates may be higher. The insurer wanted to inform bikers so they could make better more informed insurance purchases, he said.
He said the sport bikes on the list for likely stolen and crashed are generally machines with a high horsepower-to-weight ratio with a large amount of plastic components.
The other motorcycles on the most stolen list were: 2. Yamaha YZF series, 3. Honda CBR Series, 4. Suzuki Hayabusa and 5. Kawasaki Ninja Series.
Others in the most likely crashed were: 2. Kawasaki Ninja Series, 3. Suzuki TLR, 4. Yamaha YZF Series and 5. Honda CBR Series.
Progressive also compiled a list of bikes least likely to be stolen and least likely to be crashed. Mr. Stern said these vehicles were generally smaller cruising bikes equipped with less powerful engines.
Cruisers, he said generally "wouldn't be as aggressive as riders of sports bikes" and appeal to a different demographic segment.
Listed as least likely to be stolen were: 1.Suzuki Savage, 2. BMW R1200C, 3.Honda Rebel Series, 4. Honda Shadow Series and 5. Yamaha V-Star.
Among the least likely to be crashed were: 1. Yamaha Virago Series, 2. Honda Rebel Series, 3.Suzuki Savage, 4.Harley-Davidson FXR and BMW R1200C
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