Sideswiped off the highway by a 4x4

[willytheekid]

I had an interesting? ride into work yesterday :(

Was plodding into work on PhatGirl early monday morning in the drizzly rain, and as usual, was taking my time and making sure the bad weather and traffic were taken care of with safe following distances and good gear (reflective thermal wet weather suit).
Had just past the rangiora over bridge and noticed a huge grey & green 4x4 coming up fast in the left hand lane beside me.
Next second the 4x4 rather violently "flicked" into my lane.....straight into me!:pinch:(was the fastest and most dangerous lane change I have ever witnessed!!)
I didn't have time for braking or dodging, I did however manage to throw myself off the side of the bike and "take the hit"...and it was a big hit!.

The impact threw me & PhatGirl straight off the highway and onto the grass medium...@ 90-95k, then PhatGirl went into a tank slap :shit:...I was out of control and in big trouble! as I only had one hand on the bars due to the impact and knew it was gonna get messy :weep:

All I could honestly think about was my poor partner Charlotte...and my baby boy "Ryder"....its his 1st B-day in 3 weeks....and now im gonna miss it:weep:

Now, I don't know how, but after plowing through a road marker, PhatGirl kicked, then bucked her way out of the tank slap and she actually threw me back onto the road?....it honestly had nothing to do with me or my actions.....My PhatGirl had stepped up in my time of need and saved my arse!
I can't find any other explanation....I should have been a high-sided gonna.

I managed to pull the Guzzi up, gave her a HUGE hug:love: and checked for damage.....mirror pushed forward and scratched, muffler pushed in and some light grazing on the side.....and that was all ??

The 4x4?....they had just kept going, either oblivious to the huge impact(no-way!) or simply running from the scene(more than likely).

I thought (through the shaking) I would be fine and check the damage more closely at work.
3/4 of the way into work my left arm started to shut down and my left leg was started to ache.
Once at work the damage was apparent....the bike was fine...But I had taken a big hit!
My arm was killing me, my fingers were tingling & my leg wouldn't support my weight.
I was immediately rushed off to A&E for a check up.

Got xrays and poked and prodded...nothing broken! :sweatdrop .....but my knee, ankle and shoulder had not taken the hit well and my neck has severe whiplash.
The staff at A&E were amazed at the force of the hit as I had some blood in ma pee! (they explained its a sign off internal damage!)...but luckily not enough to warrant concern.
And Like me they were absolutely disgusted the driver left the scene.

I now have crushed nerves and stretched muscles down the left side & off work for at least a week :crybaby:

So here I am...off my head on codeine :drool: and stuck at home with friggin dial-up!(And whining to u lot! lol)....and just wanting to get my bike back home....so I can give her another big hug for saving my arse! :love:
.....If this doesn't prove the saying "look after your ride...and it will look after you", I don't know what would.

Ride safe everyone:love:.....ATGATT!! (For Katman! :niceone:)....there be 4x4's out there!

[oneofsix]

That is amazing. Get well soon so you can take that bike out for a well deserved ride.
Any action being taken on the 4x4? Guessing you didn't get any details etc but somebody else may have. The story made we wonder if it was a hothead being bloody minded and deliberate.

[nudemetalz]

So pleased to hear you and Phatty are okay !!!!!!!!!!!

Who says Guzzi's don't have soul ay !! :2thumbsup

[bogan]

Some crazy shit dude :gob:

Sounds like it would have been hard not to see you, so I do wonder if it was at least partially intentional :mad:

Heal up and treat your bike to some bling, sounds like she earned it!

[Latte]

Not stopping to check is f***'n low. How many grey 4x4's be out your way? With damage to the right hand side no less.

[ducatilover]

:scratch: Wow......Glad you didn't end up inspecting the underside of the 4X4....

[Scuba_Steve]

make sure you report it to the cop shop too (if you haven't already done so) you legally only have 24hr to do so. :Police:

And hopefully they catch the cunt after all there'll be a decent amount for the donut fund off this one :yes:

[Paul in NZ]

make sure you report it to the cop shop too (if you haven't already done so) you legally only have 24hr to do so. :Police:

And hopefully they catch the cunt after all there'll be a decent amount for the donut fund off this one :yes:

Shit yes - make sure you report it... Far out that musta been a fright.... Good onya for holding her up and go the Guzzi - long bikes rock...

[gijoe1313]

:gob: Amazing, I'm glad you are able to be relating this experience in person! Your bike must really love you and the pillion angels must have been wearing their rain gear as well!

Heal up best you can and hope that homocidal maniac doesn't try and finish the job off!:mad:

[Indiana_Jones]

Glad to hear you're not too damaged, or the bike.

Hope you both get well soon.

I had a cunt in a 4x4 underpass me on the left yesterday, when I asked him wtf he was doing he gave this for a reply 'oh I thought you were turning right...' :tugger: Of course I checked my indicators and they weren't on.

Seems to be getting worse lately :(

-Indy

[Hellzie]

Great to hear you're relatively unscathed and big ups to ya bike!

I swear drivers are worse in the winter, too tired and mopey and sleepy. Although these shouldn't be excuses, they sure should be reasons not to drive!!!!

I say keep an extra look out for crazies during the winter months.

[HenryDorsetCase]

that could have been so much worse. Sounds like it was bad enough though. You're a lucky man.

No plate number obviously? any witnesses?

worth putting an ad in the paper or trying to get some media attention?

did (s)he do it deliberately do you think? (or just the usual brain dead peasant fuckwit?)

[willytheekid]

Thank you all for the kind words and support.
Still pritty shaken up by it to be honest.:(
I have notified the police and gave what little details I could, but due to the lack of information regarding the vehicle they cannot promise anything would come from it. (but they where very nice to talk to), and due to my situation (stuck at home)they even allowed everything to be done over the phone, as at first they wanted me to come into the station to lodge a full report...But moving around still hurts like billy-O and they advised it is best I just stay put and focus on get better as the lack of details regarding the 4x4 leaves them little to go on.
But they have advised if i require a full report to be lodged for legal or insurance reasons I am free to come in and do so when I am up to it. (they were really nice to deal with and absolutely disgusted that the neither the 4x4 or other members of the public stopped to assist).
I honestly think the 4x4 bastard has got away with it :mad:.....but i will certainly be keeping an eye out for "dented" 4x4
I don't have any enemy's and feel that i am always a polite road user, so a "revenge/retaliation" hit is not a factor, i honestly think it was either a road rager! or a drunk driver (@ 0630 the morning tho?)
Regardless, I am just happy to be in one piece and to have my bike relatively undamaged.

Thank you all again for the support :love:...it really is so nice to have so many like minded people to pick you up when u most need it.

[Hellzie]

Was there any other witnesses around at the time? Not sure where the crash happened but is there somewhere close by that you can leave a note or something for people walking / driving past that may have witnessed it to be able to contact you? People are creatures of habit so it's likely that someone that might have seen it will return to the scene in the near future. Just a thought..

Get better soon!!!!

[racefactory]

Get that fucker. Someone must have seen it.

[Latte]

Drunk Driver is possible at that time, always amazes me how many cars are pulled over at the Nelson St Onramp in the morning checkpoint up here.

[Katman]

I don't have any enemy's and feel that i am always a polite road user, so a "revenge/retaliation" hit is not a factor,

It's a sad fact that often "revenge/retaliation" isn't directed at the person who deserves it.

It would be great if all the "smash the fucking wing mirror off" warriors stopped to realised that their actions may well come back to bite some other poor sod in the arse.

[Grubber]

Just s thought....but this guy was probably heading to work at that hour of the morning, same way he goes to work every morning, if ya get my drift!!!!!
Might be well worth your while to go sit back on the same section of road for a couple of days and see if it reappears. I'm pickin it will!

You one lucky boy by the sounds of it.:beer:

[oneofsix]

Just s thought....but this guy was probably heading to work at that hour of the morning, same way he goes to work every morning, if ya get my drift!!!!!
Might be well worth your while to go sit back on the same section of road for a couple of days and see if it reappears. I'm pickin it will!


If you do, do it in a cage in case Katman is right, and don't take revenge yourself, just identify it to the proper authorities. IYKWIM

[Grubber]

If you do, do it in a cage in case Katman is right, and don't take revenge yourself, just identify it to the proper authorities. IYKWIM

Exactly! little bit incognito, if ya follow my thought!

[NinjaNanna]

Seriously Dude I'm glad you're still here, but while you're bored out of your skin laid up at home spend some time re-thinking the idea that "your bike saved your arse, and look after your bike and it'll look after you."

Either there's a god up there who said it wasn't your time OR you got seriously lucky, either way the bike had nothing to do with it.

Heal fast and enjoy your second chance.

[Scuba_Steve]

Either there's a god up there who said it wasn't your time OR you got seriously lucky, either way the bike had nothing to do with it.


Well, it wasn't me... this time :shifty:

[oneofsix]

Well, it wasn't me... this time :shifty:

you are only his evil twin

[neels]

Shit, sounds ugly.

I've seen you on the road plenty of times and your riding certainly doesn't look like it would give anyone cause for this sort of behavior, probably just a half asleep muppet with fogged up windows.

Was there nobody else on the road at the time? I can't believe nobody would stop if they saw it happen, might be worth giving the local rag a call and see if you can get something in there that might bring a witness out of the woodwork.

In the meantime, rest up and get well soon.

[willytheekid]

Seriously Dude I'm glad you're still here, but while you're bored out of your skin laid up at home spend some time re-thinking the idea that "your bike saved your arse, and look after your bike and it'll look after you."

Either there's a god up there who said it wasn't your time OR you got seriously lucky, either way the bike had nothing to do with it.

Heal fast and enjoy your second chance.

Thank you for your Kind words and opinion:niceone:

I agree, luck was a major factor(or a higher power)....but, the bike did actually have something to with it.
Primarily the long wheel base on the guzzi helped with controlling the tank slap...But!

After 30yrs of riding (since I was 8), and owning nearly every brand & type of bike out there, I...and MANY other riders, have found some bikes ARE special.
I have owned some bikes that are just lumps of cold steel & plastic...soulless, others have had a unique personality...and some....where just pure evil.

I once owned a NC30, bought it with "freight damage" (or so i was told), it kept finding ways of trying to hurt me, even when working on it the thing would get its share of blood out of me!, even my mother said it gave her the "hebies" just being around it, after some inquiring I found out the freight damage was actually from a crash....that killed its previous owner!...to this day I believe that bike was cursed! ...and was out for more blood!

As for "PhatGirl", I bought her in terrible state, she had been thrashed and poorly maintained, but I immediately got good "vibes" when I first threw a leg over her and felt I HAD to rescue her as she deserved more.
I have completely stripped and rebuilt this bike and spent hours and hours in the shed fixing the multitude of faults she had(and talking to her lol :weird:)
As a result I found faults that could have been VERY dangerous (even tho she passed a VTNZ WOF!)...things like the drive shaft being incorrectly aligned (Ask ANY Guzzi owner what this could do....its a crash waiting to happen!)...and many more possible dangers and failures.

Hence I firmly believe that "If you look after your bike, it'll look after you."

I also strongly disagree with "either way the bike had nothing to do with it.", as she has NEVER let me down or done anything strange that could possibly endanger me, and proudly, was one of only two bikes to escape from work during the Feb quake, she managed to safely get through the "hell" that was central city...over fallen bricks, glass and silt up to the axles in some points, so I could reach my family....She did NOT let me down.

I do agree with you regarding luck and a higher power being involved on Monday, but I truly do believe my "PhatGirl" was also a major factor.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

All of the above may sound strange and slightly "crazy" to most, but the "connection" between rider and machine is well documented in many motorcycle books & documentary's.... and even the great Burt Munro wrote about the "connection" to his machine.....so you may well call me the "crazy guy" who loves his bike....but Im happy to be so.

And, I sincerely hope that one day you too get to own a "special" bike...one that you connect with...and trust...with your life!.
Because I firmly believe that is the essence of motorcycling...the connection, the trust and the extension of one's self between your machine....that makes you feel as one.....and gives you the biggest smile on the road:D



PS: Apologies for the rant lol, I just couldn't sum up a fitting reply in any other way.....could also be the mix of codeine, Ibuprofen & paracetamol :drool: lol...but this "craziness" also extends to other motorcyclists...which is why I ALWAYS! stop to assist other riders in need.:love:

[Hellzie]

I'm with you mate, I talk to my bike all the time. Give her a little pat on the bum as I walk past quite often. :love:

Get well sooooon!

[willytheekid]

I'm with you mate, I talk to my bike all the time. Give her a little pat on the bum as I walk past quite often. :love:

Get well sooooon!

Thanks Hellzie...ya crazy bugger! :weird: lol :killingme

[HenryDorsetCase]

Seriously Dude I'm glad you're still here, but while you're bored out of your skin laid up at home spend some time re-thinking the idea that "your bike saved your arse, and look after your bike and it'll look after you."

Either there's a god up there who said it wasn't your time OR you got seriously lucky, either way the bike had nothing to do with it.

Heal fast and enjoy your second chance.

Here's a tip: there is no god.

[oneofsix]

Here's a tip: there is no god.

but but there must be a god because scuba-steve is god's evil twin.

I reckon, liek willythekid said it was phatgirl or, if you want to be less mystical about it, willythekid's bond with his bike.

[shrub]

Car drivers scare me in the rain because they don't seem to realise that their visibility is reduced, and SUV drivers especially scare me because they are Invincible and Mighty.

Glad to see you and Phattie are still intact. Guzzis are good friends, many years ago I was riding up the Rimutakas on my old Lemon when a car came round a blind corner on my side of the road. I threw myself to my left and there was an almighty bang and I was damn near spat off, the Lemon shook her head and straightened up. At the top I stopped and both sidecovers were missing, so I went back to the corner and found I had hit a huge pothole and the impact was enough to knock my sidecovers off.

I loved that bike.

[gijoe1313]

Reading that post brought a little tear to my ear, I also adhere to that sentimental personification of our motorcycle charges. Each of my rides has endeared itself to me through it's own character and foibles!

When you're riding your iron steed of freedom, it's always nice to know they've got your back when you are out on a bit of a pootle! :yes: :scooter:

I used to tuck my bikes in and read them stories (the neighbours thought I was a bit touched in the head). I still pat them and talk to them, find myself at times sitting on the doorstep just lost in thought gazing at them (before I quickly scurry away to put my riding gear on!)

Ahh I lovies my bikes I does, so I am well in your camp in thinking of them as characterful beings! :niceone:

[willytheekid]

I'm with you mate, I talk to my bike all the time. Give her a little pat on the bum as I walk past quite often. :love:

Get well sooooon!


Car drivers scare me in the rain because they don't seem to realise that their visibility is reduced, and SUV drivers especially scare me because they are Invincible and Mighty.

Glad to see you and Phattie are still intact. Guzzis are good friends, many years ago I was riding up the Rimutakas on my old Lemon when a car came round a blind corner on my side of the road. I threw myself to my left and there was an almighty bang and I was damn near spat off, the Lemon shook her head and straightened up. At the top I stopped and both sidecovers were missing, so I went back to the corner and found I had hit a huge pothole and the impact was enough to knock my sidecovers off.

I loved that bike.


but but there must be a god because scuba-steve is god's evil twin.

I reckon, liek willythekid said it was phatgirl or, if you want to be less mystical about it, willythekid's bond with his bike.


Reading that post brought a little tear to my ear, I also adhere to that sentimental personification of our motorcycle charges. Each of my rides has endeared itself to me through it's own character and foibles!

When you're riding your iron steed of freedom, it's always nice to know they've got your back when you are out on a bit of a pootle! :yes: :scooter:

I used to tuck my bikes in and read them stories (the neighbours thought I was a bit touched in the head). I still pat them and talk to them, find myself at times sitting on the doorstep just lost in thought gazing at them (before I quickly scurry away to put my riding gear on!)

Ahh I lovies my bikes I does, so I am well in your camp in thinking of them as characterful beings! :niceone:

Phew! :sweatdrop...thank god its not just me in the crazy house :killingme

Thanks for sharing everyone :2thumbsup

[scumdog]

Phew! :sweatdrop...thank god its not just me in the crazy house :killingme

Thanks for sharing everyone :2thumbsup

Yep, even 'Tequila Sunrise' (My hogly T-Sport) seemed to know more than me about keeping me alive when I had fairly serious "oh-my-gosh-fark-criminy-shit-pox-bastard-fuck' experience' a couple of years ago.

Glad ONE of the team knows what to do!!:lol:

[shrub]

Phew! :sweatdrop...thank god its not just me in the crazy house :killingme

If I had a bike I didn't talk to I'd sell it and buy one I did.

[willytheekid]

If I had a bike I didn't talk to I'd sell it and buy one I did.

Ditto!
was gonna buy a "sensible" bike when i went shopping 2-3yrs ago (04 VFR800)...but after one test ride my mind was made up, the VFR800 WAS a great bike, but it did everything TO well...to the point it was boring and had no real character or "feel" to it (except that wonderful V4 engine)...hence the Guzzi now lives in the shed....she's uncomfortable as hell on long trips (hence the nick name Torture racks :nya:) and she demands lots of attention maintenance wise...but I wouldn't have it any other way, just love the old tractor

PS: Congrats on the new/old BMW Shrub :2thumbsup.....bloody GREAT bikes! very under estimated rides.

[Rhys]

If I had a bike I didn't talk to I'd sell it and buy one I did.
Its when it talks back your in trouble

[Shadowjack]

Its when it talks back your in trouble

Uh oh........

[PrincessBandit]

If I had a bike I didn't talk to I'd sell it and buy one I did.

I kiss mine from time to time...


Glad to hear you are in one piece WillyTK. I too hope that some investigative work will locate the driver of that vehicle; regardless of whether they were "unaware" (how could they remotely be...) or doing a runner or stoned out of their brain cell etc. they need to be brought to accountability. It pisses me off mightily every time some one responds by saying "oh, they were ok, nothing major happened" [insert other lame-arsed wanky avoidance of responsibility] thereby thinking that they're justified in going their own sweet way. (maybe they did notice your bike right itself back onto the road so figured you were all sweet...:mad:)

Heal well, take it easy and keep lovin' that awesome bike of yours.

[willytheekid]

Just a wee update and a BIG Thanks to a couple of KB members who have helped me out :yes:

The Doc checked me out (again) due to the shoulder still being sore, and it turns out I have blown the AC joint in my shoulder (dislocated).....so it looks like no more riding for a at least a couple of weeks :crybaby:

As a result of the above (and a missing my bike soooo much) I gave KB member Peeteey a call and asked if wouldn't mind picking my bike up for me and transporting her back home :scooter:
Peeteey was immediately happy to help a fellow KB member out and organized with KiwiPhoenix (support vehicle) to have my PhatGirl picked up from the work storage unit and ridden out home for me :woohoo:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OTA5Bc4AHvU

Had to share this happy ending with everyone as I believe this is what makes KB so great-the support & Help you get when your in need, and the extent some of the great members will go to on your behalf.

So a HUGE Thank you goes out to fellow KB members Peeteey & Kiwiphoenix, you guys ROCK! thank you so much for getting my baby home :not:

(I can't ride or clean her yet lol, but it is just sooo nice to have the PhatGirl home)

[dangerous]

IThe 4x4?....they had just kept going, either oblivious to the huge impact(no-way!) or simply running from the scene(more than likely).
Just seen ya thread WTK, and didnt read the replys so its proberly has been said, BUT I'd make it my mission to wait on the motor way at the same time every day till I see the prick and get his number...

[maxlev]

Hey willy

Hope you eventually catch up with the 4x4 driver

I followed a car from Te Hana to Whangarei, just so I could yell out
"Why did you try and kill me, we don't even know each other"
I felt better and they shaking like a leaf, so probably learnt something.

[willytheekid]

Just seen ya thread WTK, and didnt read the replys so its proberly has been said, BUT I'd make it my mission to wait on the motor way at the same time every day till I see the prick and get his number...

Gidday Dangerous ;)

I didn't get a good look at the 4x4, don't even know what make or model....and I 'Think" it was Grey & green. (It was early morning, shitty weather & the prick came from behind)
Other wise yeah!....I would LOVE to get his number plate and have him/her charged, but seriously...Im just happy me and my bike arn't seriously hurt.
...I get to ride again in a week or so :woohoo: (shoulder permitting)