My First(?) Crash

**Leong** · 15th October 2005, 09:28

Took the day off work yesterday to do the Coro loop with a mate in the cage, going out and back via Clevedon/Kaiaua. Great day, and a bit tired on return, but still wanted to take the bike for a run...(probably the first mistake).

Went out to Maraetai then Clevedon and back via Twilight Road. Wasn't feeling very comfortable from Clevedon - I just wasn't in sync with the bike. I remember reading one of Keystones's posts where she turned back from a group ride for probably similar reasons. But I had to get home (second mistake? maybe I should have stopped for rest/break)

Anyway, coming downhill after the twisties, preparing for a usually easy right curve, I was on the left edge of the road, and missed the ideal turn in point, and pretty much drove straight off the road. (third mistake was probably trying to use a car's line thru the corner, and not allowing enough time to get the bike leaned over)

As this was happening I noticed that the area I was headed for was open mowed grass, and I thought "not a bad place to crash" (fourth mistake... should have been looking where I wanted to go)

In the end it was a slow speed crash, with no injuries to myself, though I now know the armour on the knees, shoulder and elbows does work. Picked up the bike, noted the slightly bent handlebar, but fortunately little else damaged. Rode home slowly and noticed that the wheel alignment was out.

The bikes at Botany Honda this morning. They have a handlebar for it in stock, and should be able to get it going straight again for the "Ride Right, Ride Safe" course I had booked into for tomorrow!!!!

**Coyote** · 15th October 2005, 09:34

Bugger. At least you came out pretty much unscathed. So did you find your first crash fun?

**Leong** · 15th October 2005, 09:38

Not really, but it's a great wake up call, and I'll be paying lots of attention tomorrow!! If I ever become an experienced rider than at least I will also have experienced a crash!!

**Bonez** · 15th October 2005, 09:43

Originally Posted by Leong

Not really, but it's a great wake up call, and I'll be paying lots of attention tomorrow!! If I ever become an experienced rider than at least I will also have experienced a crash!!

It happens to most of us eventually. Just remember to go at your own pace. It takes time, some of us more than other, to get the hang of this m/c lark.

**M1CRO:Me** · 15th October 2005, 09:47

I think its excellent that you have picked up on most of your mistakes

and you must realise your limitations...

Unfortunately, you cant teach "experience" and become an expert overnight, so keep the riding going, and I will see you at RRRS

**Magua** · 15th October 2005, 09:48

Good to hear you came away unscathed and with little damage to the bike. Sounds like it's been a good learning curve.

**zadok** · 15th October 2005, 10:19

Originally Posted by Magua

Good to hear you came away unscathed and with little damage to the bike. Sounds like it's been a good learning curve.

Bummer. Same here.

**Phenoix** · 15th October 2005, 10:27

Sounds abit like my crash, but you came off beter than me.
Im in a cast at the mo, but it is a learning experiance.
And I plan to become an OLD experianced rider

**Biff** · 15th October 2005, 10:37

Sorry to hear of youur bin mate, but you've a great attitude there, and you will learn from your mistakes.

As for not being in sync with your machine, it does happen from time to time, when tired, distracted etc. My advice if ever this happens...stop, take 5 minutes out, gather your thoughts, then get back on and take your time.

Good luck

**Leong** · 16th October 2005, 19:07

Thanks Guys,

Got my bike back yesterday and went back out to Twilight Road to "conquer" my fears and crash site. Bikes going good just like before, and given how things have turned out, I'm almost glad it happened.

Did the Ride Right Ride Safe course today. Immensely good value, and given the excellent weather today, a great day out. For those who don't already know, it's run by enthusiasts for the benefit of fellow bikers, new and old. At Whenuapai Airbase, there is plenty of space to practice emergency braking, countersteering, object avoidence etc etc at reasonable speeds, and on a safe predictable surface. The material covered certainly was good for me as a newbie, but I think many of the more experienced riders were happy with the course content too. Started 8.30am and finished around 4.30, the day passed very, very quickly. These courses often succeed or fail on the abilities of the presenters and these guys were not only knowledgeable and good communicators, but enthusiastic and well organised as well. Thanks to Fin and the other presenters, including KB'ers CaN and Hayabusa01!!

**Rhino** · 16th October 2005, 19:23

Originally Posted by Biff

As for not being in sync with your machine, it does happen from time to time, when tired, distracted etc. My advice if ever this happens...stop, take 5 minutes out, gather your thoughts, then get back on and take your time.

Good luck

Leong, the advice from Biff is probably some of the best that you will ever receive. If you feel that "I'm not happy with my riding at the moment" please pull over, get off and wait until you feel comfortable. Then take it carefully for the rest of the ride.

**Leong** · 16th October 2005, 19:48

Originally Posted by Rhino

Leong, the advice from Biff is probably some of the best that you will ever receive. If you feel that "I'm not happy with my riding at the moment" please pull over, get off and wait until you feel comfortable. Then take it carefully for the rest of the ride.

Thanks Rhino and Biff, I heard that again today as well. Bikes are certainly less forgiving than cars.... in fact, I shouldn't even be comparing them!!

**Kornholio** · 16th October 2005, 21:36

Originally Posted by alarumba

So did you find your first crash fun?

Shit mine was a hoot...taking my mates 87 GSXR750 for a joyride, come around a corner to see an 85 yr old pulling out of a driveway in an 85 PUlsar with a trailer load of firewood...AIM for WHERE???!!! Broken Pelvis in 3 places, broken arm in 2 places, balls the size of the biggest blackest pornstar, cuts and abrasions for africa and 10months later I was right as rain..sort of
Great days and I still cant keep off a bike(had 2 other big offs since then too

)

Anyhoo happy trails and thank God for Pirelli