Suzy totaled

[wind jammer]

Hi my name is Bill. I am fairly new here. Joined for resources to bring my 81 GS1100e back on the road after 16 years in storage. Well got her back on the road and road about 400 mile. Never felt comfortable as I use to be, bike felt much heaver than I remember. I should have gone with my gut and parked it back in my shop. Friends keep telling me it would come back. I did get over confident and dumb-ass came out. Thursday out riding on a road that has taken a lot of lives (two and four wheeler). I knew better but buddy out ahead of me and trying to reel him in. I went into a curve way way to fast pushed hard on right grip to lean into right hand curve. I was way to close to the center line and could not keep bike in my lane. The bad thing is a Ford pickup in that lane about 100' away. I was in deep dodo and choose to stand bike up and shoot to left shoulder to miss him. There was 18" berm that launched me a couple feet in the air and just along for the ride. If that's not bad enough a wooded street light pole was dead ahead. Since the bike was flying couldn't miss it I was able to use right hand to push me to left and went off bike on left side. Either left grip got me or windshield caught me in left groin, maybe both. I landed on my left side and shoulder and ribs too the blunt of it, Helmet didn't have a scratch on it. Had a full face lid, heavy jacket, jeans and heavy boots. Somehow no broken bones or internal damage. ER doctors were amazed considering I have a lot of plates and screws in my neck from barefoot water skiing accident in my youth. I shared this everyone just think about it before you throw your leg over any bike trust your gut if it doesn't right leave it in the garage. I am one lucky 61 year old man lucky to be alive to day.Two months of therapy and i will be able to walk without a limp. Thank you God for saving my life! I will post pics when I am able to. Suzy is dead her frame is kinked. Makes me sad as i brought her brand new!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Rob S.]

Better the bike totaled than you. I attained a barely-scratched Z1 when it's owner lost control. I bought it from his widow. His best friend (my cousin) saw him die in his mirrors, and the dead man's little brother saw it in front of his eyes.

Darn right - if you're not sure, leave it on the stand. Get better soon.

 

[GSXR7ED]

Wow!

Bikes can be replaced. Glad you are OK.


Ed

 

[GS1150Pilot]

Glad you're OK, but man, you do need to listen to reality. I hate seeing motorcyclists over the center, and I see it far too often. You have to think about other people, even if you don't care about your own life.

 

[alke46]

Sorry for your misfortunes. Thanks for sharing. Now get better soon and maybe you get your 2nd chance.

Larry

 

[Guest]

I know where you're coming from. I had been out of riding for about 15 years when I got my latest bike. I was really scared to get back on one, especially this big. However, after a few rides, it all came back to me. I was never one to really push it, and always was the last one in our group as I didn't want to slow the others down. Sometimes, they would have to wait for me to catch up. What happened to you is always in the back of my mind, especially since I'm not too far behind you in age. Hang in there!

 

[wind jammer]

Thanks guys for kind words. I already miss riding with friends. I have to get healed up before I do anything!

 

[Guest]

Sorry to hear about you and the bike, pretty ****ty first post. Lessons to be learned, I too seem to learn some the hard way.

 

[GSXR7ED]

Hey wind jammer,

Always listen to the voice/gut feeling. It's a hard lesson but then again, I enjoy reading stories with real emotions about our bikes. It seems to bring out stories from others who feel compelled to tell their experiences.

It's great and one of the great things about this site. Heal up and get another bike so you can stay proficient in your riding skills.


Ed

 

[dorkburger]

Wind Jammer, as has been mentioned, bikes are replaceable, people are not. I'm glad you're ok, and thanks for sharing. Reality checks and acknowledging our limits are often hard to admit to. We all have them, but not everyone is willing to share. Be well.

 

[Guest]

Bill, good to hear you survived what sounds like an awful crash. I've still got ten years to catch up to you, but hopefully they'll all be good ones riding. I know it's probably too soon, but what are your plans for the bike now. Reason I'm asking, is being in central Fl., I'm in the position to possibly provide some help. Where are you located? N Florida can cover quite a few miles. If your thinking of rebuilding, I have an '81 1100E rolling chassi(frame) I bought from another member. I still need an engine for it, so I would be willing to give a fellow GSR member a good deal on it. If your looking to get it gone, again I have an '81 1100E rolling chassi(frame) I need an engine for. Please when you recover and start thinking about it, send me a PM.

 

[Guest]

Sorry to hear about your accident Bill. I dropped my bike on the Don Valley parkway in Toronto 26 years ago and parked it for 20 years, before re building it. Have a very healthy respect for what riding is all about. Riding today is a lot different than it was years ago. There seem to be a lot more idiots on the road, texting and phoning and not paying attention despite the fines and regulations. All is not lost however, you have an experiential domain under your belt now and a healthier respect for what is and is not appropriate while riding. If you still have the bike, I am sure that a frame will become available that will give you many years of pleasure in riding.

 

[wind jammer]

Pic

Pic

Thanks again guys! I am in Keystone heights FL. Going to be a couple months before I do anything with Suzy. I have a lot of therapy to go thru before any decision is made. The engine started right up! Gas tank and side covers are undamaged. Left tube in backbone is kinked so its toast! Here are some pics.

 

[wind jammer]

pic

pic

Suzy is dead

 

[eil]

Glad to hear you're in one piece and thanks for sharing your experience. In here is a lesson about riding within one's skill/comfort zone/abilities.

 

[1948man]

Glad you're okay Bill. Suzy was a looker.

 

[Guest]

Thanks again guys! I am in Keystone heights FL. Going to be a couple months before I do anything with Suzy. I have a lot of therapy to go thru before any decision is made. The engine started right up! Gas tank and side covers are undamaged. Left tube in backbone is kinked so its toast! Here are some pics.View attachment 43695

From your pics, looks like you'll need the frame, forks and front wheel. Keystone is up near Jax right?

 

[Grimly]

Several times I've not gone out because the day just didn't feel right. It might have been I knew my reactions weren't up to speed, or something else.
Of course, it might be a load of old nonsense, because several /many times I had to go out because I'd no choice and nothing bad happened, but I was deliberately taking it easy, as I knew I was below par.
Whatever; trust your gut, as you say.
A rub of t-cut and that will buff right out, matey.

 

[wind jammer]

From your pics, looks like you'll need the frame, forks and front wheel. Keystone is up near Jax right?

Yep thats what I need. I am between Jax and Gainesville

 

[Guest]

There's a lesson for all of us in this story.

I resumed motorcycling after 17 years away. Some of it came back quickly, and other things are coming back slowly. I take four wheels unless everything feels right. When young, I started motorcycling with zero training, and I now realize that I never learned many control techniques. In other words, I am lucky that I didn't crash from my own ignorance. This time I'm studying, and proper cornering technique is on the top of the list. There are a few sweeping turns a few miles from where I live. I practice on those. And I need *lots* of practice.