My Turn, the Dismount

Backroad Mike · #1 08-04-2021, 10:10 AM

After 23+ years of street riding and approximately 300k miles, I had a sudden unplanned dismount on the way home from work yesterday.

Coming through an intersection in a right turn lane about 15-20 mph I felt the rear wheel sliding left when it contacted something slick in the lane that was not apparent. About the time I recall counter steering to compensate, the rear wheel cleared the slippery surface, locked up and caused me to do a 180. At this point it all got crazy and I don't recall all the movements, but I do recall going down and sliding clear of the bike. Fortunately it didn't land on me. This took all of about 3 seconds. Fortunately I stayed in my lane and didn't cross into the opposite lane of traffic as they approached a stop sign.

I probably should not have gotten right up, but I did. Thinking back, it probably wasn't my best decision of the day. There were numerous witnesses who immediately came to my aid. Thankfully the guy directly behind me saw the whole thing and stopped in time. He was a fireman/EMS tech and checked me out. His professional opinion was I appeared ok, but should get checked out regardless. 3 others helped lift the bike after I shut off the ignition and we moved it to the gas station parking lot across the street. Thinking back, the ignition was still on, but the bike wasn't running.

Once in the parking lot, I tried to start the bike. While the fuel pump spun up when the run switch was activated, there is no activity to the starter This was probably a good thing, as it rendered me unable to ride it home.

That would have likely been my second bad decision of the day.

Called home/friends to come get me and local LE to file the report. Of course there were no citations as I did nothing wrong. Just want the report if I determine insurance is to be activated for any repairs.

Obvious issues with the bike.
1. End of handgrip on left handlebar is broken. Better than my hand.
2. Edge of left saddlebag has abrasions through the paint from asphalt contact.
3. Bottom edge of left saddlebag has abrasion along the whole bottom edge and the steel rub guard on the bottom was broken off. I think it's just connected by adhesive or double sided tape anyway.
4. Wind screen is broken.
5. Left driver floorboard was bent up, but don't know yet if anything actually damaged. I think this bending up pinched the left big toe between the floor board and gear shift. I was wearing heavy boots with composite toes.
6. Some marks on the left highway peg that took the brunt of the left side contact and probably prevented much more damage to that side.
7. Bike won't start, so don't know if it's a wiring issue, starter failure, or could be just a fuse. Bike powers up and fuel pump charges when engaging the run switch, but no activity from the start button. I haven't had time for any detailed investigation yet as it's still sitting on my neighbors trailer in the driveway.
8. Left fairing mirror mount appears broke, but mirror undamaged.
9. Possible some damage to lower fairing edges, but not sure yet.
More in depth review will be needed. Doesn't appear the alignment was affected when I watched my neighbors push it onto the trailer, but that will need checking.

As for me.

Numerous X-rays were taken of neck, shoulder, back, leg and foot where all my pains are focused. Nothing is broken.

CT of abdomen, chest, neck and head. No issues detected.

Left big toe is sore and black/blue.
Left thigh has a very tender point that may have contacted the handlebar when I was thrown clear.
left hip, butt cheek, lower back and shoulder very sore where I contacted the ground.
While nothing appeared in the X-ray/CT scan, there may yet be undiagnosed issues. If I'm still having more than soreness issues in 4-5 days, follow on test with orthopedic may be needed.

Clothes:
Shirt is toast. Ripped in the back where it contacted asphalt, but no skin damage underneath.
Pants are toast. Ripped on the ass where my cell phone was in my pocket. The lifeproof phone case has some pretty aggressive rub marks from the asphalt that likely saved some of my skin, but phone is undamaged.
Helmet. To be replaced. No cracks, but it definitely contacted the pavement at some point as there is a nice 6" V shaped rub pattern directly on the back of the helmet

All in all, I feel very fortunate the damages to myself and the bike are relatively minor. It could have been much worse.

Going to take it easy for a couple days, but looks like the bike will be down for a while until I determine which way to proceed. Myself, or through insurance.

Luke611 · #2 08-04-2021, 10:24 AM

Sounds like you're in pretty good shape, for the shape you're in. Bike parts can be replaced, human parts have to heal.

I'm glad you're ok.

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