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Post by dev150cc on May 20, 2014 23:08:54 GMT -5
Some of you guys saw me struggling with a weird issue recently. Got it fixed last night! Went out for about 50 or so miles to test ride it.
Drove to work this morning. On the way home, I was first in line in my lane. As I approached a light that had just turned red, I settled into position and started looking around at traffic. Noticed the person behind me was still coming on strong. I decided to try to move to the empty left turn lane next to me, but she got me before I could clear the lane. All I remember is feeling the hit and rolling over several times. I just relaxed and rolled, hoping no cars were coming. That was kinda surreal. Got up and didn't feel any of my body parts missing or broken, then got out of the street.
Wear your helmet (preferably full face). Wear strong riding gloves. Wear a jacket and even riding pants that will take the blunt of your tumble. I was only wearing jeans, but came out ok. My legs feel beat up and I have a scraped knee and general stiff muscles. If that's all I come away with, I'll thank the big guy upstairs.
Now, that bike was finally starting to get right where I wanted it. Since she hit the back tire almost dead on, I'm thinking the CVT and anything related to rear wheel is toast. No idea if that sort of blow, then hitting the tarmac, impacted other critical areas. There are the typical broken bits.
I won't get into the monetary stuff, as I'll work with her on that. The police came by and we all talked about what happened, and I'll talk to the other driver about what to do about the money side of it.
I will say I'm not keen on trying to buy parts and hope the bike is not misaligned now, engine didn't take a hit, etc, so considering going to bike #2 or just taking a break for a while. My wife was not as freaked as I thought she would be, but I told her the person hit me and I just fell down and it was no big deal - it's better that way.
Anyway, I'm happy to say all my fingers and other body functions are working to write this thread. Yall keep your eyes out - scan, identify, predict, decide execute. I did all of them and still took a hit, but that extra step I took to execute may have softened the blow for me.
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Post by kevbailey on May 20, 2014 23:48:44 GMT -5
You may feel more of the impact on your body tomorrow.
I went down a couple months ago in the rain. Hit the ground so fast I was totally dazed. After rolling a few times and sliding about 40 feet into the middle of an intersection. I got up, realized I was still in one piece, and started to gather my bike's pieces.
Minimal damage to the bike. I rode her into work, and tried to work a full shift. By lunch time I knew I was in trouble. Couldn't pick up the phone with my left hand.
Ended up I broke my collarbone and my thumb (on opposite sides) so simple things like buttoning up my slacks, was a real challenge.
I was bruised up badly on both hips, had on my full face helmet, gloves, and jacket with protectors on the arms and shoulders, but I was just wearing work slacks. Although I slid a long way, my pants were not torn up, except for one very very small tear on the seam. I did have a pretty nasty road rash on my leg, which to this day I cannot figure out how that happened without destroying my pants.
Moral of the story, wear your helmet, and protection.
Glad to hear you were not hurt. The bikes can be replaced easier than we can!
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Post by spandi on May 21, 2014 0:13:47 GMT -5
Gosh, sorry to hear this. I hope you're ok and make a speedy recovery. (Now I'm thinking I should put in a taillight modulator.)
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Post by ramblinman on May 21, 2014 1:07:38 GMT -5
like kevbailey mentioned you won't really know how bad until tomorrow. i laid my scoot down last year on my way to work at about 35mph landing on wet grass. felt fine, went to work. was only scheduled a four hour shift to unload a truck. got through that no problem but the next day i had trouble getting out of bed. missed a week of work.
hope you feel fine in the morning.
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Post by dev150cc on May 21, 2014 1:07:49 GMT -5
Thanks you guys.
Kev, that's like sliding off your bike and into the lion's den going into the intersection. Strangely my leg muscles are sore, but that's probably because I was doing ice skating spins on the ground I'm in no shape to be doing.
Thanks Spandi. I like that idea. Wish I would have though about that. If I get another scoot, I'll focus on getting lots of lights in the back, with a modulator. It's the achilles heal in our safety. I just happened to be talking to a motorcyclist at a red light about how our back exposure is so tough to guard against.
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Post by oldchopperguy on May 21, 2014 1:33:48 GMT -5
All our prayers are with you my friend! As you mentioned, the "noseeum" syndrome is the Achilles heel of our rides. That very fact prompted me to illuminate my scoot like a Vegas bordello on Saturday night...     One of the main problems with scooters is that with a large trunk, the factory rear lights are nearly hidden from close (tailgating) vehicles. In your case, inattention on the part of the driver seems to be the real problem. Sometimes though, even a non-focused driver may be alerted to bright lights up at windshield level. Your case is a good lesson for us all!Stay safe,Leo (and Betty) in Texas
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Post by dev150cc on May 21, 2014 1:47:51 GMT -5
Thanks Leo. My back will need you prayers in the morning. I'm getting too old to be rolling around on pavement. I took great consideration to a lighting schema like you have, and I have a trunk picked out for that purpose. If the time comes again that I have a scooter under me, I am going to investigate this option fully. I'll be lit up light a diesel rig at a truck stop bling night. Born and raised in Houston. Happy to have California driving weather though  |
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Post by walterwhite on May 21, 2014 2:57:07 GMT -5
Sorry to hear that, I really hope you fully recover, i dont like to hear about scooter accidents. i got bumped on my back wheel once, it was a soft hit but strong enough to move me, the driver was lucky thou cause at that exact moment a cop car pulled up so i had to act calm but if that cop was not there, most likely i would have broken the guys nose...miami has the worst drivers ever.
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Post by SylvreKat on May 21, 2014 6:46:23 GMT -5
Glad you weren't hurt badly, dev!
Probably too late to suggest this, but you might give it a try anyway. Take a HOT bath, as hot as you can stand. Fill the tub and just soak in there with a good book to read. Hunker down so your back soaks, sit up so your legs soak. After you've soaked a while, massage your muscles. It helps keep things from hurting worse the next day.
>'Kat
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Post by ng5y on May 21, 2014 7:41:35 GMT -5
I am glad to hear you were not horribly injured or killed! Sorry to hear the scooter you just got running right was hit!. I carry full coverage insurance on mine, but honestly I think that really is only effective for theft. If I ever get hit hard enough to total the bike I doubt I will survive.
It is rather morbid of me but I went on youtube and looked for all the motorcycle and scooter crashes I could find. Most of the time it was a car turning left, second most common was just the scooter/motorcycle going to fast for the traffic conditions.
Your guardian angel was working overtime on your physical well being.
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Post by phssthpok on May 21, 2014 8:18:30 GMT -5
I swear I must be psychic...I was just perusing E-Bay yesterday looking for 'HEY! Pay attention!' lighting solutions. My initial idea was a very small amber strobe underneath the trunk. Not something big enough or aimed to 'blind' but just enough to catch they eye in a 'that's not normal...INVESTIGATE!' kinda way. I came across a listing for this:  I was thinking one up front, one in back, but then I started thinking about legalities of color and/or flashing. Some places it would be 'OK', others not so much. A little more perusing and I found this:  This solves the color dilemma (for the rear at least) and also looks small and easy enough to mount onto the trunk lid. If I understand the description correctly, all 12 LEDs 'strobe' when the brakes are applied. |
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Post by spandi on May 21, 2014 9:15:40 GMT -5
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Post by novaraptor on May 21, 2014 9:41:55 GMT -5
Thumbs up on the actions you were able to take, Dev. I always watch the traffic in the mirrors after I stop, until I have a stopped vehicle behind me. As they close up, I tap my brake lever to light up the brake light. The headlight is weak on my 250, but the tail/brake light is a 21 LED panel. Very bright and noticeable...Heal Well..
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Post by dev150cc on May 21, 2014 9:45:07 GMT -5
Kat, I'll do that.
Those lighting options are impressive. It is amazing what options are out there today compared to 10-20 years ago.
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Post by spandi on May 21, 2014 9:49:32 GMT -5
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