Biker Down - Warning: Extreme Irony

[Inswinger]

This would be funny if it wasn't true. I'm hoping that sharing it will make me feel better.

I did the M2 Exit course on the weekend.  Yep, Saturday was miserably wet and required a complete change of gear mid-day.  Sunday was relatively dry, and my test went really well.  Shortly after my test, I was travelling along a residential street when an idiot in a car,  took a wide right turn onto the road and crossed about two-thirds into my lane, heading right toward me, accelerating.  After getting on the breaks and with no escape route available, I reckoned I didn't want to get any closer to his car and laid the bike down to save my skin.  A last second swerve by the driver prevented him from hitting my bike as it slid toward him.

I called the police, as I reckoned this careless twit had nearly put me in hospital.  Of course, his version of events was different to mine.  No witnesses.  His word against mine.  He wasn't ticketed, and the police report contains nothing except our particulars.  The positive side to this is I'm beaten up from head to toe, but didn't need medical attention. 

The irony here is the timing.  Just finished the process that will give me my full licence and now my bike will need a shedload of repairs.  I know an insurance claim will have my premium soaring, so yeah, I'm going to suck it up, I guess, and get the repairs done.

Any morale-raising comments, fellow riders??

[snerchie]

Damn...sorry to hear about your luck, I have had to fix my bike on my own as well....my repair quote was $4000, i managed to fix it up like new for $1200 by myself- if I can offer any help on repair tips-ie.resin job ect. let me know.

[Shaman]

Not much to say, except that "laying it down" rarely helps anything, which you have learned the hard way.  Your best bet would have been to decelerate as quickly as possible and take your nearest opportunity to get out of his path.  If that means riding onto the sidewalk (provided that is possible, as it isn't always), then so be it.  Don't be afraid to break the law or push your limits, when faced with that situation, take whatever course of action you need to.  And use your horn! 

Part of riding on city streets (in particular but not exclusively) is always scanning for dangers and taking note of places where you can ride off if necessary.  This practice doesn't come naturally, you need to work and train yourself for it.  Watch the horizon, not the road in front of you and scan everything with your peripheral vision.

On the upside, you are not badly hurt (broken bones, etc.) and your bike doesn't sound completely trashed.  That must be a huge relief for you and your friends.   And don't beat yourself up too badly for it, faced with such a situation, the best you can do is sometimes all you can do.

[rollingstone]

Glad to hear your allright Inswinger.Like shaman says keep head up and look way ahead when traveling anywhere.The side streets can be the most dangerous because of all the attractions{tree's,people,bushes etc.}I hope the bike is not to bad and your up and riding in no time.

[Gixxed]

I'm glad you came out okay Inswinger.  Going for the asphalt slide is never fun.  How's the Bike looking?  It's an SV right?  There's lots of parts around for them, so it shouldn't be too hard to get good stuff cheap.

[Inswinger]

Thanks for the words of encouragement, guys.  I appreciate it. 

Of course, I've been replaying the incident over and over in my mind, wondering what I could've done differently.  I had my head and eyes scanning, having had that beaten into me during the course.  Maybe I could've found a small gap to accelerate into, but the incident happened so fast, and the car took an outrageous path at ridiculous speed.  Shaman, your comment about pushing my limits is sage advice that I will attempt to apply if I ever get into a similar situation again.

The bike is not too badly off considering.  Thank goodness for the SV's relative nakedness.  I'll need a new right footpeg, rear brake lever, and front right signal to make it roadworthy.  The bodywork is scratched up and has small crack.  The exhaust is scratched up, as is the right mirror, front brake lever, and handlebar weight.  It'll mend.  And I plan to get out running tomorrow to test my shoulders, hip, and knee.  I reckon I'll be sound as a pound.

Again, thanks for the replies.

Steve

[flash]

Glad you made it through ok. Too bad about your bike though. I take it the "cage" which caused this got off without a scratch? He's not out a cent, and his insurance company is none the wiser. He at least deserves a broken head light or a key down the door. 

[Inswinger]

He deserves more than because he was an arrogant bastard as well.  I was tempted to give him a good hiding on the spot, to be honest.  I managed to maintain my self control though, and yeah, he drove away consequence free.

[pailface]

Yo, you post a make, model, and colour of offending cage - and these guys will
take care of business.   and fogetaboutit..





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[Gixxed]

Yeah, I'm sure we could arrange for the offending motorist to be "taken care of."   

[snerchie]

After being the victim of a hit and run last year you can count me in!!!! 

[Forseti]

I dare say there are very few of us who havn't had something similar happen at one time or another. Perhaps not put the bike down or crash but have to take the daisy trail...

I've been tempted to stap a bat to the bike a few times. 

[Gixxed]

Yeah, I don't know how many times I've had to stop myself from kicking mirrors off.

[Inswinger]

Actually, I'm surprised how easily I let the guy off.  I must've been in shock.  I've got a bit of a reputation for being slightly lippy (upbringing...born in Manchester, UK)  in some circumstances, but this time I surprised myself, and shut my gob after a bit.

Snerchie: Your hit and run must've been quite the ordeal.  Are you inclined to tell us about it?

[snerchie]

Inswinger:
Sure Man!!! I am sure it is not the first tale of it kind though...
I was heading west on bath road aproaching the intersection at Mcguiness Landing and Ramekins (restaurants) I was in the left lane  between cars following the normal flow of traffic, there were cars in the right lane beside me as well-(lights were green), I was actually driving slow for a change (about 70kms)-I was taking a friend for her first motorcycle ride. As I approached the intersection the car in front of me swerved to avoid two older ladies in a cream coloured car which were trying to cross the intersection to make a left against traffic.
at that point I was on the brakes hard and the bike started to slide slightly to the right. at the last second they accelerated and t-boned me on the left side, which sent the bike skidding the opposite way. I mannaged to recover it and come to a stop.
When the car hit us I managed to lift my leg almost out of the way of the car bumper, my friend was not so lucky she ended up with her leg between my bike and the bumper.
The two ladies got out of their car to check their damage, and I was trying to calm my friend who was screaming in pain. The two people in the car in front of me (who were also nearly clipped) turned around and came back to act as witnesses to the accident- they saw the ladies and figured they would be right over....after checking their damage the two women got in their car and took off.
As the witnesses called 911 I was forced to decide to either leave my friend crying or chase the hoes...I decided to stay with my friend....and they got away-no-one was able to get a plate number from the car.
The irony is my friend's fiancee is an OPP officer.(who was not too happy)
The police were unable to locate the suspect car and even put an add. in the paper to  attempt to locate them with tips..-(unsucessfully )
they did an accident report on the scene and a visual inspection of my bike( an Ex 500 at the time) was said to be found damage free....untill I actually rode it. and found the swingarm and pipe was bent.
My friend wound up with some fractures in her left foot and I had some nasty bruises , And the ladies who hit me were never caught and are probably laughing their asses off as you read this.
Since then my butt puckers every time I go through an intersection and I damn sure hope someday I get to see those Ladies again .
I guess it is just the price you pay to enjoy the road on two wheels, just be glad you came out of your wreck ok and you can live to tell the tale...
but I do feel for ya man!!! just remember things could always be worse.-
although if it were to happen to me again I think I would chase the bastards down and beat them to within an inch of their lives!!!!
Keep your chin up!!!! hope to see ya on the road!!!