This document reports a study wherein a motorcycle riding simulator was used to study how non-expert motorcycle riders use conventional brakes in emergency braking situations. Sport-touring and Cruiser motorcycle configurations were used. Sixty eight rider-subjects, divided into those who typically ride Cruisers, and those who primarily ride Sport motorcycles, were exposed to traffic situations requiring a range of braking from normal slowing to emergency braking. Braking behavior data were obtained from recordings of rider control inputs, motorcycle response, and interactions with other vehicles. Rider characteristic data were obtained from questionnaires. Data from these sources were analyzed to investigate possible relationships between rider characteristics, braking behavior and event outcome. Emergency braking behavior was analyzed based on two scenarios involving an opposing vehicle moving rapidly into the rider-subject’s lane, requiring rider-subjects to brake in order to avoid collision. There were no cases where the rider-subject used only the rear brake, though some riders used only the front brake. Analyses of event outcome indicated that a rider’s initial braking, with respect to both timing and magnitude, is important in determining the event outcome. Linear and logistic regression analyses produced generally poor correlation between individual rider factors and braking behavior or event outcome. (Author/publisher)
Abstract