I had my first critter strike yesterday. I was riding through a state park and was going about 35 when I saw a blur suddenly move in front of me accross the road. I am usually pretty good at seeing critters in advance but this one came out pretty quick. I just felt a quick thump thump. Out of curiosity of what I hit, I doubled back and it was a decent-sized squirrel. Unfortunately, it was a goner and got tore up pretty good.

Feel bad for the squirrel but one of my anxieties was taken care of. I always thought the front wheel of the Super Glide would dart around and upset the bike if I ran over a small critter. Didn't happen. If I didn't see a blur, I would have just thought I ran over a crack in the road.

 

Just don't try it with a deer. My biggest fear right there.

 

I've hit a rabbit at about 90 on a sport bike and ran over a snake while leaned WAY over on the dragon. Never felt either one.

 

I hit a large, dead white tail buck on a sport bike once. That'll cause the ole butt hole to pucker!!

 

ran over a med sized dog once..came way too close to a few deer.

 

Some days it sucks to be a squirrel. I slow down for any critter that gets in front of me even when I can't avoid the critter. I will run over anything that the bike, boat, truck, or jeep, can clear if necessary. I avoid everything I can but I will not kill myself over anything that gets under my tires. Some days it just sucks to be a critter.

 

Suicide squirrels dart between or in front of my wheels almost weekly as I leave the house.

 

Anticipate, slow down, apply brakes, brace yourself and go straight through the critter. Avoid over braking, or turning to avoid. Maintain your lane.

 

They definitely have a death wish. I will try to avoid them if safely possible but if not, they are done. I've hit a small bird and a mouse before.

 

Coming home from Yellowstone a couple weeks ago, we a loud noise and felt the bike move a bit. Never saw a thing. Pulled over and my brother pulled in behind me laughing. Turns out a large quail flew right into the front lower fairing. Went back and looked - pretty much shredded him....