After two control lay-downs in 17,000 miles, my '07 Silverado took a big lay-down on the 20th of Sept. Narrow pavement, fairly rough patched road with some 30 mph twisties and I was the second rider out of three. Wearing 3/4 helmet with pulldown windshield, heavy denim riding jacket and leather chaps.
I entered the corner at less than 35 mph (verified by both other bikers) and a combination of dark pavement, dark volcanic gravel and patchy shade from trees along the ditch was nearly deadly. I never saw the gravel. The tires appear to have slid out from under me completely and then the bike and I were slammed down to the pavement. I have very limited memory of the actual accident other than hearing the gravel, seeing the gravel as my face slid on it, and the pain of my upper body hitting pavement with a lot of force.
Four weeks later, I am home recuperating. I have multiple fractures of the left shoulder, five broken ribs on the left side, and the left lung was punctured and had to be reinflated with a tube inserted to remove blood. I am doing extremely well, considering what I did to this old, overweight body. Forty years ago I probably would have walked away from this accident with bruises and scratches.
My reason for this lengthy post is to discuss equipment; mainly my helmet. I am one of the old free-style riders that loves the wind in my face and hair, and wear my helmet on rare occasions. This instance I had the helmet and face shield on due to cool riding conditions. From the looks of my helmet, I am a strong convert to the helmets all the time group. The force of the fall, cracked the helmet, tore off the windshield, crammed my perscription glasses above my left eye between helmet and my forehead. I suffered a cut above the left eye, and cut on my nose and a deep scratch on my chin.
Actual damages to the bike were set at $2500 by the adjuster from Progressive insurance, and my shop adjuster on first look says he can't see nearly that much damage, but will furnish his estimate in a couple of days. The Yammi Big Bars on the front, and the hard leather bag on the rear took 99% of the impact.
I love this bike, and of course I will continue to ride it, although I may take my age (67) a little more into consideration in the future. If this created any fear in me, it is more fear in my reaction times and aging abilities, than my fear of the bike.
I will post further information as it happens, but at this time, I have to report extremelhy positive interactions with Progressive Insurance, Yamaha, and my Yamaha dealership. They have all been very helpful and concerned, have done exactly what you would expect them to do, and everyone has been very honest and up-front in our discussions. I have not had to question anything any of them on what they have done or what they have promised.
Thanks for letting me ramble a bit. This has been a little theraputic to put this into writing and I would be happy to answer any questions or ideas anyone may want to add.

Glad you survived Dick! Material possessions come and go..........Glad you had your helmet on as well. Take all the therapy you need......and get better soon. BB

dryriver wrote:
I have to report extremelhy positive interactions with Progressive Insurance, Yamaha, and my Yamaha dealership. They have all been very helpful and concerned, have done exactly what you would expect them to do, and everyone has been very honest and up-front in our discussions. I have not had to question anything any of them on what they have done or what they have promised.

Glad to hear you are getting better Dick. Healing gets a lot tougher as I get older

Please take the time to report back about those you are dealing with that you would recommend to others. We look forward to those reports

Gram

Glad you are getting better, seems here lately there have been several motorcycle accidents on here. My uncle is recuperating also from a motorcycle accident....I'm glad you are changing your mind about helmets, I know this is a touchy subject, I have riden countless number of miles without a helmet on county roads and seems everytime I cross the state line into Florida I pull it off,,,but after my uncles accident a week ago it really got me thinking,,,,This past weekend I actually rode with a full coverage helmet, it also was cool outside so the full coverage kept my face warmer, but I've also boaght a DOT approved half helmet and hung the old skid on the wall in my shop. I guess my head is worth something for my family life, so I will keep it protected!....Get well soon!
Billy

I started wearing my full cover helmet after a couple of buddies took a fall. One did a nose dive in the parking lot at the bike shop.

Thanks for sharing and speedy recovery.

Dick........was the pooch with you? BB

Glad you're still with us!

Glad to hear your OK! Well, that your still here and healing. You sound positive, and glad you will be biking again! My Best!

Once you hit the sand or gravel there is nothing you can do but hope the asphalt is forgiving.Thanks for reminding us that the cagers are not the only dangers we have to watch for.As a member of the asphalt surfers club myself I hope you mend quickly...Coug

That's sad news. Wishing you have a speedy recovery.

As for the age thing .... how about a trike ... I've alway liked them and figure when I start falling down at stop signals I'll convert mine.

Doc