Wrecked the Bike... :(

Constrictor · 07-29-2005

First, I am fine, just seriously sore and have nasty roadrash on my left arm and shoulders. Plus various other scrapes and bruises elsewhere.

I went down to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg with my friend Dan to take in some scenery and do some riding in the moutains, specifically the ever famous Deals Gap. He and I made it through the Dragon with no problems. For those of you who have never done it, I highly recommend it at least once in your life. There isnt much scenery on the Gap since its almost all in trees, and you need to devote 100.00000% of your attention to the road, you dont have time to look around.

I did the Dragon very slowly and made it out on the NC side where we stayed at the Motorcycle Resort and had lunch. After that, we headed into NC to the Cherohala Skyway. We were told the Skyway isnt as curvy as the Dragon, but is a lot more scenic and longer.

We made it up there and stopped many times to get some great pictures (which I will post later). The thing about the Skyway though is that not only is it longer, but the curves are longer too so you can take them faster. I honestly believe this is the reason I wrecked because you get "comfortable" on those turns. As you all should know, the Mean Streak is an amazing bike that is capable of many things that large v-twin cruisers typically arent.

I was able to take these curves very easily at 40-45 mph (the speed limit is 45 through almost the whole thing). I had made it about 75% of the way through and were back on the TN side, and I was making a normal left curve and I just made the curve an inch too wide. I had actually completed the curve and was coming out of it, and had barely any lean angle left and the front tire hit the last inch of grass and that was all she wrote. I remember the whole thing and never blacked out. I estimate I was going about 40. I was thrown from the bike at about 40 mph and the bike went off in the grass. Lucky for the bike, it stayed in the grass and stayed on its left side the entire time. Damage to the bike is the headlight bracket and gauge clusters completely broke. The speedometer plastic is broken. The tank has a huge dent on the left side, and the shift peg is broken. Believe it or not, thats all the damage it got. There are various other scrapes and a lot of grass in weird spots on the bike, but its not too bad.

I, however, stayed on the pavement and rolled at least 100 ft. I had my helmet on, but stupid me, I didnt have my jacket on since it was like 96 degrees when we left Pigeon Forge. I have bad road rash on my left shoulder and forearm. I also have it on my right shoulder, both knees, and right hand, but those arent as bad as my left shoulder, which I guess is where I hit first. My helmet took two real good hits. One on the left side towards the front, and the other on the right side where my ear would be. The helmet was a Nolan N100E flip face helmet. Alot of people criticize flip face helmets because they dont think they can take an impact, but this one held up admirably, and I have absolutely no head, face, or neck injuries. The face shield didnt even pop off.

All things considered, I got real lucky cause in many spots theres huge dropoffs on the edge of the road. Another blessing I had was a van of people came by about a minute later and called 911 and took care of me until the ambulance arrived. The paramedics told me I was the first person in a long time they havent had to airlift out of there. Just last week a guy hit a guardrail going about 100 and lost both his legs.

I was taken to a hospital where they looked me over and did some xrays. They couldnt believe nothing was broke. Both my shoulders were dislocated when I was rolling, but popped back into place before the ambulance got there, so all I have now is the previously mentioned roadrash and EXTREMELY sore shoulders.

The doctor prescribed some Lortab 500mg for me and it doesnt help at all. I weigh about 200 lbs, and I estimate they should have given me stronger ones. Like I said before, I may be in some bad pain, but I know it could have been MUCH worse. I run through my head how much worse it could have been andf feel lucky that I am in as good of shape as I am. Anyway, I am okay and look forward to get better!

Heres the damage done to the bike. Remember, this was a ~40 mph crash...the Mean Streak held up surprisingly well!

Heres a couple more memorable pics of me and the bike before anything happened:

This is my bike and my friends 2005 Hayabusa right before we started the dragon. We are sitting at the tail of the dragon right here.

And heres two of the lesser gross pictures of my injuries. I wont use IMG tags for anyone who might have a weak stomach. What these pictures dont show is the immense amount of pain I am going through, even as I type this. I cannot even raise my left arm more than maybe 6 inches out of excrutiating pain.

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2.../Pigeon164.jpg

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2.../Pigeon184.jpg

*trikebubble* · 07-29-2005

Lucky guy. to paraphrase what you said, for a 40mph crash YOU held up suprisingly well.
Chrome can be replaced, you can't. Glad you are ok.

Chromequeen · 07-29-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by trikebubble

Chrome can be replaced, you can't. Glad you are ok.

Ditto Carlo.....
Constrictor, So glad that you're still here with us and that you weren't hurt worse! Take Care, and let us know how you're healing K?

**Spok** · 07-29-2005

WOW, sorry to hear about your crash. Your lucky you didn't get hurt worse and thankfully the helmet saved your face & jaw. Get well as fast as you can, make sure you get healed.

lcseds · 07-29-2005

Glad to hear you're okay (for the most part anyway). That damage appears minimal for the accident. The bike did hold up well. I haven't gone down yet, but when I do, I sure hope it's like that. I know that means little to you with the pain you're in, but all in all, it could have been a ton worse.
Heal quick! When you're better, I'd like to chat with you about some of mountain cruising you've done in western NC. It's not too far from me.

Rabbi Harley · 07-29-2005

Glad you didn't break anything, the Pavement Rash will heal quickly. Hope you can find the parts you need to fix your Bike inexpensively (maybe on eBay?). I really appreciated you taking the time to photograph and document your regulator/rectifier modification too. Sorry it happened, but all in all, you were blessed it was not much worse.

*jukief* · 07-29-2005

Thank god you're OK (well, relatively). You and your bike can both heal. Take care!

NY_Guy · 07-29-2005

Damn, sorry to hear about the accident but relieved that you and bike suffered no major damage (although two dislocated shoulders and road burn are not minor). The scary part is that it could have been much worse. Hope you heal fast and find better pain relief.

SteveA · 07-29-2005

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Sort of drives the point home that any one of us can be next.
Take care of yourself & heal well. There will be another time to ride.

Ron -Dog · 07-29-2005

Heal up fast,this will give you time to think of what mods. you can do to the bike,after you mend. The road rash will heal up faster than you think. Any time I'm riding,or planning to ride a twisty road,I usually go for the hot weather jacket,vented gloves,ect. I've been where your at right now,a couple of times! Once like you in a t-shirt,road rash every where,next time on wet pavement with a Joe Rocket Jacket! The second time was better (if you can call a crash better?) got up and walked over to the bike unhurt. The dragin jeans,and jacket were trashed,but all I recieved was a few small bruises.Didn't even go to the Hosp. This was at 55mph! It will get better! RD

BamaBob · 07-29-2005

Sorry to hear about your crash, but glad you were not hurt a lot worse. Take it easy for a while and heal up. The bike can be fixed good as new, so don't worry about it.

jollyrogr · 07-29-2005

you should be back on your bike in no time. Good thing you had your helmet on. I know sometimes I like to ride without one even though I know I shouldn't. You never know when something will happen.

Constrictor · 07-30-2005

Based on your opinions, do you think I should hand this into my insurance? I have a $500 deductible on any claim for the bike. How much will it cost me to replace the tank with the correct paint color to match? I also need to replace the shifter lever, get new mirrors, repleace the entire headlight assmebly and get new gauges.

I am thinking that will cost well over $500. I dont have a lot of money to do this myself and it will take me at least a month to get $500 just to cover the deductible, plus I'll need to buy a new helmet since my old one is messed up now, and after this accident, theres no way in hell I am riding without a helmet on.

Buster · 07-30-2005

Glad to hear your still in one piece. Sounds like it could have been a whole lot worse.

Personally I would use the insurance. Thats why you bought it........ right? The repairs will probably be more than you think. Even if you can find a used tank, you will probably have to have it painted to match the bike.

Funny how people that never used to wear a helmet suddenly become aware of their mortality when they get involved in an accident isn't it? ( Not you. I know you wear one) I have been in two accidents. One of em would have probably killed me or left me braindead if it wasn't for my helmet. Very few of my friends ever wear them. I just shake my head in amazement.

1400pilot · 07-30-2005

glad to hear that you are ok,

**2WheelFun** · 07-30-2005

OUCH!!!!!!!

Glad your alive and here telling us about it. I cringe everytime I read about a rider down. Never know what to expect until finished reading. You get well and take care of yourself. The bike can wait and when your ready you can get it fixed.

Best Regards!

Crue · 07-30-2005

I'm glad your okay. If it's not to much to ask could you email me a couple of the more graphic pics of your injuries I have a young friend who just got his licence and he's always taking his jacket off. I have been riding on the streets for around 12 years and wear my jacket religiously. Just last week though I rode 20kms without a jacket for the first time and both of us could use a graphic refresher of the reasons for wearing proper gear.

I would suggest not putting this through your insurance if at all possible. Since you were at fault your insurance premiums will likely go through the roof if you file a claim.

Cruiser4Fun · 07-30-2005

Sorry to hear of you and your bikes injuries. I hope you both have a speedy recovery. Thanks for sharing your misfortune with the rest of us. We all know it could happen to us, we just hope it doesn't.
There was a time when I would push myself through the twisties, now I just cruise and enjoy the ride.

woodchucks800 · 07-30-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Constrictor

Based on your opinions, do you think I should hand this into my insurance? I have a $500 deductible on any claim for the bike. How much will it cost me to replace the tank with the correct paint color to match? I also need to replace the shifter lever, get new mirrors, repleace the entire headlight assmebly and get new gauges.

I am thinking that will cost well over $500. I dont have a lot of money to do this myself and it will take me at least a month to get $500 just to cover the deductible, plus I'll need to buy a new helmet since my old one is messed up now, and after this accident, theres no way in hell I am riding without a helmet on.

Sorry to hear about your accident, but you'll be back riding before you know it. Here's a link that sells parts ,just look them up
(under the fiche) an you'll get a price for what you need then you can decide if you want to use your insurance or not. www.ronayersmotorsports.com

moparman · 07-30-2005

Crashing sucks but glad it wasn't worse. Heal up and good luck with fixing the bike.

07-29-2005	#1 (permalink)
Constrictor Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Steger, IL Posts: 1,023	Wrecked the Bike... :( First, I am fine, just seriously sore and have nasty roadrash on my left arm and shoulders. Plus various other scrapes and bruises elsewhere. I went down to Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg with my friend Dan to take in some scenery and do some riding in the moutains, specifically the ever famous Deals Gap. He and I made it through the Dragon with no problems. For those of you who have never done it, I highly recommend it at least once in your life. There isnt much scenery on the Gap since its almost all in trees, and you need to devote 100.00000% of your attention to the road, you dont have time to look around. I did the Dragon very slowly and made it out on the NC side where we stayed at the Motorcycle Resort and had lunch. After that, we headed into NC to the Cherohala Skyway. We were told the Skyway isnt as curvy as the Dragon, but is a lot more scenic and longer. We made it up there and stopped many times to get some great pictures (which I will post later). The thing about the Skyway though is that not only is it longer, but the curves are longer too so you can take them faster. I honestly believe this is the reason I wrecked because you get "comfortable" on those turns. As you all should know, the Mean Streak is an amazing bike that is capable of many things that large v-twin cruisers typically arent. I was able to take these curves very easily at 40-45 mph (the speed limit is 45 through almost the whole thing). I had made it about 75% of the way through and were back on the TN side, and I was making a normal left curve and I just made the curve an inch too wide. I had actually completed the curve and was coming out of it, and had barely any lean angle left and the front tire hit the last inch of grass and that was all she wrote. I remember the whole thing and never blacked out. I estimate I was going about 40. I was thrown from the bike at about 40 mph and the bike went off in the grass. Lucky for the bike, it stayed in the grass and stayed on its left side the entire time. Damage to the bike is the headlight bracket and gauge clusters completely broke. The speedometer plastic is broken. The tank has a huge dent on the left side, and the shift peg is broken. Believe it or not, thats all the damage it got. There are various other scrapes and a lot of grass in weird spots on the bike, but its not too bad. I, however, stayed on the pavement and rolled at least 100 ft. I had my helmet on, but stupid me, I didnt have my jacket on since it was like 96 degrees when we left Pigeon Forge. I have bad road rash on my left shoulder and forearm. I also have it on my right shoulder, both knees, and right hand, but those arent as bad as my left shoulder, which I guess is where I hit first. My helmet took two real good hits. One on the left side towards the front, and the other on the right side where my ear would be. The helmet was a Nolan N100E flip face helmet. Alot of people criticize flip face helmets because they dont think they can take an impact, but this one held up admirably, and I have absolutely no head, face, or neck injuries. The face shield didnt even pop off. All things considered, I got real lucky cause in many spots theres huge dropoffs on the edge of the road. Another blessing I had was a van of people came by about a minute later and called 911 and took care of me until the ambulance arrived. The paramedics told me I was the first person in a long time they havent had to airlift out of there. Just last week a guy hit a guardrail going about 100 and lost both his legs. I was taken to a hospital where they looked me over and did some xrays. They couldnt believe nothing was broke. Both my shoulders were dislocated when I was rolling, but popped back into place before the ambulance got there, so all I have now is the previously mentioned roadrash and EXTREMELY sore shoulders. The doctor prescribed some Lortab 500mg for me and it doesnt help at all. I weigh about 200 lbs, and I estimate they should have given me stronger ones. Like I said before, I may be in some bad pain, but I know it could have been MUCH worse. I run through my head how much worse it could have been andf feel lucky that I am in as good of shape as I am. Anyway, I am okay and look forward to get better! Heres the damage done to the bike. Remember, this was a ~40 mph crash...the Mean Streak held up surprisingly well! Heres a couple more memorable pics of me and the bike before anything happened: This is my bike and my friends 2005 Hayabusa right before we started the dragon. We are sitting at the tail of the dragon right here. And heres two of the lesser gross pictures of my injuries. I wont use IMG tags for anyone who might have a weak stomach. What these pictures dont show is the immense amount of pain I am going through, even as I type this. I cannot even raise my left arm more than maybe 6 inches out of excrutiating pain. http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2.../Pigeon164.jpg http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2.../Pigeon184.jpg __________________ 2005 Magma Red Kawasaki Mean Streak 1600 1998 Bright Red Pontiac Trans Am 405.5 RWHP 385.1 RWTQ 2004 Nighthawk Black Honda Accord EX 6-speed

07-29-2005	#2 (permalink)
trikebubble RIP Brother Deron Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Okanagan Falls, BC Posts: 18,624	Lucky guy. to paraphrase what you said, for a 40mph crash YOU held up suprisingly well. Chrome can be replaced, you can't. Glad you are ok. __________________ 2005 V2K Ltd "I'll ride the wave where it takes me, I'll hold the pain release me"

07-29-2005	#4 (permalink)
Spok RIP Deron - 1400Pilot Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mount Vernon, Washington Posts: 34,585	WOW, sorry to hear about your crash. Your lucky you didn't get hurt worse and thankfully the helmet saved your face & jaw. Get well as fast as you can, make sure you get healed. __________________ In Memory of Deron Harden - 1400 Pilot. You are missed.

07-29-2005	#7 (permalink)
jukief I miss you, Deron Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Fort Collins, CO Posts: 18,170	Thank god you're OK (well, relatively). You and your bike can both heal. Take care! __________________ In memory of my friend Deron Harden. Life isn't going to be the same without him.

07-29-2005	#8 (permalink)
NY_Guy In Search of Perfect Tune Forum Supporter Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Manhattan Posts: 1,701	Damn, sorry to hear about the accident but relieved that you and bike suffered no major damage (although two dislocated shoulders and road burn are not minor). The scary part is that it could have been much worse. Hope you heal fast and find better pain relief. __________________ 2006 Black Nomad w/ TFI O2 Sensor Roadhouse 2/1 If you can't dance it's too late to plow.

07-29-2005	#5 (permalink)
lcseds Third Gear And Gaining BTK Intermediate Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Durham, NC Posts: 137	Glad to hear you're okay (for the most part anyway). That damage appears minimal for the accident. The bike did hold up well. I haven't gone down yet, but when I do, I sure hope it's like that. I know that means little to you with the pain you're in, but all in all, it could have been a ton worse. Heal quick! When you're better, I'd like to chat with you about some of mountain cruising you've done in western NC. It's not too far from me.

07-29-2005	#6 (permalink)
Rabbi Harley Newbie Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Central Kentucky Posts: 2	Glad you didn't break anything, the Pavement Rash will heal quickly. Hope you can find the parts you need to fix your Bike inexpensively (maybe on eBay?). I really appreciated you taking the time to photograph and document your regulator/rectifier modification too. Sorry it happened, but all in all, you were blessed it was not much worse.

07-29-2005	#9 (permalink)
SteveA Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer BTK Expert Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: New Hampshire Posts: 459	Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Sort of drives the point home that any one of us can be next. Take care of yourself & heal well. There will be another time to ride. __________________ Steve '04 Meanie

07-29-2005	#10 (permalink)
Ron -Dog Cruising In Fourth Gear BTK Intermediate Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Lawrenceville,Illinois Posts: 238	Heal up fast,this will give you time to think of what mods. you can do to the bike,after you mend. The road rash will heal up faster than you think. Any time I'm riding,or planning to ride a twisty road,I usually go for the hot weather jacket,vented gloves,ect. I've been where your at right now,a couple of times! Once like you in a t-shirt,road rash every where,next time on wet pavement with a Joe Rocket Jacket! The second time was better (if you can call a crash better?) got up and walked over to the bike unhurt. The dragin jeans,and jacket were trashed,but all I recieved was a few small bruises.Didn't even go to the Hosp. This was at 55mph! It will get better! RD __________________ 2005 Black Meanstreak 1600

07-29-2005	#11 (permalink)
BamaBob Midnight Venture Rider Forum Supporter Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Meridianville, Alabama Posts: 6,756	Sorry to hear about your crash, but glad you were not hurt a lot worse. Take it easy for a while and heal up. The bike can be fixed good as new, so don't worry about it. __________________ BamaBob *BTK Womens Azz Size Study Rep, U.S. Dept. of Posterior*

07-29-2005	#12 (permalink)
jollyrogr Refrigerator Magnet Test Engineer BTK Expert Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: northwest Iowa Posts: 454	you should be back on your bike in no time. Good thing you had your helmet on. I know sometimes I like to ride without one even though I know I shouldn't. You never know when something will happen. __________________ BLACK 2K6 MEANSTREAK R.I.P. 2K4 MEANSTREAK

07-30-2005	#13 (permalink)
Constrictor Way Too Much Free Time BTK Expert Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Steger, IL Posts: 1,023	Based on your opinions, do you think I should hand this into my insurance? I have a $500 deductible on any claim for the bike. How much will it cost me to replace the tank with the correct paint color to match? I also need to replace the shifter lever, get new mirrors, repleace the entire headlight assmebly and get new gauges. I am thinking that will cost well over $500. I dont have a lot of money to do this myself and it will take me at least a month to get $500 just to cover the deductible, plus I'll need to buy a new helmet since my old one is messed up now, and after this accident, theres no way in hell I am riding without a helmet on. __________________ 2005 Magma Red Kawasaki Mean Streak 1600 1998 Bright Red Pontiac Trans Am 405.5 RWHP 385.1 RWTQ 2004 Nighthawk Black Honda Accord EX 6-speed

07-30-2005	#14 (permalink)
Buster Clutch Cadet BTK Expert Join Date: May 2005 Location: Arkansas Posts: 359	Glad to hear your still in one piece. Sounds like it could have been a whole lot worse. Personally I would use the insurance. Thats why you bought it........ right? The repairs will probably be more than you think. Even if you can find a used tank, you will probably have to have it painted to match the bike. Funny how people that never used to wear a helmet suddenly become aware of their mortality when they get involved in an accident isn't it? ( Not you. I know you wear one) I have been in two accidents. One of em would have probably killed me or left me braindead if it wasn't for my helmet. Very few of my friends ever wear them. I just shake my head in amazement.

07-30-2005	#15 (permalink)
1400pilot UBER CLUB MEMBER #2 Forum Supporter Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Holdrege, Nebraska Posts: 13,839	glad to hear that you are ok, __________________ Click for a map of the states I've ridden in 08 ZG1400 Concours 06 KDX200 04KX65

07-30-2005	#16 (permalink)
2WheelFun the "fun old" guy Extreme Forum Supporter Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Albion, Washington "Pacific Northwest" Posts: 30,384	OUCH!!!!!!! Glad your alive and here telling us about it. I cringe everytime I read about a rider down. Never know what to expect until finished reading. You get well and take care of yourself. The bike can wait and when your ready you can get it fixed. Best Regards! __________________ *KING KAHUNA* *2007 V2K LT* ****PICS** 2007 Brute Force 650i **PICS** I love the smell of SeaFoam in the morning**

07-30-2005	#17 (permalink)
Crue Ludicrous Speed...GO! BTK Expert Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Nova Scotia, Canada Posts: 1,675	I'm glad your okay. If it's not to much to ask could you email me a couple of the more graphic pics of your injuries I have a young friend who just got his licence and he's always taking his jacket off. I have been riding on the streets for around 12 years and wear my jacket religiously. Just last week though I rode 20kms without a jacket for the first time and both of us could use a graphic refresher of the reasons for wearing proper gear. I would suggest not putting this through your insurance if at all possible. Since you were at fault your insurance premiums will likely go through the roof if you file a claim. __________________ Visit Crue's Control 2004 Vulcan 2000 HK 3" Big Straights, TFI, Thunder Teardrop custom

07-30-2005	#18 (permalink)
Cruiser4Fun Finally Got Into First Gear BTK Beginner Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Fort Mohave, AZ Posts: 65	Sorry to hear of you and your bikes injuries. I hope you both have a speedy recovery. Thanks for sharing your misfortune with the rest of us. We all know it could happen to us, we just hope it doesn't. There was a time when I would push myself through the twisties, now I just cruise and enjoy the ride.

07-30-2005	#20 (permalink)
moparman I ride, therefore I am. Forum Supporter Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: West Central Idaho Mountains Posts: 1,555	Crashing sucks but glad it wasn't worse. Heal up and good luck with fixing the bike. __________________ A day without a ride is like a day without sunshine.That's usually the reason, so it all works out.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)