| Events, Flockings, Rallies and Rides -> Short Stories - Tales from the road ... (New!) | Back up and running strong! - Downside to fastride | | [1],[2],[3],[All] - Next page | | | Categories : |
|  | Topic : A Sad Tale |  |
| | | Rachael7 | | Chaac |  |  | | Reg. Date | : | 17/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 511 | | Location | : | Greenfield, MA, United States |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 15:59 Post title : A Sad Tale | | | So Duece and I were on the way down to PA for the Northeast Flocking, following event organizer and buddie, Jamie (bnz433). We met up in Albany after I had a delightful morning ride across the Mohawk Trial and then the Taconic Trail. It was a pleasant ride, cool temps, but I dressed warm enough. Other than my jacket chafing the hell out of my neck, we were having quite a nice ride - plenty of great scenery, some fine twisties, and somehow, despite Jamie's brisk pace-setting, we managed to avoid the many speed traps along the way. We were about 75 miles from our destination, on a road that turned out to be heavily used by big trucks. We'd been stuck behind some slow moving semi, seemingly forever. Having given up any hope of passing, I'd resigned myself a slow ride (about 45mph) the rest of the way to our destination.
That's when a combination of boredom, fatigue, and low blood sugar (hadn't eaten since breakfast) caught up with me. My attention wandered for a moment, and when it returned, I was aimed directly at a large irregularity in the road - some kind of drainage grate that was set down about 3-4" deep. Realizing I had no time for an avoidance maneuver, I kept the bike straight, figuring my best chance was to hit it square and ride it out. Duece and I were launched about a foot in the air. When we landed, I thought I had gotten lucky - we were straight and it seemed like I could settle him down. But then the back end got squirrely... perhaps I let off the gas in the air and the rear wheel locked up... really not sure. Two wags of the tail and I was airborne, without Duece - major league high-side.
I tucked in my arms and just waited for it to end. I rolled for quite a ways, as Jamie can tell you from the view in his mirror. The bike did some kind of crazy gymnastics behind me, managing to hit on both sides and coming to rest in the opposite lane in a puddle of fuel and brake fluid (master cylinder exploded on impact). My right saddlebag also exploded, leaving a trail of my dainties and other personal effects across both lanes. It was quite a scene. My gear did its job though, and my reflex to tuck up kept me from breaking anything. The driver of the big ass truck behind me was a rider, so had been leaving plenty of following distance, thank goodness - he was able to stop without running me over and was first on the scene to help. I popped right up, surprised to be uninjured, stopped the music in my helmet (phone survived and Bluetooth kept right on working), and sprinted to the bike to hit the kill switch.
After that, I was ordered to sit down and a whole lot of awesome people took care of everything else. The truck driver and Jamie, and a couple other people got the bike out of the road and gathered up as much of my belongings as they could find while I started making calls to roadside assistance and my insurance company. In this tiny little hamlet in the middle of nowhere PA though, my roadside assistance people couldn't even get a hold of a towing company. Then another good Samaritan with a trailer stopped and asked if we needed help transporting the bike. Turned out his brother-in-law worked for the only towing company in town and was able to give us the owner's home phone number. A few minutes later, we finally had a flatbed. And as if that somehow wasn't enough, this kind fellow then offered, practically insisted, on driving me the rest of the way to Williamsport in his truck. Jamie followed, using the truck as a deer-blocker (lots of animal strikes out in that area), while I had a delightful conversation with Dave and his wife covering bikes, hunting, and everything else. We made it to Williamsport in time for the Flock to give me hugs and buy me drinks.
Long story short, I'm fine, just a couple of tiny bruises, thanks to a combination of good gear, good instincts (tucking up really helped), some incredibly kind and resourceful people, and quite a bit of luck. Thanks to everyone that helped me out - would have been a much worse situation without you all. And a special thanks to Jamie, who watched over me like a very protective hawk till the wee hours of the morning. And to that kind fellow in PA, though he'll probably never read this, I owe you big time and beers are on me next time I'm in PA.
Duece was not so lucky. Haven't heard from the insurance company yet, but he's probably totaled. Some pics of the results:
P.S. - I brought the headlight, gas cap, and bits of the master cylinder, so I really think Duece should be counted as part of the Flock!
| 2012 Thunderbird 1600, Short TORS, Triumph performance filter, TORs tune, Longhaul solo seat, Highway Hawk tubular solo rack, Dart flyscreen, engine bars, highway pegs, Clearwater Darla driving lights, custom flash-to-pass switch, Hagon 2810 rears, Thunderbike fork caps, Custom rear sets
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| | | MickeyBoy | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 18/09/2010 | | Posts | : | 553 | | Location | : | WiNe CoUnTrY TeMeCuLa, Socialist State of Kalifornia, United States |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 17:47 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Glad you didn't get hurt and for the bike, it should buff out.
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| | | mat1600 | | Thunderbird | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 06/03/2010 | | Posts | : | 8,596 | | Location | : | Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 20:02 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Shit. That's really bad luck. But amazing you got out of it intact. Real shame about the Bike but at least you came off better. Hope all gets sorted pretty quick.
If they total it - it might be worth buying it back off the Ins. company. 
Glad your ok though.
| My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.
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| | | edmontonstorm | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/09/2014 | | Posts | : | 1,054 | | Location | : | Alberta, Canada |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 20:13 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: mat1600) | | | Never a good thing when something like this happens. Sure sounds like you did all you could do and as a result are writing about it to us today, which is AWESOME! Nice to hear there are still some good folk out there willing to help a feller out. Good luck, be welll.
| Gloss Black 2013 Storm ABS - K&N (seal removed) - Mustang Seat - Hogslayer pipes - PCV-AT300
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| | | Birdy1234 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 20/04/2013 | | Posts | : | 143 | | Location | : | Cologne, NRW, Germany |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 20:44 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: mat1600) | | | What a big mess!
Sad to see a bird in this condition.
But I think it could have been much worse with heavy injuries. So all in all you were a lucky one.
Hope you will recover soon and sort out everything with the insurance company.
All the best
Elmar
| Go out riding - Enjoy life! 
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| | | gerr413 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 24/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 29 | | Location | : | fall river , Mass., United States |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 20:57 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: edmontonstorm) | | | Rachael, glad I was there to give you a hug and kiss, you had a special Angel watching over you... Also a great deal can be made at my dealer on a 2013 bird 850 miles on her and she needs some loving. Thinking of you.
Gerry
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| | | nelson | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 19/02/2014 | | Posts | : | 145 | | Location | : | Geelong, Victoria, Australia |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 21:12 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | OH no. Sorry to see but glad your ok chin up regards from OZ.
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| | | mjgt | | Thor | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 16/09/2011 | | Posts | : | 2,201 | | Location | : | North Somerset, United Kingdom |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 21:43 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | That's sad to hear that your bike took a good biffing, but happy to hear you escaped with just a few minor bruises.
Get yourself healed, get the bike sorted or replaced and get out riding, that's the best medicine.
| Mick . . .  Keep the rubber side down!!
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| | | gwight | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 26/04/2011 | | Posts | : | 761 | | Location | : | Broken Hill, N.S.W., Australia |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 22:13 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | There are a lot of good people out there, Rachael, your just lucky some were in the right place at the right time ! Glad you're not hurt !
Guido.
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| | | woody | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 10/07/2010 | | Posts | : | 874 | | Location | : | goulburn, nsw, Australia |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 23:08 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: gwight) | | | Well done to get out of that unscathed. If the bike doesn't get repaired at least you can start a relationship with a new buddy.
Glad your ok.
| Woody
Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive.
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| | | Ninox_s | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 18/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 755 | | Location | : | Naracoorte, South Australia, Australia |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 23:12 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Sorry to hear about your accident Rachael but glad you survived intact.
I hope it doesn't take too long before you are back on the road helping to keep those American Flockers motivated.
It's heartening to hear that you got the help and the moral support you needed on the day.
Keep us posted on how things pan out.
Regards Frank
| I'm Incredible! Believe Me!!
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| | | jjc1957 | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 03/06/2013 | | Posts | : | 165 | | Location | : | Rehoboth, MA, United States |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 23:19 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Ninox_s) | | | O man you are blessed. Going down with minor injuries is the best that you could hope for. Good people can make a big difference. When I went down I said one thing to myself heal, replace and get back in the saddle.
| 2010 Tbird 1600 SE No cat K&N Air Filter, Hog Slayers Exhaust, 20306 Map, Mustang Seat, Driving Lights, Front Dresser Bars, Highway Pegs, Heat Controller, GPS, & more
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| | | Smitty | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/10/2012 | | Posts | : | 996 | | Location | : | Hawkesbury, NSW, Australia |
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| | Posted : 22 Sep 2014 - 23:44 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: jjc1957) | | | A sad tale indeed........
Glad that you came out of it uninjured....
Hope your insurers sort it out and get you back on the road quickly.
| Cheers Smitty
2013 Matt Graphite Storm, Foran Razorbacks, Hagon shocks & springs.
I don't get angry, I get even 
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| | | MotorMac | | Jupiter | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 29/08/2010 | | Posts | : | 1,790 | | Location | : | Nor Cal, United States |
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| | Posted : 23 Sep 2014 - 00:01 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Might want some pics of that drainage grate showing elevation and lane location. Should not have been a hazard; odds are you weren't the first to encounter it, might be a liability issue.
Glad you survived intact, sorry about Deuce.
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| | | edbob | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 04/04/2012 | | Posts | : | 931 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 23 Sep 2014 - 01:24 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | WHEW! So glad you're OK. A testament to good gear as well. Take a break, heal up (mental scars mainly), and then get back out there only when you're ready. Hang in there sister - Ed.
| "You will ride eternal shiny and chrome"
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| | | AZCactus | | Taranis | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 01/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 4,524 | | Location | : | AZ |
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| | Posted : 23 Sep 2014 - 02:32 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Wish ya well! 
| 2009 Thunderbird 1700 Big Bore
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| | | Rachael7 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 17/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 511 | | Location | : | Greenfield, MA, United States |
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| | Posted : 23 Sep 2014 - 03:37 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: AZCactus) | | | Thanks for the well-wishes everyone! I'm honestly ok. After a nice hot bath on Sunday, my body feels as good as it ever does - that is to say, I'm a 44 year old ex-hockey player with a bum knee and shoulder, so nothing hurts more than usual. I'm sad about seeing my boy all beat up, of course; but something about surviving a potentially lethal wreck seems to have put me in a better frame of mind. This was my first serious off, so if nothing else, I've gained some confidence in my gear and learned that even on Duece, in the wrong circumstances, I can still lose my focus. It happens often enough in the car - I think we've all had that moment where the rumble strips snap us back to alertness - but this is the first, and by golly the LAST, time I will ever let my mind wander on the bike.
Looking at the pictures, Duece really isn't as bad off as I thought - if the neck didn't get bent, he may yet live again. But one way or the other, I'll be back out there soon enough. I still have the spare bike, embarrassing little Honda though it be, so the season isn't lost for me, just a little less cool for the rest of it. Even if they total out Duece, I'll buy him back and either put him back together or salvage my many custom bits for the next ride. I can't imagine not having a Triumph in the garage, although I must admit, I have been browsing the Ducati site... that Diavel is calling to me...
| 2012 Thunderbird 1600, Short TORS, Triumph performance filter, TORs tune, Longhaul solo seat, Highway Hawk tubular solo rack, Dart flyscreen, engine bars, highway pegs, Clearwater Darla driving lights, custom flash-to-pass switch, Hagon 2810 rears, Thunderbike fork caps, Custom rear sets
| | Post edited by Rachael7 on 23 Sep 2014 - 03:41 |
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| | | Noladuck | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 05/06/2011 | | Posts | : | 260 | | Location | : | Portland, Oregon, United States |
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| | Posted : 23 Sep 2014 - 05:17 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | I'm glad you're okay Rachel! A good attitude makes a huge difference, and your cup definitely seems half full.
Take care!
Chris
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| | | intimidator32 | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 12/05/2012 | | Posts | : | 913 | | Location | : | lexington, ky, United States |
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| | Posted : 23 Sep 2014 - 10:44 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Glad you made it through ok sorry for the damage to your bird. I was just in my local dealer and got to see a Commander first hand and i like it a lot better in person. If anything happened to my bird i would definitely give it a test ride but those gaudy HP numbers on the Ducati's are tempting if you could stand sitting on a 2x4 while having your heals touching your backside. Have fun test ridding a lot different bikes, Rachael
| currently on a slow Harley but will have another Triumph eventually 
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| | | PapaSmurfMC | | Chaac | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 03/10/2013 | | Posts | : | 871 | | Location | : | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States |
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| | Posted : 24 Sep 2014 - 04:03 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Sincerely glad you're OK. Pics of the bike are heartbreaking. 
On the brighter side, it's a really good time of year to be shopping for a new bike. Pick up a 2014 end-of-year deal with the $1000 accessory credit, do a farkle transplant and Deuce will live on.
| 2013 Blue Marble Haze Thunderbird 1600 ABS
2009 Black Bonneville A1 ("Mag")
Buncha farkles
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| | | KingOfFleece | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 30/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 304 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 24 Sep 2014 - 15:20 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: PapaSmurfMC) | | | We have several trade-in bikes and a bunch of new ones. I'll hook you up if needed.
Jim
www.bucksmotorsports.com
Triumph of Buffalo-Sponsor of BTB!
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| | | Rachael7 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 17/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 511 | | Location | : | Greenfield, MA, United States |
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| | Posted : 24 Sep 2014 - 16:36 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: KingOfFleece) | | |
KingOfFleece wrote:
We have several trade-in bikes and a bunch of new ones. I'll hook you up if needed.
Jim
www.bucksmotorsports.com
Triumph of Buffalo-Sponsor of BTB! |
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Thanks, Jim. After the insurance company gets done with me, I'll reach out.
| 2012 Thunderbird 1600, Short TORS, Triumph performance filter, TORs tune, Longhaul solo seat, Highway Hawk tubular solo rack, Dart flyscreen, engine bars, highway pegs, Clearwater Darla driving lights, custom flash-to-pass switch, Hagon 2810 rears, Thunderbike fork caps, Custom rear sets
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| | | Leethal | | Zeus | | | | Reg. Date | : | 24/01/2011 | | Posts | : | 6,407 | | Location | : | Australia |
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| | Posted : 25 Sep 2014 - 05:58 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Crikey, another one, I go away for a while and come back to carnage! Glad you are ok Rachael and the Bird may be repairable.
| Experience is something you get just after you needed it
1600,Foran Razorbacks, Meerkat bypass, Dyno tune, real headlight,plenty of chrome,switchblade pegs, Hagon Nitro shocks & Ikon progressive fork springs etc. Scorpion Western Low handlebars. PH adjustable fork caps.
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| | | KingOfFleece | | Set | | | Reg. Date | : | 30/09/2009 | | Posts | : | 304 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 25 Sep 2014 - 07:05 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Leethal) | | | If you need me send a PM or contact me thru the seat cover site, www.kingoffleece.com.
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| | | Rachael7 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 17/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 511 | | Location | : | Greenfield, MA, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Sep 2014 - 19:20 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: KingOfFleece) | | | Just an update, gang. I got the dreaded call from the insurance adjuster and it is definitely a total. He advised against buying it back and fixing it because there's a strong chance the frame is bent. Hopefully I can just go do a farkle-ectomy before they haul it off for scrap and move the goodies over to another bike. On the bright side, I might have a lead on a too good to resist deal on a Storm... wouldn't mind that extra 100cc :-)
| 2012 Thunderbird 1600, Short TORS, Triumph performance filter, TORs tune, Longhaul solo seat, Highway Hawk tubular solo rack, Dart flyscreen, engine bars, highway pegs, Clearwater Darla driving lights, custom flash-to-pass switch, Hagon 2810 rears, Thunderbike fork caps, Custom rear sets
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| | | Buford | | Set | |  | | Reg. Date | : | 22/07/2012 | | Posts | : | 80 | | Location | : | Horsham, PA, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Sep 2014 - 20:10 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Hey Rachel - that's actually good news about the bike - I wouldn't one that rolled and stopped that fast Glad to hear a Storm may be in your future! You won't have to spend so much time trying to keep it clean - they always look dirty  . I posted a shot of us all (minus me with the camera)NE PA flocking. Check it out.
See you in Bennington!
-John
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| | | Rachael7 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 17/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 511 | | Location | : | Greenfield, MA, United States |
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| | Posted : 26 Sep 2014 - 22:51 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Buford) | | | Good point, John, though this one is gloss black, which is probably the worst color for keeping it looking nice. There's always PlastiDip See you in Bennington!
| 2012 Thunderbird 1600, Short TORS, Triumph performance filter, TORs tune, Longhaul solo seat, Highway Hawk tubular solo rack, Dart flyscreen, engine bars, highway pegs, Clearwater Darla driving lights, custom flash-to-pass switch, Hagon 2810 rears, Thunderbike fork caps, Custom rear sets
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| | | edbob | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 04/04/2012 | | Posts | : | 931 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Sep 2014 - 02:44 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Link
This is my own personal thunderbird jumping tale which I believe happened before your time here. I suppose I was much more fortunate than you were. It also explains my avatar.
| "You will ride eternal shiny and chrome"
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| | | satch1961 | | Chaac | | | Reg. Date | : | 27/09/2013 | | Posts | : | 583 | | Location | : | United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Sep 2014 - 02:56 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: Rachael7) | | | Geez glad you are good. We get comfortable and start to believe all roads are forgiving. One second of lost concentration can cost so much.
It's only twisted metal. Better that you are unharmed save the bruised ego.
| 2010 1600 with 1700 cams; V4 custom tune; hi-flow filter; short TORS; rivco risers with spacers. Decat with elbows and baffles
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| | | Rachael7 | | Chaac | | | | Reg. Date | : | 17/05/2013 | | Posts | : | 511 | | Location | : | Greenfield, MA, United States |
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| | Posted : 27 Sep 2014 - 03:37 Post title : Re: A Sad Tale (Re: satch1961) | | | My ego, for sure. A couple small (maybe 2cm) bruises on my leg. And I suspect my wallet will take a pretty serious bruising before all is said and done. But yeah, that's getting off seriously light, considering what could have been, and believe me, I am NOT complaining. As much as I screwed up to make it happen, a lot of lucky breaks all lined up together to keep my body in one piece.
Edbob, funny you should mention that about the rear sets in your other thread. Glad you were able to land yours! I was thinking afterward, that if I'd been on the rear sets (I was riding front controls at the time, resting my knees), I probably could have landed it. Getting my weight off the seat would have made the bike's flight less dramatic, and the added control of that position might well have allowed me to stick the landing. That was about the only piece of the puzzle that didn't line up in my favor, outside of the issues of fatigue and boredom, for which the fault for failing to acknowledge and deal with them, was entirely mine.
| 2012 Thunderbird 1600, Short TORS, Triumph performance filter, TORs tune, Longhaul solo seat, Highway Hawk tubular solo rack, Dart flyscreen, engine bars, highway pegs, Clearwater Darla driving lights, custom flash-to-pass switch, Hagon 2810 rears, Thunderbike fork caps, Custom rear sets
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