Lesson Learned
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
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From: Wisconsin, USA
Lesson Learned
Finally had my first drop today. Was exiting a parking lot. Three cars ahead of me, making a left onto a 4 lane boulevard. The first 2 cars pulled out, and I moved up behind the third car and stopped about 5 feet behind her. All of a sudden she starts backing up. I am not sure if I hit the directional, or just froze, but I didn't blow the horn, and just yelled. I dropped the bike gently on the right side and jumped off. I usually stay cool in an emergency, but the sight of my beloved bike laying on it's side discombobulated me. I hit the kill switch, But I am not really sure if I stalled it when I jumped off, or what.
A cute 17 year old blonde popped out of her car and apologized profusely. I was denied the satisfaction of screaming at her, because she looked like my daughter, and was on the verge of tears. She said she thought she was sticking out too much, and didn't see me when she backed up.
I was trying to remember how to pick up the bike by myself when a 6'5" 300 lb guy, jumps out of nowhere, and helped me right the bike. I was too flustered to thank him, but said "Oh, guess there is first time for everything", letting my pride get in the way.
Lesson learned? Stay 10 ft behind cars, and finger on the horn.
I checked the bike out, and thanks to my highway pegs, and saddlebag guards, there isn't a scratch. Then on the way home 2 deer run in front of me. Glad to be home.
I notice a scratch on my frame, but there is some rust in it, and I think it was from, a month ago, when I ran over a loose piece of concrete, and it bounced up and hit the frame. Guess I am adding "character" this summer.
I didn't get her insurance because I think the bike is fine, but I did take a picture of her driver's license, and get her phone number.
A cute 17 year old blonde popped out of her car and apologized profusely. I was denied the satisfaction of screaming at her, because she looked like my daughter, and was on the verge of tears. She said she thought she was sticking out too much, and didn't see me when she backed up.
I was trying to remember how to pick up the bike by myself when a 6'5" 300 lb guy, jumps out of nowhere, and helped me right the bike. I was too flustered to thank him, but said "Oh, guess there is first time for everything", letting my pride get in the way.
Lesson learned? Stay 10 ft behind cars, and finger on the horn.
I checked the bike out, and thanks to my highway pegs, and saddlebag guards, there isn't a scratch. Then on the way home 2 deer run in front of me. Glad to be home.
I notice a scratch on my frame, but there is some rust in it, and I think it was from, a month ago, when I ran over a loose piece of concrete, and it bounced up and hit the frame. Guess I am adding "character" this summer.
I didn't get her insurance because I think the bike is fine, but I did take a picture of her driver's license, and get her phone number.
Last edited by Ron750; Jul 9, 2015 at 05:40 PM. Reason: Removed picture!
never met anyone who has never dropped their bike....my new bike dropped one night when a jerk came out of the left lane as I was getting ready to turn on to a roadway. I had to stop suddenly and my front wheel was complete turned. the bike just started going. all I could do was slow its fall. I gotta say, I don't remember these baggers being so heavy. luckily for me that same 300 lb gorilla showed up to help me too....he must really get around....lol.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,806
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From: New Bern NC
never met anyone who has never dropped their bike....my new bike dropped one night when a jerk came out of the left lane as I was getting ready to turn on to a roadway. I had to stop suddenly and my front wheel was complete turned. the bike just started going. all I could do was slow its fall. I gotta say, I don't remember these baggers being so heavy. luckily for me that same 300 lb gorilla showed up to help me too....he must really get around....lol.
be glad it was minor Ron
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Seasoned HDF Member
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From: Post Falls, ID
You could have also stopped offset behind the bimbo. When she starts backing, ride around and past her.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: texas
Ron i dont count that as a drop. Dunno what you could really do. Lucky she didnt just gun it. Gets to a point where whatever you think you should do different would just lead to another new problem. Cool of you not to make it more than it was with unneeded legal problems for her. Hopefully she pays better attention from now on. In high school i was waiting on traffic at a lite in my little town....no one behind me so i just kept going foward and rolling back in my little standard truck. ...well i hit some old people in a caddy. They let me off the hook cuz no damage. Thru the years ive let a couple off myself. Glad u and the. bike are allright