Aaarrrggghhh!!!

[dyetube]

Ok, I need to rant for a minute... February of this year I got hit by a car while I was riding 75 mph down the highway (on a honda magna 750). I shattered my wrist as a result (I was too tired to be riding and it was really late at night, I really shouldn't have been on my bike). But, it's how I got my current '01 Nomad. Well, I got freakin' hit again! This time it was in a parking lot and we weren't going that fast (See att. picture). This stupid yahoo wasn't paying attention and was listening to his headphones and turned right into me!

After I calmed down (I wasn't hurt) I got the guy's insurance info and was writing it down when he asked me for my insurance info. I was like, dude really? You do realize YOU hit me not the other way around? After about 10 minutes he finally got it (he was from Korea or Taiwan or something and didn't speak great engrish). I just wanted to knock him silly!

I made sure to tell his insurance company that this idiot was wearing headphones while driving (not only is this against the law in Texas, but very unsafe as this shows). Unfortunately there was nothing I could have done to avoid this accident (it was at night so a headlight modulator or anything else for me to be seen wouldn't have been working).

The cost of repairing the bike will be $1500 and his insurance company is paying for it and provided me with a nice rental, but I'd rather be riding! On the plus side, I was needing to have my kickstand fixed as it was sagging down and that's included in the estimate so I don't have to pay for it. I'm REALLY begenning to hate 4 wheelers more and more!

[BudMan]

I'm glad to hear you weren't hurt.
Hopefully you run of bad luck is over.
Surely 2012 will be better.

[markclark57]

Stupid is not "wheel count specific". Patricia locked up the brakes in our SUV a couple days ago to avoid crushing a Squid on a sport bike that pulled out in front of her. We are both still healing from an accident in September 2010 (t-boned by a cage) that one totaled her V-Star 1100.

[dyetube]

Stupid is not "wheel count specific". Patricia locked up the brakes in our SUV a couple days ago to avoid crushing a Squid on a sport bike that pulled out in front of her. We are both still healing from an accident in September 2010 (t-boned by a cage) that one totaled her V-Star 1100.

Dang, your luck is about as good as mine! And yes stupid doesn't have a wheel count...

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Sorry to hear about your accidents. At least with this one only the bike got hurt. And you will be getting the sidestand fixed as a plus.

[glwilson]

Glad to hear you are okay.

No offense intended with what I am about to say, but seems like you also need to start paying attention to cars near you.

I have rideen with a lot of people that just assume others see them. Of those with that habit, there are a few that are now dead or crippled.:hmm:

[mobandy78]

Glad to hear you didn't get hurt in the recent accident. At least the guy had insurance and your getting your bike fixed. Let's hope for a safer new year for ya.

[Todd]

On the plus side, I was needing to have my kickstand fixed as it was sagging down and that's included in the estimate so I don't have to pay for it.


Assume that was not damaged in the most recent accident?>:(>:(>:(

On another note, glad you are OK.

[jendesigner]

Good to know that the insurance company is paying for it since there was no police report. My VOL was hit last year in a parking lot—while I was getting my hair cut! I was the only one in the lot and he decided to backup across the lot and hit my bike. He keep blaming my bike, that he didn't see it, really? Turning your head always helps. Bike (which is always in gear when parked) landed on my helmet that I kept on my highway peg. Back fender and fender brace had to be replaced and a new helmet.

[dyetube]

Glad to hear you are okay.

No offense intended with what I am about to say, but seems like you also need to start paying attention to cars near you.

I have rideen with a lot of people that just assume others see them. Of those with that habit, there are a few that are now dead or crippled.:hmm:

Normally, I'd agree with you about paying attention (which is why I had my first accident btw. I was too tired to be riding and wasn't watching what I was doing) but there was no out for me and I couldn't have done anything to avoid him. It was a two lane parking lot with cars on both sides and he turned into my left side as though he was pulling into a parking spot. I was headed in a straight line and he was coming the opposite way. It was the only open parking spot on my side so I was left with no outs.

[dyetube]

Assume that was not damaged in the most recent accident?>:(>:(>:(

On another note, glad you are OK.

No, the accident wasn't the cause of the kickstand sagging. The dealership thinks it was because the previous owner hauled the bike with the kickstand down. I had to tighten the bolt on it about 2-3 times a week to keep it from dragging when cornering.

[dyetube]

Hopefully this images helps illustrate what happened...

[ringadingh]

Main thing is that your ok.

[dyetube]

Main thing is that your ok.

No doubt... Btw, how many of you guys have headlight and Taillight modulators and where'd you get them? I want to install both and want to know which ones are easiest to install.

[cnc]

Glade you are OK. I have learned any kind of argument or disagreement and I call the police no matter how little the damage. Up here any damage that you expect to exceed $1000 your supposed to call them anyway.

[nomadtom69]

There are some people who just do not pay attention a few years ago I was driving a Jeep the was raised and it sat hood about chin high (used to do some mudd bogging) a kid turn into a gas station infront of me the only thing that saved him (bumper at windsheild level) I turned the jeep sidways (lucky road was wet) and slid into a field to miss him when I came out of the field throwing rooster tails of mud and sliding to a stop beside him he still did not have a clue. That was one time I was glad I could not tell if he was over 18 or I might have done something stuipd myself.

[dyetube]

His insurance guy called me and said as soon as he heard his insured say "I never saw him" that was all he needed to know it wasn't my fault. I guess what really pissed me off was, when he hit me he still didn't stop. He actually kept going and pushed me a couple of feet before he stopped.

As motorcyclists, we have a responsibility to pay as much attention to everything going on around us as possible. It's ironic because I was even talking with a co-worker earlier in the day about the fact that in most motorcycle accidents, the fault lies with the motorcyclist because if they had been riding properly, there is always something they can do (find an out, use the 2 second rule, etc...) to avoid the accident. Now I don't think this is always true obviously (given the situation here). There are times when there is just nothing you can do. I ride every day (my bike is my only transportation) which means I'm in rush hour traffic every morning and evening on my bike and really have to be alert because Dallas drivers are the WORST, so I am a little biased.

[Sin City Stan]

Glad your OK and no hassles with the insurance company. :yep:

[markclark57]

I don't have a light modulator, but I highly recomend some additional lighting. I put on Chuckstr's Customs light bar set after the accident. The difference in visability is very notable even in the Arizon sunshine. :D

http://www.chucksterscustoms.com/Products

BTW Joe "Chuckster" has never asked me to promote his stuff. I bought it, I like it, I tell people. :yep:

[old curmudgeon]

I highly recommend some additional lighting. I put on Chuckstr's Customs light bar

I've got to agree with Mark on this one. The two things we don't have that cagers don't even need to think about is stability and visibility. Stability is up to you but as for me, I want to look something like a freight train from the front. That's why all my bikes have had (and will have) lightbars. :tup: And since I really can't stand the way the OEM lightbar throws the running lights so far to the outside, it'll be a Chuckster's for me too...

[Top Cat]

I've got to agree with Mark on this one. The two things we don't have that cagers don't even need to think about is stability and visibility. Stability is up to you but as for me, I want to look something like a freight train from the front. That's why all my bikes have had (and will have) lightbars. :tup: And since I really can't stand the way the OEM lightbar throws the running lights so far to the outside, it'll be a Chuckster's for me too...

Just my opinion but I think farther out is more visible. Also, chucks lights are not adjustable left and right just up and down.
He does make nice mounts but I don't care for the light housings.
He is very easy to deal with and his customer service is second to none.

[markclark57]

One of Chuckster's bulbs burned out on my set so I replaced both with 100watters. Patricia doesn't like to lead at night anymore. ;)

[cnc]

Just my opinion but I think farther out is more visible. Also, chucks lights are not adjustable left and right just up and down.
He does make nice mounts but I don't care for the light housings.
He is very easy to deal with and his customer service is second to none.

I've got to agree there, the wider apart the better. I was thinking of putting some lights on my highway bars as well, because at a distance my headlight and aux lights appear as one bright light.

[wheelie]

When you ride a mototcycle you not only have to drive the bike you have to drive all the cars and trucks around you.
We use the Smith System to train truck drivers at work. I found this on the web, the Smith System geared to motorcycles.
http://www.gwrramachapterf.org/gw_images/gwrra_smith_system.pdf

[Loafer]

When you ride a mototcycle you not only have to drive the bike you have to drive all the cars and trucks around you.
We use the Smith System to train truck drivers at work. I found this on the web, the Smith System geared to motorcycles.
http://www.gwrramachapterf.org/gw_images/gwrra_smith_system.pdf

Thanks thats good advise.:tup:

[kenb]

I suppose suggesting wearing a fluorescent orange safety vest would be against cool biker rules. I bet there are stories of accidents of bikes lit up like xmas trees being turned into.

I would have called the police BEFORE exchanging ins. info.

[old curmudgeon]

Just my opinion but I think farther out is more visible.

This is a trade off between visibility and aesthetics for me. I really don't like the look of the outboard running lights

Also, chucks lights are not adjustable left and right just up and down.


Don't know but if necessary this might be rectified with some thin shims? I don't have the lights yet so I can't be sure. Besides, there are still 3 seperate layers of ice in my alley so it'll be a while before I get the bike out >:

... at a distance my headlight and aux lights appear as one bright light.

One w-i-d-e bright light. That's the "freight train" look I'm talking about.

[cnc]

One w-i-d-e bright light. That's the "freight train" look I'm talking about.

Drivers it seems are conditioned to see two lights coming at them as in a car or truck, one light even if it is a a bit wide does not register in the brain as quick. The government here did an ad campaign on motorcycle awareness and the catch phrase was "just what do you think that single light is coming toward you, a guy with a flash light"

[markclark57]

When you ride a mototcycle you not only have to drive the bike you have to drive all the cars and trucks around you.
We use the Smith System to train truck drivers at work. I found this on the web, the Smith System geared to motorcycles.
http://www.gwrramachapterf.org/gw_images/gwrra_smith_system.pdf

Forgot one . . . Always assume that a vehicle that doesn't slow down coming up to an intersection won't. They either don't see the light, don't see you, don't see the intersection, or they are comatose behind the wheel. If you get in front of them "because you have the right of way" you're dead.

[markclark57]

I'm not sure if wider is better. I do know that the 100w bulbs and Chuckster's light bars on my Nomad light up the road ahead like a baseball field. They are adjusted even with the low beam, but still more intense than the high beam. I think if they were higher or wider that I would be interfering with oncoming traffic. Safety isn't safe if you harm other people to get it.

[cactusjack]

I suppose suggesting wearing a fluorescent orange safety vest would be against cool biker rules. I bet there are stories of accidents of bikes lit up like xmas trees being turned into.

I would have called the police BEFORE exchanging ins. info.

I'll bet there are just as many bike wrecks with riders dressed like circus clowns, too. :D

Defensive riding and assuming that every vehicle with more than two wheels is trying to kill you is your best bet to stay in one piece.

[markclark57]

I'll bet there are just as many bike wrecks with riders dressed like circus clowns, too. :D

Defensive riding and assuming that every vehicle . . . is trying to kill you is your best bet to stay in one piece.

I changed your quote just a bit :D

[racinfan101]

Main thing is that you are okay!

[Todd]

No, the accident wasn't the cause of the kickstand sagging. The dealership thinks it was because the previous owner hauled the bike with the kickstand down. I had to tighten the bolt on it about 2-3 times a week to keep it from dragging when cornering.

...and no one sees a problem with that :hmm: :hmm:


...can't complain about higher premiums if we keep getting unrelated damages paid for in inflated claims......

Ok..off my soap box.


Again, glad you are OK>

[Monkeyman]

dyetube --- Can't you just replace the kickstand spring? Easy and cheap.

[Loafer]

...and no one sees a problem with that :hmm: :hmm:

...can't complain about higher premiums if we keep getting unrelated damages paid for in inflated claims......

I did see a problem with it, just wasn't going to say anything.
I was surprised that he said that on a forum where we are being monitored all the time. I'm sure there is another insurance person who has spotted it by now, and is wondering if the claim is against his company.
Fraud large or small is still fraud.
Like wise with the other members, glad you are Ok.

[glwilson]

Normally, I'd agree with you about paying attention (which is why I had my first accident btw. I was too tired to be riding and wasn't watching what I was doing) but there was no out for me and I couldn't have done anything to avoid him. It was a two lane parking lot with cars on both sides and he turned into my left side as though he was pulling into a parking spot. I was headed in a straight line and he was coming the opposite way. It was the only open parking spot on my side so I was left with no outs.

Trust me... it happens... I know. Even the slow accidents seem to happen fast.

Glad you are okay. If it were me, I might not have been stopped from kicking that guy's @ss, if nothing more but the sport of it.:D

[glwilson]

No doubt... Btw, how many of you guys have headlight and Taillight modulators and where'd you get them? I want to install both and want to know which ones are easiest to install.

Many, including me, believe a headlight modulator will eventually get you hit by a driver being confused with flashing lights assuming you are telling them it is okay to pull-out in front of you.

I wouldn't have one of those things on my bike around here for that very reason.

Reconsider that idea is my advice.:hmm:

The kickstand "thing"... you really ought to reconsider that also if it wasn't hurt in the wreck.:shrug:

[old curmudgeon]

Drivers it seems are conditioned to see two lights coming at them as in a car or truck, one light even if it is a a bit wide does not register in the brain as quick. The government here did an ad campaign on motorcycle awareness and the catch phrase was "just what do you think that single light is coming toward you, a guy with a flash light"

Drivers are conditioned to see cars and trucks, period. Hence the trade off between visibility and aesthetics (for me). CJ said it best:

Defensive riding and assuming that every vehicle with more than two wheels is trying to kill you is your best bet to stay in one piece.

Ride heads up and be safe. I'd like to meet all you guys in one piece at the next rally...

dyetube - glad you're ok

[Monkeyman]

I'll bet there are just as many bike wrecks with riders dressed like circus clowns, too. :D

Can't honestly say I've ever seen a clown riding a bike. If I did, I'd probably be the one getting in a wreck just rubber necking.

[Loafer]

Can't honestly say I've ever seen a clown riding a bike. If I did, I'd probably be the one getting in a wreck just rubber necking.

http://media1.break.com/dnet/media/2009/4/99%20Motorcycle%20Clowns%20are%20Jerks.jpg (http://www.break.com/pictures/cow-beach697442.html)


:lmao::lmao::lmao:

http://www.freakingnews.com/pictures/16500/Circus-Clown-Motorbike-16946.jpg

[Monkeyman]

The first one's scary. The second a bit sad.

[cnc]

Gerry, you have way too much time on your hands.:ohno:

[cactusjack]

Clowns are creepy, don't you think?

[Loafer]

Just trying to be helpful. I think everyone should experience as much as possible before they head down that lonesome barren road. Or with some, the brightly lighted, hearlded angels singing, leading you to the promised land.

[kenb]

I'll bet there are just as many bike wrecks with riders dressed like circus clowns, too. :D


http://www.flickr.com/photos/morninglory118/3891549694/


Probably the pres of his local owners group chapter!:tehe:



http://wod.takeforum.com/2005/05/03/clown-motorcycle-accident/

[dyetube]

dyetube --- Can't you just replace the kickstand spring? Easy and cheap.

I replaced the spring and that didn't fix it. After having two dealerships check it out I figured out that the kickstand itself was kind warped on the end that connects to the bike and the hole in the tab connected to the frame of the bike was bored out too big so the bolt that connects the kickstand to the tab on the bike moves to easily. That hole needs to be soldered closed and re-drilled to the right size. It was really annoying when cornering to the left, the stand would drag and catch me off guard.

[Monkeyman]

Can you drill out the hole in the frame and use a slightly larger bolt?

[ringadingh]

Id just replace the kickstand, if you really wanted to weld up the hole and redrill you could do that as well, soldering isn't near strong enough and wouldn't last a day.

[dyetube]

Id just replace the kickstand, if you really wanted to weld up the hole and redrill you could do that as well, soldering isn't near strong enough and wouldn't last a day.

I'm letting the dealership fix it for me. It's easier than me trying to do it.