Thumper Club Forum
Club House => Chatter => Topic started by: CrazyFrog on July 01, 2016, 02:04:34 PM
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Well after a run of 20 years two wheeled commuting, and an average of one 'off' every year, my luck finally ran out yesterday. A stupid woman did a u turn about 40 feet in front of me, I instinctively grabbed a big handful of front brake, and once the speed had dropped to about 15-20mph, from 30, the locked up front wheel washed out and down I went.
The good news is that every other time I've had an off due to someone else's stupidity, I've never managed to claim anything back from the third party's insurers. This time there were two independent witnesses and the police were called, so it should be a cut and dry case.
The bad news is that I've dislocated my shoulder, may have to have an op, and off bikes for 6 weeks. That means I'll miss over half the summer and rally season. :(
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Bloody hell, what a nightmare for you, hope you`re ok? It`s beyond belief what these no b-heads are thinking! I believe that every person who wants to learn to drive a car SHOULD BE MADE TO ride a bike / scooter for six months beforehand .... to let them know that motorcyclists exist.
My mate, nearly two years ago now, had something similar happen to him. He was going a lot faster, in a de-restricted area (no speed limit over here....out of the towns) when a car did a U-turn right in front of him...oh, on a clear straight road too. My mate didn`t survive it.
The driver was prosecuted but I can`t exactly remember what he got?
I hope all goes well for you and it gets sorted ... take it easy, Steve ;)
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Thanks Steve and sorry to hear about your mate.
I guess I got off lightly and tbh I've been very lucky and only ever sustained cuts and bruises before. I wouldn't mind, but about 50 yards up the road was a car park where she could have turned in total safety. It's easy to see what happened though - quick check in the door mirror and she clocked the car behind me, but not me, and thought she had time to swing round quickly. Hey ho, the police were called and there were eye witnesses, so the insurance should be cut and dry.
Cheers,
Pete
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Sorry to hear about your 'off' Pete but at least it wasn't as bad as it could have been, your still here and it looks like the insurance will pay up.
Some drivers just don't seem to think, when I had to commute every day it was a nightmare some winter days when the road was covered in ice/snow and some gormless Rep was 6 inches behind my numberplate wondering why I was only doing 35!!
Hope you and your bike are on the mend soon.
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Good luck with your recovery Pete, and really sorry to hear about your accident. There are so many ignorant, *******ty drivers out there. Nothing surprises me anymore.
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I believe that every person who wants to learn to drive a car SHOULD BE MADE TO ride a bike / scooter for six months beforehand .... to let them know that motorcyclists exist.
Hope your recovery goes ok Pete, having been on the recovery ladder for the last 10months you have my full sympathy mate. These people really shud be MADE to ride some form of two wheeled mode of transport like Steve says, I really couldn't agree more. Plus I feel if they (the powers that be) started to come down harder on the offenders of these "accidents" then maybe just a few people would stop and think twice before they made the manovoures. Like I say mate all the best with the recovery and stay positive.
Cheers, Michael
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I forget where I read it, but some years ago some Government Quango transport hotshot was explaining how it perfectly safe to ride motorcycles in snow and ice as the because as it only had 2 wheels it cut through the ice and snow down to the tarmac rather like the blade on an ice skate!! :o....not a bl**dy clue!! >:(
.....it may have been the same f%$k wits that suggested the idea of lap belts on bikes to stop the rider being throw clear in the event of a crash!!
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Sorry to read of your incident Pete and I hope that you mend, without long term consequences. Whilst navigating the second debacle today (see elsewhere) in the outside lane at a steady 15 - 20mph filtering speed in 2nd, I had a small tour coach up my chuff, the (?) at the wheel sounding the horn and revving the engine, as I wasn't making the "progress" (?) thought appropriate when approaching the incident. Within 50m of the incident the police held the traffic and I took the opportunity, dismounted and turned towards the bus and glared! Not another peep from a rotound, palid, sweaty palmed individual! The "blue rinse brigade" passengers weren't pleased and I suspect their verbal hand bagging was worse and had to be endured for longer!
I would agree with the 6 months on a 125 before anything else would likely make the penny drop, but the sheer arrogance of many behind the wheel of a vehicle today, both female and male can only be changed by forefeiting the licence, and convincing everybody that it is not a "God given right", but a priviledge to be allowed a licence to drive a vehicle. There should also be a ban imposed for using and automated cut off of all mobile device signals once they exceed 5mph. A plague! >:(
GGGGgrrrrrrhhhh! Black rum and cocoa required afore hitting the hay! ;) move to the 'Rant' if moderators see fit.
My regards, Bill
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I would agree with the 6 months on a 125 before anything else would likely make the penny drop, but the sheer arrogance of many behind the wheel of a vehicle today, both female and male can only be changed by forefeiting the licence, and convincing everybody that it is not a "God given right", but a priviledge to be allowed a licence to drive a vehicle. There should also be a ban imposed for using and automated cut off of all mobile device signals once they exceed 5mph. move to the 'Rant' if moderators see fit.
My regards, Bill
Defo not a rant Bill, just a well put side of an argument/debate. Yes they must in this day n age be able to bring something out that disables all electronic devices once someone gets behind the wheel of a car. I,ve just taken delivery of my shiny new van, the guy who sold it to me couldn't believe that I didn't want sat nav, blue tooth plus a host of other electronic gizmos. I chose to av alloy wheels instead for the same cost....the sales guy was speechless. Sign of the times I suppose.
Cheers, Michael
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I agree with much that's said but looking at the antics of the local kids on their mopeds they don't learn an awful lot in the few months they keep them......
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Sorry you've had an off mate, never a nice thing to go through. Don't let it put you off though, remember the good times they'll soon be back.
Ian
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Thanks again for the kind thoughts everybody. Got the bike back home yesterday, and itching to get it sorted and get back out. Beautiful biking day too today....
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thats bad news mate, but, trying to look on the bright side, you walked away (or hobbled away) and in the greater scheme of things, rgardless of blame, claim or prossecution, thats all that matters in the end. so, its a shitter, but youre ok, if a little bruised and battered. i suppose you need the internet, a pen and paper and then start making lists of what youre going to do next.
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Glad you're ok and got witnesses.
DO keep in touch with them/buy them each a bottle of wine to say thanks for being witnesses (even better, get yr partner to go round with it)...it guilts them out so they don't melt away when needed. I once had a great witness, but a few weeks later, when needed, she failed to respond to letters or calls. If the other party had dug heels in, I would ave been in trouble.
How's the bike?
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Glad you're ok and got witnesses.
DO keep in touch with them/buy them each a bottle of wine to say thanks for being witnesses (even better, get yr partner to go round with it)...it guilts them out so they don't melt away when needed. I once had a great witness, but a few weeks later, when needed, she failed to respond to letters or calls. If the other party had dug heels in, I would ave been in trouble.
How's the bike?
Sound advice indeedy I say....flowers, wine, beers.....whatever it takes to keep these people on your side. Sadly nobody ever really wants to "get involved" these days. Fingers crossed it all goes your way. A friend of ours (myself and propellor) was knocked off his bike by a guy who pulled out in front of him "I didn't see you mate" luckily he had a witness and the guy kind of had to admit it was his fault....it took three years of legal wrangling before he got paid out....apparently that's now the normal procedure. Anyway on that cheery note hope ya feeling a bit better Pete and like I say stay positive.
Cheers..Michael
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Thanks again Guys.
Update on the shoulder is that it's not dislocated but the injury is a shoulder or acromioclavicular or AC joint separation. Diagnosed as borderline type 3 / 4. Have to wait for two months to see how it heals naturally and then they will decide if I will need an operation.
I can apparently drive and ride again as soon as I feel able, so probably give driving a go towards the end of next week sometime. Bike will be a bit longer because of having to wheel round, lift on to stand etc, but hopefully three or four weeks will see me back in the saddle.
Third part have not accepted liability on the basis that I didn't hit their car but ended up on the floor two meters away. They are presumably suggesting that I was doing a desperate emergency stop for some other reason than the fact that their car was blocking the road in front of me. I think they have probably shot themselves in the foot by making this statement as I took photos the day after which clearly show the skid mark and scratches on the road caused by the bike sliding, and it is quite easy to judge the distances involved as there are parked cars for reference. Lampkins are on the case for me.
Bike need a new indicator and footrest rubbers to get back on the road, and a bit of polishing and tidying up. The insurers have written it off though!
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Don't mean to piss on your chips but shoulder injuries can be right bastards to heal. Both of mine are shot due to old weight lifting injuries and bike fall offs.
Take your time with healing, don't be tempted to overdo things and follow physio advice to the letter. Most of all whilst you are going through this early phase get family members, preferably miserable teenagers, to run around after you just by looking in pain. Me? Twisted? Never.
Ian
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[quote
Take your time with healing, don't be tempted to overdo things and follow physio advice to the letter.
Ian
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Yes Pete defo do exactly as your physio tells you, mine says to me as soon as I walk thro his door "no pain no gain" oh and believe me there WILL be pain. However the ultimate gain is worth it in the end. The last time I went to see my orthopaedic surgeon who fixed my arms said I'd made "remarkable progress" I was at a stage after 8months that most people would take 12 to get to. 70percent of that progress was down to the physio the remaining 30 down to me pushing on and doing the exercises that the physio told me to do on the days between my appointments. So yes Pete, push on thro the pain barrier. You'll get there in the end mate.
Oh and as for getting the kids to run round after you.....I did that bit even before my accident :) :)
Cheers..Michael
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I get what you are saying Ian, and Michael. I went to see my GP on Tuesday because I wasn't happy with the explanation I'd been given at the hospital, and he was great. He had a model of the shoulder joint, and showed me exactly what the injury was. He also gave me some exercises to do and told me to expect it to hurt, but to carry on, though obviously not if the pain became too great.
That was on Tuesday and by following his instructions, I already have full movement back in the shoulder, even though obviously it is still painful tender and sore. I'm well chuffed with progress so far. I'm seeing my GP again in a couple of weeks and back to the fracture clinic at the hospital in mid August.
As for getting the step kids to run round and do all the chores, there's probably more chance of winning the lottery, and I don't do it! They're lovely kids, but I do sometimes wonder how they ever managed to learn to wipe their own ar$es. :o
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As for getting the step kids to run round and do all the chores, there's probably more chance of winning the lottery, and I don't do it! They're lovely kids, but I do sometimes wonder how they ever managed to learn to wipe their own ar$es. :o
;D There are an awful lot of bairns like that about! Pleased to read that you are mending and taking the exercise. Keep chipper.
My regards, Bill
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Yoofs of today it seems, the worrying thing is that they'll be running the country in a few years....oh dear :( :( :(
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Yoofs of today it seems, the worrying thing is that they'll be running the country in a few years....oh dear :( :( :(
It's hard to see they'll be worse than the ones running it at the moment! :(
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True, very true... :( :( :(
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Thanks again Guys.
Update on the shoulder is that it's not dislocated but the injury is a shoulder or acromioclavicular or AC joint separation. Diagnosed as borderline type 3 / 4. Have to wait for two months to see how it heals naturally and then they will decide if I will need an operation.
Sorry to hear about your accident. Just to reassure you, I've still got my AC joint separated on my right side as part of injuries from a climbing accident 30 years ago. As I remember, the docs said it was a common rugby injury. Anyway, no op on mine and apart from the bone looking just slightly out of place, it's never given me gyp. Maybe if you get the op, you'll be back to new? Anyway, "acromioclavicular joint separation" sounds great down the pub when competing on injuries - just don't do it with moto63, as he'll win rather easily!
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Ha ha ha....possibly with the "bragging rights" Matt, problem is now my scars av pretty much healed up I look "normal" so no one believes me how bad it was anyway :) :) :) (not that I'm complaining you understand )
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Sorry to hear about your accident. Just to reassure you, I've still got my AC joint separated on my right side as part of injuries from a climbing accident 30 years ago. As I remember, the docs said it was a common rugby injury. Anyway, no op on mine and apart from the bone looking just slightly out of place, it's never given me gyp. Maybe if you get the op, you'll be back to new? Anyway, "acromioclavicular joint separation" sounds great down the pub when competing on injuries - just don't do it with moto63, as he'll win rather easily!
Great, that's reassuring, thanks Matt. I started driving again over the weekend with no problems and will be back on two wheels tomorrow, but only the bicycle. All steps in the right direction!
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Good to hear! What about your written off bike?
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Good to hear! What about your written off bike?
It's nearly there Matt! Just got to replace the footrest bar and rubbers and the rear indicators. I removed the damaged handguards and polished all of the scratches out of the Givi screen at the weekend. Spannering and polishing a bit painful still, but as the old saying goes 'no pain, no gain'.
I'm hopefully picking the refinished tank for the SilverStar up at the weekend so I should have two bikes on the road again soon, ready for when I feel up to having a go in a week or so.
Cheers,
Pete.
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Excellent, Pete! :)
Sun should come out as well!
My regards, Bill
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Thanks Bill....
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Yes good news that you and your bike are on the mend Pete. Or shud that really read BIKES ;) ;)
Cheers, Michael
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Just re-read my post and thought that's a bit negative, so here's some more positive experience:
My CX500 got knocked over outside my old work on 3 occasions
1. Bloke clipped it with his minibus, I suspect he'd had a drink, we caught him trying to put it upright and he agreed to pay for parts if we didnt tell his work.
2. Woman living opposite came in to apologise having reversed into it. Let me know how much, she says, and was as good as her word. It maybe helped that I was her son's teacher tho...
3. After long shift at airport, bloke reversed into it. LEFT A NOTE ON IT, said his fault, he would pay, left his insurance policy number and contact details. As good as his word.
In all cases, bike was a runner, but lost indicators, minor bits, rear brake bits and in one case the giant alloy hanger for the footrest. No claims made to anyone's insurance.
Not everyone is a scrote. Though I have had 3 bikes nicked (175, 200, 250cc which is why I bought the CX...too big for kids to nick!).
Fingers crossed for you. Hope a good person did a stupid thing by hitting you.
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Great, thanks for the positive thoughts Brendan. I'll keep everybody informed of the outcome.
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Heres a nice pic to hopefully lift your spirits a bit.
[attachment deleted by admin]
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Mmmm, tasty, thanks Timbo. with a bit of luck, and a following breeze, I should have two roadworthy bikes again by the weekend. I just hope the weather holds!