Motorcycle, the force exerted upon from collision

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the structural integrity of a 2019 Suzuki V-Strom 1000 motorcycle after a collision with a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The motorcycle, modified with an aftermarket engine guard, was struck while traveling at 40 MPH by an SUV moving at approximately 15-18 MPH. The force of the collision transferred energy from the SUV to the engine guard and subsequently to the motorcycle's cast aluminum frame. Given the circumstances, there is significant concern regarding the frame's ability to maintain structural integrity post-collision, raising questions about the motorcycle being deemed a total loss by the insurance company.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of collision physics and force calculations
  • Knowledge of materials science, specifically regarding cast aluminum
  • Familiarity with motorcycle safety standards and structural integrity assessments
  • Experience with aftermarket motorcycle modifications and their implications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research collision force calculations using momentum and energy transfer principles
  • Study the properties of cast aluminum and its behavior under stress and impact
  • Learn about motorcycle frame inspection techniques, including X-Ray and Dye penetrant testing
  • Investigate insurance policies regarding total loss assessments for modified vehicles
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for motorcycle owners, insurance adjusters, accident investigators, and anyone involved in motorcycle safety and structural integrity assessments.

Stukapilot
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TL;DR
I was recently involved in an MVA (motor vehicle accident) and was riding a motorcycle. Fortunately, I was wearing full motorcycle gear (Helmut, gloves, boots), and my injuries were limited to superficial wounds and broken ribs. However, the insurance company wants to try and repair the bike. I feel that the frame's integrity cannot be intact, given the force exerted upon it. Can anyone give an idea of the force my motorcycle had to endure?
001 MVA graphic 5-26-2022 cropped.JPG

Synopsis, The insurance company wants to repair this 3-year-old motorcycle with 3400 miles on the odo father taking this hit. The motorcycle was modified with an aftermarket "engine guard," which was made out of powder-coated steel tubing and bolted directly to the frame which is made out of cast aluminum. The owner of the motorcycle does not believe that the frame of this bike can still have structural integrity after taking such force. All of the energy of this collision was transferred from the Suv to the engine guard and then to the frame.

V1 "Suv" speed 15 MPH. Mass of Suv 5500 lbs (Toyota Highlander 2020)
V2 "motorcycle" speed 40 MPH. Mass of motorcycle 600 lbs (Suzuki V-Strom 1000, Adventure Bike 2019)
The Suv "rolled" right through the stop sign at a speed of ~ 15-18 MPH. The motorcycle was traveling at a constant speed of 40 MPH in a straight line and did not have time to maneuver out of the way.

What was the force generated by this collision that would have been sustained by the motorcycle?
Can cast aluminum still have structural integrity after taking such force?
What about the other parts since the whole bike was, in essence, taking the force of this collision?

Any help would be greatly appreciated in making a case for this bike to be a total loss. I would not feel comfortable going down an off-road trail or cruising down the interstate when the frame gives way. Thanks in advance. I don't see how the insurance company will pay to have the bike disassembled and the frame inspected with an X-Ray or Dye to check for micro-fractures.
 
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Sorry Stuka, per the PF rules that you agreed to when you joined here, we do not assist in accident investigations. As a fellow rider (YZF-R1 and CRF-450), I'm glad you are okay. Ride safe.
 

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