well, let me say that I just got one, and by just I mean about two hours ago. I can´t ride it for another week though, I have to wait until I turn sixteen and can get my permit. That being said, it would seem that a reason for a lot of the crashes involving katana´s are caused by the riders lack of expirience. Being a cheaper bike, begining riders (like myself) are attracted to it because of the reduced price tag, and then being unused to riding, are more accident prone.