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Crashed bike, now what?

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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:07 PM
  #1  
RCinLaveen's Avatar
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Default Crashed bike, now what?

Lost bike on a corner with unexpected gravel. Rear brake locked up (almost too easily) and bike fishtailed. I controlled it best I could but finally went down.

We were wearing boots, leather from head to toe, and helmets. We have a few bruises, nothing else. I kicked the crash bar and footboard back into rideable shape, took a test ride and we continued on with our day.

All the plastic on the bike, as well as the fuel tank needs to be replaced. The right side footboard is bent, and so is the section of frame it's attached to. So a new frame is needed as well.

The total estimate is $13,600. I don't yet know if it will be totaled. I'm hoping not. The frame and associated labor is driving the cost up.

For others who have gone through this, what has been your experience? I'm hoping the bike is not going to be totalled, it has only 13,000 miles. I'm insured with State Farm. I want them to fix the bike - the price for repairs is about what the bike is worth, maybe a little less, so they'll pay somewhere around that price one way or the other. What options might I have?

What good advice is out there?
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:15 PM
  #2  
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Glad ur ok! Most likely they will total it since the damage exceeds 50% of the value. If so, ask the claims adjustor about the possibility of buying it back if you really want to keep it. Sometimes the ins co will allow this, sometimes not. Not sure with State Farm.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:15 PM
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My dad had an accident on his '08 FLHT a little over a year ago where some one performed a u-turn in front of him at 55 mph. His bike was pretty messed up but looked to be repairable. The frame ended up being bent so the insurance company totaled it out. He ended up getting more than it originally cost in payout and is still waiting on payout for the medical side.

So in short, it should get totaled if the frame is damaged.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:21 PM
  #4  
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Sounds totaled to me. I guess the answer to, What now?" is: Start shopping for a new bike.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:25 PM
  #5  
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sounds like a new bike is on its way. bent frame, it will never be perfectly the same as it was. just buy a new scooter and get out and ride
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:28 PM
  #6  
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I say it will be totaled. Start looking for a new one.

Do you think anti lock brakes would have saved you from this accident? Seems like this is exactly what anti lock brakes were designed for....
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:33 PM
  #7  
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No question; it will be totalled. They will sell the bike and that helps them recover part of their loss.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:33 PM
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Do you think anti lock brakes would have saved you from this accident? Seems like this is exactly what anti lock brakes were designed for....[/quote]

Anti Lock brakes for a Motorcycle are only designed for upright straight riding to prevent wheel lock up. If you are in a corner (if I remember from the video that came with my limited) you should attempt to straighten the bike up before applying heavy braking force. Still a dangerous sport even with new technology. Nothing beats experience and skill...
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:35 PM
  #9  
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[QUOTE=Crusher;7550657]I say it will be totaled. Start looking for a new one.

Do you think anti lock brakes would have saved you from this accident? Seems like this is exactly what anti lock brakes were designed

Can't say for sure, but I thought the same thing.
 
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Old Nov 18, 2010 | 12:35 PM
  #10  
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Glad ur ok! Sounds as if you are lucky in two things. One you didn't get hurt when you went down, Two when you didn't wreck again from possible damage you didn't see with the test ride and continuing the ride. I would think if the Insurance company totals the bike, they would give you a check for whatever they determine the value is. Then if you want to spend more and fix it, It would be up to you. If the bikes not payed for, then they pay the loan co. Good luck!
 
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