Had My First One

[snoke]

I had my first wreck yesterday. I was doing everything that I have been taught that was safe and correct when riding. Unfortunately, it didn't matter. A lady pulled out in front of me while I was driving at highway speeds. I was able to get slowed down to probably around 35 mph before I hit somewhere around the passengers side front wheel. It threw me over my windshield, across her hood and down to the pavement. Thank God that my major injury in a messed up right knee. She is Ok as well.
I have learned many things since this is happened. Number 1, I am thankful that I was wearing my helmet, gloves, and so on. Without a doubt in my mind, the injuries would have been worse without them. The other thing I learnedis that on my next bike, I WILL HAVE LOUD PIPES!!! I know that some people get very annoyed by the sound of the pipes roaring down the streets and subdivisions but we as motorcycle riders can not be visible enough. I will repeat someones avitar that I have read in this wonderful forum... Loud pipes save lives. I believe that there is probably a lot of truth in that. The bike I had prior to the one I wrecked yesterday (2008 Vulcan Classic LT with 450 miles) had loud pipes. I know that I was heard often before I was seen and other were aware of me before they even saw me.We can ride respectfully with loud pipes when leaving our homes in the mornings and still be noticeable out on the road.
The last thing I want to say is ride defensively and where protective gear. Although there was nothing I could do to avoid the accident, my protective gear may be the only reason that I am to say what I have said to everyone.

Ride Safe!

[longbeachgary1]

First off, I'm glad that you are able to write your post. Second, the decision to have loud pipes is a personal one just like wearing a helmet. I'm not all that sure that louder pipes would have helped you. Remember that the sound goes out the back of the pipe not the front. Again, I'm glad you're mostly OK.

[Wicked96SS]

Really sorry to hear about your accident, and I hope you recover quickly and get back on a scoot soon...

That being said, I don't think the loudness of your bike in this situation would have helped you at all... I have VERY loud pipes, and people still don't see me... Granted, I believe that the loud pipes help in thicker traffic, but in your situation, don't think it would have helped at all.

I have loud pipes, only because I wanted loud pipes!!

Good luck

[cmptrmn.1]

Glad you're OK. Pipes are not what saves lives. It's paying attention and assuming that jerk is going to do something to try to kill you. Your safety depends on you. Once we start thinking that pipes/horns/yelling keeps us safe, we will be doomed. But, they sure can't hurt.

[Ronin47]

Glad to see you came out of that scrap all right. But before you go out and buy loud pipes, check out this article that talks about Motorcycle Safety Myths...

[snoke]

Thanks guys. I still think the next one will have loud pipes though - I just would fell more reassured.

[eidian]

Glad that you're okay. If you want loud pipes, that's cool--just don't think that they're going to save you. You're going to start depending on them and actually think that they're going to save your @ss. That's a big assumption on something that hasn't been proven. Like cmptrnm.1 implied, it's your smarts and anticipation that are going to save you. Riding zones has saved my @ss numerous and every time it does, I thank my MSF instructor to myself.

[janeika1]

I'm so glad to read that you came out with no broken bones. Notice my signature is raggedy car driver-- because they are!! Those that have never ridden, will never understand. Unfortunately, we have to think for them, kinda like we have to think for our kids! Your Guardian Angel (and quick response and anticipation to the situation, I guess) is what saved you! Good job on paying attention and not looking to see what the guy with the loud pipes next to you was looking like

[NCDave]

Glad you're ok Snoke. I'm on your side on the pipe debate, but evidence in either direction is anticdotal at best. I believe anything you can do to get any kind of edge, no matter how big or small, is ok with me!

[Slo'Poke]

Good to hear your ok, Snoke. Mend quickly, friend.

[pat0021]

Glad you're ok. responsible riding saves live not exhaust pipes. It sounds like you were riding responible. I have had some loud bikes scare me in my cage when they have come up from behind at a high rate of speed. Had I just decided to lane change without looking they still woulda got nailed. But do what you need to do.

[48Rob]

You're going to start depending on them and actually think that they're going to save your @ss. That's a big assumption on something that hasn't been proven. Like cmptrnm.1 implied, it's your smarts and anticipation that are going to save you.

Awareness and skill/experience have a much better success rate than making noise...

[socalmarcus]

Also glad you're OK. That's how my brother lost his first bike; mine came from the side.

Amen on the gear.

As was stated before, pipes are less heard by those in front of you. How about your headlight - working? Some use brighter bulbs or have their's pulse.

Now get to what we all really want to know - how's the bike?

[snoke]

The bike has probably gone it last mile. Everything on the bike is either dented, broke,warped or scratched. I was so proud of my bike. My wife is not a big fan of motorcycles but she suprised me. First of all she was very thankful I am basically OK but she said that she was hurt for me because she knew how proud and happy I was with my bike. My plan is to get another just like it, although I am considering a Mean Streak. Whatever I get, I'm pretty certain it will have Kawasaki on the side of it. Regaurdless of what I get, I plan on getting on another one as the wounds mend. Riding is so much fun!!! I consider it a therapy for me. There is nothing better than riding down the rode on a warm summer afternoon.

[hbgregg]

Originally Posted by Ronin47

...before you go out and buy loud pipes, check out this article that talks about Motorcycle Safety Myths...

then read the follow-up article: The Last Word On Loud Pipes

[ozyran440]

Glad to hear another rider is safe thanks to ATGATT. Glad you're alive and well! I hope your knee heals up quick and you get back on the road soon!

You're definitely right about the value of the gear. Either we wear it or we pay even more later.

[Woody61]

Glad you made with only some minor injuries. Use your own judgement on the pipes, ear splitting loud can be heard but you'd just be adding to growing concern of noise enforcement against bikes by communities around the country. My 2-1 roadhouse with standard baffles can slip through a residential area almost unnoticed but can really bark if you crack the throttle. Maybe add a headlight modulator, that may have helped you in this siuation. Any way, good luck with your next bike.

[KevyzToy]

Glad you are alright. Bikes can be repaired or replaced.

Louds pipes or not, the lady did not look before she pulled out in front of you, plain and simple.

[Hacker]

Number one (and you've seen it here).....RIDE LIKE EVERYONE IS TRYING TO KILL YOU!! I am constantly checking the rearviews.....when going down a road and I see a vehicle approaching from a side road/street, the first thing I do is SLOW DOWN. Better to do it before, rather than when it's too late. When you get your next bike, swap out that anemic horn for a PIAMM Freeway Blaster ($14 at AutoZone) or the equivalent. 132 decibels can make a difference.

[cjp91068]

One thing one of the instructors emphasised when I took the MSF course was you can't be visible enough. Try adding some lights to the front of your bike maybe. Personally I've found that those yellow fog lights are very visible to me. Also, maybe some modulated headlights?