It is clear that the most-valuable feature on a motorcycle or scooter is antilock brakes. Research by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has shown that motorcycles equipped with antilock brakes are 37 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than models without ABS. But how do you know which bikes offer this potentially life-saving feature? Check out our list below.

Sure, most motorcycle shoppers probably focus on style and price, but there is compelling research that points to antilock brakes as being a crucial, potentially life-saving feature. A study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) revealed that motorcycles equipped with antilock brakes are 37 percent less likely to be involved in a fatal crash than models without ABS. That is a tremendous risk reduction, with no compromise to the rider, beyond purchase price.

Harley-Davidson is nothing if not a manufacturer with a respect for its own heritage and traditions. But the Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based motorcycle maker has chosen to break with tradition this year, by introducing two new models in the dead of winter, months earlier than their usual rollout. Fans of the status quo need not be concerned, though, because the breaking of new ground stops with the timing.

Evolve Motorcycles are rolling out their line of electric scooters this month, with four distinct offerings with starting prices that run from $2,900 to $5,400. A young startup, Evolve has its plate full with expanding its dealer network and production facilities, but the company is already looking to branch out in several, innovative ways.

Honda showed their newest street bike at the New York International Motorcycle Show, one they say is targeted at new riders or former motorcyclists thinking about getting back to riding.

The National Highway traffic Safety Administration has issued a safety recall alert for 21,600 Honda Goldwing motorcycles. Aftermarket floorboards made by Kuryakyn may crack and break off from the Honda motorbikes, possibly injuring riders or cause collisions.

Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration have issued a recall alert for approximately 126,000 Goldwing motorcycles. The company has identified an issue with the motorbikes' secondary brake master cylinders that may cause the rear brakes to drag, increasing the risk of a collision. Riding a motorcycle with a stuck rear brake may also generate enough heat to cause a fire.

I heard terrible news this week that a childhood friend lost her fiancée in a motorcycle crash. The accident occurred one day after his 40th birthday. Full details are sketchy, but his motorcycle hit another car. This news is very upsetting to me as his death may have been prevented had he been wearing a helmet.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced a recall of ATVs, or all-terrain vehicles, made by Arctic Cat Inc. of Thief River Falls, Minn. The four-wheeled off-road vehicles have faulty steering tie-rods which can bend and cause a rider to lose control.

Electric motorcycle maker Zero has announced their 2012 model lineup, touting improvements that include new lifetime batteries with a claimed potential range of more than 100 miles, returning an operating cost as low as $.01 per mile.

Harley-Davidson is recalling certain Touring, CVO Touring, and Trike motorcycles from model years 2009 through 2012 because of a faulty rear brake light, and a potential brake fluid leak that could affect rear brake performance.

Newly launched Evolve Motorcycles has unveiled a lineup of stylish electric motor scooters promising lower prices and better range than competitors. These efficient machines will be backed with customer support through a downloadable smart phone app that offers everything from charging locations to social networking opportunities with other owners.

Detractors of pricey, fuel-efficient cars, such as the Chevrolet Volt and Toyota Prius, often claim consumers have many cost-effective transportation choices in motorcycles. The two-wheeled vehicles can get mileage that often rivals, or even bests, hybrids without the new car sticker price shock. Still, are they really "green" choices of transportation?

Yamaha is recalling 2,300 VMX17 (V-MAX) motorcycles, because high oil pressure inside the oil pump can cause it to malfunction. If oil stops pumping through the engine, severe engine damage can occur, causing the engine to stall and not restart again, increasing the risk of a crash.

At the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW introduced its BMW Motorrad Concept e, a city-focused electric scooter. The Concept e promises performance on par with large conventional scooters and a recharge time under three hours.