Have you ever hit one
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,036
Likes: 19
From: Savage, MN
Bad part is even a helmet is not going to do much when doing 70mph on the freeway. You hit one of those damn things at 70mph your not coming out ahead on that incident helmet or no helmet.
Put me down in the near miss category.
On bright sunny day in May I was riding my Suzuki VX800 (great bike, not a Dyna but still nice) in Phoenix 7 years ago. I planned on riding out to Apache Junction/88/Superstition mts and parts beyond, and spent part of it on I-10. I was in the far left lane in heavy traffic, but moving well when I saw up ahead in the slow lane what I first thought was a dog or coyote being mangled by an 18-wheeler, then I realized it was a retread peeling off.
Little pieces were flying everywhere, couple bounced off of my helmet, then a big long piece came off and helicoptered right past my face. It happened so fast, before I knew it the retread was the least of my worries as the cagers were swerving around trying to miss it.
I exited as quick as was safe and made my way east on the side streets. All in all a great ride though, twisties, sweepers, great views, little traffic (on 88), scared ****-less once but remaining upright, - priceless. Bloody hot, but still fun. That remains the only time I've ever witnessed one of those things coming apart, after seeing many of them in the roads of this great nation..
Glad to read that those posting here who've encountered them emerged OK also, or with just damage to the bike, as we often say, that stuff can be fixed.
There is nothing quite as exhilarating as being shot at, and missed. Winston Churchill
On bright sunny day in May I was riding my Suzuki VX800 (great bike, not a Dyna but still nice) in Phoenix 7 years ago. I planned on riding out to Apache Junction/88/Superstition mts and parts beyond, and spent part of it on I-10. I was in the far left lane in heavy traffic, but moving well when I saw up ahead in the slow lane what I first thought was a dog or coyote being mangled by an 18-wheeler, then I realized it was a retread peeling off.
Little pieces were flying everywhere, couple bounced off of my helmet, then a big long piece came off and helicoptered right past my face. It happened so fast, before I knew it the retread was the least of my worries as the cagers were swerving around trying to miss it.
I exited as quick as was safe and made my way east on the side streets. All in all a great ride though, twisties, sweepers, great views, little traffic (on 88), scared ****-less once but remaining upright, - priceless. Bloody hot, but still fun. That remains the only time I've ever witnessed one of those things coming apart, after seeing many of them in the roads of this great nation..
Glad to read that those posting here who've encountered them emerged OK also, or with just damage to the bike, as we often say, that stuff can be fixed.
There is nothing quite as exhilarating as being shot at, and missed. Winston Churchill
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, TX
I'm enjoying reading all of the replies. I think it's educational for us who haven't been riding on asphalt all that long. I've been riding for about 35 years, but not many on the blacktop. I appreciate other people's stories about things that I can learn from.
Clutch70, Your 95 Wide Glide looks just like my first Harley, a 94 Wide Glide. Good looking scoot!
Clutch70, Your 95 Wide Glide looks just like my first Harley, a 94 Wide Glide. Good looking scoot!
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 38
Likes: 0
From: Fort Worth, TX
I agree. I never tailgate anyone. I like to be able to see the road in front of me. I've heard too many stories about a vehicle in front kicking up something. Even a piece of cardboard could seriously hurt or cut you. After almost hitting the tire tread in the road, I'll be even more careful at night.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Bay Area, California
He is lucky to even have a head after that. I saw a Mythbusters episode where they confirmed decapitation is very possible. I myself had a close call when a pick up ahead of me kicked a nice sized chunk into the air. Sure, it wasn't a tire blow out, but the rubber flew at my face, head-height while I was doing ~80mph. I barely had enough time to react and dodge it. This is definitely one of the closest calls I have ever had and I am lucky to have a head on my shoulders.
So, it is very possible to be seriously hurt by "gators", both on the road and airborne. Ride safe gents.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wvcwCCWkhBI
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
freebyrd
General Harley Davidson Chat
24
Jun 10, 2009 04:43 AM
