Yesterday I was reminded of a lesson I once heard from an experienced rider a while back, if something doesn't seem right while you're riding, don't wait to check it out. Pull over and see what's going on.

I had been on the highway about ten miles after having new wheels and tires mounted on my Classic when I began to notice the smell of burning rubber. My initial thought was that maybe there was a problem with my new set-up so I was just getting ready to pull over.

What I had forgotten was about 30 seconds earlier a couple of bikes had blown past me going about 80-85mph on the highway. I glanced up the road to see what my options were for pulling over when I saw a huge puff of smoke in the center lane ahead of me. It was one of the two bikes and the rider was doing all he could to pull over to the side without losing control. To his credit he somehow managed to get through the right lane (which was solid from Christmas traffic) and get onto the shoulder. Unfortunately he couldn't completely control his bike and wound up going down in a very soft ditch.

I pulled over quickly to help him out and other than a few scratches and a blown rear tire everything was fine. After getting his bike back up and on the shoulder I asked him if he hadn't noticed anything unusual. He mentioned that his bike had been handling a little soft but that was it. Another person that stopped to help said he had been trying to get the riders attention to tell him that his rear tire was really low.

I've been riding my bike long enough that if and when I feel ANYTHING that doesn't seem normal I will try to figure out what might be going on (on the side of the road). In the future, I hope that rider pays a little more attention to his bike. He was very fortunate to have not had a very bad Christmas eve.

Merry Christmas all and safe riding.

 

I hope the damages were minimal. I was riding a few months ago (no not noticing this issue), went to downshift to make a turn and my shift linkage had come apart. Fortunately I was able to get it back together and home but goes to show that a pre- check prior to a ride could help avoid such issues. I wonder what the tires were like on this guys bike????

 

Goes to show you that when something doesn't look or feel right, chances are that something is wrong. Good reminder.

 

Yesterday while out for a 100 mile ride, noticed my seat was moving around. Pulled over and the HD thumb screw for the seat fell out. I carry a spare one of those and had to limp carefullly to the nearest dealer. They said they preferred the Kury screw instead of the more expensive HD one.
Like you said, if something dose not feel right, theres usually a reason.
Ride safe.

 

Good advice. You always have to be ready for anything to happen when you are riding. I think I'll take a few more minutes to pre-check before my rides...

 

Very true. Not only do I pay attention to the feel of the bike, but I listen to it also. Glad to hear that he didn't get too banged up.

 

I agree, I had a low front tire and come to find out there was only 18 psi in the tire. I was not to far from home so I aired it up and promptly loaded it in the trailor and had the tire changed....

 

I agree! I have done that with all my vehicles!

 

"He mentioned his bike was handling a little soft".......and then he proceeds to run 85mph, he is an IDIOT= I Don't Intend On Thinking.