my first fall :(

[volks28]

Rain was finally over. Decided to take suzy out for a quick spin, see how she ran today

First corner, bike slipped, wham slid sideways. Good thing I have crash bars. Got up right away to get out of the traffic, very dizzy. There was a car coming my way, fast. I got out of the way in time... I noticed my helmet on the asphalt. I guess it wasn't tight enough. Don't think my head hit the asphalt

For a stupid guy going out in shorts and t-shirt, I got out of it with a small scar on my arm and a bruise inside my leg. My head hurts, I think it's post stress syndrome

Here's what happened:
The bike started to leak oil from the filter area (without me knowing). A acorn nut fell off (thank you previous owner for stripping the studs). The tires got soaked in oil. My first corner, and there I was kissing the asphalt.

I'm sure glad to be alive! Falling sure sucks! I will get three studs to replace the stripped ones tomorrow

[marvinsc]

Sounds like you got off easy under the Circumstances. Glad the helmet left AFTER keeping your head off the Pavement!

[earlfor]

Glad to hear you got away with minimal injuries. Safety gear is a good thing, .........if worn. :-) If you still have a headache tomorrow, I would see a doctor. You could have a concussion. If you do, its not something to mess around with, see a doctor if the headache persists.

Earl

[beby99]

Bummer dude....sounds like your pride got the worst of it

[gspaul]

Glad your OK, but it sound's like life has given you a warning!
I have seen first hand the damage done when only wearing short's & t-shirt, it's just not worth it.
And your helmet hit the ground, time for a new helmet ,they are built to absorb shock once only!
Stay safe.

[volks28]

Glad your OK, but it sound's like life has given you a warning!

warning: sell the bike and take on less dangerous hobbies !

[marvinsc]

OR "Gear Up and Ride it Like You STOLE It!"

[denouden]

Glad to hear your ok...

I almost bailed once when I shined up the tires all nice which some of that goopy crap and put it on the tread as well (not thinking).

I took off the next morning and went around the first corner, same speed as I normally do and the tail end just whipped right out...didn't bail but it was really close...

Note to self - do not put goopy crap on tread anymoh...

[denouden]

...they are built to absorb shock once only!
Stay safe.

May sound like a stupid question, but I've heard this before...and always wondered: What about when the helmet falls on the cement after you hang it on the handlebars carelessly?

Time to replace or are we talking about bigger impacts than this? What's the cut off point? Like goin' 5mph vs 190mph? Surely a drop from a handlebar would be similar to a slow speed crash...depending of course on how it hits the ground...

[LW_Icarus]

if you ask a helmet manufacturer they will recommend replacement after the fall from bars to concrete, no ifs, ands , or buts.

I would probably take that advice myself. Ive always just been careful with 'em and havent had to make the call.

I would guess you suffered the dreaded second bounce, the first time you smacked the ground your helmet got it, and moved out of the way, allowing a more solid hit the second time your head hit. its been studied extensively in bicycle helmets, and an improper fit or loose retention system is a common cause of helmeted riders getting head injuries.

sounds like you got a warning, or a couple of em, alot of people don't. go out and get a good helmet, that fits and protects that noggin, and look the bike over really well for leaks, low tires and the like before riding. low tires can dump ya just as fast.

Glad your OK, like was said before, go see a DR if the headache persists.

[volks28]

Thanks for all the wonderful advice. I have fully recuperated from the crash, fixed the bike, got a full face helmet that fits mutch better. Headaches went away next day. I think I am going to pay much more attention before going on a ride, I should have spotted that the oil filter cover was leaking.

if you ask a helmet manufacturer they will recommend replacement after the fall from bars to concrete, no ifs, ands , or buts.

I would probably take that advice myself. Ive always just been careful with 'em and havent had to make the call.

I would guess you suffered the dreaded second bounce, the first time you smacked the ground your helmet got it, and moved out of the way, allowing a more solid hit the second time your head hit. its been studied extensively in bicycle helmets, and an improper fit or loose retention system is a common cause of helmeted riders getting head injuries.

sounds like you got a warning, or a couple of em, alot of people don't. go out and get a good helmet, that fits and protects that noggin, and look the bike over really well for leaks, low tires and the like before riding. low tires can dump ya just as fast.

Glad your OK, like was said before, go see a DR if the headache persists.

[earlfor]

Its a good habit to get into while putting on your gear, to look over the bike, check for cotter pins in the axle nuts, lube on the chain, chain slack, oil level, tire pressures and look for any oil drips under the bike. Also, a noticable change in the slack or feel of a throttle or clutch cable usually signifies strands breaking. Checking lights is a good idea as is checking the master link clip on the chain. Check for gas smells and any substance on the tire treads that shouldnt be there.

It only takes about 2-3 mins and is a lot better than eating asphalt. :-)

Earl

[quote="volks28"]
Thanks for all the wonderful advice. I have fully recuperated from the crash, fixed the bike, got a full face helmet that fits mutch better. Headaches went away next day. I think I am going to pay much more attention before going on a ride, I should have spotted that the oil filter cover was leaking.