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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: HardAspie on April 07, 2016, 04:22:38 PM
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I took Wolfie over the mountains to Prescott where the dealer is. First service. En route Prescott I found that my riding gloves were not as I had thought, and developed a major Reynaud's circulatory problem that left my fingertips blue. Then a bit farther the clutch adjuster vibrated loose and the bike would barely shift; a quick blue finger adjustment and I was on my way. I picked up the bike a couple of hours later and rode to visit a friend nearby, then back over the mountains to home.
Out of the mountains I thought to stop at a convenience store for a candy bar. I bought a few other items as well. Then to the bike and off. I started the engine and pushed the little Wolf back from the parking space. Then a turn of about 120 degrees to the left and at walking speed and I would be headed to the driveway to exit; I never made it there. In the turn I had to adjust speed a bit for the fluid situation of the parking lot. Driveline lash! The bike seems to have an inordinate amount of this; it has scared me a couple of times before, but this time it bit me. The lash taken up there was a sudden jolt and then the ground came up to meet me.
I saw as mt head was headed for collision with the tarmac. Then there was I on the ground. I sat up to find my right boot trapped under the bike. I could not move far. I became aware of huge pain in my left arm. I wiggled digits to find they all worked fine. I worried about my osteoporosis weakened pelvis buy found no pain there. After a time EMTs showed up and lifted the bike from me. They asked questions to see if my brain was working, which it was; my head was encased within an HJC CL 17 DOT and Snell approved full face helmet.
Then I found myself alone, unable to lift my arm to a position that would allow me to ride, and still several miles from home. I called a couple who are friends of mine. He rode the only slightly damaged - clutch and shift levers - bike to his house. Then they both brought me home. A week and a half and I am beginning to get some use from that left arm.
Realization: my body ain't up to this anymore. Know anyone who wants a nice 350 mile 2014 black wolf? I don't.
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This was probably inevitable Laura , don't give up yet . Heal up , get better gloves , and think this through .
Dusty
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:1: on what Dusty said. Sounds like you scared yourself a bit. Get some gloves that fit and check your chain to see if there is too much slack in it contributing to the excessive lash. If not and it is a design characteristic of your bike, take it out to a dirt (soft) area and practice, practice, practice until you are so used to the slack that it becomes part of your subconscious. I would venture to say that almost everyone on this board has had to get used to a "quirk" of their own machine. Good luck!
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Yup, that's the way to go.
Tell yourself to fix one little thing at a time and get out and ride again.
A few small things, they're doable, no magic needed. Then use your driving skills again.
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Those days can be tough but they only last one day. Good you are ok which is most important.
Check the chain as others have said but for sure since the bike was in for first service they'd have taken care of that! If not...wow.
A bad day on a bike is way better than a bad day for other reasons. You fell, just a few minor things to the bike, you are okay and healing up. There was a cause for your fall, unlike some of what you read about, like the bike going over in a driveway without the engine running.
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I have fallen off several times in the last couple of years always at low speed when the bike doesn't have enough speed to balance itself.
Just get back on.
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Oh no Laura! What a bummer! Don't give up yet! Like they said, get some good gloves. Drive lash? Keep your hand on the clutch and use it! Practice feathering that thang. Keep that left hand ready at all times. You can do it!
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YES "You can do it' !
Dusty
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Glad your going to be ok. As others have said ,don't give up . You have already identified the factors that led up to this, all easily addressed, and with some more slow speed practice with the clutch you will have your confidence back in no time. We all know how you feel, it will pass. Best wishes!
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I was worried that you hadn't posted in a few days. This is just a bump in the road that all of us have had. Heal well, and good luck!
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Laura,
Agree with other comments. Give yourself some time and space. Slow speed riding is often the most difficult.
Mr. clutch is your best friend, plus thinking ahead, smooth and slow always.
Blessings....
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ditto what others have said.. BUT, you decide.. you don't have to ride if you don't want to..and your still welcome to post here..
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ditto what others have said.. BUT, you decide.. you don't have to ride if you don't want to..and your still welcome to post here..
Especially if you keep your sense of humor! :thumb: :1:
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Especially if you keep your sense of humor! :thumb: :1:
ditto :grin:
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Just make sure you know why it happened Hardie and you'll be a better rider for it. I'll bet my flat tappets no one disagrees with that. Kudos to you for buying the perfect bike for you AT THIS STAGE, imagine if you'd been on a new Stelvio, Norge or similar, what a PITA.Nobody ever learned anything by getting it right. Recently my Norge fell over in France in a camping park because I put the right pannier on first while on the side stand, the bike crashed in the soft green grass and cracked the blinker lens, a friend who was with me at the time found a piece of plastic and cut out a washer to make a repair. Now every time I look at at it here in Australia, I'm reminded of the incident, I wouldn't replace it with a new one if I had one on the shelf, just apologise to Wolfy, you'll be forgiven, guaranteed..... Huzo.
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Laura, how long have you ridden a MC or is this your 1st 1? Has any one schooled you on basic maintenance of your MC? From what you said 2 things happened in your accident. 1st your clutch lever vibrated loose and second your drive chain got too loose(from running wear) and this is what caused your situation. These are very common occurrences during when operating a MC and are things that need to be monitored as you use your MC and need to be adjusted. If you're a newby someone should show you how to do them and talk to you about chain lube. It sounds like you need a mentor in your MC journies for awhile. Sorry you got hurt. :sad:
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Absolutely Wayno, well said. Following your suggestion will doubtless enhance Hardies enjoyment of her bike many fold.
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I've dropped bikes several times. We all have. Anybody who hasn't is a damned liar. Glad you're OK.
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I've dropped bikes several times. We all have. Anybody who hasn't is a damned liar. Glad you're OK.
Yep . I dropped my /5 backing out of the shed . Whomp on the ground . Fortunately no one was watching so no one knows . OOOPS , well , no one but you guys :embarrassed:
Dusty
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I'm 63 with a left knee that is a total replacement candidate wrestling a 550lb+ bundle of fibreglass and metal and I admit sometimes I just want a wheelchair and my pain pills...but once she's rolling and the sun is out all that fades away...give it a few days and give 'er another whirl, won't you? :thumb:
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Laura (may I call you Laura?),
Don't give up. I've dropped my beloved Griso at least 6 times. The last time I dropped my head on the Tarmac to test my new helmet that I'd worn all of about 4 times.
Prior to Griso, there was a Kawasaki and a couple of Suzuki's that I flung into the weeds over the last 30 years or so.
Heal quick and jump straight back on the bike. A pleasant sunny day's ride will do wonders.
I've dropped bikes several times. We all have. Anybody who hasn't is a damned liar. Glad you're OK.
What he said. :thumb:
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Then there was the time a fella simply fell off while his bike was on the side stand . He was leaning over to pick up a spark plug wrench that had been dropped and just fell off . We laughed :laugh:
Dusty
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Laura, how long have you ridden a MC or is this your 1st 1? Has any one schooled you on basic maintenance of your MC? From what you said 2 things happened in your accident. 1st your clutch lever vibrated loose and second your drive chain got too loose(from running wear) and this is what caused your situation. These are very common occurrences during when operating a MC and are things that need to be monitored as you use your MC and need to be adjusted. If you're a newby someone should show you how to do them and talk to you about chain lube. It sounds like you need a mentor in your MC journies for awhile. Sorry you got hurt. :sad:
Oh yeah. ridden many miles on and off since '71. Never felt lash like the Wolf. I had checked the chain earlier and it was in spec. Now, I must add that it was in factory specified spec, not mine. When I see the chain final drive of most street bikes I see the swingarm pivot fully within the perimeter of the chain. The swing arm is shorter and so describes a smaller radius. Slack is needed only for the short upward wheel travel that happens when rider sits on the machine and brings the swingarm parallel to ground - that does tighten the chain, but further movement slacks it. I've always kept my chains to minimum slack when the swingarm bisects the chain perimeter. My chains thus adjusted and kept clean and well lubed seem to last forever. But I have ridden several other bikes owned by others who do not share my chain philosophy and have never felt lash like the Wolf at low speed. I don't have any clear ideas as to why. I do ponder the machine's low weight and therefore low momentum.
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This was probably inevitable Laura , don't give up yet . Heal up , get better gloves , and think this through .
Dusty
Thanks! What scares me is less the MC than my body's reaction. Still typing one hand...but getting better.
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ditto :grin:
Let me send you a big smile and a one armed - for now - hug.
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Then there was the time a fella simply fell off while his bike was on the side stand . He was leaning over to pick up a spark plug wrench that had been dropped and just fell off . We laughed :laugh:
Dusty
I can see that!
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Wait , you can type with both hands ???? :shocked:
Dusty
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What kind of bike is the wolf? Is wolf a model name, or manufacturer name, or a name you gave it?
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Wait , you can type with both hands ???? :shocked:
Dusty
Not yet. Regaining left side function with each day. All is going well, but slowly. More slowly than I like; faster than i had feared.
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What kind of bike is the wolf? Is wolf a model name, or manufacturer name, or a name you gave it?
SYM Wolf Classic 150. Small, but what I could afford.
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Just wondering if the lash is as pronounced as you describe, maybe have a trusted friend show you how to check your rear sprocket bolts for tightness and rear Cush drive. Maybe you already know, but when you're on the bike feet up, there should be something like 1" slack but probably no more than that, check front sprocket retaining nut as well but that most likely would not give that much lash given that it's splined
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Just wondering if the lash is as pronounced as you describe, maybe have a trusted friend show you how to check your rear sprocket bolts for tightness and rear Cush drive. Maybe you already know, but when you're on the bike feet up, there should be something like 1" slack but probably no more than that, check front sprocket retaining nut as well but that most likely would not give that much lash given that it's splined
I rather suspect the hub may be the issue. At the moment my left arm is but regaining usefulness and bike is in a friend's garage. Most of my bikes have been chain drive and I have never been scared by lash; never been laid low.
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Just be careful or they may start calling you Madam Lash, Jeez I hope no one thinks of that !!!!
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Could be worse, in the old days we called it snatch.
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Oh and just ONE more thing, Don't give up your lovely bike, I don't know where I read it but someone once said "90% of life is the other 10%", the "other 10%" is where your bike lives, not in your friends garage, that's just where it is at the moment. Don't forget Laura, YOU are part of what makes up that "other 10%", because the remaining 90% wouldn't have the guts to get out and do it in the first bloody place like you do. The only rabbit that never gets into trouble is the one that never leaves the burrow....
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:boozing: Thanks Huzo!
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Hang in there, there is always a storm cloud about but new horizon's are hard to resist by the true enthusiast!
The old cliché is "get back on the horse", life is to short not to!
:-)
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Glad your injuries were tolerable and seemingly not permanently debilitating.
Don't give up or sell yourself short. Why? Take me as a bad example.
In 2009 I dumped an ST1300 at 5 mph (oil slick at intersection). Me, I was at 69 years of age.
Bike was OK (love those crash wings on the ST). Me? Compound spiral tib/fib fracture of the left leg.
"Knowing" I would never be able to ride again I sold my bike and even my wife's scooter (for which she has never forgiven me). Both moves were stupid.
Then an amazing thing happened. Wife made me get another bike (guess I was getting too mean without one). In a year or so I found solace in a big scooter, and later with a Guzzi 750.
http://dansher.com/bikepix/2011May/index.html (http://dansher.com/bikepix/2011May/index.html)
What if I'd have quit too soon?
Now I'm 76 - life and wife are wonderful. If I die as a bug splat on the grille of a PeterBilt.. well, it was doing what I loved.
Sit back, take a breath, and heal. Sell the Wolf that betrayed you if need be - but don't stop riding altogether. You may never be truly happy without a two wheeler.
'Geezer
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Glad your injuries were tolerable and seemingly not permanently debilitating.
Don't give up or sell yourself short. Why? Take me as a bad example.
In 2009 I dumped an ST1300 at 5 mph (oil slick at intersection). Me, I was at 69 years of age.
Bike was OK (love those crash wings on the ST). Me? Compound spiral tib/fib fracture of the left leg.
"Knowing" I would never be able to ride again I sold my bike and even my wife's scooter (for which she has never forgiven me). Both moves were stupid.
Then an amazing thing happened. Wife made me get another bike (guess I was getting too mean without one). In a year or so I found solace in a big scooter, and later with a Guzzi 750.
http://dansher.com/bikepix/2011May/index.html (http://dansher.com/bikepix/2011May/index.html)
What if I'd have quit too soon?
Now I'm 76 - life and wife are wonderful. If I die as a bug splat on the grille of a PeterBilt.. well, it was doing what I loved.
Sit back, take a breath, and heal. Sell the Wolf that betrayed you if need be - but don't stop riding altogether. You may never be truly happy without a two wheeler.
'Geezer
"betrayed" that is it. I've had tank slappers and other types of poor behaviour before. But never have I been injured to the point of being incapable of getting back on the beast and riding off. I could not ride it again yet if I wanted. The Wolf bit me.
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:boozing: Thanks Huzo!
No worries! I've got nothing but admiration for people in your position who get off their bums and go out and have a go. Every biker on this forum knows the feeling you had when you dropped poor Wolfie, they just had to be at their personal threshold at that moment, but the feeling is the same for them/us as it is for you because you ARE us. Now here's the plan Laura..... Find that same trusted friend and go out for dinner if it's appropriate, have a few drinks, then a couple more, that'll take away the pain in your arm so that's sorted... Now, armed with a s--t load of spanners (that's wrenches to you), go around to see Wolfie 'cos he'll be wondering if he's still in trouble, and bloody well sort out that looseness in the rear end, 'cos heaven knows, no one needs looseness in the rear end. When you're damn well good and ready, that first ride will feel liberating, probably more so than when you got him new.
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Could be worse, in the old days we called it snatch.
Um, yeah..... If you've any Aussie friends over there, run that by them and see what they say....
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I still have the bug alright, but pretty sure not for Wolfie. Oh yeah, the olde term for lash! Language does drift.
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The SYM Wolf is a 150cc Taiwanese made bike that is based on Honda's CB125. 19hp and very light. So many tip overs happen at crawl speeds that most of us can relate to Laura's experience. But based on the injury sustained under these circumstances, and that she could not get such a light bike off her foot, I would agree with Laura that motorcycling may be something that she can live without. Osteoporosis is unforgiving. Crashing at 40 mph may have been fatal.
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The SYM Wolf is a 150cc Taiwanese made bike that is based on Honda's CB125. 19hp and very light. So many tip overs happen at crawl speeds that most of us can relate to Laura's experience. But based on the injury sustained under these circumstances, and that she could not get such a light bike off her foot, I would agree with Laura that motorcycling may be something that she can live without. Osteoporosis is unforgiving. Crashing at 40 mph may have been fatal.
You just nailed it to the wall my friend.
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The SYM Wolf is a 150cc Taiwanese made bike that is based on Honda's CB125. 19hp and very light. So many tip overs happen at crawl speeds that most of us can relate to Laura's experience. But based on the injury sustained under these circumstances, and that she could not get such a light bike off her foot, I would agree with Laura that motorcycling may be something that she can live without. Osteoporosis is unforgiving. Crashing at 40 mph may have been fatal.
look, Look I was a Postie here in Australia for 35 years, I've had bikes since age 15 and I'm 58 now. Just before I retired I slid off the bike a Honda CT 110, in the mud, the foot peg held my foot in the mud and I could not lift the bike off myself to save my life, it's because you can't get your support under to be able to stand up. I'd suggest not to instil a defeatist attitude into another person while they are down, and don't draw hour sword 'cos you think I'm having a swipe because I'm not. Motorcycling is something we can ALL live without, it's just the fortunate among us choose not to.
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Like everyone else, I'ved dropped my bikes. The worst was a slow speed 180 degree turn, feet on the pegs, four MPH, 10 of my buddies watching, my R100GSPD in 1st gear stalled and bam, I was down in a flash. I'd made the classic mistake. "Always feather a clutch when in first gear maneuvers."
Fortune smiled on me. The pain of embarrassment was far greater than injury. I'd failed to follow that rule and now always slip the clutch in low speed maneuvers. Once was enough.
Ciao,
Dick
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Yep Racey, that's a familiar scenario isn't it ? I think the issue that needs thought is that Hardaspie is considering ditching bikes or changing to another one. I'm hoping she doesn't think that will negate the chance of another spill. Ya just have to wait till your pain goes away then see what you want to do then, she said that Wolfie bit me, well that's true but by her own admission it was a riding error, so all the best to her, it would be a sad way to exit your riding career.
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I hope you don't quit riding, you started riding for a reason that is still valid. When I was struggling with that question I decided to use the old timers that are still riding as a role model, a decision I don't regret. As the years and disease take their toll, I ran out of turn signals so I put a sidecar on. Turn signals are the first thing to break when I fall over. I think that as intelligent as you seem to be ,you will have many trouble free miles if you choose to keep riding. This quote may help with healing: " I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous "
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Love that last bit. Priceless, very witty.
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The SYM Wolf is a 150cc Taiwanese made bike that is based on Honda's CB125. 19hp and very light. So many tip overs happen at crawl speeds that most of us can relate to Laura's experience. But based on the injury sustained under these circumstances, and that she could not get such a light bike off her foot, I would agree with Laura that motorcycling may be something that she can live without. Osteoporosis is unforgiving. Crashing at 40 mph may have been fatal.
Crashing at 40 mph could have been fatal for anyone including those in the best physical condition, of young years and wearing armor, a Schuberth and Terminator boots and Iron Man gloves. A fall at 5 mph can be fatal to - to anyone.
Depending on which legs was caught under the bike and its orientation, the strongest among us might not be able to lift the bikes we ride off our leg if we are laying on the ground.
She did all the right things and as a result got home. Like any traumatic experience it can take time to collect thoughts, desire and motivation to enjoy the activity again, the choice is hers to make and thankfully, that choice remains.
My hopes for a good recovery and satisfaction in the choice she makes regardless of what that is.
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Sorry to hear about this development HardAspie. 45 years astride a bike, I think you probably have a pretty good frame of reference to deliberate from. Regardless, I hope we continue to enjoy your input here.
here's to a speedy rehab for that bum arm! :boozing:
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Obviously I don't want to say you are lucky, ..... BUT.... most of us do a major dismount in front of buddies who hold up score cards and laugh.... :laugh:. You will get past this. Then when your blood has cooled, you will make a correct choice. Get a buddy to test ride the wolf and see if the lash is excessive. If so, make 'em fix it. Good luck!
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Okay I googled sym wolf. It does look like the Honda 125 updated just a little.
The pictures I saw showed low set handlebars like a cafe bike. These do not offer much leverage at parking lot speeds. If you had bars that were maybe 4 inches higher, you might not have fallen.
When you are able to ride again, see if you can try someones bike with that. Then decide if you want to change bars or change bikes.
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Sorry to hear about your unfortunate incident. I hope you heal soon!
My wife encountered a low-speed issue with her new Triumph Bonneville, her first motorcycle. She grabbed the front brake while the front wheel was turned. There was no damage to her or her bike, but she never rode it again after that.
Fortunately, there was another PTW solution for her, a Vespa 150 Sprint with ABS. She loves it and has not stopped riding it. Last night, we rode our Vespas 50 miles along country roads, stopping for burgers and shakes along the way.
Two wheels feels like freedom, whether powered or not.
Have you ever considered a scooter? I love my Vespa, too, and have almost as many miles on it as I do on my Norge. My motorcycle is much faster, but the Vespa is far easier to ride and tremendous fun!
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and developed a major Reynaud's circulatory problem that left my fingertips blue.
Sorry for your misfortune & I agree with all the advice being given. I have the Reynaud's also & it is a PITA. Beautiful sunny morning here in Florida & I'm wearing gloves while riding to the diner. Go in take off the gloves & two fingers on the left hand are blue.
Anyway I have found that there is an area on my back that seems to trigger the symptoms if it gets cold. By cold I mean that it can be a 90 degree day & a breeze blows down the neck of my jacket while riding and the fingers go numb. My wife & I have been walking in a sunny field and passed into the shade of a tree & there is enough temp change to make the fingers go numb. I try to keep my back warm is what I am trying to say, it may not work for you but it is worth a try.
That being said I did injure my back many years ago in the same spot so that may be the cause. My wife is also a healer & has been able to do both "energy work" & massage & herbs to keep me going.
Blessings to you & I hope you find relief soon.
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Obviously I don't want to say you are lucky, ..... BUT.... most of us do a major dismount in front of buddies who hold up score cards and laugh.... :laugh:.
And.....also in front of a small group of HD riders. Score cards from friends and sneers from the pirates. And that was when stopped at a gas pump. I was just glad I could my leg out from under it. Steel side cases (large ammo cans) are great as rear crash bars!
Hope you heal quickly. Whether or not you ride more is up to you.
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Being able to get the motorcycle off of your body after a crash depends mostly on the specifics of the crash. Last fall when I last took my 180 lb Yamaha DT100 to the track, I crashed in a turn and my boot got caught on the shift lever with the bike on top of me. I was face-down on the track with my leg bent up behind me, and if I had been alone in the wilderness, I may have starved to death before getting myself free.
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Hi Laura,
I don't post much but I read all of your posts when you were searching for another bike and decided on the Wolf. I was as excited for you as you seemed to be excited about getting another bike. I'm really sorry to hear about your fall and hope you get back to 100% soon!
If you decide to give it another go when you're ready, the circumstances surrounding this will be with you all the time, but that's just another tool in the box. I once watched a good friend (and very experienced rider) drop his brand new Ducati 851 the very day he bought it while he was doing a u-turn in front of my house. The limited turning radius got him. He'll never forget it and neither will I. I've been known to do a 10-point back and forth maneuver just to get my bike pointed in the right direction when I've left a precarious parking situation just to err on the side of caution. Looks funny to my friends, but I don't care.
All bikes have their idiosyncrasies and I guess you found Wolfie's. The situations where we aren't expecting anything dramatic to happen are when they usually do, unfortunately. No matter what you decide to do, you've at least reminded a bunch of us that we need to be careful all the time, even when we're just leaving a parking lot.
Best wishes and cheers!
Craig
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Bummer of an incident.
Here's to getting back on the horse.
And don't anyone "fixer it" for me... I know she's riding a Wolf-ette.
If you can't find adjustment/repair to address an excessive lash scenario, try the clutch.
1995 Moto Guzzi Spots are notoriously lash-tastic and I never gain throttle from an off throttle situation that I don't ease it on with the clutch. It sounds excessive but works well and with 30,000 on what is supposed to be an underwhelming clutch - it's apparently not abusive either.
Todd.
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We have the rally coming up in less than a month now so I'm hoping you can get mended and ride that Wolf over to the rally before any "rash" decisions are made.
Once you are mended up and perhaps put a couple short rides in, either learn the the quirks of the bike or fix it; then see if it's something you want/should continue.
I dropped the CB in the parking lot this week. :thewife: Very loose gravel (it's all they got) and the case savers didn't. Just scratches and no damage to me other than a possible pulled tendon in the foot. Seems fine now. I hate gravel. It has caused me no end of grief the past few years.
In the end, it's something you'll have to decide on your own. You can't be a good rider if you don't have confidence in yourself or the bike. Gut feeling is that you need to spend a few more hours on the Wolf (or rides) to confirm the decision to ditch it. Or not. But you'll make the right one.
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Bummer of an incident.
Here's to getting back on the horse.
And don't anyone "fixer it" for me... I know she's riding a Wolf-ette.
If you can't find adjustment/repair to address an excessive lash scenario, try the clutch.
1995 Moto Guzzi Spots are notoriously lash-tastic and I never gain throttle from an off throttle situation that I don't ease it on with the clutch. It sounds excessive but works well and with 30,000 on what is supposed to be an underwhelming clutch - it's apparently not abusive either.
Todd.
I do the same thing on any bike, when going from trailing to on throttle, I just "crack" the clutch very slightly to cushion the transition. I saw it on Go Pro and didn't realise I did it that much. 92,000 k on the Norge and clutch is just fine
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I think it's probably true to say that with enough touch and experience most of us could have ridden that bike through the same situation if the chain was dragging on the ground. The poor bugger just stuffed up on the day, and we'll all do something similar I our futures, (and probably have in our pasts!), I reckon the saddest bit is that Hardaspie is thinking that a different bike is the way to go. Fact is she probably couldn't have been on a better one. When something like that unseats you, you just have to understand that on that occasion there was not enough good luck to overcome the collective mistakes you made on the day. It'll probably never happen again 'cos she'll have learned a hell of a lot from it,but she'll never know if she walks away.
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Laura if you have someone, or do it yourself even, look at that bike a little bit before you give up on it, maybe consider having them double check the throttle cable situation real close, maybe richen up the carb a little bit, double check for air leaks and what not. Since they are going to be double checking that chain real good and oiling it anyway, might as well check the rest... Good luck....
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There is a dirty trick experienced chain drive riders use in tricky situations.
I have coached women getting ready for their riding test for Washington state license.
Much of the course is done at slow speed including a figure eight in a marked eight and a tight slalom.
What I taught them to do was let their foot LIGHTLY apply the brake and hold it during the manuevre
while going through the changes of direction in the test. Smooth judicious use of the throttle while lightly dragging the brake keeps all the slack from the chain and eliminates any backlash from the transmission
gears. Harley riders have used this trick for many years when competing in slow races at gatherings and rallies. It takes practice but is a valid way to improve your slow speed riding skills.
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^^^^^^^
Good stuff there, Jim.
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The rear brake trick is an excellent tip-the added stability it gives is amazing.
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Dragging the rear brake is the core of the "Ride Like a Pro" low speed skills course.
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Sorry to hear of the drop Laura, a real bummer.
:1: on Jim's suggestion re the rear brake.
You are not on your own on embarrassing drops. I was actually stopped (in the rain) in a line of traffic; both feet on the ground on my 250 RS Honda when it slowly just slid out. I guess there was some oil where I was stopped. The LH handlebar trapped my left leg and I was cast. The motor starts internally haemorrhaging and I am really :embarrassed:. Finally managed to get it back up, with the only damage being my pride fortunately.
I really hope that you are not put off your riding. Heal up, check everything out and jump back on the horse. Don't be too put off about Wolfie. As you will be already aware from posts on this site, Guzzis are not immune from having their little foibles. Most of us love them in spite of their idiosyncrasies.
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She's already kicked it to the curb..
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Then there was the time a fella simply fell off while his bike was on the side stand . He was leaning over to pick up a spark plug wrench that had been dropped and just fell off . We laughed :laugh:
Dusty
Then there was that well known world famous (in his mind) rider that fell over in the grass on a Triumph Tiger at 3 1/2 mph. LOL We all have our get offs. Until that get off in 2014, I hadn't had a get off since 1978. Get back on and have fun!!!
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Then there was that well known world famous (in his mind) rider that fell over in the grass on a Triumph Tiger at 3 1/2 mph. LOL We all have our get offs. Until that get off in 2014, I hadn't had a get off since 1978. Get back on and have fun!!!
Yeah , if a video camera had been available Matt would be famous LOL .
Dusty
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And $10,000 richer from Americas Funniest Videos. LOL
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What decided it for me was less the incident; walking speed bike dumps just happen, than the results. My rusty old bod is not good at absorbing damage. I injure easily and heal slowly. I recall a decision on my part, at roughly age 30, that my time with skateboards was past. About 19 years ago I had a neurological go acute and for several years I was partially paralyzed. I thought that bikes of all sorts were gone forever. But time left the paralysis behind. though without full recovery of strength. Six months ago I was bicycling 30 - 35 miles. I fired that bike too since mt fall.
Not fully certain what comes next. Firstly recovery both in health and finance then perhap a fast recumbent tadpole? Could even put a gasoline engine on. No more two wheelers though; they I have now categorized with skateboards. Life is change.
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It breaks my heart to see you go from all excited about a new motorcycle to deciding to never ride again, in just a couple weeks. I understand, and respect your decision, but it must be at least as heart breaking for you. I hope you find a suitable replacement for motorcycles without too much trouble.
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It breaks my heart to see you go from all excited about a new motorcycle to deciding to never ride again, in just a couple weeks. I understand, and respect your decision, but it must be at least as heart breaking for you. I hope you find a suitable replacement for motorcycles without too much trouble.
Very well said.
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Trade motorcycle riding for sex. If you fall off it doesn't hurt as bad, beds are softer than pavement.
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Going with your gut instinct is a wise decision. The times I've been encouraged by my friends to do otherwise have often met with regrettable results.
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perhap a fast recumbent tadpole?
I looked at/test rode those. Fun, but I couldn't get over the feeling that where *I* live, I'd get run over by a blue hair in a Buick. :smiley:
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As I gaze back to dissect the fall I come up with potential issues of three categories:
1. The bike.
It is very light; any change of condition will effect it more greatly than a heavier one
It is short: 49" wheelbase also imparts small stability
Just how effective is its cush hub? No idea
Narrow handlebars with subsequent reduced leverage
One cylinder, when it fires it is a hammer blow...and at walking speed its torque output is about the same as any MC at that speed
2. Adjustments
Chain was at or near max slack.This is not my style. I analyze each chain drive bike's final drive and have never run one as slack as mfg's minimum. Never pulled a countershaft, never had chain issues. My wrenches for rear axle arrived about a week after the incident
Cables: Both clutch and throttle had just been adjusted about 50 highway miles previous. It is possible the clutch was more engaged than I believed.
Mixture: I had just bought octane booster as it seemed to be pinking. Combine that with better than expected MPG; possible less than ideal throttle response.
3. Me
I am not so fast of response as thirty years ago. I am less strong.
But...the walking speed Laugh In fall over is there awaiting anyone on two wheels. The specifics are varied and many, but the basic is that a monotrack vehicle below balance speed is held up by rider skill and good fortune. Mine ran out. And as I was there on the ground I pondered that such a fall has a good chance of breaking my age weakened hip. That would suck. Nothing is certain; everything is a roll of the dice. I think that I do not want to roll any sort of two wheel dice again. Too much to loose.
On to other things.
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Does sound like it is time to move on. There are other options to explore like those new four wheeled ATV's that you sit in. An old co-worker bought a used one and she has had a hoot with it. :evil:
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Yup, it's time to move on. Lesson learned.
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Yup, it's time to move on. Lesson learned.
I was going to say try airplanes as you seem to know a bit about that, or a sports car, there are inexpensive
choices out there. I have an old Healey that I have had forever when the single tract won't work.
Your enthusiasm will be the factor, without that your done.
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I was going to say try airplanes as you seem to know a bit about that, or a sports car, there are inexpensive
choices out there. I have an old Healey that I have had forever when the single tract won't work.
Your enthusiasm will be the factor, without that your done.
We must be brothers from different mothers. :cool: I had a new Healey 3000 in 63.. should have kept that one, but I was young and stupid. <shrug>
Enthusiasm.. absolutely. You get old without it.