I've prided myself on never dropping my ST in over 3 years and almost 25,000 miles of ownership. There have been close calls but I've always been able to keep the shiny side up. That's the longest I've ever made it with any bike. The old pride took a major hit last Saturday.
To get to my friend's camp site on the Nantahala River, you make a 180 degree right turn off the highway onto a downhill grass/dirt driveway. I've made this maneuver many times over the years on various bikes. For reasons I'm still not sure of, this time I didn't make it and dumped the ST on its right side. You've all seen someone do it; they try to turn too slowly and sharply with the bike leaned over, and fall in that direction. I was able to step off as it fell so no damage to me.
I tried to pick it up, but there was no way, especially since it fell downhill. If my friends hadn't been there to help, it would still be on the ground. It took all 3 of us to get that beast upright.
The factory front tipover bars and the Byg Dawgs on the back protected everything. Even the mirror and brake lever escaped damage due to the soft grass and dirt. Besides a bit of grass and dirt in the tipover bars, the only evidence of the drop was that the mirror was knocked out of adjustment. I was SUPER lucky in that regard.
Now I must go update the tipover count on my profile. Grrrrrr....
To get to my friend's camp site on the Nantahala River, you make a 180 degree right turn off the highway onto a downhill grass/dirt driveway. I've made this maneuver many times over the years on various bikes. For reasons I'm still not sure of, this time I didn't make it and dumped the ST on its right side. You've all seen someone do it; they try to turn too slowly and sharply with the bike leaned over, and fall in that direction. I was able to step off as it fell so no damage to me.
I tried to pick it up, but there was no way, especially since it fell downhill. If my friends hadn't been there to help, it would still be on the ground. It took all 3 of us to get that beast upright.
The factory front tipover bars and the Byg Dawgs on the back protected everything. Even the mirror and brake lever escaped damage due to the soft grass and dirt. Besides a bit of grass and dirt in the tipover bars, the only evidence of the drop was that the mirror was knocked out of adjustment. I was SUPER lucky in that regard.
Now I must go update the tipover count on my profile. Grrrrrr....
