The Motorcycle Thread

[whofan]

I hate to dig up an old thread, but I figured I would instead of starting a new one.

So, I finally got my bike on Saturday, after months of waiting and jumping through hoops for the Quebec bureacracy. 2 hours in I loose control when pulling away from a gas pump and slam into a nearby curb. I reved the throttle a little too much and popped the clutch too quickly.

Long story short, my bike is in the shop with a busted gearshift lever. Waiting to hear from the shop as to how much/how long it will be.

Best 2 hours of my driving life though! Can't wait to hop back on her when I get her back.

I ended up with a busted lip (bit it when I hit the ground) and a sore knee for my troubles. All of my gear held up perfectly.

[Dante1847]

was this on your Ninja?

[whofan]

was this on your Ninja?

Yeah.

Got the total estimate last night, $2,242.36 in repairs. However, most of that is supposedly cosmetic (replacing scraped panels), so I'm going into the shop after work to find out the cost of repairs that are needed to get her back on the road.

[Sayburr]

Yep, rookie mistakes happen. We've all done it.

[Dante1847]

what's the saying? "there are two types of bikers...those who crashed and broke a bone, and those who are about to crash and break a bone"

I got mine two years ago. broken ankle, which was a *****.

[whofan]

Yep, rookie mistakes happen. We've all done it.

Yeah, I just laughed it off, until I heard the price of repairs.

Anyways, I attended the shop last night and went over the estimate with a mechanic.

Turns out the actual cost of repairs is just over $100, and the only parts that need to be repaired to put her back on the road are a light (turning signal light) and the gear shift lever. No surprises there, as that's exactly what I figured had to be replaced.

The rest of the cost was basically replacement of every single panel on the bike (every one had a minor scuff or scrape on it), replacement of the left handlebar and clutch lever (both had scuffs on them), the left rear-view mirror (had a minor scuff on it) and the side stand (had a minor scuff on it).

In my view there was only one terribly damaged panel, and even that I could just touch up with the proper paint, there's no need to replace it.

Anyways, they're getting the parts in and will work on it as soon as they can. Hope to have it back early next week.

[Sayburr]

Yeah, my wife's bike still has clear tape around one of the front signal lights keeping it in place. Been about five years and still have not replaced it where I dropped the bike at a gas station.

I filled my bike up and moved it out of the way and moved her's up to fill it up. Well, I thought the stand was still down (I know, should have checked) and dropped it and twisted a knee at the same time.

Better to make a mistake in a parking lot than on the road... Every time you get on a bike you are taking your life into your hands. Be careful and watch all of those idiots on the road at all times.

Anyway, it scratched the tank and broke the light, I was able to buff out the scratches and tape up the light...

[whofan]

Yeah, my wife's bike still has clear tape around one of the front signal lights keeping it in place. Been about five years and still have not replaced it where I dropped the bike at a gas station.

I filled my bike up and moved it out of the way and moved her's up to fill it up. Well, I thought the stand was still down (I know, should have checked) and dropped it and twisted a knee at the same time.

Better to make a mistake in a parking lot than on the road... Every time you get on a bike you are taking your life into your hands. Be careful and watch all of those idiots on the road at all times.

Anyway, it scratched the tank and broke the light, I was able to buff out the scratches and tape up the light...

Yeah, it's all about awareness on a bike, much more so than in a car.

I've found that I was constantly saying to myself "Nobody can see me, so I'm responsible for what happens here" and that kept me on my toes and alert.

But while I was on the bike, man it was the best feeling I have EVER felt while driving. And now, I'm chomping at the bit to get it back and back on the road.

[Dante1847]

the key for sports bikes in particular is to constantly respect them. as soon as you don't respect them is when **** goes down

[whofan]

the key for sports bikes in particular is to constantly respect them. as soon as you don't respect them is when **** goes down

Yeah, I've Gotten that impression.

Funny thing is, I ran my hand lovingly along her when I was in the shop. It's crazy, I know, but I felt a need to reassure her that everything was going to be okay.