You have dumped it, or you will

[Randy]

Well, I guess somewhere deep, I never thought it would happen. I was riding my bike and saw a store that I had been looking for. I was going too fast, so I decided to pass the store and circle back.

Everything looked good, I made two legal turns and found myself almost into the parking lot. I swerved to avoid some sand, then looked into the parking to to find a place to park.

I should have had my eyes on completing my turn. Before I realized it, the bike had straightened up and I went back into the sand I was trying to avoid. The bike skidded and dropped, crunching my leg and knee (broke the brake lever and scratched the handlebar cap and muffler). I had a jacket and gloves on, only Levi's, but suprisingly I only received the blunt force trauma from the bike. My knee is hurting but I think it was a very good lesson learned, and I got off lightly.

I didnt think a ride home could have taken so long. And picking up pieces of your bike is very sad.

[cb360]

Sounds like you got off pretty light so it least it won't cost you a ton. Glad it wasn't any worse.

[stock28]

It happens and it's usually a dumb mistake. Glad you're ok though.

[JustJames]

I feel your pain man. almost cry myself when you said "picking up pieces of your bike is very sad"

[scan]

Just like most things in being a rider, you can't learn something until they are experianced. Everyone will have this experiance (as you indicated) so now you join the have fallen and left the will fall but don't believe it yet. Think of it as initiation.

[Scott58]

Not necessarily. There are alot of people who never drop a bike. My grandfather, my father, a number of friends and so far myself. It sucks when it happens, but that doesn't mean it will.

[Joe Mc]

My first (and only) drop was similar.

I was pulling into a parking lot and hit some sand. My instinct was to brake and swerve around the sand, but I was too late. Front tire slid in sand and off I went. Luckily I was going pretty slow and managed to land on my feet. Only damage to bike was broken brake lever and a scratch on my hard bag.

Now I always scan ahead for sand and gravel. And don't hit the brakes when front wheel is in sand.

[scan]

Not necessarily. There are alot of people who never drop a bike. My grandfather, my father, a number of friends and so far myself. It sucks when it happens, but that doesn't mean it will.

I have known more people who say they won't ever and they do. I bet there are a few folks who never do drop their bike, but I bet there are more who at least have had to set their bike down on a loss of balance (forgetting the stand, stepping in a bad spot, not realizing grass is so slippery - one of many stories told here by long time vetrans). That is really the point. Most people will set the bike down and knowning that is not so odd can be a sense of confort once you make a this mistake. I hope many more people can be the exception to what seems to be a rule.

[ronboskz650sr]

Sometimes I drop my bike when I'm trying to hang it upside-down from the wheels on those hooks I put in my garage...Oh, that's my bicycle...never mind.

[Scott58]

I'm not interested in comfort if I make a mistake. Especially if it's a stupid one. Just because i have never dropped one doesn't mean I haven't come close. I will just never except the mentality that "it was going to happen anyway". The responsibility of riding a motorcycle is a serious one and can be costly in lives and repairs. Stay focused.