| Author | Message | ||
     Fcbuell |
Hi all. Feel like I need to vent a bit... Took the car to work today, for no other reason then I was tired, lazy, felt it would be unsafe to moto. On my way home... I was sitting 4 cars back or so at light, light turns green, car tries to make last minute left hand turn, ends up hitting head on with the first car going through the green light. That was one, no one hurt, fender bender.. but exciting... detour left, around the block, back to heading home. 5 minutes later I'm sitting as the 1st car at another light (facing west). I'm checking out a sweet sportster with new tags in the left hand turn lane (facing north). Guy inched forward into the intersection, then goes to make a left - right in front of on coming traffic. Now I don't know if the guy just didn't see the two cars coming, perhaps thought the one was going to turn left and thought he had time, or more likley maybe he had a questionable opening and went to take it gunning it a bit but stalled the bike? I dunno... But in a flash, he got hit from a car going ~40mph. The impact was so hard the bike exploded (not fire, but pieces everywhere) and the guy got tossed. I've seen lots of R rated movies, some accidents (after they happen), some bad injuries. But there's something about an event like this that happens in front of your eyes, especially when you aren't expecting it that is so impactful or sobering. I've never experienced this, but my automatic reaction was to almost hurl in my car, adrenalin, adrenalin. Before I realized it I had jumped out of my car and ran into the intersection just to hold up traffic. Assess things. Call 911 etc.. I ended up leaving as rescue folks arrived and others were helping with the situation. Dude seemed OK, I mean he was alive, but his legs were trashed/crushed. Had a helmet and leather jacket. Anyway - I have no point here. Let's just say I went home and questioned a lot of things, my moto, saftey etc. WATGATT - and ride safe. Don't take risks. (Message edited by fcbuell on November 07, 2007) (Message edited by fcbuell on November 07, 2007) (Message edited by fcbuell on November 07, 2007) (Message edited by fcbuell on November 07, 2007) | ||
| Reepicheep |
I know what you mean. I saw a Honda Odessey slide sideways into a Mazda MX6. The image is still etched in my brain... the Honda broadsided, and the MX6 with its rear 45 degrees in the air from the impact, and the whole mess sliding into the ditch. I was the 3rd vehicle on scene (on my 9sx), pretty much before the cars slid to a complete stop. The minivan was full of screaming kids, which is where the people that stopped went. I was the only one to go over to the mazda... the woman driver was unconsious and slumped over the deflated airbag, bleeding and not moving. Found out later she got out with "just" two broken legs, and the 16 year old van driver and her siblings were all fine as well. Amazing. It really messes with your head though. | ||
| Gschuette |
I have witnessed one gnarly wreck where some kids in Saturn didn't just run a stopsign they were attempting a land speed record while doing it and in the process just obliterated a truck, which didn't have to stop, going through the intersection. I was right behind the truck. Once the Saturn hit it just spun in place so I had to swerve around it. I was probably following too close. Anyway I think about that wreck all the time when I am driving and always when I am on the scooter. I have never been in a serious accident but I get so much enjoyment out of the Buell that I believe the fun to be worth the risks. | ||
| Prof_stack |
I have never been in a serious accident but I get so much enjoyment out of the Buell that I believe the fun to be worth the risks. - Gshuette That pretty much sums up why most of us ride. But let me tell you that being in the ER getting probed and xrayed and CT scanned is something I DON'T want to do again. Even though my XB is looking as new, newer than before the accident, I'm not finding as many reasons TO ride than NOT to ride. Accidents are very sobering. | ||
| Doncasto |
Here's one that hit close to home . . .both because a bike was involved and because it occurred within site of my kitchen window.  The BMW was was two-up, both guys about my age, both with full safety gear and helmets. The BMW pilot was following too close to the Subaru in front of him . . .the Subaru braked suddenly for a car stopping to turn left . . .the BMW hit the Subaru and the car behind the BMW (also following too close) hit the bike. The BMW driver was thrown under the Subaru and was trapped until the fire department arrived. His passenger was thrown onto the hood of the car behind them. Passenger was ambulatory . . .driver was taken away by ambulance once he was extricated. Here's another one a few weeks later, less than 20 yards west of the bike crash . . .I didn't see this one happen, but it looks as though it was another left turn related crash . . .a mother and daughter were briefly trapped in the overturned car by their air bags and belt restraints. Both were shaken but uninjured. The driver making the "failure to yield" left turn vehicle had minor facial lacerations from her sunglasses . . .resulting from airbag deployment. Be careful out there. . . .  | ||
| Diablobrian |
I was in a major accident on my last bike. I was wearing full gear or I would have died at the scene. As it was if we had been any further than 2 blocks from the trauma center I wouldn't have made it. I still ride because I simply LOVE riding. There are risks, and you do your best to mitigate them. You keep your head on a swivel (even though that won't always save you from the "other guy") and wear your gear. Riding is one of life's great passions. I couldn't give it up out of fear of what someone else might or might not do. | ||
| Midnightrider |
Like I posted here I did a highway-speed low side on Sep 20th (hit the mother of all diesel spills - enough to send me and 6 cars off the road). I slid a little while then friction took over and I log-rolled 3-4 times, banging my left knee up, fracturing the right elbow and spraining my right wrist. Most is healed, but the right wrist is still weak and painful. About 10 days ago, under circumstances that are still not clear, my nephew (18 years old) came up over a hill on a rural road, found a REALLY slow mover directly in front of him and swerved left to avoid rear-ending him. Right into the path of an oncoming SUV in the opposing lane. One account says he lost control and was throw at that point, while another says it looked like he was trying to shoot for the crop fields off the left side of the road. Either he way, he was struck by the oncoming SUV who was also steering for the same geography. Respiratory arrested at the scene, airlifted out to a major trauma center. Inventory so far is a closed brain injury, fractured femur (they've put a rod in that) broken collar bone, fractured vertebrae C4 and L5 (although it looks like neither fracture was displaced or caused any nerve damage). He's was on a ventilator but is breathing on his own now with a tracheostomy. There has been some movement in his limbs and he does open his eyes at times but doesn't follow commands. Neurology says they don't know why he hasn't "woken up" but thinks he will. Eventually. Only then will we know what kind of rehab he might need and how much function he will recover. My bike got out of the shop 2 days ago. I made lots of noise about getting it done and now it sits there in the garage. Part of the reason is I know I'm not 100% physically. If I had to take some real physical action to avoid a collision I'm not sure the right wrist and arm would cooperate. The other reason lies in a bed in upstate New York. I've had a lot of time to think about it all. I really don't think I'm afraid for myself. I've always known what can happen but this certainly brings it right up in your face and it won't go away. Heck, after my accident I worried I might get a little too cocky. I had basically crashed at 60 mph and walked away (ATTGAT). I realize it could have been much worse but it really wasn't too bad. How a bad crash would affect my family is of course a whole 'nother animal. I'm out of town for 10 days and I know when I come back I'll get back on the bike. I'm not sure for how long, though. No matter what happens I don't believe I'll ever get on a bike or look at another bike again without thinking of my nephew. I know when I go riding again I'll carry this with with me. And here's my final paradox - I worry that when I do get back on the bike it just won't be as good as it once was. Then I worry that it will. Thanks for letting me vent. Be safe. Please. Don | ||
| Diablobrian |
That first ride after a major get-off is an emotional experience no matter who you are. If the risk is no longer worth the reward for you then it is time to stop riding. I don't ride as much as I would like to because I am not at 100% physically every day of any given week, and I refuse to mount up if I'm not on top of my game. I'm glad to hear that you chose not to ride until you fully recover. It is a wise move IMHO. Even if you aren't "into" riding any more because of all of this you know that you're still welcome around here. Also if you want to talk to someone that has "been there, done that" don't be afraid to give me a shout. That goes for anyone working their way back from a crash. (Message edited by diablobrian on November 08, 2007) | ||
| New12r |
That first ride after a major get-off is an emotional experience no matter who you are. Words never spoken so true! | ||
| Tstan7777 |
You know, my first bike was zx-6r. I had ridden dirt bikes as a kid but never had a street bike. I thought I knew how to ride though. I did as far as going fast, but 3 weeks after I got the bike I was going to the dealership to get the oil changed and the bike looked over. Out of no where this huge turtle appeared from underneath the car in front of me. I'm on the highway mind you. Looking back, I think if I wouldn't have hit the front brake I might have rolled over him. Maybe not though. Anyways, the turtle shot right, the bike went left. Think Super Mario Bros. I let go of the bike and went straight pretty much. I ate the asphalt at 60mph, slid for a ways, then started to roll. I was in blue jean shorts and a t-shirt. I landed on my right side, slid on my back going head first for a ways, then rolled over and over. Somehow all the cars around me managed to miss me. After I came to a stop, the first thing on my mind was to get the turtle. Bike in the middle of the road and all. I found him in the ditch to the right, loooonng ways from the road. The bike was ok except for the peg and mirror on the right side. I tried to ride it home, but a few miles down the road I couldn't hold me right arm up. Turns out my collar bone was broke. I bet it took me a month to get back on it. I hadn't made the first payment yet. Eventually I did ride again and kept the bike for another two years. But I tell you one thing---I learned my lesson. I never ride where I can't see around the car in front of me, or I ride far enough back that I can react to something in the road. | ||
| Reepicheep |
ooooooowwwwwwwwwww! shorts and a t-shirt? ooooooooowwwwwwwwwwww! | ||
| Ironhead1977 |
A year and a half ago about 2 in the mourning I had a massive heart attack. Spent a week in the hospital after surgery at the ripe old age of 41.It took about 8 weeks to recover enough to be able to drive or ride the bike. Since then I ride the bike every day without fail. Rain or shine I love it. Cold or hot I am there. I am not afraid of dying anymore, I am afraid of not living. | ||
| Twig |
Ironhead, real good to hear you survived the heart attack. We lost a 57 year old co-worker three weeks ago due to a massive heart attack. He was very well liked...stand in minister,organist,choir,elder,father,son and also highly ranked in the Army reserves. Even did a tour in Iraq at his age. Picture of health. So true are the words, "you never know". Midnight, I also hope for the best for your nephew's recovery. Somehow I scrolled down and missed your post. (Message edited by twig on November 08, 2007) | ||
| Ulywife |
Midnightrider - continue to take care of yourself and ride only when you are ready. Prayers go out for your nephew. Keep us posted on his progress. Ironhead - glad you survived your heart attack. Take care of yourself and thanks for reminding us that none of us are promised a tomorrow. | ||
| Diablobrian |
"I am not afraid of dying anymore, I am afraid of not living." Bingo!\but that's not how it works out for everyone. There are in general 3 classes of riders in my experience. 1)Those, like most of the Badwebbers I've met, for whom riding is an integral part of their lives. The idea of giving up riding never seriously crosses their minds. No matter what. They have a collection of gear that they rotate depending upon the season. Full gear is the norm for them, they feel naked if they aren't wearing it on the bike no matter how short the trip is. 2) Recreational riders, They ride for pleasure as long as there isn't too much hassle involved. Full gear = hassle kind of people. Not bad folks, but "class 1" riders don't get them and vice versa for the most part. They approach riding from different perspectives. 3) Those more in love with the IDEA of riding than actually saddling up. These tend to be RUBs that keep a highly polished garage ornament for display to others to prove their manliness. They have no real attachment to the sport other than via their wardrobe of H-D lifestyle accessories, leather vests, chaps and fingerless gloves. They tend to ride in shorts, tank top, and a novelty helmet so that they can show off their "Live to ride - ride to live" tattoo to the soccer mom in the minivan in the next lane. These guys imagine themselves to be "class 1" riders, but they have no commitment to riding and there is no emotional investment other than boost to their fragile little egos. Unfortunately the class 2 and 3 riders far outnumber the (generally) more skilled and responsible class 1 riders. The class 2 & 3 riders are the ones making a bad name for riders in the public eye by making complete asses out of themselves and dying in spectacular numbers and ways. The adage "If it bleeds it leads" is very true in the media and these guys are losing blood by the gallon. As riders we are on the fast track to losing the right to ride what, where, and how we want if we don't start policing ourselves. I also think that a full out public awareness campaign towards rider awareness is over-due. It should be run on the same scale as the anti-drug and cigarette campaigns. Too many riders have died because a driver "didn't see them" Funny thing, these same drivers never fail to notice a police bike whether it is a KZ1000, a H-D, or BMW and those bikes have dramatically different profiles. To me that's in-excusable. btw ironhead1977, I'm stealing that line!  | ||
| Reepicheep |
I might word your class 3 a little kinder and gentler. They do like riding, they do like the bikes, they just don't want to do it except under perfect conditions and in a *purely* recreational setting. I wouldnt judge somebody for wanting a jet ski that only gets ridden 8 times a year if they are lucky, so a Harley that gets ridden 10 as a *purely* recreational thing is fine if thats what they want. Class 3 is the plankton in the motorcycle ecosystem though... if it werent for them, my bike, my gear, everything would be far more expensive then I could *ever* afford. (in my best bud light announcer voice...) Class 3 rider! I salute you!!!  | ||
| Diablobrian |
I thought I was being kind and gentle to the class 3s  the type you are describing gets bumped up to class 2 in most cases because they are by definition recreational riders. The difference between 2s and 3s is largely in their attitude. If I offend someone with this it is probably because they feel guilty about where they see themselves fitting in this system. They have it in their power to change. I will not make accommodations to salve bruised egos. There has been WAY too much of that going on as it is. I have the bike I do now because a class 3 rider bought it, and then found he couldn't afford it. He had it for a year and put 200 miles on it. So I too salute the class 3 rider! | ||
| Ratyson |
I drove up to a very bad accident about 15 years ago. I arrived just a couple of minutes after it happened. No LEO or Medical services had arrived, and probably had not even been called yet. It was a 2 lane road (Highway 124 through Snellville, GA for those familiar with the area, just north of Highpoint road), speed limit is 55mph. Gravel trucks (18 wheeler type) are constantly traveling this road because there is a granite quarry a few miles south east. Most folks travel around 60mph, including said trucks. The turn in to our subdivision (where we lived) at Bankston Woods was a bit trecherous coming from the south side, as you had to take a left. Well, a lady was waiting to take a left, while a gravel truck approached from the south behind her. I am guessing he wasn't paying much attention, because at the last second he tried to pass her ... USING THE ON COMING TRAFFIC LANE! Unfortunately for all involved, there was a pick-up coming from the north at the same time. Both slammed on their breaks, but could not even come close to stopping, and a head on collision ensued. (this was relayed to me by the man who lived on the corner, who watched the entire incident from his back porch.) You would think that the driver of the semi would be pretty much safe... but he was not. The pickup truck had a load of pvc pipe on the top cage. And a 1" pvc pipe found it's way through the windsheild of the semi, and struck the driver square in the head. Almost killing him. The driver of the pickup was wedged into the passenger side window opening.. I think his hips kept him from flying out. He was semi consious when I got there, and in immense pain when he would come too. It was discovered a few minutes later, that there were actually 3 guys in the pickup. One was found in the floorboard, folded in half with a toilet from the rear of the truck on top of him. The third was found underneath the truck (and mind you, all four wheels were folded, there was barely room to fit your head under there). He appearantly tried to jump out of the truck prior to the impact, and ended up under it. It was a gruesome scene, that is for sure. And one that I probably won't ever forget. Another oddity that I recall about this accident, was that the drivers of both vehicles, lived basically down the street from eachother in a town in North GA about 70 miles away. They just happened to meet unexpectedly and quite unfortunately on this day. The only two people who survived were the driver of the Semi, who ended up permenantly blind/disabled, and the driver of the pickup, who IIRC was paralyzed from his injuries. | ||
| Ironhead1977 |
Thanks to all for your warmth. Diablobrian, I totally agree with your list. I fully promote wearing a full face helmet and armored gear and wearing a seat belt in a car. God helps those who help themselves. If you don't wear the gear,he can't help you. | ||
| Gschuette |
Prof I have been in the ER and it sure isn't fun. I try to think about how long my visit would be there from a crash on the scoot.  | ||
| Paint_shaker |
I responded to a fatality crash involving a motorcycle. Short story; 2 motorcycles had been witnessed speeding, wheeling and doing rolling burnouts at approx 12:30 at night in town... Few miles down the road, they pop a rise in the road (at speed) and there sits an open trailer race car hauler (due to an earlier altercation). One bike missed it, the other impacted and pretty much died instantly... Just another example of how some else's stupidity (the race car rednecks) can impact a motorcycle rider. Ride safe!!! | ||
| Sgthigg |
I saw a guy go down on his rice rocket here in Japan yesterday. He was in our group going through some mountains. He was being stupid passed a car and tried to make a sharp turn. Luckily he low sided it and came off the bike before the bike slammed into the guard rail. By sheer luck he hit the guard rail post keeping it and him from sliding through it and down a 30 ft straight drop into a rock river bed. He was alright fortunately. I think his bike being busted up and having to ride. B&^ch on the back of his buddies bike humbled him a little I hope. Anyways not trying to hijack the thread but coming from South Mississippi to Japan is like night and day. There is nothing but mountains and twisties. Or bumper to bumper traffic. I need to get my helmet camera going and I will post some videos of it sometime. Its absolutely gorgeous. | ||
| Jlh87 |
On friday I was hit at highway speed. I had just gotten on to the interstate and was merging over. I siginaled to the left, then looked and moved over. As i was into the lane something made me look over again and a car came out of the left lane and knocked me off and over. I was going about 55-60 and wearing a leather jacket and helmet. these saved me but my leg got decently torn up. The driver slowed and then kept going. I guess there was a semi that almost ran me over after I skidded to a stop but I was watched. Since the driver didn't stop I get to pay for everything now. I thank God that I wasn't hurt to bad and that I'll be able to get back on after I get it fixed. | ||
| Jstfrfun |
Well Brian I guess I'm a 2 cause I'm working 6days a week I do keep my bikes very clean, I built them nut&bolt so I'm kinda anal like ,but like you now, I ALWAYS wear my gear. Back in the day a friend said "dress for the wreck,and you'll ride again. I live in so. nevada and it gets HOT here,but we still wear the gear! | ||
| Luckydevil |
Two stories, i'll try to keep em short. Driving out of my subdivision one night 7:30 A car was racing a bike, bike in the left of two lanes. The guy in the left turning truck saw the car, not the bike (much faster and closer). The entire passenger side of the truck cab was punched in, like a wrecking ball hit it. Tipped over on it's side no less. F150. the rider was almost a block down the street, under a little blanket. My wife cried for a half hour. Moral: all the gear in the world won't save you if you insist on making dangerous choices. (one being riding without gear, imo) Second story I had jury duty, i was sent home when the judge asked me if i could ignore that the rider of the bike (who had died of head injuries i later learned) was not wearing a helmet, since the law did not require it. I told him that even though we didn't have a helmet law, it was his choice to not wear a piece of protective gear, and i couldn't ignore the fact that it might have saved his life. The helmet freedom folks have argued this as a freedom of choice issue, how can i not hold him accountable for his choice then? needless to say, i was asked to leave very quickly after that. | ||
| Swordsman |
Ouch, Jordan, sorry to hear that! Glad you're okay! ~SM | ||
| Kedo |
Man, I have no idea how my dog and I made it outta this one. a Criddler (meth freak) was on a tear to get across town to score a bag and ran the stop sign as i was crossing through the intersection. His FORD TEMPO braod-sided my F-350 and the rear wheel of my truck went up over the hood of the car and caused my truck to literally flip in mid air thus landing on the cap. I slid about 50 yards up to the curb on the other side of the street. the steering column broke and the steering wheel was resting on my kneecap hyper-extending my leg with the weight of the truck on top of it. the seat belt and my relaxing as the truck went over, saved my life (along with a shit-load of angels flapping their wings like freakin' hummingbirds). Anyhow, we were pried out of the rig and the traffic cop who took all the photos at the scene came to the ER and looked at me while I was on the examination table and shook his head - told me he burned two complete rolls of film on that accident scene and nobody will ever believe that they pulled a live body out of the wreck. Man, am I blessed, or what? Thank God.   | ||
| Valmacmiami |
In the accident vane last October I was driving my XB 9 I came around a blind bend with a green filter arrow at speed guy on other side of road did illegal left turn right in front of me then stopped half way round the bend when he saw me I missed him and stopped and proceeded to curse him out for couple of minutes still i shock at a very near miss I then drove off after a few minutes I found I was having having difficulty changing gear I figured i must have bent my gear lever because it was a very close thing I had the bike in third and managed to get it home by slipping the clutch on arrival home I went to get off the bike and fell over thats where paramedics found me with broken fibula and tibula seems it wasnt a near miss after all I had broke my leg two months in hospital and shiny new rod in leg to show for it I was wearing helmet jacket boots and gloves never did get the guys name or number It was a big step to get on the bike after that one but bike was undamaged so why not. | ||
| Jxb |
+4 Original drummer, buell pro-air filter, & race ecm! This is an old post I have tried to cancel but it keeps coming up. I decided to let it post so that i can get rid of it..... | ||
| Midnightrider |
I wanted to say thanks for all the support and PM's I got from BadWebber's after my post up above. This week everything came together and after 2 months off I finally got back in the saddle. It all culminated with a 4 hr ride yesterday. I guess you could look at it this way Post-Accident insurance repairs . $2700 Upgrades Dark Horse Moto Sliders...........$110 HVMP Bar End Weights...............$65 Juggernaught Armored Shirt........$179 Velocity Gear Knee/Shin Pads.......$60 Scorpion EXO 700 Helmet............$200 HD-Heated Gear (jacket liner, pants liner, gloves, dual thermostat.............................$700 4 hour ride on a sunny, 40 degree day and BadWeb Friends...........................PRICELESS |
