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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Gliderjohn on May 14, 2023, 09:14:03 PM

Title: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on May 14, 2023, 09:14:03 PM
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
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Tkelly on May 14, 2023, 09:35:50 PM
Glad you are ok,thanks for reminding all of us that we are a few seconds from disaster every time we ride.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on May 15, 2023, 06:11:45 AM
Glad you came out on the other side, John. Those "clouds of dust" can be hazardous.. :smiley:
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Scout63 on May 15, 2023, 06:34:03 AM
I’m glad you’re ok John. That’s a lesson for all of us and one we need to hear.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: kballowe on May 15, 2023, 06:49:31 AM
Glad you're safe !  And that's a good reminder for the rest of us !

 :bike-037:
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: egschade on May 15, 2023, 06:54:26 AM
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.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Dave Swanson on May 15, 2023, 07:02:59 AM
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.   :azn:
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Guzzistajohn on May 15, 2023, 09:10:07 AM
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 :thumb:
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: guzzisteve on May 15, 2023, 09:38:23 AM
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.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Ncdan on May 15, 2023, 09:54:29 AM
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
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Moparnut72 on May 15, 2023, 10:19:27 AM
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
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: 80CX100 on May 15, 2023, 10:22:56 AM
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.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Shorty on May 15, 2023, 10:24:42 AM
Glad you and the Guzzi had only minor injuries. 
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Trialsman on May 15, 2023, 10:31:36 AM
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.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Stretch on May 15, 2023, 10:40:30 AM
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. :grin:

                            -Stretch
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: drdwb on May 15, 2023, 12:00:59 PM
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.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: LowRyter on May 15, 2023, 07:55:55 PM
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.   :thumb:
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on May 15, 2023, 08:08:50 PM
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
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: blu guzz on May 16, 2023, 05:48:19 AM
Feel better soon.  Thanks for the cautionary tale.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: moto on May 16, 2023, 09:00:21 AM
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.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on May 16, 2023, 09:30:28 AM
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
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: SIR REAL ED on May 16, 2023, 09:49:03 AM
Glad you came out on the other side, John. Those "clouds of dust" can be hazardous.. :smiley:

 :laugh:

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!"
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Dharma Bum on May 16, 2023, 11:42:43 AM
Heal quickly John, and in regards to the kitty, welcome to the Rockies!
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on May 16, 2023, 12:38:56 PM
From Dharma Bum:
Quote
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
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Canuck750 on May 16, 2023, 02:14:07 PM
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.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: SIR REAL ED on May 16, 2023, 06:50:54 PM
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.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: SIR REAL ED on May 16, 2023, 06:58:10 PM
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.

 
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Sykestone8886 on May 16, 2023, 07:44:58 PM
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 !!!
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on May 16, 2023, 09:44:30 PM
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. :grin:
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: twowheeladdict on May 16, 2023, 09:57:02 PM
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.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on May 16, 2023, 10:40:53 PM
From TWA:
Quote
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.

Good point and very true. It is amazing how quick the brain works in these situations even old ones. As I remember thus curve was all of a sudden right in my face with no time to set up at all. Said curve if I had slid out at the apex would have put me through a fairly deep sided ditch and an immediate barb wire fence. Directly in front of me was the straight gravel access road and took that choice. In retrospect if I would have immediately let up on the brakes I would have had room to get stopped anyway, just didn't get it done. No excuses as in most airplane crashes it was not just one thing but a chain of events, all of which could have been avoided. Hell of a bell ringing but an effective wake up call.
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: redrider90 on May 16, 2023, 11:17:37 PM
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.   :azn:

I did the exact same thing as Dave just described. I took my eye off the road for just a second and got distracted. I would have made it through the curve if not for the pile of gravel that collects where a T road meets right in a curve. I thought when my helmet hit the ground real hard on the low side I said well I guess my head is ok. Leathers all around and a trip to the ER to get neck x-rays and a very sore body. I didn't clean the scratches off the valve cover for a couple of years to remind myself how stupid I was.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: SIR REAL ED on May 17, 2023, 06:38:49 AM
I didn't clean the scratches off the valve cover for a couple of years to remind myself how stupid I was.

That is an excellent safety tip!

Nothing like a visual, in-your-face reminder of how quickly life can go the wrong way.

My nephew who is a professional carpenter almost lost 4 fingers when he got distracted using a circular saw.  Ever since I heard the stories of multiple operations and saw the pictures, I think about him every time I use a power saw.

I suspect he is the safest person out there when using a saw now.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: inditx on May 17, 2023, 07:59:59 AM
Glad you’re ok.
Heal well.
inditx
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: LowRyter on May 18, 2023, 12:02:04 PM
After wrestling that Guzzi,  a mountain lion should be no trouble. 
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Huzo on May 18, 2023, 04:32:35 PM
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
Jeeez, lucky it wasn’t your right hand..! :wink:
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on May 18, 2023, 08:44:04 PM
From Huzo:
Quote
Jeeez, lucky it wasn’t your right hand..! :wink:
But, but, but I am left handed.
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: LowRyter on May 19, 2023, 08:33:46 AM
cue Hill Street Blues (you knew it was coming John)

(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/CzghXpUXUAAb5wq.jpg)
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Huzo on May 19, 2023, 03:59:52 PM
From Huzo:But, but, but I am left handed.
GliderJohn
Some photographic proof would be good… :grin:
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: lazlokovacs on May 19, 2023, 04:34:01 PM
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.

a massive +1 on this concept

glad to hear you're ok!!!!
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on May 20, 2023, 05:40:04 PM
Shout out thanks to Matt Forslund (NM state rep) for bailing me out by providing me with the turn signal unit I needed. His parts inventory for older Guzzis is very impressive.
GliderJohn
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: John Croucher on May 20, 2023, 05:43:12 PM
Wife and I did a short ride.  I am mostly a solo rider and the wife has little seat time.  (lessons learned).

I did a very low speed U turn.  She leaned hard into the turn at a very low speed, maybe 1 mph. The bike went over. I tried to hold the bike up with her weight on the seat while coming to a stop.  We were not moving by the time my strength gave out. Bars locked full left, bike landed on head guard.  No damage. Then came the worst part, picking the bike up. I told her to grab the seat grab bar and lift while I pulled up on the bars.  She said that the ride was fun.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: SmithSwede on May 23, 2023, 12:05:53 AM
Holy Cow John.  I just now saw this.   Glad you are ok. 

I recommended fermented barley muscle relaxant.   And meditation.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on May 23, 2023, 09:10:48 PM
What the right side of my body would have looked like except with blood if I had not been geared up.

(https://i.ibb.co/VJFG3TX/DSC08125.jpg) (https://ibb.co/VJFG3TX)


(https://i.ibb.co/nncPjdD/DSC08126.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nncPjdD)

GliderJohn
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on May 29, 2023, 04:50:32 PM
Have the damaged pieces off and they will go to the body shop next week. Been a long time since I have seen her naked. Looks good either way.

(https://i.ibb.co/02mfLH4/DSC08155.jpg) (https://ibb.co/02mfLH4)


(https://i.ibb.co/SnRsHQw/DSC08158.jpg) (https://ibb.co/SnRsHQw)

GliderJohn
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Chuck in Indiana on June 01, 2023, 05:32:01 PM
Quote
No excuses as in most airplane crashes it was not just one thing but a chain of events, all of which could have been avoided.

I was at the National antique airplane fly in a few years ago when I saw a Great Lakes that had obviously been on it's back in a hanger. There was an old fart..probably my age..  :smiley: walking around it. I said, "Woah, what happened here?" He just looked at me, smiled, and said, "Well, just one thing after another, I guess.."  :smiley:  So true.
Title: Re: Be careful out there.
Post by: Gliderjohn on June 08, 2023, 05:30:46 PM
My damages pieces back from the body shop today. Still waiting for the wind screen.

(https://i.ibb.co/4ZwfqFX/DSC08203.jpg) (https://ibb.co/4ZwfqFX)

GliderJohn