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Layed it down doing about 15mph, I hit some gravel during a corner and before you know.... No real damage to the bike just a scuffed up gas tank, bent clutch lever and footpeg. As for myself I'm no worse for the wear thanks to some quality gear. Dress for the CRASH not for the ride.

I just had a close call myself,
I was in the HOV lane doing about 70 when I noticed traffic starting to slow, so I ease of on the gas down shift to fourth start applying the brakes gently when I realize that not only am I going way to fast but that bastrd in the pickup truck ahead of me, whose "O Ring" I’m about to kiss is not only stepping hard on his brake but also swerving to the right, as I panic I pull the front brake way to hard and try to quickly down shift, which causes my engine to stall, As my rear end starts passing me to the right I luckily realize my mistake, pull the clutch back in press the starter, ease of on the brake lever and point my front end forward... pshewww that was a close one, I can't belive I stayed upright through the whole thing, I kept telling my self don't let your foot hit the ground until you are actualy stopped...I'm imbarased it happend but gled it turned out the way it did.

Stay safe.

Yikes! Close call to both of you. Glad you're both ok.

that does sound like it suxors. I take all corners slow right now due to gravel. I may take Thursday off of riding since its supposed to rain and all that sand the plow trucks put down on the roads will be everywhere instead of in neat straight lines.

yeah gravel sucks... i know that fealing you have when you are amaized that you didnt fall Firefly...

Glad yall are ok.

I hate gravel.

Best wishes!!

Laid it down, but thank goodness it was real slow, came out of parking making a tight U turn, the engine was still cold and stalled in the middle of the turn, I did not put my foot down early enough and the bike leaned in such an angle, I could no longer support the 650 LB. damn that was embarrassing, especially since my wife had to come out in her bathrobe to help me lift the bike...

Motorman instructional DVD has a great section on picking up heavy motorcycles when you drop them. Really good info. if you ever need it. I did once, thought my Gold Wing was securely on the side stand in the driveway. Guess not. It went crashing to the ground when I walked away from it. Of course I was alone. I used their technique to pick it up. One hand on the handlebar, one on the seat handle, while back facing the bike. With a deep knee bend, use legs to lift and walk back upright. Still not easy, but doable.
Glad to hear you are OK.

I had my first close call the other day. I was making one of those gentle right turns at an intersection where the street you're going to has a protected lane. Well, I guess my rear tire ran over a piece of gravel or something (I never saw it). Th rear tire took a little hop and the bike immediately righted itself.

Nothing I did saved me, I didn't even register that "oh damnit" feeling until it was over. It must have been a small rock, but it was enough to get me to pucker up.

I've had that first of the year gravel on a turn thanks to snow plows.

It sucks and I should have remembered as well.