Which motorcycles have the highest insurance losses?
Supersport motorcycles had the highest overall collision coverage losses among 2002-06 model bikes, almost 4 times higher than losses for touring motorcycles and more than 6 times higher than cruisers, according to data from the HLDI. Nine of the 10 motorcycles with the highest losses were supersports. Five of the 10 motorcycles with the highest overall losses had engine displacements of 1,000 cubic centimeters or larger.
Supersport motorcycles also are the most frequently stolen. Their overall theft losses, measured as average loss payments per insured vehicle year (a vehicle year is 1 vehicle insured for 1 year, 2 insured for 6 months, etc.), averaged $246 for 2002-06 models. This is more than 7 times higher than the average for all motorcycles. Sport class motorcycles had the next highest overall theft losses at $55. In the other motorcycle classes, theft losses ranged from $13 to $18 per insured vehicle year.
Touring motorcycles had the most expensive claims for both collision coverage and theft. These heavy, powerful bikes aren't involved in fatal collisions in relation to their numbers on the road as often as supersports, but when touring bikes crash their insurance costs are high since they're pricier. These bikes aren't stolen nearly as often as supersports, but their expensive features (like cruise control and sound systems), make them costly to replace. Touring motorcycles had the highest average loss payment per insurance claim for theft at $15,696 among 2002-06 models.
