First bad wreck-need advice.

[Jessie B]

Well it happened. About five months into this motorcycle thing, and I wreck my bike, bad, not six miles from my house. Long story short, I crested a hill to find a truck almost broadside in the road. One emergency stop later and I find myself with 30 feet of rash on my riding gear (thank God I was wearing it) and my bike tore to bits in the near by fence. Well not tore to bits, but still pretty bad.

I know everything I did wrong and right, so I'm not here to discuss that. What I would like is some opinions from like minded people on where I should go from here.

I've lowsided a couple times in the past, zero speed dropped it a couple times for various reasons too. Nothing ever too bad. I got some rash once, some cosmetic damage here and there. Nothing major (in compairson).

I'm perfectly fine, not a scratch or anything. But my FZ6, not so much. Quick list starts with bent rear rim, possible bent swing arm, trashed plastics, snapped kickstand and foot peg, various mangled levers, the handle bars included. Gas tank is smashed on one side and tore loose from bike.

The biggest problem though is the frame. I think, and i'm no expert, but I think whatever bent the rear rim also caught the back of the seat. The stock gaudy fender thing was shattered and the poles that extend from the frame to support the rear of the seat tore loose and took chunks of the frame with it. Other various bolts stripped in the frame too.

It happened this morning, so I havent seen an insurance adjuster yet. I have full insurance and gap, but i've never been in an accident before where insurance got involved, so I don't know what to expect.

Can something like this be fixed? If so what about the vin on the engine and new frame? If it is totaled, would it be worth it to buy it back and make a track bike or something? I am by no means a bike mechanic (Jeeps are more my speciality), but I do have a full service package with the dealership where I bought the bike. Never pay for labor, just parts. Would a dealership even touch a totaled bike for whatever reason? Would it be best to just let it go?

This bike was my main ride, rain or shine for the past five months and 8,000 miles. I really liked it, but I wouldn't say I loved it. I'm not really sure I want to get another bike actually. If I do, it probably won't be an FZ6, any opinions there?

I know this is long, but I really need help. And I figure you guys have been through this more than me.

Thanks,
Jessie B

 

[DefyInertia]

Sounds like insurance will probably total it and write you a check. Submit your claim and let us know what they come back with so we can make better recommendations.

I'm not really sure I want to get another bike actually. If I do, it probably won't be an FZ6, any opinions there?

You've crashed or dropped your bike 5 times in 5 months including 2 lowside and a single-vehicle emergency stop crash? Not trying to give you a hard time but dude, does that bother you? I mean, time to make some changes, no?

 

[Red Wazp]

Glad you are ok.

+1 to Inertia's advise - all of it.

 

[VEGASRIDER]

Most crashes on motorcycles occur during the first 5-10 minutes of your ride. Most crash with an average of less than 3000 miles on the meter.

Looks like you fell into at least one category, but not both if it makes you feel any better. But I have to agree with Defy here, during the first five months, how many drops and low sides prior to this incident?

 

[ozzieboy]

Sounds like insurance will probably total it and write you a check. Submit your claim and let us know what they come back with so we can make better recommendations.



You've crashed or dropped your bike 5 times in 5 months including 2 lowside and a single-vehicle emergency stop crash? Not trying to give you a hard time but dude, does that bother you? I mean, time to make some changes, no?

+1...Sounds like a write off. Sorry to hear it mate.

Wow. That's a few mishaps. I lowsided a bike 12 years ago in a huge patch of thick gravel at night and that's it. I like to ride hard but I want to keep doing it until I'm a very old man. I'd hate to see you hurt yourself bad.
Seriously not having a go at you mate, just think maybe you need to take a step back and have a look at how you're doing things. Ride with some more experienced riders for a bit if you can. It is helping me no end riding with the guys down here:thumbup:. After 14 years (most of it cruisers) I need to learn too.
Sorry if I'm telling you stuff you already know. I just give a crap is all.:thumbup:

Once again, sorry to hear about your bike. Glad to hear you're OK.
Cheers
Mike

 

[Humperdinkel]

Sorry to hear about your bike mate but it definately sounds like a rite off , i hope your insured....... Im glad to hear you lived to see another day :thumbup: this time at least , i did have to laugh though when you said you made an emergency stop.......Yet you still dropped it hardly what one would call a good emergency stop now is it ? Hate to think what damage may have been done if you didnt stop...... I agree with the others though , that much damage in a few months makes me think you would be safer as a cager.... Safer for you but please dont go driving near me :thumbup:

 

[sportrider]

sounds totaled to me. +1 with Defy. maybe you need to realize just how lucky you've been, and quit while your ahead. Please don't take offense to this, none is intended. but motorcycles aren't for everyone, they can be potentially dangerous and/or deadly if not operated with the up most attention and skill. if you do decide to ride still, I highly recommend you take the MSF coarse if you haven't, or in the least find an experienced rider in your area who has the patience and time to help you cut your teeth.

 

[Jessie B]

OK, maybe I should have been more specific. I guess I do ride hard and stupid sometimes. This is my first bike ever. The first lowside was with about 1000 miles on the odo. I was riding way over my head, I just didn't know it and slipped out making a right hand turn. Then i dropped it doing parking lot practice. Then I lowsided again about 3000 miles later, right hander, about 20 mph. I wasn't being stupid, just hit some gravel. Thats teh one I got a little rash on my knees from. THEN I took the MSF course and got a real liscense instead of just a permit. Later on I was exploring some roads and ended up needing to do a U-turn, which in short ended with my front tire washing out from under me in some deep sugar sand, and I just fell over before I could stop it. And this last time, I did what I could to prevent T-boning a truck. It just didn't turn out how I planned.

Every body I ride with can't believe the stuff that happens to me. Even my MSF coaches, just from stuff in the class. Its like I attract it or something. But i'm sure some of it is my fault too.

But the general consensus seems to be that I need to get my check and walk away from this bike. Like I said, it will still be a few days before I hear from an actual adjuster. Th insurance company said about three days.

Worst part about this wreck (besides the wreck) is I just got new BT 016's to replace the crappy slide around BT020's that came on it stock.

Thanks for the insight guys'
Jessie B

 

[Jedi]

Dude that sucks, hope the insurance takes care of you.

I'm not being a patronising git by saying this, but... you went over a blind crest on new tyres so fast that even after hard braking your bike was going at such a speed that it hit the scenery hard enough to shred itself. I'm actually amazed you're able to type a message on here!!!

Over here the training may be different, but I was taught that your speed matches the road, not the bike. If you can't stop in the distance that you can see, you're riding WAY too fast. Just because you CAN do 100mph in ten seconds from a standing start doesn't mean that you SHOULD... especially when you can't see down the road!

I hope you get everything sorted and I'm glad you weren't injured, but for the love of God if you do get another bike, slow down a bit. I don't want to see your name in an RIP thread.

 

[Mississippi]

I am also glad that you are ok , but the bike.......Its totaled.

A buddy of mine just totaled his ninja, and it only had cosmetic damages (rash), a broken lower fairing, blinkers, and a bent handle bar. No frame or rim damage.

I do not think a shop would touch it, but I am just speaking from the vibe I get from my shop.

Good luck with watever way you decide to go.

 

[mstewar1]

Hey Jesse,
Yeah, it sounds totaled to me. With the coverage you say you've got, the check should cover whatever you've got into it.

And thanks for the clarification on the various mishaps. So it sounds as if you hadn't even been on a bike, even "other people's bikes" (OPB), before this one, is that right? Not to get too nosy but how old are you?

Considering the latest incident, you're actually a very luck person. It's remarkable that, with as much damage done to the bike, you're still functional. And it hasn't yet been said so I'll say it: it takes some stones to put yourself out there as you've done with this post. You laid yourself open, some would say set yourself up for getting a good verbal beating, by letting the group know about your "record" and asking for advice or feedback. Good on you.

Now, as most have alluded to, if you stay on a bike I think we'd all like to know that you have learned from this incident. Slow the F down. Get some ride time with experience riders. Get thee to a track to get your high-speed yaya's out.

When we make the decision to throw a leg across a moto we have, whether we announce it to others or not, whether we're consciously aware or not, joined an interesting sub-culture. There are those who will always stay in the relative security of their cars, never experiencing the visceral, immediate joys, risks, and challenges of riding.

We're a self-regulating group, as you will have noticed. We don't like to see riders go down. Thus the "darwin awards" and R.I.P. threads. If we f-up and don't show any growth or intelligence, pretty soon, we ride alone -- because no one else with any sense wants to ride with us. We don't want to have to be the ones to call an ambulance, to pick up the busted pieces, or to call your family.

So my point is, you made the choice to join this group, now hopefully with your experiences, with this group's gentle guidance or feedback, you'll stay with it BUT, you'll learn from this last mistake and live to ride for a great many more days.

It sounds as if you were a little luke-warm on the FZ6. What other bikes are you considering? I would imagine that some would suggest you go down in size to a 250 or something -- just kidding, but maybe not...

Seriously brother, I am really glad you're ok. Glad you showed the intelligence to have gear and were wearing it. Glad you had taken the time to get training. Glad to have you here.

Slow down, enjoy the ride -- if we're always riding at full tilt, we miss an awful lot.

 

[oogie]

I tend to be a hypocrite when it comes to motorcycling, been riding since I was 12 yrs. old, and believe it's greatest activity in the world...until one of my friends talks about getting their first bike. I am always scared for them, and actually am quite glad when/if they don't get one. The inherent danger involved in our sport is also the main reason I always ride solo....if I crash it's only my ass on the line. It's not for everyone, sometimes you gotta listen to the little angel on your shoulder.

 

[DecepticonDon]

glad to hear you're alright
your bike will now turn into a check from your ins company.
IS your gear trashed? you may have a $$ allowance for trashed safety gear.
talk to your claims agent. DON'T GET SCREWED!!!
I got a new helmet after my crash, paid for by State Farm.

for safe riding tips, and dangerous situations to watch out for, I would recommend reading David Hough(well-known M/C writer)
I also recommend Lee Parks Total Control
it covers braking, cornering, LOW SPEED manuvers, and many other aspects of sport riding techniques.

good luck, ride safe:thumbup:

 

[rdoucet]

Glad to see that you are ok.

Sounds like your bike is beyond repair and your insurance company will take care of that. If I were you, I would see if you can get your extended warranty refunded to you; of course this will be pro-rated based on the terms but at least you can get some money back. I would also check to see if you can get a refund on the dealer services since you no longer can ride the bike - if not, see if they will transfer over to a different ride if you decide to purchase again.

No matter what you do, be safe!!!

 

[Jessie B]

Slow down, got it:thumbup: I actually figured that one out myself. I know I did a lot of stuff wrong, and that I would probably get reamed for openly saying it, but it is what it is. Oh yeah, I'm 22 years old (someone asked)

I'm trying to keep a positive outlook on this. I know how easy it would be to go the other way with it and end up angry with the world. So just for giggles I went to the dealership on my lunch break today. My best friend growing up works at the parts department there. I told him to start making me a parts list, that I was thinking of making a track bike out of it.

here's what I ended up with (IIRC):
frame: $900+ (don't remember exactly offhand)
Swing arm: $500
Rear wheel: $36 something

the total hit about $1500 at this point so I told him to just forget it. After sub frame, gas tank, bodywork, and handles and levers (and everything else I don't yet know about) I have decided it is not in my best interest to try and rebuild it. He said something like this usually runs about $5000 just for parts.

I talked to the insurance adjuster over the phone today too. Going from what I said, he said it is probably going to be a total loss. My gear is covered under my plan. he is going to call me back to set up an appointment to take pictures and whatever else they do.

I'm still toying with the idea of buying it back as salvage, if its cheap enough.The gearhead in me just knows there is something I could do with it. Living on a farm, its not like storage would be an issue.

I wasn't really extremely impressed with the FZ6. Took me forever to get the clutch 'right'. I hated the dead slack spot off idle (even after adjustments it never felt right) The riding position was just in the middle of uncomfortable- lower or higher would have been better. Yamaha fit-finish-and power was spot on though.

I was thinking of maybe another bike. People rave about the sv650's. I like the engineering behind the Buells too... but I probably wont get another bike, not right now anyways. I do need to find another daily driver though. Maybe a pickup. I've always liked the looks of the first gen. Nissian X-Terras too. I don't know. I'm driving my old Jeep for now.

Thanks again everyone,
Jessie B

 

[poorwboy]

Dude, do not take offense to this but since you have gone through what you have and now totaled it I would sell it and find another hobby.

 

[brian-oki]

WHO'S fault was it anyways? You never said, your for speeding, or his for being in the middle of the road?

 

[Jessie B]

i don't know who's fault it was really. nobody was cited. The man in the pickup was allowed to leave. It wasn't written up as speeding, just that I lost control of a vehicle which caused an estimated $8000 damage to said vehicle.

So I guess insurance will see it as my fault.
As for whose fault do I feel it was? Well, I don't think he should be able to have a blind driveway down the side of a blind hill, especially when his property extends over and past the hill on both sides. There is not enough room for a car to stop going 45mph from the top of the hill to the driveway.
All the locals know this is a bad stretch of road. There are lots of wrecks and most cops I know have even stopped patrolling it for speeders, as all the people who get tickets end up taking them to court and wasting their time (sad i know, but true)
I don't feel I was going excessively fast. just ended up in a bad spot. had my bike not went into the fence, i'd probably still be riding it, maybe some damage to the plastics. But I guess he was lawfully using his portion of the road at the time, and my use of the road just didn't work out so well.


really though, I am glad to be alive. i know several people who have been through almost this same thing. most of them ended up in the hospital, some for quite a while.

 

[mstewar1]

That kinda strikes me as a bit odd that no one was cited. But I guess that works out a little in your favor -- saves on your bills. Wonder what this wreck will do to your insurance rates, especially if, as you say, the insurance company assigns 100% fault to you..?

I hate to see folks just give up on stuff. Have you considered maybe getting a dirt bike so that you can get some riding experience? Dirt riding has its own inherent hazards and such, so it's not as if you're let off the hook for not being switched-on, but you can learn a lot. And it is a way to get riding experience without the added "bonus" of cars and trucks. Just a thought.

You described the early mishaps in such a way as they sound like the kind of thing new riders go through. This last one though, dang, you're a lucky young man. It's just so tough man, once you get the bug, to just walk away. Tough, tough call. Though I can read it in the tone of other folk's posts that they're thinking you need to do just that...I'm reluctant to join the chorus.

I guess because I've always sorta done what other people said not to do. And I'm still kickin', for better or worse. It's especially hard for a young man who's yet to stare mortality in the face. Yeah, you may have soiled your drawers during this last one, but how much did you, can you take away, can you be safer, slower, smarter?

Sv650's are nice in their own way. V-twin, grunty little engine. Suzuki has some weird styling notions, if you ask me, but you can get a naked sv which is kinda cool. Buell, meh, you can ride a paint shaker down at the hardware store if that's what you're after.

Think about it, seriously think.

 

[Jessie B]

I don't like dirt bikes. I've riden them some, and their just not for me. Same thing with 4-wheelers. My dad got got us kids a nice 4-wheeler when i was 17. Never really got into it like my Jeeps.
I think its time I give it a rest. Seriously, I don't think I would enjoy riding the same after this.


I was a little reluctant to post this, but what the heck. Nobody's probably going to read all of it anyway.

new rider-my story - Motorcycle Forum

Its a link to a thread I started in another forum shortly after I got my bike. It lists my bad calls and mishaps from my day to day riding. It didn't start that way, but thats how it ended up. I mostly come off sounding like a squid, but that gets explained on the last page.