Suzuki vs Kenworth

[Hitcher]

It can at times be surprising how quickly life can change.

One moment one is riding happily into Pahiatua on a windy but otherwise pleasant spring day. One's beloved is riding pillion. Two good friends on their bikes are immediately ahead. One's bike is running beautifully. The prospect of a delicious feijoa smoothy awaiting soon in Palmerston North is starting to permeate one's imagination.

All of a sudden, after Bikes One and Two have passed in front of it, Driver Of Kenworth with articulated trailer unit attached decides to gun his charge out of the intersection immediately in front of the approach of Bike Three, leaving Bike Three with nowhere to go except into the side of said Kenworth.

Today I was the rider of Bike Three.

In the limited time available I'd managed to scrub off most of our forward speed. This all happened inside Pahiatua's 50kmh restricted area. The collision with the side of the truck wasn't hard but the truck was still moving at right-angles to our direction of travel. This tipped the bike over but it unfortunately got wedged under a rear drive wheel. While Beloved Pillion and myself fell off and onto an unyielding Terra Firma, a GSX1250FA was dragged about 5 metres across an abrasive asphalt surface as Driver Of Kenworth decided to move his rig out of the main road. Suzukis don't like that much.

Beloved Pillion is a bit bumped and banged but largely unscathed. I've got an egg coming up on my left shin beneath a couple of hearty scratches, and wrenched ligaments in my left knee. I was able to roll away after hitting the ground, so as to avoid suffering a similar fate as my motorcycle in the face of the looming triple-axle trailer wheels.

The sound of plastic and metal being scraped and gouged is never pleasant. All the more so when one realises as one listens to said cacophony that one won't be riding home on the affected machine.

The front of the bike is a bit of a mess. Both front suspension rods are munted. One has been ground almost to a point. The other has had the brake calliper shorn from it. The front rim has also been ground away in one place and the tyre on it is looking a bit sad at that location. Front fairings are both toast. So is the radiator, front brake lever and bar-end weight. And the right-hand rear-view mirror. The engine is badly scraped on the right-hand side too. Not to mention a GPS, turning indicators and other sundry accoutrements. Goodness knows what's happened to the frame.

Beloved Pillion will need a new helmet. I'll be in the market for a new pair of boots.

Ambulance arrived. Ambo checked out the both of us and recommended a trip to A&E or GP on return to Wellington if we had any health concerns. We were both doing all of the right things at that stage, so he was off and away in case there were folk with more urgent need of his services.

Mr Policeman arrived and quickly ascertained that Driver Of Kenworth was at fault for failing to give way. An infringement notice will be issued accordingly to said Driver. Driver's boss will be in touch to discuss restitution. Mr Policeman has promised to email me the truck company details anyway so post-accident damage matters can be discussed between the parties involved.

People can be amazingly kind.

The owner of the Alliance service station across the road from where this all happened has a very sad Suzuki safely locked up in his workshop.

A Very Lovely Lady(TM) who had observed the immediate aftermath of Motorcycle vs Kenworth was already on her way to Upper Hutt. She graciously gave us and our gear a lift to the riders of Bikes One and Two's home in Upper Hutt. Rs 1&2 then delivered us home to Ngaio.

Tomorrow will involve setting in place the necessary steps to get my bike reinstated.

I'm more than a little miffed. Suzuki had recently had its front suspension modified and this next week its rear suspension was also to be upgraded. It was running magnificently and did not deserve to be ignominiously removed from State Highway 2 on a Sunday afternoon when it was impeccably minding its own business.

It can at times be surprising how quickly life can change.

[nzspokes]

Shit Mate, Glad you and yours are ok.

[willytheekid]

:shit:

Frig!
Glad the two of you are ok Hitch

[varminter]

Good grief, sounds like the bike is a write off, glad you're ok. What was the trucker's excuse?

We now wait for the post crash dissection.

[Jantar]

Hell, that is not good news.

I hope that the trucking company will provide you with a new bike asap and sort out the insurance issues later.

How did the ABS perform?

[MD]

I have to admire your unfazed state of mind Hitcher, and positive outlook after such an incident that would have most of us throwing our toys as far from the cot as we could, accompanied by lots of those unpleasant words.

You must be feeling a bit jinxed for attracting unfortunate mishaps. The prognosis for the Suzook from those damages sounds terminal to be honest. It's amazing how little damage it takes to become uneconomic to repair a bike and your list today is extensive. Also the weight alone of a semi must bend the chasis.

Best wishes to you both for a speedy fix-er-upper and get back in the saddle

[FJRider]

It is good you are still around to tell us about it. The scraping and gouging sounds are never good. Especially when you know it's your bike.

Did the driver of said Kenworth offer any explanation to you ... ???

[Madness]

You seem to have the uncanny ability to be right at the worst possible place when other road users do the stupidest things. Glad you've come out of yet another awkward situation with all your facilities intact.

[Hitcher]

How did the ABS perform?

I reckon in less than another metre it would have had us safely at a standstill. Kenworths notwithstanding.

[Akzle]

that is the opposite of what is good.
feet up. whiskey down.


but. this:

H...the trucking company will provide you with a new bike asap and sort out the insurance issues.

[Hitcher]

Did the driver of said Kenworth offer any explanation to you ... ???

"Whoops. Sorry mate."

[Dadpole]

Nice to know you both are OK - although the Pahiatua area does not seem to be very lucky for you.

I live near Pahiatua and agree it is a dangerous place. The divided main road causes all sort of strange (and scarey) driving.

[Ocean1]

Bloody hell Brett, hope the bodies normalise over the next few days 'cause Suzukis don't I can assure you.

Luck with the nescessary legal stages.

[The Baron]

Shocked to read this - glad you are both OKish.

[James Deuce]

Very pleased to hear that you have survived once more. One expects you to change your surname to "Sanguine" after that post-match report.

[tigertim20]

damn, sounds like you and your beloved pillion were very lucky today, a little less attentive, and a slightly longer stopping distance doesnt bear thinking about.

Glad to hear that both you and beloved pillion are okay.

Ill have a whiskey for you.

[Road kill]

So,,,how's the Kenworth ?:laugh:

[madandy]

Sad news for your bike and what should have been a pleasing Sunday ride.
Relatively good news for you, so well done on not following your 1250 underneath Kenworth's wheels.
I have to ask, any hi-vis gear worn on bikes 1,2 or 3? how much gap between you and bike 2?

kenworth driver deserves an unpaid spell off driving.

[caseye]

Geez Hitcher. very pleased that you are both physically OK,Your stead may well have saved you both any further injury, by being well maintained and already having sus mods, shame about the bike, but hell rather it than you guys.
Looking forward to hearing you are both recovered and your machine remade or replaced, take care.

[Berg]

When I first saw the title I presumed the absolute worst. Glad to hear it wasn't the total disaster I thought.
Truck drivers are normally good but the odd one still manages to do the wrong thing at the wrong time. Glad to hear you have come away from potential disaster with such light injuries

[Flip]

I am delighted to hear you are OK.

The bike can be replaced.

What was the truck driver charged with?

[caspernz]

Sorry to hear of your Kenworth altercation, but pleased to hear it wasn't as savage as one normally thinks when hearing of truck vs bike accidents :facepalm:

[Hitcher]

I have to ask, any hi-vis gear worn on bikes 1,2 or 3? how much gap between you and bike 2?

No fluoro in sight anywhere. I can't see how it would have helped. A bright sunny day, three bikes with headlights ablaze in a 50kmh area. Inattention is as inattention does.

Gap would have been about 5-6 seconds. The truck was rolling as soon as Bike 2 went past. That left about 2-3 seconds reaction time. Brakes were the only option available, IMHO.

[Hitcher]

What was the truck driver charged with?

Failing to give way, as a minimum.

[nzspokes]

Failing to give way, as a minimum.

Careless use causing injury would be my pick if you had to go to hospital.

[madandy]

No fluoro in sight anywhere. I can't see how it would have helped. A bright sunny day, three bikes with headlights ablaze in a 50kmh area. Inattention is as inattention does.

Gap would have been about 5-6 seconds. The truck was rolling as soon as Bike 2 went past. That left about 2-3 seconds reaction time. Brakes were the only option available, IMHO.

Deffinately not enough time to get that artic. around in front of you - the blind bastard.
Agree hi-vis would'nt alter the outcome, he clearly saw the first two bikes.

Abs worked well then?

[Mom]

It can at times be surprising how quickly life can change.

You should have seen that one coming :pinch:

So very glad you managed to "spray and walk away".

Today was a bit of a day for fuckwits on the road apparently.

Many gentle hugs to you both. (dont want to aggravate the bruises).

:love: Anne

[Macontour]

Sorry to hear of the accident, glad you are relatively unscathed. Arnica may help with the bruising.

[Shadows]

Glad you're OK fellah. You have some rubbish luck.

[Gremlin]

Bloody hell mate :blink:

Bugger it, you and your good lady come out relatively unscathed... I'm sure the upgraded front end assisted, so well worth it, regardless of the cost...

Guess you're chatting to your nice salespeople again... Are you after another?

[MyGSXF]

Happy to hear you & the Mrs are ok Hitch!!!! :yes:

[nudemetalz]

Keep on truckin', Hitch.

Seriuously,...glad to hear you two are okay.
Bikes can be replaced but Hitch's can't.

[gammaguy]

a cautionary tale

glad all concerned are OK

just goes to show that headlights,(and also Hi viz but not in this case)are a complete waste of time when dickheads either dont see you or decide fuck you im going anyway.

Healthy paranoia rules.

[theseekerfinds]

glad you're ok mate, and good to hear the pillion came out of it ok too..

[Oakie]

Jeez you have some bad luck at times. Glad you were able to walk away from this one. I guess your modified front suspension can now be called 'highly modified'.

[Daffyd]

Glad you're ok. Must have been a scary moment!

[Owl]

Glad the two of you came out relatively unscathed. Could've been much worse, but you know that already.

Don't suppose you thought to add a tyre review while you were hanging about?

[haydes55]

Glad its only minor injuries! Now where's katmans reply? definitely seek to have the driver charged with careless use causing injury, sounds like he didn't even care.

[Winston001]

Aw mate, bloody awful and my sympathies to you both.

Still, could have told ya, if you'd been riding the Ducati no Kenworth would have messed with ya. :D

Hope all is now copacetic.

[Brett]

Sorry to hear Mr Hitcher....not cool. Bike can be replaced though, glad you and pillion are largely ok. Little can be said about the truck driver...I think a sad shake of the head says all that needs to be said.

[Paul in NZ]

Far out dude.....

You really need to stop falling / getting knocked down... Its bad for morale.... (I was going to say health but just waking up can be bad for that)

Glad you guys are OK but PLEASE don't do it again.

[Maha]

What was the Kenworth hauling?..or did I miss that bit?

[Quasi]

Oh Crap Hitch! What a horrendous thing. But at least you both survived relatively unscathed to tell the tale. I did the smoothy run to Palmie yesterday too. Was lovely out there on our roads. See you back out there soon.

[pritch]

Today was a bit of a day for fuckwits on the road apparently.



Always a bit dodgy around the full moon.


Hitcher,

The important thing is that you and the Mrs are OK. Bikes can be replaced relatively easily.
But you already know that.

[p.dath]

God to hear you are OK Hitcher, and that you have your normal calm about you.

Your bike sounds like it might be more of a right off and a "fix up". Perhaps that might be a shiny ray of light (getting a new bike) to this terrible event.

[sootie]

About 3 years ago I was wiped off the road by a truck & semi. Bike was a writeoff, and wrote off a car travelling in the opposite direction. I was unconscious for a bit & wound up in hospital. Eventually I made a full recovery. The really hard bits for me have been:
* the truck driver was driving sensibly but had to swerve in to me to avoid someone else
* I did nothing wrong (on this occasion!), so why did it happen at all?
* what actually did happen - (even the police are not sure & they decided not to prosecute anybody)
* given the scene of mechanical carnage, how did I get out alive?

I am sure you will have these issues with the what ifs & whys. In the end "Shit happens" as they say, and you just have to shrug & get on with enjoying what you like doing & even accept that a repeat is possible.

Glad you both walked away.

[Swoop]

I'm very happy that Mrs H and yourself are in one piece and without the need for hospital intervention.

Heal up well.






Now, where is Chalky with his normal words of dribble.

[sinfull]

Your lucks timing is impeccable Hitch !

I wish for a speedy replacement of wheels for you, before summer really sets in.

The inconvenience of losing the mods and extras sucks too, though i'm sure some of the forks internals could be salvaged, it still sucks !

Just found what seems like a gallon of fork oil around the lower parts of my upside downs, morning after a jaunt through the same areas you speak of sat with the lads, knew they were weeping, but grrrr. Too much time being tied down in the back of the van for track days (won't mention the crap wheelies), will have to come up with a new system of tying it in !

No where near what you're facing, but still a bloody inconvenience !

[Hitcher]

What was the Kenworth hauling?..or did I miss that bit?

The Kenworth was hauling my motorcycle in an easterly direction as he headed out of Duke Street into SH2. God knows what was inside his trailer. I couldn't see and didn't ask.

The driver was shaken and did apologise.

[Crasherfromwayback]

The Kenworth was hauling my motorcycle in an easterly direction as he headed out of Duke Street into SH2. .

lol. Nice answer.

[Maha]

lol. Nice answer.

I would have bought him a new bike had he said ''it was hauling Trolls Maha''....:shifty:

[Hitcher]

Anybody passing through Pahiatua should stop and check out the gouge marks from the centre of SH2 north into the middle of the traffic island at the Duke Street/King Street intersection. The wet spot at the end was coolant and may have evaporated by now. Another metre and the wet spot would have included sump oil.

[James Deuce]

That would be the second time you've left your visible mark! May go and look this weekend.

[98tls]

Bugger,sorry to hear of the bikes fate.Very glad to see you and Yours are ok.Hope your back riding soon mate.

[imdying]

What did you kick a kitten in a previous life or something??:confused:

[Paul in NZ]

What did you kick a kitten in a previous life or something??:confused:

Probably ran over a sack full of chinese ones with a steam powered bike.....

[Pussy]

Glad that you and Jane are okay, Brett!
I hope a new bike is on the close horizon.

[240]

Shit scary stuff!! Glad to see your o.k

[shafty]

The wet spot at the end was coolant and may have evaporated by now. Another metre and the wet spot would have included sump oil.


And the third wet spot?

Phew, must've been terrifying? - or did it all happen too fast ?

Congrats on your evasive action - great to hear you're both relatively unscathed.

So, would Sir like another 1250?

[Hitcher]

So, would Sir like another 1250?

Sir hasn't really thought much about that.

[tri boy]

4 pages in to an accident thread, and no Katman dribbling on about awareness, and chanelling the correct gods to enable you to leap tall Kenworths.
Youv'e silenced the cat Brett.
Respect.

Oh, happy you, and yours is non splattered.:yes:

[carbonhed]

I'm glad you both came through it so well. Think I would be a gibbering wreck watching something I'd been sitting on milliseconds earlier getting run down by a Kenworth... are you on drugs?

[MD]

Sir hasn't really thought much about that.

Maybe it is time Sir considered a Tiger 1050

[Crasherfromwayback]

Maybe it is time Sir considered a Tiger 1050

That'd mean he'd have to deal with Triumph NZ. Not sure that's gonna happen anytime soon.

[Ocean1]

That'd mean he'd have to deal with Triumph NZ. Not sure that's gonna happen anytime soon.

Besides, anything other than another TNAB after such a short tenure is tantamount to admitting it's not the best choice.

[jrandom]

Besides, anything other than another TNAB after such a short tenure is tantamount to admitting it's not the best choice.

<img src="http://i47.tinypic.com/smumae.jpg"/>

Just a thought, etc.

[BoristheBiter]

4 pages in to an accident thread, and no Katman dribbling on about awareness, and chanelling the correct gods to enable you to leap tall Kenworths.
Youv'e silenced the cat Brett.
Respect.
:

He only dribbles on with people that can't ban or send him to PD.

Galad to hear your ok Hitcher,
Gammer and speeling would never bee the same:hitcher:

[Katman]

The prospect of a delicious feijoa smoothy awaiting soon in Palmerston North is starting to permeate one's imagination.


Perhaps more attention was required on the Kenworth rather than the feijoa smoothy.

[duckonin]

You failed to see/ respond to a kenworth being gunned out of an intersection and hit it midship so to speak. Wow it must of been faster than a speeding bullet.

That smoothy awaiting in Palmerston North may well of been your downfall EH !

[Hitcher]

Perhaps more attention was required on the Kenworth rather than the feijoa smoothy.

Indeed. I couldn't believe what I was seeing coming across the road. Still, I would have preferred to have downed a Cuba Cafe feijoa smoothy rather than a GSX1250FA.

[Katman]

Indeed. I couldn't believe what I was seeing coming across the road.

That's what happens when you let things take you by surprise.

I'd hazard a guess that if you'd actually considered the possibility of the truck pulling out on you the outcome could have been considerably different.

[Hitcher]

You failed to see/ respond to a kenworth being gunned out of an intersection and hit it midship so to speak. Wow it must of been faster than a speeding bullet.


Said Kenworth was rolling -- it hadn't stopped at the intersection and waited for traffic to clear. The driver presumably thought the road was clear and was off and away. The point of impact was a box in front of the truck's drive wheels. On the vehicle in question that was hardly "midships".

[Katman]

Said Kenworth was rolling -- it hadn't stopped at the intersection and waited for traffic to clear.

And that didn't set off alarm bells?

[Hitcher]

I'd hazard a guess that if you'd actually considered the possibility of the truck pulling out on you the outcome could have been considerably different.

Absolutely. No argument from me about that. I thought he'd stop. He didn't. I'm generally cautious about traffic coming off side roads anyway and probably more so when I've got a pillion aboard.

[Hitcher]

And that didn't set off alarm bells?

Yes. And brakes.

[BoristheBiter]

That's what happens when you let things take you by surprise.

I'd hazard a guess that if you'd actually considered the possibility of the truck pulling out on you the outcome could have been considerably different.

"You must spread some Reputation around before calling Katman a nobjockey again"

[Katman]

Where were you positioned in your lane?

[jellywrestler]

Where were you positioned in your lane?

I think from what I've read the 'recovery position' might be the answer.

[BoristheBiter]

I think from what I've read the 'recovery position' might be the answer.

I would have said "seated" or maybe "on a bike".

[pritch]

4 pages in to an accident thread, and no Katman dribbling on about awareness, and chanelling the correct gods to enable you to leap tall Kenworths.


Bugga! You broke the spell. :whistle:

[oneofsix]

I think from what I've read the 'recovery position' might be the answer.

All over the lane

[Katman]

4 pages in to an accident thread, and no Katman dribbling on about awareness, and chanelling the correct gods to enable you to leap tall Kenworths.


I could just as easily say - 4 pages of people blowing smoke up his arse instead of actually reading what he said and wondering how he could have done it better.

[oneofsix]

I could just as easily say - 4 pages of people blowing smoke up his arse instead of actually reading what he said and wondering how he could have done it better.

You could have but you would be wrong

[BoristheBiter]

You could have but you would be wrong

not his first time or, dare say it, his last.

[Katman]

You could have but you would be wrong

Having read through the first 4 pages again I think you'll find I'm pretty close to the money.

[actungbaby]

It can at times be surprising how quickly life can change.

geez this is close to home am glad your both okay is a freight isint it thankfully was in 50kph zone

Mind you in saying that 50kph seems very fast when you have car/truck in front of you well done

If you need any help let me know

[actungbaby]

That's what happens when you let things take you by surprise.

I'd hazard a guess that if you'd actually considered the possibility of the truck pulling out on you the outcome could have been considerably different.

hello mr perfect gezz dude you know everthing dont you it happens

[oneofsix]

Having read through the first 4 pages again I think you'll find I'm pretty close to the money.

In your own mind I dare say, like Ed and his religion.

Whilst I would be interested to know Hitchers lane position I would also like to know why the truckie gave way to the two lead bikes but not the third, how come he didn't see/give way to a big bike that was two up giving it much the same visability factor as a small car, did the truckie see them? But first comes the recovery and commiserations.

[Maha]

Having read through the first 4 pages again I think you'll find I'm pretty close to the money.

Even Hitcher has agreed with you on an earlier post...''Absolutely. No argument from me about that''

[Katman]

Even Hitcher has agreed with you on an earlier post...''Absolutely. No argument from me about that''

Hitcher has agreed with me on a few posts.

It's not so much Hitcher that has me shaking my head at the moment.

[Hitcher]

Bugga! You broke the spell.

Spell? I can't disagree with anything Katman has said. On most occasions there are generally things that riders could have done differently that could have either mitigated or completely averted events that overcame them.

I've thought of a few myself since Sunday. One is to in future close up the gap between me and any other bikes I may be following in a limited speed urban area. Bigger target for motorists to observe, being my logic there.

Another is to more avidly weave when approaching intersections where there is traffic waiting to enter or cross the lane I'm in. I've been doing this for a while, particularly where said traffic looks ambivalent in its intention. This definitely improves visibility of the bike one is on and also helps drivers of said traffic figure out how far away one may be and how fast one may be approaching.

Yes, I was completely taken by surprise on Sunday which left me with fuck all options (to the nearest significant figure). Earlier appreciation of potential risk could have helped, perhaps significantly. That's the key learning here.

[duckonin]

Spell? I can't disagree with anything Katman has said. On most occasions there are generally things that riders could have done differently that could have either mitigated or completely averted events that overcame them.

I've thought of a few myself since Sunday. One is to in future close up the gap between me and any other bikes I may be following in a limited speed urban area. Bigger target for motorists to observe, being my logic there.

Yes that would be sensible/logical.

[BoristheBiter]

Hitcher has agreed with me on a few posts.

It's not so much Hitcher that has me shaking my head at the moment.

Actually you will find a lot agree with the message just not the way you try and deliver it.
If people don't want to listen that's fine, but to hand out abuse is not going to make listen more.

[caseye]

Good for you Hitcher, many here seem to think that KM's main objective is to shame and blame, pity is if they'd just stop long enough to hear what he is saying they might actually learn something themselves.
Course this being KB land it ain't going to happen in a hurry.
I am sure that your smidy would have been working, but really a still rolling truck sees and allows for 2 of 3 bikes then cleans you out, even with your new front end mods and your naturally aroused instincts, if you didn't stop in time ( and that is also subjective, how long does it take?) at least you did put her and your pillion down and get everyone out from under those darned big feet successfully.
Don't be put off aye, shit does happen and you have learnt from all of your experiences, the good ones and this sort, keep on truck'n mate.
Sorry couldn't resist.

[oneofsix]

Actually you will find a lot agree with the message just not the way you try and deliver it.
If people don't want to listen that's fine, but to hand out abuse is not going to make listen more.

+1 Catch more flies with honey than vinegar as me old gran used to say. Like that blowing smoke comment, who in the right mind would want to and why would hitcher want to let some hairy biker close enough to?

[Murray]

I am sure that your smidy would have been working

Dont you mean smidsy

By the way have you got your leg over lately???

[Maha]

Dont you mean smidsy

By the way have you got your leg over lately???

No......Sorry Mate I did You (and you didn't feel a thing) :corn:

[caseye]

Maha! I'm telling mommmm.
Thats rude isn't it, not since the last time Murray, off to Oz for the next week, bit of walking to do so might try when I get back.

[Horney1]

.....Whilst I would be interested to know Hitchers lane position I would also like to know why the truckie gave way to the two lead bikes but not the third, how come he didn't see/give way to a big bike that was two up giving it much the same visability factor as a small car, did the truckie see them?.....


Good to hear you came out of it relatively unscathed Hitcher. Considering the only option was bike down, good going both of you not ending up under those wheels! Pity about the bike being all f'd up. Sounds like an opportunity for a change of bikes.


Why he didn't see you, here's one hypothesis:
You know how birds can see two people go into a hide and if one person leaves they think everyone has gone/ all clear. This situation could be something similar, the truckie could just have a very small brain and thought "bikes have gone past, all bikes must have gone past". Reinforces the need for IQ tests for drivers licences (especially heavy vehicles)!

But seriously, some other thoughts that quickly come to mind are:
How many hours had he driven that day? Did he really have the manatory rest breaks? Was his mobile phone in use at the time of or just prior to the incident? And the biggie, were you in the blind spot of his left mirror and or cab bodywork when he looked your way?...


Forward?
1. Closing the gap could be good but also some negatives aspects.
2. Cages ARE out to kill us, treat them as assasins.
3. Beware of anything with the possibility of entering sirs path (& of their blindspots).
4. I've seen people use the weave thing before but there are just too many intersections out there. It certainly gives the cages something to think about though, makes them look/ see and could increase your area of visiblity to them BUT whether you happen to be IN or OUT of their blindspot at the moment when the driver looks your way is still a random thing. I think the weave creates some uncertainty in the drvers mind and the extra time it takes for them to figure out what you are up to could be that extra time you need to get past them incident free (but this is a game that needs to be played very carefully! They could also quickly reach the WRONG CONCLUSION about your intentions/ direction etc!). Hmmm, and if everyone did this then cages would see it as the new normal and ignore it anyway... back to point 2...


Some more thoughts on blindspots:
Faster means you're not in the blindspot as long (yes, can also mean a worse hit if it becomes a TARFU).
Hi-Vis is still not seen in a blindspot.
Closing the gap means the driver may still be looking your way as you go into / out of said blind spot...

[James Deuce]

+1 Catch more flies with honey than vinegar as me old gran used to say. Like that blowing smoke comment, who in the right mind would want to and why would hitcher want to let some hairy biker close enough to?
No you don't. Complete arseholes get a lot more attention and reaction. Being nice to people doesn't work. The Bikoi is good example of that.

[onearmedbandit]

Ah this cracks me up.

I've been watching this thread, waiting for Katman to post. After a few posts abusing or ridiculing KM for his posts from the usual <s>tossers</s> suspects, he finally posts and puts it Hitcher that something could've been done better resulting in no crash, to which H agrees.

Now H is no dummy, and has been riding for years. He knows that he could've handled the situation better. But not every rider knows this. Yet whenever we have a biker down thread instead of helping the rider, whoever they are, better understand how to avoid a future accident, all we do is say things like 'bummer' and 'get well soon bro'. Sure these make the rider feel better; but only while reading the comments. Instead they could be feeling better for a long time if they begin to understand that they are ultimately in control of their well-being and therefore stand a better chance of not having an accident. Was the truck driver in the wrong in H's case? Yup, he's being charged. Was H in the right? Yup. But whose vehicle is destroyed? Who was lucky to not have suffered serious injury or worse?

Motorcycling requires all of your attention all of the time. Simple as that. And the best time to reflect on that and learn about it is when the consequences of not doing so are still fresh in your mind. And body. As 'insensitive' as it is, if we want to reduce the number of crashes this is the best method of delivery.

Oh and my condolences for your loss H. Perhaps if you had been paying more attention to the risks around you we could've avoided this whole thread.:shutup:

[nzspokes]

Hitcher, Sharry has asked me to pass on her best wishes and is glad that both of you are mainly ok.

[jellywrestler]

Hitcher, Sharry has asked me to pass on her best wishes and is glad that both of you are mainly ok.

did she ask what happened?

[nzspokes]

did she ask what happened?

:laugh:

10char

[Ocean1]

Motorcycling requires all of your attention all of the time. Simple as that.

Aye, but it's not available all the time. And anyone claiming it is or should be doesn't know very much about how humans work.

It's nowhere near simple.

[James Deuce]

I think the issue is that we don't crash enough to practice it properly.

[Katman]

Aye, but it's not available all the time. And anyone claiming it is or should be doesn't know very much about how humans work.

It's nowhere near simple.

Bullshit. Place yourself in a position of having to develop 'out of the ordinary' skills and it's actually quite a simple process.

You just have to want to do it.

You sound too lazy though.

[Ocean1]

I think the issue is that we don't crash enough to practice it properly.

That's what the 525's for. And I've got that fucker down good.

[onearmedbandit]

Aye, but it's not available all the time. And anyone claiming it is or should be doesn't know very much about how humans work.

It's nowhere near simple.

Of course it isn't. It's about the mindset. I've used this analogy before, but I'll share it again.

Years ago when I started car sales we had a meeting one morning, and the boss stated 'everyone who comes on the yard is a buyer'. I, knowing it all, argued otherwise and gave legitimate examples of people that weren't buying but were on the yard. I'll never forget the stare he gave me. I wondered why, and later it dawned on me. I have to consider everyone that walks onto the yard as a buyer, despite what I think, to increase the chances of selling a car. And sure, not everyone is a buyer, but I damn well consider everyone a buyer until I've exhausted every tool I have to get them to buy.

Now apply the same thing to bike riding. If I approach every 'situation' with the right mindset, and employ all of the correct tools, then I'll stand a far better chance of not crashing. These tools include, having focus on what I'm doing, knowing my surroundings, knowing my position, even knowing my own bike. Sure not every time you'll have all of these tools at the right time right place, but with the correct mindset you'll have a far better chance of getting home that day as the same way you left.

[tri boy]

my work here is done..........................



















Bike shopping for the Hitchers very soon methinks:sunny:

[Fatjim]

Ah this cracks me up.

I've been watching this thread, waiting for Katman to post. After a few posts abusing or ridiculing KM for his posts from the usual <s>tossers</s> suspects, he finally posts and puts it Hitcher that something could've been done better resulting in no crash, to which H agrees.

Now H is no dummy, and has been riding for years. He knows that he could've handled the situation better. But not every rider knows this. Yet whenever we have a biker down thread instead of helping the rider, whoever they are, better understand how to avoid a future accident, all we do is say things like 'bummer' and 'get well soon bro'. Sure these make the rider feel better; but only while reading the comments. Instead they could be feeling better for a long time if they begin to understand that they are ultimately in control of their well-being and therefore stand a better chance of not having an accident. Was the truck driver in the wrong in H's case? Yup, he's being charged. Was H in the right? Yup. But whose vehicle is destroyed? Who was lucky to not have suffered serious injury or worse?

Motorcycling requires all of your attention all of the time. Simple as that. And the best time to reflect on that and learn about it is when the consequences of not doing so are still fresh in your mind. And body. As 'insensitive' as it is, if we want to reduce the number of crashes this is the best method of delivery.

Oh and my condolences for your loss H. Perhaps if you had been paying more attention to the risks around you we could've avoided this whole thread.:shutup:

For me its not the dribble of Katman that's the problem, its the assumption that Hitch should have done something different without KM actually being there. Its the absolute, "there are no such things as accidents" line. In this case, maybe Hitch was not as attentive as he could have been. I actually happen to think Hitch probably did all he could do to avoid the accident, bar not being there in the first place. But Hitch is such a nice guy that he probably would fall on his own sword rather than risk encouraging bad attitudes to safety in others.

[onearmedbandit]

For me its not the dribble of Katman that's the problem, its the assumption that Hitch should have done something different without KM actually being there. Its the absolute, "there are no such things as accidents" line. In this case, maybe Hitch was not as attentive as he could have been. I actually happen to think Hitch probably did all he could do to avoid the accident, bar not being there in the first place. But Hitch is such a nice guy that he probably would fall on his own sword rather than risk encouraging bad attitudes to safety in others.

Yup, I used to get pissed off when my boss questioned why I hadn't sold a car to the people I was just talking to. "You weren't there" I thought as he told me what he would've said to them. In my ignorance I thought he was just a know-it-all 'perfect' wanker, when really he was trying to open my eyes. True story.

[mossy1200]

Everyone knows the tail end charlie gets it even more often than point man. If Hitcher had a faster bike he would have been bike number one and avoided the accident.

[swbarnett]

Motorcycling requires all of your attention all of the time.
Never a truer word said. However, I feel compelled to add that the attention of which you speak does not have to be conscious. While not ideal, a rider that develops the correct mindset can ride in the sub-conscious and still be safe. Indeed it is sometimes the case that the conscious mind cannot react fast enough when it needs to.

A case in point was when I was coming back from a very cold coro-loop ride with spokes earlier this year. My head was so cold that no way was my conscious mind on my riding. A car pulled out in front of me (similar but not identical to Hitcher's mishap). Had I been alert I would have backed off in plenty of time. Instead I had to take evasive action and, without any hint of conscious thought, swerved into a lane split and got off scott free.

[Fatjim]

Yup, I used to get pissed off when my boss questioned why I hadn't sold a car to the people I was just talking to. "You weren't there" I thought as he told me what he would've said to them. In my ignorance I thought he was just a know-it-all 'perfect' wanker, when really he was trying to open my eyes. True story.

Yeah, but you were a relative newbie, and he was your boss. you should be listening to him.

Here is different, some of us have very good experience riding/driving/cycling on NZ roads, and yet we don't agree with the religon of KM.

[onearmedbandit]

Yeah, but you were a relative newbie, and he was your boss. you should be listening to him.

Here is different, some of us have very good experience riding/driving/cycling on NZ roads, and yet we don't agree with the religon of KM.

I've been riding for 25yrs myself. I understand what KM is on about, and agree with it. And judging from the rep I received from my initial post a lot of other riders with vast experience understand it as well.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I've been riding for 25yrs myself. I understand what KM is on about, and agree with it. And judging from the rep I received from my initial post a lot of other riders with vast experience understand it as well.

Still quite a few stupid assholes commenting here that could do with a mirror at home though.

[Winston001]

Why he didn't see you, here's one hypothesis:
You know how birds can see two people go into a hide and if one person leaves they think everyone has gone/ all clear. This situation could be something similar, the truckie could just have a very small brain and thought "bikes have gone past, all bikes must have gone past". Reinforces the need for IQ tests for drivers licences (especially heavy vehicles)!


...were you in the blind spot of his left mirror and or cab bodywork when he looked your way?...






Good thoughts. This probably isn't the right thread to discuss such theories so very briefly, there is a piece of research which shows humans don't always see fast-moving objects. We evolved over 2 million years in an environment where few things moved rapidly. If we are distracted, our primitive hind brain takes over and it doesn't recognise fast. Anything at a distance is dismissed.

The blind spot is also an explanation.

Best wishes H.

[oneofsix]

Good thoughts. This probably isn't the right thread to discuss such theories so very briefly, there is a piece of research which shows humans don't always see fast-moving objects. We evolved over 2 million years in an environment where few things moved rapidly. If we are distracted, our primitive hind brain takes over and it doesn't recognise fast. Anything at a distance is dismissed.

The blind spot is also an explanation.

Best wishes H.

:confused: I suspect you are correct that this thread is too brief and it would take it too far off topic but human evolved with some very fast predators and tend to react quickly and instinctively to fast objects, as in ducking that ball hardly seen, but fast is a relative term and in terms of this thread and human reactions a relatively large object moving at 50k from some distance away is moderate speed. As a pedestrian the truckie would have probably cleared the intersection easily pity for Hitcher the truckie had to allow for a large slow moving truck. :pinch:
As to Hitcher thinking too much about the smoothie and not enough about the truck you get into another whole realm of psychology there. It is quite likely, and I don't even expect Hitcher to remember, that he had noted the truck was moving and evaluated the danger, incorrectly as it turned out, and then gone back to the thoughts of the smoothie. After all the truckie did allow the two lead bikes throw and as humans react on experiences it would fit human logic that Hitcher was also free to proceed with no more concern for the truck.
As you said too short to discuss fully.
As for the quip that riding takes all your concentration all the time, it can't because that is not how humans evolved, we are all slightly ADD and once we have evaluated as situation we move on to the next most interesting thing - smoothies :drool:

[BoristheBiter]

Yup, I used to get pissed off when my boss questioned why I hadn't sold a car to the people I was just talking to. "You weren't there" I thought as he told me what he would've said to them. In my ignorance I thought he was just a know-it-all 'perfect' wanker, when really he was trying to open my eyes. True story.

But did he abuse you for not agreeing with him?
Look at post 107, it is a classic KM post, abuse at the end so the message is forgotten.

You and me have had a few slagging matches on here and I can't for the life of me remember what they were for other than it was pointless.

[Katman]

But did he abuse you for not agreeing with him?
Look at post 107, it is a classic KM post, abuse at the end so the message is forgotten.


You're a sensitive wee thing, aren't you?

[Katman]

As for the quip that riding takes all your concentration all the time, it can't because that is not how humans evolved,

The easiest way to ensure something never happens is to convince yourself that it's just not possible.

I'm not suggesting that old age pensioners should readily be able to scale Everest without oxygen - I'm suggesting that motorcyclists have room to make significant improvement in their level of concentration.

If your aim is to try training yourself to concentrate all of the time, even if you discover that as a mere mortal you fall somewhat short of that level, I guarantee that in the meantime the level of your concentration will have improved dramatically - particularly in amongst traffic (where arguably your concentration needs to be at it's very best).

[oneofsix]

The easiest way to ensure something never happens is to convince yourself that it's just not possible.

I'm not suggesting that old age pensioners should readily be able to scale Everest without oxygen, I'm suggesting that motorcyclists have room to make significant improvement in their level of concentration.

If your aim is to try training yourself to concentrate all of the time, even if you discover that as a mere mortal you fall somewhat short of that level, I guarantee that in the meantime the level of your concentration will have improved dramatically - particularly in amongst traffic (where arguably your concentration needs to be at it's best).

FFS are you feeling ok? You actually said something reasonable without taking it too far. Are you sure you didn't miss the last sentence out?

I know what it is. The trouble is if you don't discuss these thing realistically, and only look at them from the idealistic plan most of the audience has switched off, also they miss the realistic improvements they can make. I'll :shutup: now as this would turn in to a very long post and a lot of it has been said before in various ways.

[BoristheBiter]

The easiest way to ensure something never happens is to convince yourself that it's just not possible.

I'm not suggesting that old age pensioners should readily be able to scale Everest without oxygen, I'm suggesting that motorcyclists have room to make significant improvement in their level of concentration.

If your aim is to try training yourself to concentrate all of the time, even if you discover that as a mere mortal you fall somewhat short of that level, I guarantee that in the meantime the level of your concentration will have improved dramatically - particularly in amongst traffic (where arguably your concentration needs to be at it's very best).


FFS are you feeling ok? You actually said something reasonable without taking it too far. Are you sure you didn't miss the last sentence out?


I think someone has hacked Katmans account.

[oneofsix]

I think someone has hacked Katmans account.

Awl you shouldn't have but I like it. :yes:

[Katman]

FFS are you feeling ok? You actually said something reasonable without taking it too far. Are you sure you didn't miss the last sentence out?


Care to point out where I've ever voiced an unreasonable expectation?

[Murray]

If your aim is to try training yourself to concentrate all of the time, even if you discover that as a mere mortal you fall somewhat short of that level, I guarantee that in the meantime the level of your concentration will have improved dramatically - particularly in amongst traffic (where arguably your concentration needs to be at it's very best).


:confused: As for the quip that riding takes all your concentration all the time,

Both correct on possibly one of the biggest causes of mobike accidents - lack of concentration.

I find anything over 60-70 odd kms your concentartion starts to wane - our wee group generally do trips 150-250 kms a couple of times a month and always ensure there are breaks and regroups/stops (smoko etc) at least every 60 odd kms. I suggest others should as well

serious issue and well covered by KM and oneofsix

[Katman]

On the first day that I started as a motorcycle courier in London, within a few hours my brain was fried. The first couple of weeks were the most mentally draining I have ever spent.

But as I became used to concentrating for longer and longer periods eventually I got to the point where I could do 12 hour days of almost constant city riding without any real effort.

An extremely high level of concentration is most certainly achievable - if you're prepared to put your mind to it.

[ducatilover]

I heard about this wee incident from a local, sorry to hear your bike got treated like a Honda Hitcher, that's just not on!

[BoristheBiter]

On the first day that I started as a motorcycle courier in London

WTF? I have seen the way bike couriers ride in London and it an't defensively.

[jellywrestler]

WTF? I have seen the way bike couriers ride in London and it an't defensively.

the ones that stay alive do

[BoristheBiter]

the ones that stay alive do

I always looked at their aggressive riding as what kept them alive.

[SPman]

I always looked at their aggressive riding as what kept them alive.
Perhaps it's more their assertive riding that keeps them alive - agressive riders normally go down in more spectacular heaps....

[Maha]

WTF? I have seen the way bike couriers ride in London and it an't defensively.

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, but do they hit Lorries?...:corn:

[oneofsix]

Perhaps it's more their assertive riding that keeps them alive - agressive riders normally go down in more spectacular heaps....

You might be onto something, at least for me, if I'm not assertive enough I get into heaps of shit, if I get too aggressive I get into heaps of shit. I can't ride the way of a cruiser I share the road with in his hi-viz laid back style :niceone: or I would get owned by a cage or roadside furniture but I can't ride like an aggressive road racer either or it much the same result.

[BoristheBiter]

Perhaps it's more their assertive riding that keeps them alive - agressive riders normally go down in more spectacular heaps....

Yes that is a much better choice of word.

[BoristheBiter]

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, but do they hit Lorries?...:corn:

I don't know but I have seen a few hit buy lollies.

[actungbaby]

Spell? I can't disagree with anything Katman has said. On most occasions there are generally things that riders could have done differently that could have either mitigated or completely averted events that overcame them.

yes your right there dude after my accident you go over and over what u did and what u can learn

from it, gezz i didnt even get my hand to brake in mine just stood up and went flying not that Iremember

that part, i hit at 60-70kph ended up other side the lights 30 ft from the bike on my bum.

And that was like 25 years ago and still very carefull trouble is you come up to a car and

u think will he go or not if they do its like last minute you only got few seconds to react

I be very anoyed let myself let that happen again i want least get on the front brakes like you did

In my case saw the old dude on the other side the lights and thought whats worst he do u turn never relized

there was car park in what was the trainstation on moorehouse ave and next thing bloody car going strait across my path

agggg impact was huge i felt it through the bars i was calm though was like oh this is it then just getting up from the

road. my bike was munted the bottom fork bracket got pulled out the forks

[Hitcher]

I had another squiz at the bike this morning. It hasn't got any prettier with the passage of time, poor thing. Seeing perfectly good machinery rendered wanting makes me a bit sad.

[scumdog]

I had another squiz at the bike this morning. It hasn't got any prettier with the passage of time, poor thing. Seeing perfectly good machinery rendered wanting makes me a bit sad.

The glass is half full.

At least you are still capable of walking around and seeing said machine!:niceone:

[Hitcher]

The glass is half full.

39,165km -- the thing's hardly run in.

[Ocean1]

39,165km -- the thing's hardly run in.

Any news on the insurance negotiations, Hitch?
Sounds unlikely to be a repair eh?

[Hitcher]

Any news on the insurance negotiations, Hitch?

Bike has just been delivered to Wellington Motorcycles. They'll need to work out how much needs to be replaced and the cost of that. Then Star Insurance will decide a course of action.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Bike has just been delivered to Wellington Motorcycles. They'll need to work out how much needs to be replaced and the cost of that. Then Star Insurance will decide a course of action.

I still haven't had the chance to go look at it sorry. But from what I've heard...it'll be down the tubes.

[Ocean1]

Bike has just been delivered to Wellington Motorcycles. They'll need to work out how much needs to be replaced and the cost of that. Then Star Insurance will decide a course of action.


Ah well, hope the settlement's an expeditious piece of work, summer's here.

[jellywrestler]

shame it'll probably be written off, there's always more out there

[MD]

39,165km -- the thing's hardly run in.

Oh bugger Hitch. I didn't realise you bought it new a fortnight ago.

[scumdog]

shame it'll probably be written off, there's always more out there

Bloody Suzuki riders...

[Hitcher]

I still haven't had the chance to go look at it sorry. But from what I've heard...it'll be down the tubes.

Shane's on to it. He helped me get the GPS off this morning.

[Hitcher]

shame it'll probably be written off, there's always more out there

What, no forward pegs?

[Hitcher]

Trusty Clayton's Bandit is officially uneconomic to repair. Sadness abounds hither. Farewell Bluey.

[mulletman]

Bummer dude... so the search starts a fresh for a new stead !

[ducatilover]

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/15_Y3_eRfOU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Bugger Hitcher.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Trusty Clayton's Bandit is officially uneconomic to repair. Sadness abounds hither. Farewell Bluey.

Sad I know.But would you really want it back after a Kenworth had dry humped it?

[Gremlin]

Sad I know.But would you really want it back after a Kenworth had dry humped it?
wot e sed. And maybe they miss things, and it's economic to repair, and it's never quite right...

Never fear, there's another bike out there that needs to be used :yes:

[Crasherfromwayback]

wot e sed. And maybe they miss things, and it's economic to repair, and it's never quite right...

:

Nah we've got it at work. It's 100% fucked.

[Oblivion]

Nah we've got it at work. It's 100% fucked.

Are we talking fucked as in uneconomical to repair mechanical wise? Or cosmetics wise?

[BoristheBiter]

Are we talking fucked as in uneconomical to repair mechanical wise? Or cosmetics wise?

being run over by a truck i would say it's "proper fucked"

[nzspokes]

Well how we are looking at it as Sharons bike was much loved is that at least your alive. Everything else is gravy.

[carburator]

kenworths don't tend to use lube when they !@#$ things, Internationals on the other hand leak worse than british bikes..

[Hitcher]

Are we talking fucked as in uneconomical to repair mechanical wise? Or cosmetics wise?

Insurance companies don't distinguish. They're only interested in the total cost of making good. Whoever buys it from the insurance company will need to figure out the mechanicals vs cosmetics bit.

[nudemetalz]

Time for a new bike, Hitcher.
Aprilia 750 Shiver ?? :bleh: :bleh: :nono:

[Banditbandit]

Trusty Clayton's Bandit is officially uneconomic to repair. Sadness abounds hither. Farewell Bluey.

Bugga ... will you get another one?

[Hitcher]

Bugga ... will you get another one?

I'm thinking about that.

[MD]

I'm thinking about that.

Buy a Kenworth and ask for a rematch.

[cleverchap]

Any pics of the "fu@ked-ness"?

[Hitcher]

Any pics of the "fu@ked-ness"?

On Mrs H's phone. They don't really show the full extent of The Horror.

[gijoe1313]

Glad to hear you are both alive and kicking, hope the injuries have healed better and it's good to hear the self-reflection and awareness about the factors involved.

[jasonu]

Trusty Clayton's Bandit is officially uneconomic to repair. Sadness abounds hither. Farewell Bluey.

After a decent wack like the one your bike took I wouldn't want it back anyway. Even after repairs they are never the same.

[R-Soul]

I reckon in less than another metre it would have had us safely at a standstill. Kenworths notwithstanding.

Ah ha, so were you doing 60kph instead of 50? Like the advert?
Speed maims....

[ceebie13]

Good to chat on FB the other evening, Bwana! Have now read the "gory details". Glad all is OK. I trust you had toasted soldiers and a good cuppa with the egg on your shin. :-)
BTW... please don't tell the KB Management that I'm no longer resident in NZ. Oops! All the best from Blighty.

[GTRMAN]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-526960988.htm

Ouch, you is a lucky man Hitcher...

[Maha]

All that extra money spent on it and no crash knobs?....:rolleyes:

[Haggis2]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/motorbikes/motorbikes/tourers/auction-526960988.htm


One careful owner, like new condition.....

[Hitcher]

One careful owner, like new condition.....

Fucken ouch. That be the beast in question. It breaks my heart to see it like this. The headlight's in good nick!

[Gremlin]

I've seen dinged, bent and buckled rims, but I don't think I've ever seen one ground down like that :eek:

[Owl]

I've seen dinged, bent and buckled rims, but I don't think I've ever seen one ground down like that :eek:

The road didn't look too happy either to be honest.:eek5:

[FJRider]

I've seen dinged, bent and buckled rims, but I don't think I've ever seen one ground down like that :eek:

It did have a Kenworth sitting on it at the time ... :lol:

[Hitcher]

It did have a Kenworth sitting on it at the time

Erm, only after said Kenworth had dragged it about 5m across SH2. Most of the damage is due to dragging, rather than crushing.

[FJRider]

Erm, only after said Kenworth had dragged it about 5m across SH2. Most of the damage is due to dragging, rather than crushing.

Just a good thing your leg wasn't under the bike at he time .... :eek5:

[Haggis2]

Fucken ouch. That be the beast in question. It breaks my heart to see it like this. The headlight's in good nick!

Sorry couldn't resist - at least you and Mrs are in good nick is the most important bit.

[Hitcher]

Stopped at the intersection in question at Pahiatua today. The gouge marks in the road were full of water from recent rain and glistened nicely. They're 10m long. I kid you not. Suzukis don't like that much.

I recreated the sequence of events as best I could remember. I reckon there was a 4 second gap between me and the bike in front, tops. Sobering stuff. Now it's time for a beer.