What would you do different in cycle wreck?

[dharnie]

What would you do different in cycle wreck?

My boss called to check up on me to see how I was coming along. I told him that since my lay-down 4 weeks ago, I have had plenty of time to think & watch cycle mishaps on "you tube", watch safety equipment demos and read up on latest safety gear. He asked me, "What would you have done different?" . . . and I told him.

But I am interested to know, did you learn anything from your mishap and "What would you have done different?" . . . if you have had a lay-down, motorcycle mishap, accident, wreck.

[Tom]

The only wreck I have had was showing off when I was a kid..(17 Years old). I can name plenty of "Close Calls" but was always aware that anything can happen. I drive for a living and my thing is I never expect ANYONE to stop at stop signs,red lights etc. I am always watching traffic from the sideroads and always ready for them to just pull out in front of me. I sometimes get aggressive in curves but I make sure I know the road and consequences if I get too confident. In short I ride very defensively. In my professional career Ive seen people do the dumbest things to try and save a minute that in the end cost them or a loved one there life. Sometimes it just happens though and nothing can be done about it.

[sarges46]

In the city I ride like everyone is trying to kill me...seems that they are and I've never done anything to warrant that!
Fingers riding on the front brake in the city...constantly aware of whats going on...stay out of blind spots and always leave an escape route for evasive actions.

Highway....if lots of trees close to road...fingers on the brake ready for critter crossing....aware of surroundings again.

I have just purchased the Butler brake mod from Rick and intend to put it on in the spring. I locked up my rear tire this fall and the resulting skid scared me so much that I will do anything for that not to happen again. I really thought with my experiance riding and practising the rear braking that it would never happen...but in the panic of the moment I hammered on that rear brake so hard that before I knew it I was almost sideways! At least I did remember not to release it and probably high siding. I got lucky and managed to stay in reasonable control and evaded the vehicle that crossed paths with me.

[Brake Pad]

been down twice. once hitting a deer (my fault, Thinking about it, I could have stopped) & once going down on Black Ice (was 17 degrees, in December and should have never takin the bike out in the first place)

Thank you Lord, I'm extremely careful around other cars. some would say I'm OVER careful
8 bikes later over 435,000 under my belt on Motorcycles, in 29 years.
I sure hope it NEVER ends:12101:

[Cerviperus]

I've had two different types of mishaps, once that could have been avoided, and one that (given the situation) couldn't.

The first type was on my little 200cc dual sport. I'd been out running through the woods & playing in the mud, then headed for home. Typically on that thing I take corners with a foot on the ground, wide open throttle, like I'm in motocross or something. Well, I decided to do that on my way home, not even thinking about my mud-caked rear tire. The bike went out from under me like it was on a sheet of glass. Two lessons learned: 1) don't be stupid when any element leads to lowered traction, 2) don't be stupid period.

The second type was laying my new bike on it's side when coming to a stop. We were on a trip with 3 other couples, and had been in the twisties all day. We came to a sort of T intersection, the kind we'd been simply rolling through all day because traffic was never present - just like in this case. However, we were in staggered formation with me in the second spot, towards the right side of the road. I didn't expect the leader to stop (neither did anyone else when we got to talking about it), so I wasn't fully prepared. I hit the brakes, and because we were already in the motions of turning right, weight was naturally leaning that way. I had no choice but to put my right foot down. However, at this point in the road, there was no shoulder, only a 3-5 inch drop to gravel below. Down we went. I might have been able to stop it had I been 7' tall, but other than that I think anyone would have gone down. Lessons learned: 1) always be prepared to stop, 2) always try and check your footing BEFORE stopping. I know those aren't always easy to do together, but hey, no one said these lessons had to be easy!

[BluesLover]

Not sure what I'd do differently, other than maybe automatically replace my tires more frequently, regardless of the wear indicators.

After the accident I did vow that I would never ride without a helmet again.

Cheers,

[timgray]

It amazes me how many young riders dont end up dead. I see a lot of them riding wheelies down the highway, standing on the seat. and other really stupid things. One group of youngins last summer were swerving at cars on the highway.

Some crashes are unavoidable. taking a off ramp and discovering at the last second it's covered in sand. do you try to slow down on the tight curve and have the rear come out under you or do you ride a straight line off the shoulder and try to stop in the grass.

My only big crash was at 16.. racing friends through the woods on my 250 and going between two trees that were closer together than my handlebars. dont remember the crash, just waking up with a massive headache and my mouth full of teeth and blood.

[whozleft]

I also am going to puchase the Butler Mod this winter. I have locked up the rear brake on my bike twice since I bought it. the last time I almost rear ended a car because the bike started to slide out of control. Thankfully I gopt my wits abouit me and was able to pull out of it, but my wife was behind me on her bike, saw what happened, and it just about scared her to death.

So I'll be getting the mod and sending me seat off to Rick sometime soon.

[KICKSHOT]

I hit a deer doing seventy mph on a dark highway. There was more than one thing I was doing wrong. Going too fast for conditions. Taking my eyes off the road for too long. I was lucky to come out on the other side still alive but I did do a few things right. I had made sure my family will be taken care of and I am at peace with my life. So I was not scared when I hit the deer. But I was thinking it was my last day on earth.
kickshot

[longtrain59]

Because of injuries in accidents I now wear the best full face helmet and riding gear I can afford. If you ride long enough its going to happen.

You guys with the big egos and the attitude it can't happen to me, I'm too good a rider...please wear all your gear; I've seen it happen to some of the best!

[Yammer Dan]

I could have stayed at home under the bed. No way I could have avoided this one and I have gone over it a bunch of times in my head. Had I been looking directly at where he was hidden behind the trees and bushes I MIGHT have been able to miss him. Still not sure. He couldn't have gotten me any better if he had done it on purpose.

[dharnie]

Everyone here certainly talks with experience - but - in so far as being in control AFTER the crash or lay-down I will say this from my latest experience - my thoughts were, "This looks familiar - I'm fuc***g going to have one hellava crash!" Then I saw ashphalt 2" from my nose going by my face in a blur! I remember seeing my hands still with the gloves on but looked like they had tumbled in a hay field with dead grass all over them. Next thing I recall was being placed in the stretcher by the ERU team. When I read the police report putting the time together I was out cold for 30 to 40 minutes. Totally not in any position to think about tuck & rolling or bailing off the bike. I think the only way that any of us get good at anything is with practice. And I am not real enthused about practicing crashing, even though that apparently is a part of our chosen sport/hobby!

I never had a bad feeling about the person who pulled out into my path. I do not even know who it is except for the police report. I have to admit that when I am a cager, as a cyclist, I even fail to see a bike at times. So knowing that, I made a commitment to myself that if I was going to get upset at every cager who drove stupid, I would never enjoy riding. So for me to enjoy riding I know that I am the superior intelligence and the cagers are the lower species. Then I just drive that way - hey hey - most of the time. I flash my lights, hit my air horns and every once in awhile I have to give them a little piece of my mind with some "hand language". Then I calm down and consider the source! :scratchchin:

[scotty]

When I was a kid I lost a front tire on the highway.
Lesson 1) Check your tires.
So I find myself skidding down the road and I sit up witch results in 3 high speed somersaults.
Lesson 2) Don't sit up.
I was thinking that was really stupid and I won't do that again. I roll onto my back and look at the clouds for an hour or so before I try to sit up enough to see if i'm stopped. This resulted in a duplicate set of the high speed somersaults.
Lesson 3 ) It can take a long time to stop.
Sure glad I had a good helmut on!
In the end I had a collar bone broken in 2 places and a badly sprained ankle but I walked away from it... about a mile and a half to get help.
Lesson 4) learned that when a project is overwhelming focus on short term goals in the right direction.
New goal..move left foot forward.....done
New goal move right foot forward....done

[BuddyRich]

I figure If I had done the right thing I would never have got into the accident to begin with.
Hindsight is mostly 20/20 but on a bike its not always the case. Lots of things could change and you wind up getting rolled over or hit by oncoming traffic. Best to give it your all to stay out of an accident, Always expect that car to turn in front of you, or that glossy spot on the road is oil, Someone pulling out of a blind driveway in front of you.

[frogmaster]

No accident .... yet, but I did get a smartass comment about my PADDED & HiVis riding Pants and Jacket and a White FF Helmet. Guy said I looked like an F-ing Astronaut and laughed. He had a skid lid (just because the state says so) a sleeveless T-shirt and Blue Jeans.

I CLEARLY REMEMBER saying to myself... I will ware what I want to the ER and and you can ware what you want to the ER if you make it that long .

:clap2::thumbsup:

[Squidley]

If your are able to talk about your wreck, you did some things right and had some luck with you. Lonna and I wrecked at 75 mph on I 10 in Baton Rouge after a massive tire failure. I did everything I could to keep the bike up, which came to me automatically. I did all the manuvers before I could think of them, I was happy to see that happen.

I dont think I could have done anything different as I had zero control of the culprit that slashed the sidewall of the tire. I'm always careful about my tires and dont try to push them too far. I'm pretty anal about pressures too, but it was just our time, and how we didn't die I dont know. Like mentioned, ride like nobody see's you and keep yourself out of situations like blind spots on vehicles. I also ride very cautious in cities with my hand ready to brake and shift.

[Rottdoglover]

Following to close to a semi on highway I saw something on the road he straddled. Had just enough time to think " I'm gonna hit it; if I turn I'm gonna lose it." Held on and hit it square. Thought grass median would be a better landing pad than concrete and headed for it. Stayed up till almost stopped but that's when the front wheel stopped rolling. Bent both rims in about 4" and blew both tires. What I now do different is think 'what if' and 'what's the best way out'.

[KiteSquid]

I would read the book Proficant Motorcycleing watch the DVD Ride Like a Pro V and attend a MSF save rider course, to learn what I did wrong, AND to try to avoid other mistakes.

Learn from the pros!!!!!

[CrazyHorse]

Following to close to a semi on highway I saw something on the road he straddled. Had just enough time to think " I'm gonna hit it; if I turn I'm gonna lose it." Held on and hit it square. Thought grass median would be a better landing pad than concrete and headed for it. Stayed up till almost stopped but that's when the front wheel stopped rolling. Bent both rims in about 4" and blew both tires. What I now do different is think 'what if' and 'what's the best way out'.


I try to stay back from all vehicles just for this reason they run over something that on could be ok for them but a catasrophe for me.

[dharnie]

KiteSquid - BOTH are on order!

[KiteSquid]

Read and re-read the book


I watch the DVD on a monthly basis....


Share with local friends....

[CMIKE]

When I was a kid...I used to ride a 1970 Honda 350. I weighed about 90-100 lbs. That bike would fly with me. I had several instances where folks look you in the eye and just pull right out in front of me. I had a big set of crash bars on the bike and I layed her down several times to avoid the cars. I was stupid and lucky, I never go more than a couple of scratches. Bike would get some scratches also. I got away from street riding because of this. Got heavily involved in motocross and stayed in the dirt till June 2008. I was a little aprehensive about riding on the street due to all the mishaps I had 30 years ago. I realized visablity and alertness was the key to survival on a street bike. Everytime I get on a bike now (wiser and much older) I wear a hi vis motorcycle vest. It really works. When I first got back on a street bike...again, I could watch folks look at me and pull right out in front of me. I started wearing the flourscent yellow vest and now very rare folks violate my right of way, they still do it and I still have to be alert but not near as much.

Take a look. Olympia Moto Sports Nova Hi Vis Mesh Tech Safety Vest
It works for me!
http://acmemotorcycles.com/ecom/novavest_files/nova01.jpg

[vtwinr]

At least 3 things I'd do different after some young gal pulled out right in front of me:

#1 I'd practice braking and swerving more. I braked fairly well but still managed to catch her in the left rear quarter panel. Yep, just what you were predicting..."I didn't see you!" Looking back though, I don't think that I swerved aggressively enough as I should have just cleared her rear bumper.

#2 I would dress with decent rider's boots, (which I now do,) as all I then had on were my shiney, black, church wingtips and I put a nice gash on one of them! (Big deal...)

#3 I'd get a new bike with a nicer output at the stator coil, and that's part of why I'm here. I do have accessory lights on my present VT1100C2 Sabre, but your discouraged from using them for reasons of battery drain and that defeats their whole intent.

[Mariner Fan]

I hit a deer doing seventy mph on a dark highway. There was more than one thing I was doing wrong. Going too fast for conditions. Taking my eyes off the road for too long. I was lucky to come out on the other side still alive but I did do a few things right. I had made sure my family will be taken care of and I am at peace with my life. So I was not scared when I hit the deer. But I was thinking it was my last day on earth.
kickshot

There is no way to avoid deer. They are the dumbest animals on the planet. I've hit them with my car while trying to avoid them and have driven through a herd of deer standing in the middle of the road missing them all.

[YamaPapa]

:Cool_cool36:In almost 39 years of riding I have experienced many horrendous highsides and fantastic falloffs. My two most memorable was when I was 16 years old and the other in the late 1970's. At 16 years a lady turned left in front of me. She stopped and all I could do was lay the bike down. I slid under the front of her car and hit my back on her bumper. I still remember that day due to occasional lower back pain. In the late 1970's I was riding down a farm to market road at 65 miles an hour. A friend of mine was riding a short distance behind me. We thought we would be smart and see who could do the best job at weaving back and forth across the yellow line. Needless to say I overcorrected and layed the bike down. I went sliding down the road with my head only inches from the pavement and I was not wearing my helmet. I was taken to the hospital where a nurse with two very large sponges scrubbed the gravel and pavement out of my back and all the way down to the backs of my legs. Then since both of my hands were burned, she dipped them in some sort of solution. OUCH! I am still reminded of that day by the large round scar on my left elbow. In both of these cases I learned to slow down and expect the unexpected, wear a helmet and above all don't act a fool on a motorcycle! At 48 years old my need for speed has faded. I have learned to :Cool_cool36::Cool_cool36:ride like all roads are under construction and I ride like I am invisible to other vehicles. RIDE SAFE!

[Venturous]

Following to close to a semi on highway I saw something on the road he straddled. Had just enough time to think " I'm gonna hit it; if I turn I'm gonna lose it." Held on and hit it square. Thought grass median would be a better landing pad than concrete and headed for it. Stayed up till almost stopped but that's when the front wheel stopped rolling. Bent both rims in about 4" and blew both tires. What I now do different is think 'what if' and 'what's the best way out'.

On a hot summer day, I was running a little close behind a car I was going to pass and did not see the dead opposum he was straddling until it was too late. When I hit it, it literally exploded and I had it all over the bottom of the bike and my shoes and pants legs. I did not go down, but I sure had a stinking mess to clean up.
RandyA

[BigBoyinMS]

I've only had one laydown. I was 19 and looked back over my shoulder for someone that was following me and drifted to the outside edge in gravel as I was coming to a curve at 50 mph. Took a millisecond to go through 3 scenarios and then decide to lay it down. I was lucky enough (I believe blessed, actually) that I was not injured in any way other than my elbow slightly sore. And I only found a BB sized hole in my pants. In my case, I wouldn't change anything... other than the not paying attention and getting in that situation.

[Evan]

This one happened quite a few years ago, and to my riding partner. We were on a trip that took us through Smuggler's Notch towards Stowe in Vermont. It was hot riding that day and my partner was riding in shorts. As we were passing through the notch at the very peak of the mountain, I saw my partner head straight for the granite wall along the side of the road. At the last minute, he somehow prevented a crash into the wall and headed down through the serious S turns. He kept going until he could run off the road, where he dropped his bike and ran into the bush. It turned out that he was in serious pain as a bee had gone up his shorts and stung him where it hurts most. The obvious lesson - proper riding gear!

Evan

[wild hair 39]

when i desided,5,000 rrrr,was fast enough,and 10 mph slower,was better,the close calls,got farther away,didn,t get there in time,so far it's working for me

[KAWoodworth]

On the way back from the 1st PA meet & Eat in Gettysburg I had a front tire go out at 65 MPH. Thank goodness I was able to get the bike to the sholder. I was riding 2 up with my wife and the last few seconds were really rough. Turns out I had a leaking valve stem. The guys behind me said they heard a loud bang. I didn't hear it but felt the front end getting heavier and hard to steer until the violent shaking started. It was one of the 90 degree ones but with a rubber seal both inside and outside the rim. I found a 90 degree angle valve stem with a 10 year warranty on the internet that is going in this weekend. So my words of wisdom...even though the tires look fine and have the right pressure check the darn valve stems.

[bj66]

when i was 18 years old i got caught in a sudden storm, was headin home on my honda 500 custom. Raining in sheets, came out from behind some trees and got caught by a huge windgust. It blew me into the ditch at about 50 mph. Of course it was really wet grass, i just hung with it kinda like a dirt tracker siding it in sideways ending up going down in the ditch backend first. The ditch was next to a railroad track where they were doing work, when i came to a stop i backed into a bunch of fresh clay. I was pretty much stuck right there, but i was still upright. The point is, everything in your mind seems to slow down, dont panic. There will be plenty of time to crap your pants after it is over. All these accidents need some sort of luck, but the mind is a powerfull thing. Just stay with it good things usually happen to minimize the damage.

[dharnie]

The photos are since my accident of 6 months ago. I still am healing in some parts of my body. I still have my wrecked RSV parked in the garage which I bought back from the insurance company. While I was sitting on my butt for a month recovering, I purchsed a BMW because of what I read about ABS brakes, tires, safety gear, etc during the many hours that I sat in front of my PC surfing the net. The BMW has non-linked ABS brakes front & rear. I locked up both wheels on my RSV and layed it down vs hitting the car that violated my right of way and pulled out in front of me. I visited the accident site and there are 2 definative skid marks in the asphalt from both of my RSV's tires from the attempted panic stop.

Again, I had another emergency stop last week and survived!

I was at about 35-40mph, when a cop in a car pulled into my right of way at an intersection in the downtown business section which has blind spots at evey corner due to buildings built right up to the sidewalks. I heard the siren screaming, but could not tell where it was or what emergency vehicle it was since the sound was bouncing off the buildings. I had a green light and was coming down an exit ramp into right turn only lane. I knew I had only 1 more block to go to turn, since I drive this every day on my commute to my job. I was able to come to an immediate stop, even though I visualized that I was going to slide across the intersection and into the car because I panic stopped and applied both brakes and was anticipating a wheel lock up. I think the cop thought that I was about to hit him too from the freeked out look on his face. But this BMW bike came to a surprisingly fast stop - which I was very happy that it did!

[MiCarl]

What I'm going to do different next time is let someone else ride that day:big-grin-emoticon:

[steve crossley]

on july 5th 2002 at approximately 11:10 am while heading south on hiway 93 coming home from a ride on the venture. a beautifulsunny day was cut short by few seconds of violence. a deer made a single leap in front of my bike at 65 mph . the front wheel hit right behind the front shoulders all most dead center. i was banking in a right hand curve . she shot from my right hand side to my left throwing the bike over the right side and down . catapultingme in an arc over the side and landing on my right side in the middle of hiway 93 in the right lane, the bike sild into the opposite lane on the edge of the road. when i stopped bouncing and sliding i rolled over on my hands and knees and realized i could not breathe, no air was going in and no air was coming out. i hunched my back up and desperatly tried to breathe. at that point i thought i was dead or going to be very soon . then somthing popped and i got part of a gulp of air and an overwhelming rush of pain. i then rolled over on my back in the center of the south bound lane took off my helmet and gloves and began the trial of survival. it seemed like only seconds passed when an angel in black ( biker girl ) oh ya i said black . leather helmet gloves pants boots the works approached my left side and spoke to me asking somthing about my wellbeing. i dont know what i said but i understand she was responsible for calling 911 and getting help coming. more people started showing up . chip trucks and cars going by. i just wanted to wake up and find my self in bed having a nightmare . no such luck to day! i remember hearing the siren from the ambulance coming in the background and having the sound of help coming.the angel in black stood in the sun shielding me from the heat and sun in my eyes and said to me this is my job! then the ambulance crew went about checking me out and preping me for transport to promptcare .xrays showed 3 broken ribs a punctured and collapsed lung numerous heavy bruises and a whole lot of other stuff i wont bother whinning about here once stabalized and prepped with chest tube and pain killer i was life flighted to kalispell regional med center emergency room , i spent 5 days in hospital one and a half of those in icu. one last thing to all my bike riding brothers and sisters where ever you are in the past weeks while recuping i have been sitting in the park counting the riders who dont wear the leather or helmets or any safety gear at all . tank tops teashirts shorts and sandals wont work when called upon for protection. YOU WILL NOT BE THE ONE TO SAY WHEN THAT MOMENT HAS ARRIVED. SO I SAY TO YOU THE RIDER WHO WANTS TO LIVE TO RIDE RIDE TO LIVE ! BE PREPARED! THESE THREE THINGS I SAY TO YOU ALSO !! WEAR THE GEAR ..WEAR THE GEAR .. WEAR THE DAM GEAR. I CAN SAY THAT BUT FOR THE GRACE OF GOD THERE GO I . AND THAT THE HELMET SAVED MY LIFE AND MY FACE . THE LEATHER KEPT ME FROM TURNING INTO HAMBURGER ON THE NO. 1 GRIT SAND PAPER WE CALL HIWAY 93 .TO THE LADY BIKER I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THANKS TO YOU FACE TO FACE BUT I DONT KNOW WHO YOU ARE . SO THANKS SO MUCH !!!! HAPPY TO BE A LIVING MEMBER OF THE HUMAN RACE AND STILL RIDING . SINCERLY STEVE.

[RedRider]

Steve,

Don't they have a law in California against such wanton killing of innocent creatures?

Glad you are well on the way to mending. ATGATT (All the Gear, All The Time) should be a mantra.

Bless the angels that help. Make sure you pay it forward - I'm sure you will.

Ride safely. Let us know your health progress.

RR

[steve crossley]

o i forgot to add this happend i nw. montana. oops!:puzzled:

[curtismiller]

I had a few minor wrecks back in the 50,s and 60,s all due to drinking and riding.Fast bike ,testosterone,youth all combined with being a beerhead.Now I am a old teatolder and ride very carefully.Glad just to be here.Seems like the good Lord or the devil missed out on a good chance to get my sorry arse.Now my lifeguard is on duty 24-7 and can walk on water.Hope you use the same one. Curtis

[steve crossley]

I had a few minor wrecks back in the 50,s and 60,s all due to drinking and riding.Fast bike ,testosterone,youth all combined with being a beerhead.Now I am a old teatolder and ride very carefully.Glad just to be here.Seems like the good Lord or the devil missed out on a good chance to get my sorry arse.Now my lifeguard is on duty 24-7 and can walk on water.Hope you use the same one. Curtis
ya thats a given brother. AMEN!...........Steve.

[fredster66]

More air pressure in my shock than I'm used to, riding sans luggage (hence the extra air in the first place).

Riding too close to the outside, trying to stay in staggered formation.

Too big of a dip, leading to 6" of air under me, standing bke straight up and into the bush. And mud, fortunately.

So. Be sure to adjust to rear shock air pressure. Don't try to stay in formation when roads are narrow and very twisty.

I'm okay couple of busted ribs. RSTD may be totaled.

[Sandbagger]

Was reading this post and while it was old I got plenty out of it.
I'm 47 now. Haven't crashed in 25 years because I have hardly been on a bike in 25 years. A different person ago I made several mistakes on my motorcycle. Luckily I lived without longlasting problems and this is what I learned.
I won't get on a bike after 1 beer unless if I have slept for the night. (Not saying it should be anyone elses rule. Just mine)
I don't drive to work as a habit because I think that people are so busy paying attention to their cell phones and everything else other than driving.
I build in enough time on my trip that I can always delay due to bad conditions, not feeling right or whatever.
Don't ride unless if my head is clear.
Yes I ride like no one can see me, but my ego believes that it can happen to me as well. All I'm trying to do is lower the risk. Only a full would believe they could eliminate them.
We play a dangerous game.

[Ivan]

On June 13th, I was out crusing and feeling the breeze when a teenager pulled out in front of me, I swerved and went around him. I remember him sneering at me as I passed. I put some distance between us and continued on my way. Just a couple miles down the road was the turn on to my street. I was nearly stopped, foot out, but not down, waiting to see if the oncoming person who was making a left turn to go down the same street I was turning right onto, knew I was there. I won't go unless they wave me on, as a rule. Just then tires screeching and the sound of metal crunching. I remember flying through the air, seeing my boots against the sun and then that kid looking at me from an upside down perspective. Then I hit the ground and felt my left hip go mushy. Tumbled and felt my back crunch. It seemed like forever before I stopped moving. Then the driver got out of the car and said "Woah, man. Like, I'm really sorry man." Just like the character played by Sean Penn in fast times at Rigemont High. All told I had some road rash on my right arm, busted pelvis in two places, fractured T9 vertebrae, and a really bad attitude.

What could I have done different? Not much. I guess I could have not passed the kid and locked up the brakes two miles before, or I could have just stayed home.

[MasterGuns]

Zig not zag. Whatever I would decide to do differently, it would be TOO LATE.

[Zfrebird4]

On a late evening ride in that quiet VA road I'd ridden many times, and cute young things went across the street to her mail box. Naturally I watched to see that she made it safely over, ... and back. ONLY TO STAR at the fatest toad I had ever seen right in the middle of my right turn on the road that angled deep to the right.

MISTAKE? I took a left ... which was UP, doing about 20 or 15, multiplied my speed, and a the top there was gravel and straight down a steep hill. I said, 'Sorry Frebird,' and I laid her down, TRYING TO HOLD my 86 VR UP! Broke my colar bone, some road rash; folks helped me get her up, rode her to the next farm house for the wrecker, ... and ALL the muscles in my right shoulder tightened to protect from that severe break and compressed shoulder.

SAVIOR: was that sweet young thing, that drove me in the hardest riding pick up truck to the local hospital in extreme pain from the muscles. 5 shots later, and ahhhh, I could relax.

RESULTS: fixed up Frebird (ins company rebuilt that bike several times) and rode AGAIN.

Lessons: Mind my business, forget the skirts, run OVER the frog or take the low side of the turn.

Next Accident? Tune intomorrow night. I have several, and at 70 Yup .... I am still riding.

Zfrebird!
aka
JackZ
aka
DePreach (perhaps that helped? LOL)

[Yammer Dan]

This year was supposed to be the one that I really got back on the road. Didn't happen. Got a few miles in but still trying to find my old nerve. Don't think I'm going to maybe its time for a 2nd Gen. I don't think I'll ever quit riding but just can't turn loose and ride like I used too. Really bugs me. I keep waiting for the next Idiot.

[royalstarjac]

On October 30 I was riding home in the rain on the interstate, friday afternoon traffic. The weather man had said "no rain till tonight" but you know how that goes.
I was keeping as much following distance as I could in friday afternoon traffic. Suddenly, traffic in front of me was coming to a stop and cars were swerving to avoid an obvious rear ender. I got on the brakes and the bike started to slide sideways as the rear tire locked up. I let off the brakes. I didn't high side since there was no traction for the back tire to grab and throw me off.
I tried to steer to the left shoulder since I was in the left lane where I might have some more room to stop. The car in front of me had the same idea and filled up the shoulder and part of the median. I had the choice of the median or the bumper. I chose the median. It gets kind of fuuzzy from there but the bike ended up in the center of the median pointed back the opposite direction and I ended up 10 yards downrange in a mud hole on my back. I walked away but it took about a month to get over the bruising from the waist down. The RSV was totaled.

What I would do different would be to try to use more front brake and less back brake but in a panic situation that's tough to do. I have had the back brake lock up before on quick stops on dry pavement before but handled it. On a rain slick highway with new pavement there was no handling it. I hate to tell you folks but the back brakes on the RSVs are accidents waiting to happen.

What I DID do diifferent was buy a GoldWing with integrated brakes and ABS. If you don't think ABS makes much difference get on youtube and search for motorcycle ABS.
Ride safe!

[Yammer Dan]

I can't afford a Wing. Can I come down and try yours???:rotfl::rotfl::whistling:

[Eck]

I learned no matter what..hit the object that is in your way or you insurance will not pay....


I promise I WILL hit the next vehicle in my path no matter what..

[Zfrebird4]

... the first gen Ventures have a 60 front and 40 back braking mechanism, as I understand it when you are on the rear brake only.

In Ohio, at dusk (first mistake) I was riding out on roads I knew, up a slight hill with running lights on and the biggest strobe lights you'll every see, yellow, (never stopped for that) ... and at the top? FIRST a silver fender, SECOND a L FRONT DOOR with the state trooper emblem on it, and LAST his silver bumper. This guy was moving as fast as he could in a drive out to the N on my highway as I was headling south. Instantly at the first silver I almost stood on the rear break.

My first VR, the buautiful Ursula Black on Gold, just sunk down and came to a stop. No wobble, no change of direction, just straight to a floating stop. I did work to hang on and stay upright. ALL this in less than about 30 to 40 feet, and I was, fortunately, only doing about 40 MPR (my own weight was about 225 lbs then). The pavement was dry and clean, and it was summer.

The trooper had turned into a uturn drive way at a house to answer a call, made his turn and entrance onto the road WITHOUT flashers or siren! My headlight beam was on hi with my riding lights on, as well as the strobes. Why he didn't see the headlight beam coming over the hill, I'll never know. That's why I had it on high beam. He was probably going to answer a call to a bad wreck on the interestate I had just crossed over. IT was his mistake, but my 1st gen 60/40 rear brake system saved me. The bike never wobbled, and just very quickly floated to a stop.

THAT system is why I bought Squidley and Lonna's 1st gen VR in '06. (Plus this site sang their praises, and I knew they were 'on the square' when I met them, plus the bike was right). I know, there is no way to use that back brake only, and the system has it's weakness However, in this potential deadly accident, it saved my bacon.

Cussing LIKE A PREACHER, ... I wanted to chase the trooper down, and he would not have gotten away from my VR. But, I was so shook I didn't feel I could go after him safely. I just pulled over, emergency flashers on, lit my pipe, settled down, then drove on through the rest of my smoke.

Tomorrow night: THE TURN DECISION I made far too quickly. It cost me nine surgeries on my left knee. But I rode again.

Thanks to all for this kind of post. Scary? You bet, but cheap and good source of smarts that can save our lives.

JackZ

[saddlebum]

In the wreck I had, Were a guy suddenly came out of a left hand turn lane and cut me off because he suddenly decided he did not want to turn left there was nothing I could have done different. Believe me I went over it a thousand times in my mind and there was nothing. No escape route nothing. What I learned out of it is every cager bears watching no matter what lane he is in, and to always expect the unexpected

[stardbog]

I never had a bike wreck, and question is what you will do diferent? That's what I'm doing. take exprence rider course, and instructors will show you what is your "week poins", try to master or corect your habbit. and practice, practice and more practice. It's sad how many folks here have locked rear wheel in panic stop. Just to remaind, beside rear brake there is front brake as well DOWN SHIFTING. In combination of all 3 breaking techniques, Venture will stop on dime. I don't know, it's just my 2c.

[RoadKill]

NOT!!:rasberry:

[royalstarjac]

I never had a bike wreck, and question is what you will do diferent? That's what I'm doing. take exprence rider course, and instructors will show you what is your "week poins", try to master or corect your habbit. and practice, practice and more practice. It's sad how many folks here have locked rear wheel in panic stop. Just to remaind, beside rear brake there is front brake as well DOWN SHIFTING. In combination of all 3 breaking techniques, Venture will stop on dime. I don't know, it's just my 2c.

I hope you never have to find out.

[Poledar]

I have had more than I care to admit, but fortunately, no injuries to my person, just my rides. Number one was a guy on a GW doing a 180 turn and swinging in front of me with no room to avoid him. The BMW I rode took about $1,000 of body damage. Number two was this crazy deer determined to commit suicide. I was an MSF instructor at the time, and we had always told our students that if you HAVE to hit something, do it as straight on as possible, which I did, and went through the deer like a hot knife through butter, with onlly $200 in cosmetic damage. (My passenger, a 16 y.o. newbie, did have to discard his skivvies that night when we got to the motel, and I suspect his ego was hurt more than my bike!!! VEG!!!) Three was hitting a splash of anti-freeze on a rainy road, and the front end just went squirrelly, and I was unable to pull it out before a ditch, so I laid it down and trashed the fairing and lower radiator hose.
Having been there as many times as I have, I don't think God is through with me yet, as He seems to keep me coming back from the brink of disaster with little damage to the body.
I have driven 200,000 miles on a bike, and 2,500,000 on a car over the years of a sales career, and never more than a scratch in all that time, so I guess my luck has held for a long time, and I hope it continues.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Poledar:farmer:

[SLOW HAND]

Unlike most who think it can't happen to them , I already know when it does happen I'll wish I was going slower. You can't have an 800lb bike to learn on and not expect to get whats coming to ya.I aways wear full gear and the preacher who sold me the bike said a prayer for me and his old scoot . Made it through the first riding season and am knocking on wood. I will get a Butler brake mod asap and start practicing emg. stops. If you ever get too cocky watch youtube deerstrikes and ask youself if you could have avoided it and you knew it was coming.I hope I'm able to post after my crash , but I'm in no rush.

[KiteSquid]

I would improve my riding skills so I would NEVER have to "lay her down".

If you lay a bike down on purpose, you give up all control of the bike and therfore your passanger and your slef.



Watch the DVD Ride like a Pro V and PRACTICE what is shown on EVERY ride!!!!!!

[dynodon]

WE live at the top of a slight hill, and our drive is hidden to traffic coming up the hill. Also, we can't see vehicles except maybe tall semi's if they are just about to crest the hill. Can't get the city to put a hidden drive sign up.

when we leave our driveway, I usually really gas it because the city also had the stupidity to raise the speed limit that had been in force for decades from 35 in front of our house to 45 AT THE CREST OF THE HILL! So now instead of cars pushing the 35 limit and coming over that crest at 40 or so, we now have them coming over at 50 or more!d

Was leaving the drive turning towards the hill a couple years ago when a city cop came over the crest at 65+ with no lights on. I floored it and he zigged and missed my bumper by inches. I drove to city hall and complained. No way they should crest that hill that fast under any circumstance, and especially without lights.

[Zfrebird4]

Riding west from Hotchkiss toward Paonia, CO., July 11, 1993, with my then beloved wife on the QS, .... I passed a pick up truck. Easily. He was just mosying along. I just soared away. (Now I would have done it slower with just a gentle wave, ... well, perhaps).

I put my signal on to turn right into a business because it was just getting a little towards dark to ride when not necessary. As I approached the turn I saw another road, Left, paved that looked interesting and like it might head back home with some good scenery. I made that decision FIRST MISTAKE very quickly, and came to a stop in my left inside of my lane for oncoming. I DID NOT ... look in my mirrors at what was cuming up on me. SECOND MISTAKE: I should have completed my signaled right turn. THIRD, was not watching my arse!

That little red PISSED OFF TRUCK DRIVER (FOURTH MISTAKE) was determined to pass me, and perhaps, in fairness had started his pass, but thought he could beat me. Wife verified my turn signal was on, but I HAD FAILED (FIFTH MISTAKE), ... to watch also the UPcoming traffic, as much as the ONcoming traffic for whom I had stopped.

His old truck had hooks on the side of the bed for tie downs, ... and lots of rust. He clipped and hooked some part of the bike with one of his right hooks as he went buy. SO, I ALSO MADE THE SIXTH MISTAKE of ... being TOO CLOSE TO THE CENTER LINE.

The next think I knew I said 'OH SHIFT' (preacher you know, but not pontifical in style) ... and we were down. Wife had a hurt in ankle but was ok. I was too, I THOUGHT. Helmets, top quality, also saved our bacon. Some other bacon was not so lucky.

I walked to the bike to lift it up with help in the middle of the road, looked down and saw I was vastly leaking my Royal English Blood. I had a forward 'C' slice on my left knee. Hospital, sewn up, healing fine. A few days later, ... a major STAFF infection. On the 9th surgery they were prepared to take the leg as it was a staff they could not fight, ... but it had mutated. So I got a grochon in my heart for (SP?) Vancumiacin, 100%, and it took me two years in PT to get that left leg back and powerful.

I had 'given' my 86 Beautiful (fixed up via ins) Ursula Black on Gold (Zfrebrd1) had had 'given ' to my oldest son. I THOUGHT ... I was done. The time came when I took a brief secret ride, known only to my youngest son on his 750 Yamaha Seca. I rode fine. I had the bug again. When the older son said my bike was too big for him, ... I said ... can I have it back? And he said without hesitation, 'Sure, Pop.' Sweet words.

I rode much more wisely back on it over the Rockies on Trail Ridge Road to the western slope to Hotchkiss.

I rode for 6 years, ... before the next accident. In that one, yup: I should have STOPPED when I saw the first one.

That will be the next post. Hope this gives some clues for safe riding. Thanks to all who post here.

JackZ
aka
Zfrebird4
aka
DePreach :bluesbrother:

[BOO]

I'd like to be able to say I've never been down but I'd have to lie. There was a time when I wanted to be the fastest one in the group while trying to drink more than anyone in the group. Good combination for a wreck. Been down about any way you can imagine, high side, low side and sliding. We use to have a saying in our group and I've mentioned it here before, "when you get high sided you have to make a decision, whether to go for distance or height". Neither way works out very well.

So now I'm older and haven't been down for a long time, don't drink much anymore and I don't care who is the fastest. Just trying to keep the rubber side down.

Talking about accidents you can not avoid. A few years ago a friend of my was broad sided at an intersection where a car was trying to jump out in traffic between cars and did not see my buddy. They dug a lot of headlight glass out of his knee and it had to be worked on a couple of times but he's back riding. The goldwing he was on was only a few months old and every piece of plastic was broke except for one and the wrecker took care of that when he loader it up on the flatbed. Insurance fixed it up and he rode it for years.

There is a lot of good information on this thread.

Be Safe,

BOO

[TomMar]

I now own a 2006 Midnight Venture. Why? First because it's a great bike. Second, I wrecked my 2002 Kawasaki Nomad on 8/12/09. The front vavle stem cracked while I was cruising at @ 70+mph. In seconds I was on a sloped grass median. I have taken many rider courses, including Ride Like a Pro in N.C. All those courses prepared me for the accident. I knew I could not control the bike on the highway and did not want to go down on the concrete roadway. I did not panic, I got on the grassy slope and when the bike leaned into the slope I got off.

What would I do differently? I'D HAVE MY DAMN VALVE STEMS CHANGED MORE OFTEN.

[massey130]

well, my lay down is not nearly as colorful as many i have read here. i thank all who have written here so i may learn from those situations.

i was on my first bike in the late 70's. it was a Kawa street / trail 125. just going down a city street on the way home. riding in the middle of the street, i started to make a left turn. the back wheel slid out from under me as the oil was too slick for my rear tire to get traction from. the car behind me stopped and helped me up. bruised ego and stratched knee and some scratches on the bike were all i had to contend with, but, i sure learned a lot.

i learned how much junk is in the middle of the street. same for the highways too! I tend to stay in the left track.

luckily i had had no other accidents and i thought i was riding carefully up until i bought this 04 RSV. all my bikes were much more agile and i have manuevered out of all the situations i have been in. this RSV is no sport bike and has taken more getting used to than anything else i have ridden.

I have learned it may not stop exactly on a dime, but i have stopped in 15 cents. i use front, rear brakes and downshift and i shut it down quickly. this is of course being aware of the surroundings and knowing i need to stop. i have accelerated my way out of some potentially bad traffic situations as well.

thanks again for all the insightful information posted here.

[Zfrebird4]

... that I rode through on my 86 VR ....

Sorry, too late to post that tonight. Tomorrow night. Hope everyone's Christmas went great; mine did, as I was with family. THAT awas my Christmas gift.

JackZ:Venture:

[Zfrebird4]

Mistake # 1, riding at dusk, well almost dark in OH. Manual deer whistles = second mistake compared to the electronic one.

Cursing along the manual deer whistles stopped and seperated a large pack of deer crossing. Both groups were just nibbling on the corn in the corn field. Two lane, well deserted road.

Mistake # 3: I never counted on a dumb, still learning young deer wanting to cross over to the other side to be with MOOOOOOOOMa. The more she crossed the road, the more I keep scooting away from her with BIG yellow flasher strobe lights on .... Horn produced no avail.

Mistake # 4: since I counted on time and forget their jumping power OVER that of the 86 VR, ... I slammed it into second and floored it.

She jumped for momma, and my headlight hit her mid neck, slit her throat or broke her neck, back body slammed into my right leg (throttle still one = ONE good decision), she hit the back luggage rack (lower right) and slithered down and then off the highway. I was till heading north! WOW. I thought what a bike!

All lights were still working, INCLUDING THE HEADLIGHT, ... though the lens was busted. In a 1/2 mile I decided to stop and check 'Frebrd' out (name on my license plate, too).

Faring gone, right crome bent, radiator leaking profusely.

Since she is air cooled as well as water cooled on cool night I decided to ride her on home, ca 25 miles. MISTAKE # 5, I forgot what leaking antifreeze can do to a back tire! But somehow, that stop at the farm house let out all the fluid, and I made it home fine.

Next day: drove to the State Police station N of town on the interstate to make a report. He looked at the crowl, filled with hair, bone, and some blood.

'Yup, I can see you hit a deer. But .... where did all this brown stuff on the right side and back come from, you or the deer?'

My response: 'I'm not sure. Probably a little of both.'

CURRENT MISTAKE: I am STILL riding with manual deer whistles, rather than the mechanical recommended several years ago ... here.'

PM me or EM me if you want to know which one I now will buy after typing up this accident.

IF I have the number right, ACCIDENT 3 (a down) will be next in a couple of days. Yup, ... with a SECOND deer. HEAVENS, ... they must love or hate 86 VRs!!

JackZ

How I will be riding at 90: :mytruck1: When I get about 88 I'll insert my photo on the bike. I am no only 71 (in a few months). Jz

[Bummer]

My first crash was on my '85 VR in about '93.

I was following a buddy riding a silver 750 Seka, which was a mini-Venture with fairing and bags. I was more than two seconds behind, though probably not more than five, on my brown and gold VR. We were on a one way street in downtown Indianapolis approaching an area with a building construction fence on the right. There was no traffic.

As he passed the alley immediately before the construction fence a car slowly pulled out directly in front of me. I could see the back of the driver's head. I hit the brakes and began downshifting. When I let the clutch out in first I was going too fast for that gear. The rear wheel matched engine speed. The back end snapped sideways. I was down. The bike slid into the side of the car. The impact was just hard enough to compress the bike's suspension and pop the front license plate holder off of the car.

It was a fairly low speed crash and the bike only had a few scratches - shoulder of the fairing, rear crash bars. You couldn't tell the car had been hit except for the license plate bracket laying on the ground in front of it.

I had a hole in the left knee of my jeans and a bit of rash on my hands.

The guy in the car liked bikes, he'd seen the Seka and was admiring it as he pulled out. He simply hadn't noticed me. The silver bike caught his eye, the brown one didn't.

I learned a few things, aside from the fact that people don't always see everything they should:

Don't let the clutch out casually in first gear. It'll spank you. Hard.
Blue jeans are not protection from abrasion. They go away in a flash.
The first thing one does in a crash is grab whatever one can. In my case that was the ground.

Since then I've tried very hard to trust my brakes and not downshift as rapidly. Had I not shifted into first I could probably have stopped in time.
Since they've become available I always wear kevlar lined jeans and a kevlar shirt. They won't help with the bounce, but they're great for the rub.
I always wear gloves. The palms of the hands are a terrible place to have road rash.

I also feel that bike color can matter, though I didn't really do anything about that. Since I retired the Maxi Brown/Marshall Gold '85 I've had an '05 Midnight RSV and an '06 Black Cherry RSV. Seems I'm hooked on those dark colors.

[Bummer]

September 18 2005, I got off work at 3pm and headed for home. At the time I lived 20 miles away, either around or through Indianapolis. It was a beautiful day, great for riding. I debated on whether to put on my helmet, but left it in the trunk and decided on the short route through town. I was going to look into a small race track I'd heard about and that seemed to be the most direct route.

As I went past a school ball diamond with a game in progress I was tempted to stop, but chose not to. I had a chore to do once I got home and didn't want to waste too much time along the way.

The road was two lanes each direction with parking along the side that went away to allow for a center turn lane at intersections. Traffic was not particularly heavy.

I had barely put 9k miles on a new '05 Midnight and was thinking about lane position, speed in and out of intersections, and all the other things I'd gotten from the Proficient Motorcycling magazine series. I'd been a fan of David Hough's work for years and was taking safety seriously. I was following a van at a fairly good distance and moved to the right wheel track to increase my visibility as he pulled into the left turn lane at an intersection.

I saw a Neon pull into the oncoming turn lane, but I was nearly through the intersection. A threat, but not a large one. There was no entrance to the parking lot on the corner for him to pull into. He appeared to be planning a normal left turn.

As I cleared the intersection the Neon pulled directly into my lane well before the intersection. I shoved hard on the right handlebar. I had space on the right to dodge. I looked back to the left. He hit me. The bike was at a 45 degree angle, half way through an emergency lane change. The bike spun out from under me and I was punted about half a lane to the right of where I was hit.

I realized I was laying in the road. My left leg had been crushed at and below the knee and bent at the wrong place. I laid it out flat and scooted myself with my elbows a bit to straighten it out. Getting ready for the medics. (Funny how old training kicks in.) I looked down and saw the bike laying on its side, stereo still playing. I looked up and saw the Neon sitting in the intersection. After a couple of moments he sped away.

There was a forty minute car chase. A young lady in traffic didn't appreciate what had happened and followed the Neon, yelling at the police on her cell phone the whole time. The police finally caught the Neon. The driver had no license, no insurance, no green card, and wouldn't admit to being able to speak English. At first the police thought the car was stolen, but eventually figured out that it was shared by a group of people and didn't require a key to start.

The LEO who wrote it up couldn't believe what I told her, so she reported it as a normal crash in the intersection with me sliding twenty feet. It never occurred to her to wonder why I wasn't covered in road rash after sliding that far in jeans and a t-shirt, or why I would have slid the opposite direction from what she thought were the forces of the crash.

The prosecutor's office went through four assistants before the case finally went to trial. I explained what happened to each one. In the end they plea bargained away the reckless driving, crossing the double yellows, no insurance, and half a dozen other things. He wound up serving a total of ninety days for no license and fleeing. He was not deported. I was out of work for almost a year.

I nearly died - severed artery. I almost lost the leg - six breaks including a split knee plateau. Still, in large part because of wonderful medical care I pulled through. Today I only limp a little when I'm fatigued.

My employee health insurance paid most of the medical expenses of over $150k. Progressive paid off the bike and showed up with a check for the uninsured/underinsured coverage. I had gotten that largely by accident. I got the insurance on line and simply didn't know what I was doing. Today my bike insurance is maxed out with the highest uninsured/underinsured available. This time it's intentional.

What could I have done differently? Pick the other route? Take a break when the voices suggest it, no matter when? I can tell you I don't like to ride into the city. Oncoming traffic makes me a little twitchy. I always wear a helmet and kevlar clothing.

I still don't really know what I'd do differently. Sometimes it's the other guy's game and you're just left minimizing the damage.