GOING DOWN?

[CentralOzzy]

Finally some pictures!

Very well done!

[K9]

Hey all, new guy here. A few of the 9 guys at work that ride hang here so I been hanging out to and reading all I can. I guess it's time we get to know one another. Working with the experienced guys at work and reading what you experienced guys have to say is a big help. My first "road machine" is coming in May.

I wanted to ride the road for a long time so before I get any older and wile I'm still in good shape (47) I want to do it now and with my buds from work. I raced motocross from age 16 to 20, did lots of enduro and trail riding in mud, snow, sand and red clay, fought off many riders on attack so I'm looking forward to something tottaly different being on the road.

I read lots on this post, the guy who dumped it to avoid the trailer is interesting. I have some experience to offer here about the tractor trailer. I drove for a living from age 22 to 42, many safe miles and only a few problems. I'm with the same company but doing something different for them. I know what the guy on the bike saw when that trailer shut the door on him. I feel for ya pal, that trailer did stop fast and I know it. That's what I want to say here. You all would be supprised how fast a trailer going sideways and not flipping can stop. When you have all that rubber on the ground and weather it's loaded or not they stop fast and when they are loaded and do not flip they stop even faster and in less distance.

I had one jack around on me in wet conditions and I purpousley jacked one around to avoid an empty school bus that cut into an intersection and stalled. ( I did not know it was empty , all I saw was the school bus) I got an award from the company for that. The guy on the bike had a second or two to realize he was going to splat into the side of the trailer, at 50MPH and 100 ft, and with how fast the truck stoped he had no choice and it sounds like it was a good choice he made.

I can only say this because of what I know about tractor trailer driving. I been out with 45 ft boxes and also transporting heavy equipment and then flat bed steel deliveries. So guys, stay the heck away from tractor trailers, if ya can drop back and let them get 200 Ft away then do it. I know you guys can teach me lots and I want to learn but I hope to help you all with something I know about and can teach you.

[Lep]

You guys are going to jinx yourselfs with all this talk of how to crash.

[K9]

That's what my buds said today when they saw this topic after showing them the vid of that chick crashing.

[safety-boy]

Crash (not a bad one)...

Driving through a parking lot. Bluehair in a Cady pulls out when I am within ten feet of her.

Forks on the 454 are long, and mine probably need service (seals for sure). The quick compression of the stop skewed them, front wheel twisted with the forks, and down I went - chin first (full helmet is a man's best friend). She asked if I was alright, and was gone before I got off the ground. Handlebars were twisted about 30 degrees when I got up.

Near crash...

Wet road, lanscapers on the side of the road, I am in the left lane. 454 is also a tail slider (bike says, "Go fast! No stopping!"). Cars in both lanes decide to stop (guys planting bushes is facinating). I get on the brake, tail slides left and forward. I kicked with my right leg and got the bike straight again. The stream of obscenities was tremendous.

So... it is good to know how to fall, but to agree with a previous (early) post, when you go down it is quick... If you have time to think, you can probably (hopefully) get the bike righted.

--Dave

[CentralOzzy]

Yeah! The old FOOT STOMP....ha ha....it's amazing how that just comes out of no-where & it WORKS!!

Don't Ya love it?! (Stings a bit though!)

[safety-boy]

Sometimes the only thing between you and the road is your boot!

--Dave