Itwonthappentome-itis

[Arkaign]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: JDub02

Originally posted by: Ornery Platypus

Originally posted by: Ronstang
There are two types of motorcycle drivers....ONLY TWO.....those that have been down, and those that are going down. If you own a bike for any length of time you will eventually be on the ground, it just depends how severe the accident is going to be. I have been down twice, once slowing down from about 30 mph and once leaving a country road at over 100 mph. I was more injured in the 30 mph incident with only a scraped elbow. Not even a mark at the 100+ mph one as I was wearing a leather jacket and ended up in a corn field.

Hear this alot and, while I agree it is a good mindset to have while riding, I do not believe it is true. Do you have any statistics/studies to back it up? I seem to recall one that said, of riders with ten+ years of experience, 70% have gone down. I also recall some indicating that accidents are much much more likely in the first two years of riding (intuitively obvious). Thus, I would imagine the percentage of experienced riders in the "will go down" category is notably lower.

If we're throwing around anecdotal evidence, in 10 years and 40000+ miles of riding, I have never been down. Almost all of those miles are on sportbikes and include some foolishly aggressive street riding in my earlier years.

I've been riding for 13 years and have never put down a street bike. I've had a few close calls on the street and I've dumped dirt bikes and quads a number of times. I think it comes down to being a very defensive driver and keeping aware of the cars around, including behind.

Not riding beyond your abilities would go a long way toward making sure you don't end up sliding along the pavement at some point too.

The problem with this idea is that even if you are a completely flawless rider, you can still get owned by someone else's stupidity. I came up to a redlight behind a semi on Josey lane, there were cars to either side of me, and an idiot teenager in an Integra who wasn't paying enough attention braked really late, I could hear his ABS pulsing. He slid into my rear tire hard enough to toss me forward a few inches. I was incredibly lucky that he didn't hit me harder than he did.

 

[theApp]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: franksta
What does lowside mean? I saw it mentioned in the linked thread too.

A "lowside" is when the bike sort of slides out from underneath you and you end up sliding along the pavement. A "highside" is when the bike starts to slide, then catches and catapults you into the air as it whips back upright.

A more thorough explanation is here.

ZV

This is correct. If given a choice I'd take a lowside any day of the week. Highsides usually end up with broken bones because you are pitched up into the air by the bike when the rear tire gains traction and the bike tries to straighten up. A lowside without hitting anything else before you come to a stop will just net you a rashed up bike and some scuffed up gear (assuming you are wearing your gear of course).

Most common mistakes that result in a highside are, locking the rear tire and then letting off the brakes while skidding sideways; and powering out of a corner and losing traction at the rear and then letting off the throttle, this will definitely cause a nasty highside. I've never done either but I've seen it happen and it is not something you ever want to experience.

Highside crash

Lowside crash

Highside!

That's an example of a highside injury. I can tell the weather now.

 

[halik]

Here's my attire for anytime I ride over 30mph Sexy leather pants

I've got alpine stars racing boots also, went with the icon boots this time

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: theApp

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: franksta
What does lowside mean? I saw it mentioned in the linked thread too.

A "lowside" is when the bike sort of slides out from underneath you and you end up sliding along the pavement. A "highside" is when the bike starts to slide, then catches and catapults you into the air as it whips back upright.

A more thorough explanation is here.

ZV

This is correct. If given a choice I'd take a lowside any day of the week. Highsides usually end up with broken bones because you are pitched up into the air by the bike when the rear tire gains traction and the bike tries to straighten up. A lowside without hitting anything else before you come to a stop will just net you a rashed up bike and some scuffed up gear (assuming you are wearing your gear of course).

Most common mistakes that result in a highside are, locking the rear tire and then letting off the brakes while skidding sideways; and powering out of a corner and losing traction at the rear and then letting off the throttle, this will definitely cause a nasty highside. I've never done either but I've seen it happen and it is not something you ever want to experience.

Highside crash

Lowside crash

Highside!

That's an example of a highside injury. I can tell the weather now.

story?

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: JDub02

Originally posted by: Ornery Platypus

Originally posted by: Ronstang
There are two types of motorcycle drivers....ONLY TWO.....those that have been down, and those that are going down. If you own a bike for any length of time you will eventually be on the ground, it just depends how severe the accident is going to be. I have been down twice, once slowing down from about 30 mph and once leaving a country road at over 100 mph. I was more injured in the 30 mph incident with only a scraped elbow. Not even a mark at the 100+ mph one as I was wearing a leather jacket and ended up in a corn field.

Hear this alot and, while I agree it is a good mindset to have while riding, I do not believe it is true. Do you have any statistics/studies to back it up? I seem to recall one that said, of riders with ten+ years of experience, 70% have gone down. I also recall some indicating that accidents are much much more likely in the first two years of riding (intuitively obvious). Thus, I would imagine the percentage of experienced riders in the "will go down" category is notably lower.

If we're throwing around anecdotal evidence, in 10 years and 40000+ miles of riding, I have never been down. Almost all of those miles are on sportbikes and include some foolishly aggressive street riding in my earlier years.

I've been riding for 13 years and have never put down a street bike. I've had a few close calls on the street and I've dumped dirt bikes and quads a number of times. I think it comes down to being a very defensive driver and keeping aware of the cars around, including behind.

Not riding beyond your abilities would go a long way toward making sure you don't end up sliding along the pavement at some point too.

I've been riding since 10 years old and I have yet to crash hard too. I nearly ate it couple times on cold tires and such and flopped on gravel and such, but nothing serious. Also I've never been in a car accident or anything, so being as assertive driver helps.

 

[theApp]

Originally posted by: halik

story?

Highsided coming out of a hairpin turn and landed poorly. I broke the right hip socket and a few other smalls peices on the right side of my pelvis. Some of the worst pain I've ever felt. Had it plated and pinned and then spent the next 3 months not moving that leg, heh. Fixed the bike back up and been riding it since (almost 2 years ago now).

Had full gear on, zero road rash from it even though I managed to slid a fair bit; just the impact damage. If I hadn't of had gear, my 3 day ICU + 6 day Trauma Ward stay would of been a lot longer.
I believe if I had some actual underarmour I might of been able to escape with just bruising, but too late now! Since then I've upgraded to wearing T-Pro Forcefield gear underneath my leathers with padding for hips, pelvis, femur, chest and arms along with the requisite back protector.

 

[JeffreyLebowski]

Originally posted by: DVad3r
Wow, I feel like a total moron riding around in a shirt a few times. Mind you it's a shirt with full face, gloves, boots, jeans, but still, I'd rather not risk it. Looks like I will sweat/boil from now on no matter what.

And wow the first pic was that guy wearing a half helmet? Is that what they mean by beanie helmet?

I call those brain buckets. IT will protect your brain, but your face is another story.

I gave up riding on the streets years ago. To many close calls and friends of mine that rode had all been in an accident. Statistically it was my turn. Having a buddy get rear ended in the lane next to you really makes you re-think riding a bike in the city. To many people yapping on their cell phones or sending texts.

I'll be getting a trail bike and relegate my motorcycle riding to the woods. The only thing that can take me out there is my own stupidity. Trees don't run red lights.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: DVad3r

Originally posted by: Ronstang
There are two types of motorcycle drivers....ONLY TWO.....those that have been down, and those that are going down. If you own a bike for any length of time you will eventually be on the ground, it just depends how severe the accident is going to be. I have been down twice, once slowing down from about 30 mph and once leaving a country road at over 100 mph. I was more injured in the 30 mph incident with only a scraped elbow. Not even a mark at the 100+ mph one as I was wearing a leather jacket and ended up in a corn field.

I don't believe that and from the forum research I've done there's a lot of people that haven't been down yet and have been riding a long time. Some people are just better than others and have luck on their side too. I've got 4000 km on my rod so far and it's my first bike ever, so far so good (knock on wood).

I did have one really close call on a riding road that was probably way beyond my level and a dumb lady driving into my lane on a turn. I got lucky and did the right thing, but I am pretty sure a lot of people would've went down in that situation. Even my dad who's been riding for decades and used to be a stunt rider back in the day gave me the thumbs up and says I ride well (he doesn't tell me that to my face though, tells my mom instead lol).

Never been down on a bicycle as a kid except the time when I was 19 and a Volvo ran a red and hit me, believe me I did a shitload of cycling, all my friends went down all the time. 8 years driving accident free so far.

I don't know if it's just me but I get a weird sense from all these people saying the "there are 2 types of riders....yadda yadda yadda" thing. It's almost as if they eagerly await you to join their club or something and have it ironed in their heads that others will go down, it's only a matter of time. Keep waiting

I haven't gone down either on a motorcycle or on bicycles through decades of road riding...knock wood. I remember a couple years ago I was on a training ride (we were preparing to do a century) and there was a woman riding with us who went down pretty hard going around a downhill curve to the left, there were leaves on the right side of the trail and I saw them and gave her the signal that there was a hazard on the right but she hit it anyway and went down. Bruised her shoulder up pretty good and tore her jersey but she's lucky she didn't break anything.

Still, I wear my gear when I ride...you just never know.

 

[exdeath]

Originally posted by: JeffreyLebowski

I gave up riding on the streets years ago. To many close calls and friends of mine that rode had all been in an accident. Statistically it was my turn. Having a buddy get rear ended in the lane next to you really makes you re-think riding a bike in the city. To many people yapping on their cell phones or sending texts.

I'll be getting a trail bike and relegate my motorcycle riding to the woods. The only thing that can take me out there is my own stupidity. Trees don't run red lights.

Sigh, idiots messing it up for everyone else

If it's any consolation I'm extra cautious and courteous around bikes, even though I'm already an alert driver to begin with (ignore my phone, drive with windows down and radio off, etc).

 

[zerocool84]

Originally posted by: DVad3r

Originally posted by: Mursilis

Originally posted by: JulesMaximus

Originally posted by: Mursilis
This only goes to prove, you can't fix stupid (most of the time).

It's stuff like this which keeps me off a motorcycle. As much as I'd love to try it, I don't want to go down, and I'm fairly sure it would happen, esp. with all the negligent drivers on the road today.

Dude, that's why you wear gear. It does an excellent job of protecting you in an accident. I was riding Palomar Mountain last summer and we came upon a guy who lowsided his Yamaha R1. He was wearing full leathers and the zipper had torn apart at the top of the suit as he was sliding along the pavement. He had a bit of rash on his shoulder but it wasn't bad actually, probably about the size of a tennis ball. He also tweaked his pinky finger (bent it back and broke it), he bent it back and it was swollen but he was just standing around waiting for his GF to come with the truck to load his bike into. If he was wearing a t-shirt and jeans there is no doubt that he would have been going to the hospital in an ambulance.

If I ever decided to try a cycle, I definitely go with full gear, no doubt. Still, having purchased a Mazdaspeed Miata in April, I'm good. Almost as fun as a cycle (OK, I'm just assuming that, but it's pretty darn fun), with much less risk (I hope).

Hate to spoil your excitment but it's nothing remotely close to a motorcycle And I've been in some "fun" cars, believe me

I've ridden in the bitch seat of a motorcycle and while I wasn't in control, it's a totally different experience. Cannot even comapre the two.

 

[69Mach1]

Two things are essential when riding. Masterful defensive driving skills, and proper gear. Leathers and helmets are a lot cheaper than hospitals. If you ride very much, sooner or later it will be you.

 

[HannibalX]

I got some pretty bad road rash when I fell off my bike going down a long, steep hill at about 40-45 MPH. No one is perfect, everyone makes mistakes including me. It's difficult to accept that you can be in a crash/skid/rollover, etc but it can happen. To this day I don't know what caused me to lose control but it happened very quickly. I fell forward, the bike fell on top of me and I slid down the hill on the concrete riding on my left shoulder and my left knee (on my side with the bike on top). In total I slid about 75 feet (I went back two weeks later and measured in paces).

When I finally stopped it took me a minute to get the bike off me and stand up - part of me wanted to just sit there and wait for someone to stop but I made myself get up. I had slid through a few piles of glass and had glass shards in my arms and legs, mostly in my left forearm though. I managed to get up and get back on the bike and ride home (less than two miles away on the same road). I ended up picking all the glass out myself at home, save for one piece which is still in my elbow to this day. No broken or cracked bones, thankfully. I treated all the cuts and wounds myself at home and got a Tetanus shot the next day at the hospital. I was sore for a month. I took three months for most of the rash to heal - even after the skin looked normal again the muscle has been bruised badly and it was still sore.

I was young then and ended up healing completely. The scars are long gone. Had I been older chances are I wouldn't have healed as well and maybe not ridden again. I didn't hurt until much later - in fact I didn't hurt at all as it was happening or during the ride home. While I was sliding I have this almost angry memory of gritting me teethe and thinking "Jesus Christ Here We Go!" After I got home, about an hour after, everything hurt bad - really fucking bad. I felt like I was on fire.

 

[Fenixgoon]

holy shit @ hand :Q:Q

i have gloves/jacket/helmet/pants and some 8" boots (not specifically motorcycle boots though). i may have to pick up some real riding boots now

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
holy shit @ hand :Q:Q

i have gloves/jacket/helmet/pants and some 8" boots (not specifically motorcycle boots though). i may have to pick up some real riding boots now

The guy who posted that thread had a few follow up posts, here is one of them pertaining to boots:

Boots like the higher end Sidi and Alpinestars (and of course others) have built in internal and exo-skeletons, skid plates and all sorts of other goodies that will help protect your feet from being crushed or twisted off.

Just compare these to your average army or hiking boots

As far as the open dislocation photo....

From a medical standpoint I'd much rather have an open tib/fib fracture. That ankle dislocation destroyed ALL of his connective tissue structures - tendons and ligaments. That required a very extensive surgical intervention - and while an open break would also it would not be near the endeavor undertaken trying to reconstruct that ankle. On average a break would heal much quicker and the long term prognosis for the patient would be much better if it was just a break.

Long story short - it's better to break a bone than blow out a joint - and you'll be tap dancing (and back on your bike) way faster if you can keep the bendy twisty parts intact.

Dan

I happen to have worked for a company that dealt with non-surgical solutions to knee injuries and I took a very interesting training seminar on the ankle and ankle injuries so I can attest to what he said here. The seminar involved photos of cadavers and was presented by the guy who took those photos and did the research. He is very experienced in sports injuries with over 30 years of experience. You do not want to tear tendons and ligaments in the ankle...let alone all of them.

 

[Fenixgoon]

^^
those sidis are soooo sweet. they're like $500 though

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
^^
those sidis are soooo sweet. they're like $500 though

I have the Sidi Vertigo Air boot. It is very comfortable and the perforated leather really breathes well in the summer. I picked up this pair for 25% off at my local motorcycle store last summer which put the price at around $225.

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