Citation

Bartlett W. Collision 2011; 6(1): 30-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2011, Collision Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Maximum motorcycle acceleration rates are highly nonlinear. This presents a challenge to accident reconstructionists, who must often evaluate the possible acceleration capabilities of a motorcycle in evaluating time and distance relationships. This paper presents two techniques to evaluate the nonlinear maximum acceleration profile for a motorcycle in order to more accurately assess time-speed-distance relationships. The first technique uses data derived from motorcycle enthusiast magazines to analyze time-speed-distance relationships. This data is often presented in the magazines as the time to cover a quarter-mile from a standing-start, along with the terminal speed. Other magazines may publish the time required from a standing start to reach a particular speed. A second technique is presented for situations in which no test data can be found. This technique estimates performance using the motorcycle's weight and horsepower. This estimation method was shown to predict quarter-mile elapsed times and trap speed, as well as the time-to-speed for four intermediate speeds, with reasonable accuracy.