Freshman Rider
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2005 Honda Reflex and 2006 Yamaha Majesty
Posts: 61
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Joined: Mar 3, 2013 17:56:59 GMT -5
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Post by bobshaw on Aug 7, 2013 17:18:44 GMT -5
Unfortunately, the 2005 Reflex Sport doen't have anti-lock brakes like the non-sport model has. I hit the brakes hard at 40-50, I guess the wheels locked, and I was down and sliding in a heart beat. Of course, I was just running up to the store for a minute, and was wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirt.  I got lots of road rash and a sprained shoulder. It's been almost 10 weeks and I'm still healing. At least I can ride again.  The scoot fared better than I did. It got some pretty hefty scratches, and the front winker got messed-up. I had some filler and spray touch-up paint I used to fix the damage the guy that owned it before me did. You'd have to look close to tell anything happened to it. I was following a couple of cars, and I think I was in the wrong position on the road, and didnt see the car ahead of the one I was folling had stopped to turn left. When the car I was following pulled into the right turn lane to pass the turning car, I was faced witha stopped car and hit the brakes, probably harder than I needed to. Down I went. Lesson learned, the hard way. |
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New Rider
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Posts: 13
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Joined: Mar 2, 2013 12:07:12 GMT -5
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Post by reynoldston on Aug 7, 2013 20:28:50 GMT -5
When I dropped my scooter I was turning and braking hard at the same time. As I understand that is a big no. It sounds like you were braking hard but were you turning also?
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Freshman Rider
Currently Offline
2005 Honda Reflex and 2006 Yamaha Majesty
Posts: 61
Likes: 3
Joined: Mar 3, 2013 17:56:59 GMT -5
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Post by bobshaw on Aug 7, 2013 20:44:31 GMT -5
[replyingto=reynoldston]reynoldston[/replyingto]Nope I was on a straight away. It all happened so fast, I really don't know how it happened. I'm guessing that one or both tires locked, I'm thinking most probably the front, since it seemed to drop out from under me, not slide out.
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Post by jeepsteve92xj on Aug 7, 2013 20:47:34 GMT -5
My fall was also under braking, even gently as I was, the road had a touch of fresh rain, and it is a greasy intersection right by a semi-truck repair shop. I wasn't quite to the point of turning, but the scooter was out from under me in a blink, and we both slid. Small scratches to the scooter, and a rubbed hole in one jacket sleeve. No marks on my backpack or helmet. Oh and I had a wet .
But I made it to work on time.
More importantly, the pick up truck behind me did not run me over, he pulled up and stopped behind and then pulled over when I jumped up to get me and the scooter out of the road.
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Post by shalomrider on Aug 7, 2013 22:05:48 GMT -5
howdy, yup, this sounds like a very frequent happening. i also was down from someone stopping unexpectedly in front of me. i think i probably don't see as well as i used to so didn't see the brake lights come on until too late. i do keep my eyes open under similar situations more than before.
quick trip today up to detroit dam with a friend who rides a vulcan. great trip and perfect weather. stoked. also came home to find my solar system mostly installed. a good day over all
Lotsa miles and smiles to ya
ken
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Post by ramblinman on Aug 7, 2013 22:15:02 GMT -5
I was following a couple of cars, and I think I was in the wrong position on the road, and didnt see the car ahead of the one I was folling had stopped to turn left. When the car I was following pulled into the right turn lane to pass the turning car, I was faced witha stopped car and hit the brakes, probably harder than I needed to. Down I went. Lesson learned, the hard way. i hate when people drive like that. it is a terrible feeling when you are the one stopped for the turn and the car behind doesn't change lanes until last second. one of these days me or someone else is going to get run over in that situation. good to hear you made it out of there alive... ride safe. |
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Post by oldchopperguy on Aug 8, 2013 1:47:07 GMT -5
Glad to hear you're healing up!
Very possibly you were in the center of your lane, and into some accumulated oil, grease, etc. Near intersections, this stuff can be AWFUL as stopped traffic "deposits" this dry-looking but quite slick schmootz... I try to edge over into the safest "half" of the lane where the pavement is fairly clear whenever possible.
Now, don't you just LOVE those diagonal railroad crossings, on WET days... LOL!
Ride safe!
Leo in Texas
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Post by rockynv on Aug 8, 2013 3:37:16 GMT -5
You have to choose your lane position carefully and observe the 4, 8 and 12 second rules of looking ahead. If you recently took the MSF Basic Riders Course you'll know which timings I may have stated incorrectly.
This is one of the reasons I chose a tall rider when I traded my low riding Vintage bike in. The 250 with 15" wheels sits you as high as the drivers of some SUV's giving you a much better view of whats happening a few vehicles ahead of you.
The other advise from the MSF Basic Riders Course is to practice your swerve and panic stop regularly so you will be able to do it by reflex without going down when the need presents itself.
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Post by pmatulew on Aug 8, 2013 5:43:04 GMT -5
MSF course all the way --> online2.msf-usa.org/msf/Default.aspxGood to hear you got off relatively unscathed. My scootering aunt hit a car that was backing out of a driveway and needed a steel rod and screws to put her leg back together. Don't put all your faith in the anti-lock brakes. They might have kept you upright, but you would have hit the car instead. Never skimp on tires and brakes. On the road with the heavy herd it's all about seeing and being seen. See everything. Front, back, and sides. Look through the car ahead of you. Look ahead as far as you can see. Anticipate what's going to happen before it does and then stay out of it. We all get complacent and we all make mistakes. (myself included) Unfortunately for us lightweights the mistakes have more serious consequences than "oops, I dropped my phone." Heal fast and get back on that horse.  |
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I got lots of road rash and a sprained shoulder. It's been almost 10 weeks and I'm still healing. At least I can ride again. 
