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Jandj_davis
| Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 01:09 am: |
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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 |
Wantxbr
| Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 11:17 am: |
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Screw the bike as long as your OK. The bike can be fixed alot of times you may not. Everyone is helpful around here maybe someone has some extra parts on hand they arent using. Maybe ask around for some help so you can get the baby on the road again. |
Luxor
| Posted on Saturday, August 04, 2007 - 06:46 pm: |
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+1 Your OK, the most important thing. And if your buddy doesn't see the logic in riding gear just ridicule him by calling him a squid until he does. Now, I do have some signals, both front and rear sets, that need a good home. Just PM me. Again, your OK and that is all that really matters. |
Jandj_davis
| Posted on Sunday, August 05, 2007 - 10:14 am: |
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Luxor, thanks for the offer, but the rear signals are OK. The bike actually has Lockhart Phillips Short Stalk V signals on it, and they look pretty good and are cheap, so I am just going to get another pair of them. |
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