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Insurance Company Finds Which Bikes Are Most and Least Likely to Be Stolen, Crashed

MAYFIELD VILLAGE, Ohio--June 20, 2005--A recent study of claims data on more than two million motorcycles insured over the past three years by The Progressive Group of Insurance Companies, the country's largest motorcycle insurer, uncovers the makes and models of bikes most and least likely to be stolen or crashed.
Motorcycle Thefts:
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     Most Likely to be Stolen           Least Likely to be Stolen
     ----                               -----
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1. Suzuki GSX-R Series             1. Suzuki Savage
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2. Yamaha YZF Series               2. BMW R1200C
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3. Honda CBR Series                3. Honda Rebel Series
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4. Suzuki Hayabusa                 4. Honda Shadow Series
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5. Kawasaki Ninja Series           5. Yamaha V-Star
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Motorcycle Crashes:
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     Most Likely to be Crashed         Least Likely to be Crashed
     ----                              -----
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1. Suzuki GSX-R Series             1. Yamaha Virago Series
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2. Kawasaki Ninja Series           2. Honda Rebel Series
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3. Suzuki TLR                      3. Suzuki Savage
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4. Yamaha YZF Series               4. Harley-Davidson FXR
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5. Honda CBR Series                5. BMW R1200C
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So what does this mean for bikers?

If you choose a motorcycle that's involved in more crashes or is stolen more often you'll most likely pay more for insurance.

"Insurance rates are based on a lot of information about you and your driving record as well as the make and model bike you ride," said Rick Stern, motorcycle product manager, Progressive. "If you buy a bike that's stolen often, you may pay more for comprehensive coverage, and if you buy a bike that is involved in more crashes then you may pay more for collision. We want bikers to be aware of what drives rates so they can make better, more informed insurance decisions."