Well, it happened. I put the sporty down a couple of weeks ago. I was riding on a really dark road and didn't see an island in the middle of the road till it was too late. I tried to get away from it, but my front wheel hit the curb and the bike went into a wobble and I lost it and went over the front. I was going about 75mph, so the bike is pretty messed up. The stealership quoted me about 2 thirds of the price of a new bike for the repairs, but one of the guys at the stealership is going to give me all the parts at no cost. He has a store room of all the parts that customers have replaced for custom parts and has everything I need. All I have to do is pay the labor, for which I was quoted around $590, so I am really happy with that. As far as injuries go, I guess I was really lucky. I had road rash on my left leg, nothing on my right, I had road rash on my stomach and my back which was really awkward because it was tough to sleep for a few days, and I came down hard on my left shoulder and it popped out, but luckily it went back in again. So 2 weeks later, all I have is a sore shoulder because of ligament damage - the road rash has all pretty much healed up already. Could have been much worse if I wasn't wearing a full face helmet too, because the whole left side of my helmet is cracked and scratched badly - glad that didn't happen to my head! Also my right glove is badly scuffed, so I'm pretty glad that the glove took the damage and not my hand. I am self employed and was lucky to be able to work through the last 2 weeks - wouldn't have been able to if my right hand had been messed up.

I know it's everyones personal choice to ride how they choose, so please don't take this as a lecture, but personally, I can tell you that I will never again ride without gloves, a full face helmet, a riding jacket, a good pair of jeans, and a pair of boots again. I say this because in the weeks leading up to the accident, it was very hot here (South Africa) and I went on many rides without a jacket and gloves and I rode many times with shorts. It just so happens that the night I put her down, I was wearing riding gear (except the jacket which was a loose fitting jacket - hence the road rash on my back and stomach) - so I know it could have been a lot worse.

Suffice to say that the next mod I do on the bike is going to be a xenon headlight. Anyone done that mod? Or does anyone have any other suggestions for stronger headlight?

 

First and foremost - good to hear you are ok.

Sounds like your dealer is taking pretty good care of you. Maybe they will earn the right to be called 'dealer' from now on and not 'stealer' anymore.

I have replaced the helight with a high intensity bulb It is brighter. I also tend to ride with my high beams on a lot. Both at night and during the day I am more visible to others on the road. At night, if they flash me to lower it I can be certain they saw me. Plus, the obvious bonus - high beam coverage of a really bright bulb. Defintely worth the few dollars.

 

Thanks for that bensonjv. I guess you're right - from now on I will call them a "dealership"

Was your high intensity bulb a harley part? I will definitely call the dealer and ask them about it today. You're right about if they flash me to lower the beam - at least you know they've seen you. Never thought about it that way, but you're 100% right.

 

Glad to hear that you are OK.The injuries that you suffered sound pretty minor (OK for me to say). I don't mean to lecture either but were you not breaking one of the cardinal rules of riding by riding beyond your visibility? 75mph on a dark night,on a road that your were notvery familiar with sounds way too fast.It is for me at least. You are right about wearing the protective clothing though.Ya might not be here otherwise! Like you, I live in a pretty hot climate, Texas, and during the Summer days all that gear is very uncomfortable. Does anyoe make an "air conditioned" helmet?[sm=goodidea.gif]

 

I'm glad you are ok, but why were you going 75 mph on a really dark road, outrunning your headlight?

 

Well first of all im glad that your ok. Id hate to see another brother go down. I wear a half helmet but it was interesting what you sade about yours. You think you could post a pic of what your helmet looks like now?

 

Damn, what a story. You certainly are a lucky man. Somebody is looking after you. Glad to hear you're doing so well considering what you experienced. [:@]

 

humpbackbob and QT Hush - I guess you've got a point about the speed I was going at, and it is something I'm working on all the time. I've been a speed freak my whole life, so when I decided to buy a bike, I was determined not to get a crotch rocket because I know that I will use whatever speed I have available. The scary thing is that I was riding at 75mph because that was the limit to how fast I could go because I had had the bike back for about a week after I had the 1200 conversion done. But like I say, I am constantly trying to curb my instincts and am trying to ride slower. I guess I was just enjoying the ride a little too much. Up until I came off, it was a great ride - a hot evening and I was on my sporty just riding for the hell of it. I guess if this doesn't adjust my attitude toward speed, nothing will. Just when you get too cocky and sure of yourself, life has a way of kicking you in the butt as if to remind you of your mortality. Consider me well and truly reminded!

humpbackbob - I like that AC helmet. Need to look into that

Scullcrusher - I will take a pic of my helmet and post it ASAP. You'll definitely see what I mean when you see it...

Blackbird - Thanks dude. Yeah I guess I came out of it pretty much unscathed.

 

I'm glad you came thru that as well as you did. Good luck fixiing the bike.

 

Glad to hear you are ok.