more anecdotal evidence...

[bok]

that 600cc sport bikes are bad newbie bikes. The rider was new to riding, this was his first bike. Sad story.

CITYBEAT - CITY OF CALGARY PRESS RELEASE
-----------------------------------------------------------------

On 2006 June 15 at 2200 hours, a 19 yr old male was killed in
a two vehicle collision at 8 Avenue and 4 Street SW. The
male was driving a Honda CBR600 motorcycle north on 4th
approaching the intersection at 8th Avenue and was facing a
red traffic light. At the same time a Taxi was driving
through the same intersection westbound on 8 Avenue on a
green light.

Witnesses to the collision state that the motorcyclist failed
to stop as required for the red light and only attempted at
the last moment to brake and avoid the ensuing collision but
was unsuccessful in doing so. The victim ended up being
pinned below the Taxi and the Calgary Fire Department was
required to extricate him for treatment. EMS transported the
victim to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Neither excessive speed or alcohol appear to be factors in
this collision but further investigations into both aspects
are being conducted. The victim was wearing an approved
helmet at the time of the incident.

[CNF2002]

Hmm...I really dont think we can assume he was unskilled. He may have been riding for a few years...odds?

Anyway looks like a case of a red-light runner making a mistake, since speed/liquor was not a factor. Since he was pinned under the taxi I would assume he attempted to stop, low-sided and slid under. A good example of why not to intentionally drop your bike. No indication of whether he was wearing any other gear, but I dont know that it would have made much difference.

I hate hearing these stories

[bok]

actually it's a fellow who is known to one of my good friends...just got his license and bike the week before. forgot to mention that in my first post

[sharpmagna]

Couldn't that have happened on a 250 Ninja? I mean I don't see any compelling evidence in the news story to say that he did that because he was on a 600cc bike? Unless you have more details that you haven't shared...

[VermilionX]

statistics are ok but i don't rely everything i do based on stats.

every person is different. like they always say, it's the rider and not the bike.

and yeah, it could have happened even w/ a ninjette.

[torxim]

Witnesses to the collision state that the motorcyclist failed
to stop as required for the red light

he wouldn't have survived on a vespa either.

[Loonette]

Sounds like an unfortunate newbie f-up. Could have happened on any bike.

Cheers,
Loonette

[KarateChick]

That's sad.

Another poor dude went off a highway early this Sunday morning (4:30 a.m.) and into a ditch & didn't make it.

Everyone - head's up & be careful out there!

[Andrew]

Sounds like an unfortunate newbie f-up. Could have happened on any bike.

Or a bicycle! This IS evidience of the importance of the MSF course and taking it slow.

[bok]

just for the record, i agree this could have happened on any bicycle or a 250 or vespa which is why i titled the thread anecdotal (Based on casual observations or indications rather than rigorous or scientific analysis)