Progressive , America 's largest bike insurance firm, studied two million motorcycle policies over the course of five years. It discovered that those who had recently traded bikes were seventy percent more likely to make a claim after an accident than riders who shared a longer acquaintance with their motorcycles. The report also concluded that cruiser riders who traded their bikes for sports models increased the risk of crashing by three and half times. However, those switching from sports bike to cruiser lowered the risk of an accident by a third.

Progressive suggests that even seasoned motorcyclists can benefit from occasionally practising basic manoeuvres such as emergency breaking and riding at low speeds.

“We want experienced riders to know their risks so they can take extra precautions when they replace their bikes” said Progressive manager and rider, Rick Stern. “It's a good idea for riders to take their new bike out for a couple of shake down cruises in a parking lot before hitting the open road”.