I have some very unfortunate news regarding this bike. Last week, the owner and I and one other rider went for a first spring ride. All bikes in good shape. This bike had maybe a 200 miles on it since I did a top to bottom clean up and refurbish. Owner had ridden it once before for about 55 miles.
We were on a 250 Mile loop thru NE Washington, just north of Republic. 55mph zone just turn to a 45. 100 yards later, a group of 5 white tail deer are on the right side of the road, pinned up against a fence looking skiddish. Lead rider points them out, just then one breaks for the road, stops short of lead rider, doubles back, then doubles back again and crosses between me and lead rider. Now, please note that all of us have decades of riding and there is lots of room between all three of us....been that way all day. Seen at least 5 other deer situations that morning. No issues, no spooky situations.
I had begun to slow way down, flashing my brake to warn the last rider when the deer ran across the road.
By then, I had slowed to about 25. Next thing I hear is tires squealing. A quick glance to my right mirror shows the Yamahog and rider on my 6, doing a tank slap situation. I look forward, and brace for a possible serious impact, look again to see rider being ejected to the right, into the ditch, after a few tumbles comes to a stop.
My next thought is...where is the bike, I had heard metal against asphalt for a brief moment after the tire squealing. I look in my left mirror...and see nothing...then the bikes passes me with no rider, into the incoming lane. It hits the ditch, climbs the embankment and tumbles to it's right side.
By this time I have slowed, turned, and was back to the rider as he tried to get up. That didn't go well. Long story short, broken right ankle, overnight in local hospital and surgery 8 days later...today.
After stabilizing the rider and lots of people stop. Two sheriff's, one state patrol, and an ambulance, rider will be fine. Bike however has seen better days.
After recovering the bike two days later and looking at the damage and the scene, it looks like he locked up the front wheel, for quite a distance, 25 plus feet. It slid out to the left, dropping bike to it's right crash bar. Front tire lifted and came down causing a hard highside...enough to shear the steering stop off the headstock of the bike. Then it did another highsided when it hit on the left side. That is when he was pitched to the ditch.
His recollection was...he wasn't paying complete attention and when he looked and saw me he knew he couldn't stop in time. He claims at one point he was within two feet of my back tire. He had grabbed lots of brake.....and went down. Said in hindsight that he could have swerved.....but didn't.
Just a few facts for everyone. No judgement...just observation.
Rider was enjoying the beautiful day and local scenery.
Rider...71 years old. Not a lot of time on this bike.
Fixation...once he saw me...he saw nothing else.
No time spent testing the bikes limits...before the ride.
He had been riding since he was 12 and never had an accident...untill last week.
He has decided that his riding days are over...so he can continue to fly his plane.
The bike has yet to be completely gone thru and checked out. But this is what I have seen so far.
After righting the bike on the embankment...I got it in neutral...was in 5th gear still. Cleared it, turned the key, hit the starter.....and boom...it fired right off. Blew a bunch off blue smoke out and ran fine. Lots of twisted side lights and crash bars. Foot board bent up on right side. Tank has large dent on right side, from forks and steering head when steering stop was sheared off. Windscreen scratched, bags scuffed. Hoping frame isn't bent.
Luckily he was wearing most the gear. Just jeans and his legs and knee cap paid the price. You don't want to know what his kneecap looked like....
He had good riding pants in the saddle bag.
Could have been worse...that he was not hurt worse and very lucky he controlled the bike and missed me.
Just sharing so that maybe this story will help someone down the road.
Pay attention!!
Practice stopping skills!
Always wear your gear. Like I recently saw...gear up for the slide...not the ride.
ToddC
. Watch for the coupon discount.....
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