Ever Been Down?
RE: Ever Been Down?
Been down once of fault of my own, from doing a brake repair after rechroming my master cyclinder and the return hole didnt release pressure and the front brake locked up on me,came to about the fastest stop ever then fell over! (Damn the luck)....and about 3 times from DUMB A%& Drivers in 20 years of riding, pulling out in front of me . I named my bike ROADKING from these experiences. Had more than enough close calls to remind myself how lucky I am, and yes it did change my outlook an how I ride. However it made me appreciate the ride more.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,291
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Ever Been Down?
1 time, 10 days in the hospital , 5 broken ribs, lacerated spleen , concussion , impact paralysis , coronary arrest.
Took me out of the wind for 14 years . Since I've been back I've had 2 close calls , but have been lucky .
Took me out of the wind for 14 years . Since I've been back I've had 2 close calls , but have been lucky .
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 537
Likes: 3
From: Dothan, AL
RE: Ever Been Down?
The first street bike I had I dumped in the driveway about 3 times before I realized that it was 500 pounds not 200. The most embarrassing thing I ever did was attempt to save time by dropping down into a 2 foot deep ditch to avoid traffic while leaving a local baseball game. there again 500 pounds, street tires and moist dirt do not fit well together. fortunately my son was there and he saw me and came over laughing and helped pull me out. I have yet to be actually hit by another vehicle but some have really pissed me off. I wrecked a lot when I was a kid racing in the dirt so that helps me avoid solo crashes. Maybe good luck will help me avoid the others. I ahve seen too many riders, in the hospital I work at on weekends, Totally messed up.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,682
Likes: 3
From: Dallas, TX
RE: Ever Been Down?
Sure I've been down, but a quick ride will perk me right up.
... {whispering}... Not that meaning? Really?... {whispering}... Oh, OK...
Been down recently. Van taking the lane I am going into. Rain slicked, and some mude from construction, caused the quick countersteer to produce nothing but a 'tripped' bike. No real injury - deep cut, and coat rash where the lining where I slid took off some top layer.
Lesson to learn is that had I kept my usual paranoia about cage drivers I never would have trusted the van to stay put in the first place, and merged into the construction further down.
... {whispering}... Not that meaning? Really?... {whispering}... Oh, OK...
Been down recently. Van taking the lane I am going into. Rain slicked, and some mude from construction, caused the quick countersteer to produce nothing but a 'tripped' bike. No real injury - deep cut, and coat rash where the lining where I slid took off some top layer.
Lesson to learn is that had I kept my usual paranoia about cage drivers I never would have trusted the van to stay put in the first place, and merged into the construction further down.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 11,317
Likes: 11
From: Tucson, Az
RE: Ever Been Down?
ORIGINAL: whaap
In 60+ years of riding I have never "crashed". I've dropped the damn thing more times than I want to mention but no moving incidents.
In 60+ years of riding I have never "crashed". I've dropped the damn thing more times than I want to mention but no moving incidents.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 25,962
Likes: 9,733
From: Montana & Arkansas
RE: Ever Been Down?
Excluding all the crazy crashes on dirt, then there were just two on the street in 1961, within two weeks of each other! Cages pulled out from stop signs when I had the right of way. Splat! major damage. jeez!
Almost #3 last Sunday, cellphonehead gal tries to merge into me when her lane quits, I go to horn and yelling, etc. and she sees there is someone else in the world other than herself at the last instant. Acts real pissed that I even exist and was where she wanted to be and is screaming. I eyeball her tag number close after I'm ahead of her and pull down my helmet mike so she can see... she then pulls off really quick at that and hot foots it out of sight tearing off through a side street.
Almost #3 last Sunday, cellphonehead gal tries to merge into me when her lane quits, I go to horn and yelling, etc. and she sees there is someone else in the world other than herself at the last instant. Acts real pissed that I even exist and was where she wanted to be and is screaming. I eyeball her tag number close after I'm ahead of her and pull down my helmet mike so she can see... she then pulls off really quick at that and hot foots it out of sight tearing off through a side street.
ORIGINAL: whaap
I do have to ad to this that I should have said "street riding". In the 60's when I thought I was some great dirt warrior I spent my share of time in the ER.
ORIGINAL: whaap
In 60+ years of riding I have never "crashed". I've dropped the damn thing more times than I want to mention but no moving incidents.
In 60+ years of riding I have never "crashed". I've dropped the damn thing more times than I want to mention but no moving incidents.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 628
Likes: 5
From: Wichita but from Tulsa
RE: Ever Been Down?
Just how dam old are you!! I hope to be riding when I am how ever old you are. I have been down once in the summer of 78, going around a curve got into some of the sand at the edge of the road left over from the winter sanding of the streets. Slid about 30 yards while climbing up on the bike and caught it just as it went to flip. Ended up setting upright on the bike in the middle of the road. Went to the bar and was telling the bros about it and was getting ready to pay for my beer and found a hole burnt through my wallet the money and almost through the other side of the wallet. Had a shot instead!!
ORIGINAL: whaap
In 60+ years of riding I have never "crashed". I've dropped the damn thing more times than I want to mention but no moving incidents.
In 60+ years of riding I have never "crashed". I've dropped the damn thing more times than I want to mention but no moving incidents.
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Retired Admin
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 21,865
Likes: 9,046
From: Wisconsin
RE: Ever Been Down?
ORIGINAL: Edmo
Totalled my Heritage when I hit gravel in a blind curve...
When I saw the gravel I got on the brakes to try and get inside the turn enough to miss the gravel. In the process, the rear tire skidded and I hit the gravel anyway. 4 broken ribs, broken collar bone, and a dose of rash left me a little wiser.
Edmo
Totalled my Heritage when I hit gravel in a blind curve...
When I saw the gravel I got on the brakes to try and get inside the turn enough to miss the gravel. In the process, the rear tire skidded and I hit the gravel anyway. 4 broken ribs, broken collar bone, and a dose of rash left me a little wiser.
Edmo
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 312
Likes: 0
From: Ottawa ON Canada
RE: Ever Been Down?
Layed the bike down once in the mid 70s. A car turned left in front of me. It all happened in slow motion. My wife still remembers me telling her that I was going to lay the bike down. It was a scene right out of a movie. I don't think I could ever manage it a second time. The bike slid into the car broadside and the suspension absorbed the impact. Neither of us hurt. But I was not happy with the guy driving the car. I guess I met my quota and I won't have to worry about going down again.