| Author | Message | ||
     Jandj_davis |
Yep, I have added myself to the number of those that "have." I crashed today. I went into an off-camber downhill lift-hander on my 2-week old bike (at least to me) and spooked myself out of my shorts. Like a complete rookie, I target fixated on the ditch and mashed on the front brakes, Of course, the rear came off the ground so I let off, but by that time I was in the gravel and when I got back on the brakes I lost the front end and down she went. From my initial inspection, the thing that took the most damage was the shifter linkage, which broke clean in half. I needed to replace the shift lever anyway, so this gives me an excuse. I scratched up the left mirror, but I wanted to get the newer edition mirrors anyway, so that's no big deal. I have frame pucks, so the frame is good. I haven't had a good look at the swingarm or front forks, but the swingarm was already scratched, so that isn't a big deal. The left handlebar, but I just bought a set of handlebars from Bill (username = Wliniewicz) because one of them was bent already. The front left turn signal broke off, but I was missing the front right already so I have to buy a pair to match the rear, so again, already planned for. The clutch lever is bent, but it doesn't match the anodized blue brake lever, so I was going to replace it anyway with a matching one. So, really, the only thing that broke (from my initial, adrenaline charged inspection) that I wasn't planning on replacing already was the shifter linkage. I am hoping my shift shaft and internals are not damaged. How often does that happen? Also, does anyone know if there is an aftermarket linkage that reduces some of the "slop in the stock system without costing an arm and a leg? On a good note, the bike continued running after I laid it down, which I think is a good sign telling me that nothing internal was damaged. Oh, by the way, I am fine too. I have a scuff (barely worse than a rug burn) on my left elbow about the size of a quarter, and a nice patch of rash on my left knee. I was wearing my RedWing boots, a fully-armored Joe Rocket mesh riding jacket, a pair of Hein Gericke gloves, and AFX FX-10 fullface helmet, and jeans. The jacket ripped a little bit, which is why I got the scrape on my arm, and the jeans ripped wide open. The gloves, helmet, and boots, while damaged to varying degrees, never exposed my skin. All that said, it looks like I may be off the bike for a while. I bought it 1 month ago and used up my motorcycle budget, so my current monies are dedicated to getting my truck running right, finishing my other bike project (1982 Suzuki GS650GL), doing some fix-up on the house, and saving for Christmas presents. As soon as I have the resources, I am getting a real riding jacket (maybe not leather, because I commute, but at least not mesh), some quality over-pants so I can wear armored pants over my business-casual work clothes, a new helmet, and a pair of armored gloves. After that, I will fix up the 9R. If I get the project sold soon enough, I may have the cash sooner than that. On another note, I may have scared some of my riding friends into getting some gear. I have a friend who is getting an SV650S next week, and he usually rides in a t-shirt, jeans, and tennis shoes. I am hoping I can show him my gear and convince him that a little sweat is worth saving a little blood. Alright guys, thanks for the support. Have a good rest of the summer, and keep the rubber side down. Josh Davis Cedar Rapids, IA 2003 Buell XB9R Firebolt 1982 Suzuki GS650GL | ||
| Prof_stack |
Josh, great to hear YOU are okay. But these kind of things do cause a rider to think about how and why they ride. Today marks 5 weeks since I t-boned a Civic. Ankle is improving, neck also. If I had been wearing my Joe Rocket boots, the padding in the ankle area would likely have saved me that pain. Do the Redwings have extra padding/armor there as well? Jeans don't quite cut it (so to speak) for falling. You're lucky your legs didn't get bruised a bunch! Your frame probably is okay but do carefully inspect where it connects to the forks. It is designed to break away in an impact collision. Mine did just that and the first two adjusters didn't spot it. Good luck getting it back together! | ||
| Rotzaruck |
Jd Man!!! Another Buell bites the dust!! Glad you're okay, and your bike's not too bad. With a little patience, you can get that thing back on line without hurting your budget too bad. Between BadWeB "pay it forward", BadWeb classifieds, our sponsor's discounts and ebay, you may not have to spend so much. Keep on your friends about the gear, it's much better to convince them now, and not so much fun to say "I told you so". If you have to, start a big argument with someone you planned to get a Christmas gift for, so you can scratch them off the list. It's important to keep your priorities in order. Rotzaruck!!! | ||
| Blake |
Glad to hear you're okay! | ||
| Nevrenuf |
jandj, glad that your not seriously messed up and be glad yourself that your not in rotzaruks shoes, going back in tomorrow to have another surgery done on his leg for when he had a wreck coming around this bend. the leg don't look to pretty right now. the only thing i have for an xb right now are the heel guards. if yours got damaged, let men know. | ||
| Nevrenuf |
jandj, glad that your not seriously messed up and be glad yourself that your not in rotzaruks shoes, going back in tomorrow to have another surgery done on his leg for when he had a wreck coming around this bend. the leg don't look to pretty right now. the only thing i have for an xb right now are the heel guards. if yours got damaged, let me know. | ||
| Chasespeed |
Welcome to the category... Seriously, glad you are okay... As mentioned, be greatfull that you dont have to deal with surgeries, and braces, pins, etc.. Chase | ||
| Wile_ecoyote |
Welcome to the class of 07! I'm glad for you that it didnt do more damage. Remember, you've lived to ride another day. Be grateful and try to learn from the mistake. I dont have any parts to help you out but i wish you a speedy recovery. | ||
| Diablobrian |
I'm glad that you're ok and that you were wearing the gear you were. You are lucky that your legs weren't scraped up. I am somewhat surprised that the Joe Rocket Jacket gave way so easily. What model/year was it? Welcome to my crusade to convert the unprepared into ATGATT riders. | ||
| Scott_in_nh |
Remember that ATGATT does not mean jeans! I am actually cooler when wearing my JR Alter Ego pants over jeans than I am in just jeans because it helps keeps the engine heat off my legs. If it is really hot and I am riding in "cruiser mode", I will wear them over shorts and am as cool as you are going to be riding a black, hot, motorcycle in summer.....Honest! Glad you are ok and the bike is repairable! | ||
| Jandj_davis |
Thanks for the well-wishes all. I agree, I am quite fortunate that I don't have to deal with broken bones or torn tissue. Skin heals quickly. Brian - I was wearing the Joe Rocket Phoenix mesh jacket. The armor protected my bones from the impact, but the small spot of bare mesh between the elbow armor and the reinforced forearm section was pulled up and ripped, allowing my arm to contact the gravel. It is a very light abrasion, and I am sure would be much worse if I weren't wearing the jacket. Scott - I do have some Icon Ti-Max p[ants that I wear if I am pleasure riding, but they don't fit over my pants, so I don't wear them when I commute. I will be getting some armored "overpants" so I can put them on over my work clothes. Neil - Thanks for the offer, but my heal guards made it out without a scratch. Norm - No, the Redwings don't have any ankle padding to speak of, but they are very rigid leather. I don't have the space to carry a second pair of shoes with me to work, so I wear them as a compromise. They may not keep my ankle from being crushed, but they will protect me from sprains and twisting breaks. Thanks again all for your concerns. I'll keep you up to date on mine and the bike's recoveries. | ||
| Mr_grumpy |
Yeah welcome to the club mate, glad you got off so lightly. | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Happy to hear you are OK. Bike can be repaired. Get ahold of our sponsers like Appleton HD/Buell. Andy will be able to help you with parts you need. Fun, ain't it. | ||
| Jandj_davis |
One comment I made has now made me question something. The bike continued to run while it was laying on its side in the ditch. There is a remote possibility that it never leaned past 55ยบ, but I doubt it. Should I be concerned about my BAS (Bank Angle Sensor) operating correctly, or should I be glad that it hasn't caused failures? What can be damaged if BAS malfunctions and allows the bike to run while it is layed over? | ||
| Hammer71 |
mine ran fine after doing god knows how mant barrel rolls down the road (highside at 65 mph). Not sure about how it landed but sure it was on its side. Check your codes and if all is good dont worry about it. Stay safe and remember the gear. |
