Be careful out there.

[Gliderjohn]

Yesterday while back in KS I was on a very rural blacktop and apparently got distracted for just a moment next thing I was right at a 30 MPH curve doing about 55. No way to make the curve and had a short flint rock road leading to another road and tried to take it. Braking hard on what little pavement was left. Didn't let up on the brakes enough when I hit the gravel, lock everything up while having a double tank slapper and down I went somewhat high sided to the right at around 30 mph. The rider behind me said I disappeared in a cloud of dust and flying gravel and dirt. Thank God I was fully AGATT. I went down hard on my right side and slid and half tumbled. Had a jammed left thumb and some bruising. Sore a hell all over. The T-3 is tough as hell. Ruined the right spark plug and wire but no other mechanical or frame damage. Right side of the trunk took major scratching up along with minor scrapes to the valve cover, ground up corner of the engine guard and the wind screen has a hole plus major scraping of the side of the fairing and the right turn signal unit ruined. Rode it another 64 miles on one cylinder. No damage to the fenders or tank. Didn't even bend a lever or handlebar.
If I had not had my gear on I am sure I would of had a ride to the hospital. PAY ATTENTION ALL THE FREAKING TIME AND STAY GEARED UP. I am a very lucky person.
GliderJohn

[Tkelly]

Glad you are ok,thanks for reminding all of us that we are a few seconds from disaster every time we ride.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Glad you came out on the other side, John. Those "clouds of dust" can be hazardous..

[Scout63]

I’m glad you’re ok John. That’s a lesson for all of us and one we need to hear.

[kballowe]

Glad you're safe !  And that's a good reminder for the rest of us !

 

[egschade]

Glad you're OK. All to easy to zone out for a few seconds and that's all it takes.

Also a good reminder about ATGATT. Just took a road trip from NJ to ME to visit my pilot son in Portland. Saw a lot of riders wearing shorts, t-shirts and no or pudding bowl helmets. One couple was wearing flip-flops. I shudder to think what would happen to one of these folks in an accident.

[Dave Swanson]

Sorry to hear about this John.  I was in the same predicament a couple years ago.  A split second of inattention and I was a bit wide in a tight curve.  Would've been recoverable except for fresh pea gravel that collected on the outside of the curve.  Pretty much the same as you after that.  My riding buddy that was behind me still makes fun of that get off just to make sure I never forget.   

[Guzzistajohn]

Glad you're "mostly" OK John. Best wishes for speedy recovery.

A get off in a KANSAS curve has to be one for the record books

[guzzisteve]

Here too, glad you are OK. One reason there are no gadgets on my bikes, no music either. I tell my wife if she needs music whistle.

[Ncdan]

Glad you are ok GJ!
Let this be a reminder to all of us that years of riding experience does not guarantee us a free pass for accident immunity.

Dan

[Moparnut72]

Glad you are ok. Second the lack of distractions on the bike. I have even put a map under the clear window on my tank bag. Almost did me in once, now I don't even do that. The ride itself is all I need or want. Yesterday I drove 350 miles delivering an RV. I saw quite a number of riders in Tshirts and even shorts. BMW riders were AGATTed up plus some other adventure riders. I have an airbag vest, I don't wear it around town but I should. Longer rides, yes. More dangerous around town so I need to get in the habit of putting it on all the time.
kk

[80CX100]

Hey John, Gotta love it when you screw up and the price isn't too high,btdt.

Very glad you're here & well enough to share about it.

Tks very much for keeping us mindful.

[Shorty]

Glad you and the Guzzi had only minor injuries. 

[Trialsman]

Things could have been MUCH worse and I am glad they were not for you and the bike.  I cringe every time I see a rider in flip-flops, shorts, no helmet, etc.  Motorcycling makes you a better rider/driver on the road, but doesn't make us impervious to harm when things happen.  Stay safe this season.

[Stretch]

Glad you're okay!

Yet another reminder to ALWAYS pay attention.

We all have these little lapses form time time.

Thanks again for the reminder.

                            -Stretch

[drdwb]

Glad to hear you survived and can continue riding. Thanks for the reminder of why ATGATT is so necessary. Keep your eyes on the road and your hands upon the wheel/ bar.

[LowRyter]

Good luck and hope you're OK.  Have a safe trip back home. 

I had a similar get off on my EV 6 months ago running over some plastic packing rounding a left handed cloverleaf.   I know it's not fun.

I'll say those Guzzis are pretty tough.  I guess you are too.   

[Gliderjohn]

Thanks all for the supportive comments. Back home and have had a dip in the hot tub and some liquid pain killers. T-3 may have to stay in the back of the truck for a few days until my left hand can deal better with the clutch.
GliderJohn

[blu guzz]

Feel better soon.  Thanks for the cautionary tale.

[moto]

Thanks for reporting your mishap. Everyone comes close to that once in a while. Anyone can fall. Hope you heal quickly, and get that T3 back on the road.

[Gliderjohn]

Anyone here have suggestions on finding the right turn signal unit for a SP I faring?
BTW the neighbor behind us just posted a video from his doorbell camera taken early Monday morning of an adult mountain lion on his porch. He said that there was also evidence of a rabbit kill there. Getting kind of close!
GliderJohn

[SIR REAL ED]

Glad you came out on the other side, John. Those "clouds of dust" can be hazardous..

 

Yeah!  Especially to the riders following the "Cloud Makers!"

He shoulda just pushed the Moto Guzzi oil cloud maker button to foil those chasing him!

Or maybe that option was only available on Austin Healys.....

It is always a good day when you can walk away from an accident with only a sense of "I really need to quit being such a dumb bass and one more great story to tell!"

[Dharma Bum]

Heal quickly John, and in regards to the kitty, welcome to the Rockies!

[Gliderjohn]

From Dharma Bum:

in regards to the kitty, welcome to the Rockies!

Over the 16 years we lived rural 40 miles north of Wichita we had three sightings. One within 50 yards of Ruth during the day.
GliderJohn

[Canuck750]

glad to hear you are on the mend! Motorcycles are so damn unforgiving, I bet every long time rider has been in the same situation and luckily for most got by with a big scare.

[SIR REAL ED]

From Dharma Bum:
Over the 16 years we lived rural 40 miles north of Wichita we had three sightings. One within 50 yards of Ruth during the day.
GliderJohn

I've never seen a mountain lion in VA, but I know three people who have seen them.  Some even have pictures of an animal that does not exist around here.

[SIR REAL ED]

glad to hear you are on the mend! Motorcycles are so damn unforgiving, I bet every long time rider has been in the same situation and luckily for most got by with a big scare.

Amen.

I've noticed that when I was on the Suzuki DR350, the same road I rode the day before on the Suzuki GS1000G, was suddenly three times wider at the same speed.  Of course, the road got three times narrower if I rode the DR350 the day before riding the GS1000G.

Huge difference in forgiveness from one bike to the next.  It makes sense to re-calibrate yourself every time you get on the bike.

 

[Sykestone8886]

Glad you came away mostly unscathed,I too am one that has no gadgets when I ride, I like the sound of the motor and the whistling of the wind. Hope you heal up soon !!!

[Gliderjohn]

After no luck on initial internet search for the turn signal unit I contacted Matt in ABQ (NM Rep) and appears I will be picking up one from him as soon as we can coordinate getting together. The Guzzi karma is strong.
GliderJohn

[twowheeladdict]

When following people through the curves I am always amazed at how much more they can lean before hard parts touch, compared with how far I think I am leaning.  Pushing the bike deeper into the curve when needed should be our go to reaction, and I know it wasn't my first reaction for a long time.

Hoping for no long term issues with you or the bike.