First Bike Drop...Ever
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 79
Likes: 2
From: Vermont
First Bike Drop...Ever
Well, they say it happens to everyone, eventually. Had a gentle drop 6/16 on way to Laconia getting off I-93.
Pulled up to stop sign and no ground under left boot so down I went. Engine guard and saddlebag guard
have asphalt rash which isn't too bad but it would be nice to polish it out if possible. 3 brands of chrome polish
doesn't seem to touch it. I figured there must be a trick to this, anyone?
Pulled up to stop sign and no ground under left boot so down I went. Engine guard and saddlebag guard
have asphalt rash which isn't too bad but it would be nice to polish it out if possible. 3 brands of chrome polish
doesn't seem to touch it. I figured there must be a trick to this, anyone?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1,229
From: Depends on where I am
Welcome to the club!
I have set my Road King on its crash bars twice, once on each side. The first was in a parking lot at night - stopped to back into a spot and my left foot went down into a pot hole I didn't see. The other time was in my parent's gravel driveway - after telling myself "don't touch the front brake" I grabbed the front brake as the bike was barely rolling to a stop with the front wheel turned.
I don't think any polish is going to fix those marks. Replacement would be the easiest fix. The marks on my bars are not near that bad, just mild scratches. I can't even see them unless the bike is up on the jack or I'm on the ground.
I have set my Road King on its crash bars twice, once on each side. The first was in a parking lot at night - stopped to back into a spot and my left foot went down into a pot hole I didn't see. The other time was in my parent's gravel driveway - after telling myself "don't touch the front brake" I grabbed the front brake as the bike was barely rolling to a stop with the front wheel turned.
I don't think any polish is going to fix those marks. Replacement would be the easiest fix. The marks on my bars are not near that bad, just mild scratches. I can't even see them unless the bike is up on the jack or I'm on the ground.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 5,859
Likes: 2,507
From: Lake Orion, MI
Well, I have to say it has probably happened to all of us. In nearly 45 years, I had never dropped a bike. About 2 months ago, I pulled into the dealership and a few friends were there. Lot was pretty crowded so, I kept my eye open for a spot.
Wife said you missed one so I slowed to turn in. Guess I slowed too much as the wheel was turned and the bike stopped. Yep, I dropped it right there in front of everyone. Fortunately in two ways. 1. I realized it was going down so I could control it a little (no scratches) and 2. I had plenty of help getting her back up.
So, again, stuff happens.
Wife said you missed one so I slowed to turn in. Guess I slowed too much as the wheel was turned and the bike stopped. Yep, I dropped it right there in front of everyone. Fortunately in two ways. 1. I realized it was going down so I could control it a little (no scratches) and 2. I had plenty of help getting her back up.
So, again, stuff happens.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 3,174
Likes: 1,466
From: Charleston, SC
Well, they say it happens to everyone, eventually. Had a gentle drop 6/16 on way to Laconia getting off I-93.
Pulled up to stop sign and no ground under left boot so down I went. Engine guard and saddlebag guard
have asphalt rash which isn't too bad but it would be nice to polish it out if possible. 3 brands of chrome polish
doesn't seem to touch it. I figured there must be a trick to this, anyone?
Pulled up to stop sign and no ground under left boot so down I went. Engine guard and saddlebag guard
have asphalt rash which isn't too bad but it would be nice to polish it out if possible. 3 brands of chrome polish
doesn't seem to touch it. I figured there must be a trick to this, anyone?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 5,157
Likes: 740
From: new caney, tx
been there done that, still haven't fixed the mild rash and it doesn't bother me lol, Cant be seen when im going down the highway. No one ever says "nice bike except for the damage to the engine guard"
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 233
From: North East, MD
I get that the scratched crash bars bug you as I am the same way about every blemish, but chances are you are the only person who even sees those scratches. If you've broken through the nickle and copper layer under the chrome you may get some rust so you might want to hit it with some chrome polish and wax regularly if you don't want to replace the bars.