Didn’t quite know what to call this post: crap, hell, damn, rookie mistake, bound to happen, lucky it wasn’t worse.

Ok, so I dropped my new RS today… big time. Going slow in street traffic, I glanced off to the right for a split second then back to see myself coming up on a stopped pickup. I had plenty of time to stop but my reflexes saw me getting too close too fast and I squeezed the front handbrake a little too hard. The front tire locked up, I skidded about 15 feet and had no chance to recover. Next thing I know I had 750 lbs. resting on me and my helmet was banging hard into the asphalt. Crap, hell, damn! I still had at least 30 feet to the pickup.

Well it was bound to happen, and while it could happen to anyone it was a rookie mistake. The bike is officially christened… Luckily the crash bar saved the day, but it needs to be replaced because it’s bent about 10 degrees toward my shift pedal. It’s not a cheap bar either. It’s a Lindby custom. The left mirror is scraped real bad and the windshield has some marginal scratches along the edge. I need to file down a little metal on the cable housing of the clutch handle grip. Worst though is a saddlebag got scraped up pretty bad. The crash bar and the mirror will run about $450.

Turns out the guy in the truck is a mechanic at one of the larger cycle shops in town. He lifted the bike off me and checked it out briefly. Told me it was ok but when I bitched that the crash bar was trashed he reminded me that that is what they’re for. Without it the bike, and maybe I, would have really been messed up. I hung out and talked to a couple of guys who checked on me, just talking about riding. Everyone was really cool. Most importantly was I absolutely had to get right back on that bike and start riding again, which I did, though a little cautious at first, especially because I wanted to ensure nothing was messed up mechanically.

All in all it is actually a positive experience. I guess I could feel really stupid but I don’t. It could have happened to anyone. However, I learned the true value of a helmet and how easily the smallest distraction can lead to serious trouble, but mostly it reminded me that I’m still a raw rookie at this and I’ve gotta really watch my ass out there.

Safe riding, everyone. Cheers.

Everyone has lessons they learn the hard way. Don't feel dumb about it. Glad you came away in good shape and the bike wasn't damaged too bad.

rubyroo WROTE:
Well it was bound to happen, and while it could happen to anyone it was a rookie mistake.


Oh, I'm not laughing at you... I'm laughing with you!
Really!
I rented an H-D Road King and dropped it twice... in three hours...! (Both times I was at a dead stop and went over, just like Artie Johnson on Laugh-In...!)
If it's any consolation... The front brake panic stop manuver was the reason it took me two attempts to get my MC endorcement! (Dropped it the first time!)
But, it's good you're OK... and now, you have a chance to buy some new chrome!

dannnnnnnnnnng! I'd seriously reconsider replacing that bar with another Lindy if they're that expensive. but if you really like it.....

I know just how you feel, I was going out on a Saturday couple of weeks ago with a friend, headed to his house wanted to change lanes looked back for just a second and the van in front of me stopped. I turned in time to slam both sets of brakes but not enough. My bike (brand new Silverado) hit and luckly I managed NOT to dump the bike even though I ate some windshield, loosened some teeth and got a bloody mouth for my stupidity. Bent fender only damage, but those are 600+, ouch, so much for that new exhust, guess I live with stage one for now. But you do drive a little less cavelier after an incident like that. Oh and the ride? Bent the fender up under so it would not scrape the tire and road all day. Hey, a bad day on a bike is better than anything I could think of.
James, Maple Valley

Thats one of the most expensive (and all around best) lessons you will ever learn. Glad you came out ok.

Now read up on high-siding.

I won't bore you with my story (very similar).

Gram

Well guys, its kind of encouraging (if you can call it that) to be reading this. Roo, sorry to hear about the bike, if I remember right yours is an 08, right? I've christened mine now too, within 3 weeks had.. some bad experiences. The first one I parked my bike real close to a wall to keep it out of the way, and I padlocked the steering (because in my mind it was a good idea) Anyway, when I fired up and left, the only thing I was watching/worrying about was not hitting my mirror or bag on the wall.. so I pulled away, gave her a bit of throttle to stand her up, went to straighten out, and click.. the steering was still locked. Threw me to the other side, but luckily the Cobra Fatty Bar I'd put on (no lie) 2 days earlier held the bike up.. minor cosmetic on the pipes (doesn't hurt my feelings.. they'll be gone soon enough) and the bag (which I should be able to fix but isn't noticeable anyway). The scary one, that required a double wash on the wranglers, was on my commute last monday to work.. same deal, a truck stopped in front of me in a merge lane and caught me mid shoulder check... I looked back just in time to lay over to get around him, and it was this close: i just grazed the edge of my signal light on his bumper, and i twisted my Fatty bar up like a pretzel, into my foot, bending the bracket that holds my right floorboard. I wasn't even pissed, I was in shock, but so glad because any later and I'dve eaten tailgate. The worst part is I spent 4 years riding my dad's Vstar1100 and never had a problem.. And then this. Be glad you're safe and alive! Also, good call on getting back on the horse... I was worried about that too, that it'd be a rough go, but its smart to get back to it right away, and as you said, cautiously. Rubber side down!

Dan

Call Lindby(not the place you bought it) I have heard some people say Lindby has replaced there bars for the same reason(customer service and saving there good name)at no cost.
They are a great bar and worth the money.Glad to hear you were not hurt.

Like I said Before, you can only be a part of Two motorcycle clubs.
The BEEN club, and the Gonna Club..

Welcome to the been club. Doesn't sound like there are alot of Gonna club member here

My down story was on my shadow. I also call it a rookie mistake. Was deep in a turn at about 20-25, car in front hits brakes hard to avoid god only knows what, aaaand I grab the front break.. The rest as they say is history. But I was okay. I did ride the bike home, but I didn't get back on it for the rest of the summer. I went and took the MSF course after that. I'm going to take the intermediate course after Oyster Run.

Glad you are good to go. Also glad that I have a set of the Lindby bars OTW

Too bad about the bike but glad to hear you survived without busting anything.

I think most folks have a similar experience .. I know I've almost run into some cars.

Doc