1 The stupidity of being in a rush. Lessons learned and not forgotten. Sun Aug 17, 2014 11:11 am
TSBT
Silver member
I decided last minute to join some riders for a meetup at Mods and Rockers Toronto. I was on my way out the door when I made a huge oversight. I forgot to adjust the tire pressure on the new set of tires I just installed. The mechanic who put the rubber on told me to adjust to the pressure after I had installed them. Upon leaving my driveway I got a block from the house when I realized I forgot my phone (again because I was in a rush) and turned back.
Just as I cracked the throttle to turn a corner the bike slid out from underneath me and did a 180 with me on it. The result 1.) a busted panier - that could've easily been repaired had some jackass in a pickup truck stopped before running over it. 2.) The aftermarket engine guard that protects the fins on the lower part of the engine (to protect the bike if it's ever laid on it's side) caught the road and ripped 2 lower fins off, and tore the bolts from the pan. 3.) Cosmetically the right lower fairing got some good scratches as well as mirror mounts busted.
I feel pretty lucky that I was traveling at a low enough speed coming into the turn that I wasn't hurt or on a trajectory with an oncoming car. And I'm thankful that someone who saw it happen jumped in to help lift the bike off the road and move what exploded off the bike from oncoming cars. But I was pretty shaken up. And lucky to have only a bruised knee. But man I feel stupid. Considering I baby my K100 and the damages it now has, it was a rookie error and one I should've caught before leaving the house. But I keep telling myself it could've been a lot worse. And I got off scott free with a sore knee and a bike that needs some love.
If I'm ambitious enough I suppose I can replace the oil pan under the engine (where I have the broken fins), which means taking the entire bike apart. It's something I did before to replace the rear main seal but, looks like a heck of a job for only a few fins. And is it necessary?
I feel that riding a motorcycle is a privilege that should not be taken for granted, and this for me this was a wake up call to slow down, and do a cross check before leaving the house. Especially if I'm in a rush. There is always risk of an oversight especially under these conditions. And I guess I just feel lucky.
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Chris