My motorcycle crash at 100mph - A must read for anyone who rides

[jdoggg12]

So you're saying that gravel, errant animals, oil, mechanical failure, potholes, or other unforeseen factors cannot create an unavoidable accident?

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: jdoggg12
^ I posed no threat to anyone but myself as we always made sure there were no other cars on the road

I've lost count of the number of time's I've heard that excuse. Both from bikers and from Porsche club guys. I've personally watched people pass on double yellow during group drives (I stopped participating after my second drive when it became clear that they were treating the road like a racetrack) and then had those same people violently deny (to my face, in person) ever passing in a no-passing zone.

You'll forgive me if I'm more than a little skeptical of your claim.

ZV

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Turin39789

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: Skoorb
We all know that motorcycles are objectively very dangerous. Insurance rates are high, accident and mortality rates are high. Some bike riders pretend otherwise, say that they're careful etc. but the reality is that it's not a very safe activity and its dangers are massively compounded by people doing stupid ass stunts on sport bikes.

Insurance on my last motorcycle was $200/year (16-year old male). Yeah, very high insurance rates. :roll:

Granted, that was for a real motorcycle (a "standard", a subset of cruiser) and not a crotch-rocket. Yes, it's more risky than driving a car, but it's less risky than riding a bicycle if you subtract the single-vehicle accidents.

A motorcycle in the hands of a responsible adult is not an inherently unsafe method of transportation. I see a lot of people who've never ridden one claim that they are, but I've never seen that claim from riders. If you haven't ridden, you really have no authority to speak on the subject.

ZV

When was that? because I ride a standard 550cc and I'm in my mid 20's and I pay more than that.

Rural Ohio, 1998. 1982 Honda CB450SC motorcycle. Dirt cheap. Bought it for $600 with less than 3,000 miles on it.

ZV

 

[James Bond]

Great post.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: jdoggg12
So you're saying that gravel, errant animals, oil, mechanical failure, potholes, or other unforeseen factors cannot create an unavoidable accident?

Gravel is easy to see if you're actually paying attention to the road. Errant animals should be anticipated at all times and a good rider is constantly scanning the edges of the road for animals. Mechanical failure is the result of poor maintenance and is the rider's own fault, you should thoroughly inspect your machine before every single ride. Potholes are easy to see if you're actually paying attention to the road.

An unavoidable accident is possible, but it is extremely, extremely rare. In the vast majority of cases a so-called "unavoidable" accident is simply the result of a rider not paying attention or not being disciplined enough to stop riding when his level of awareness drops too low.

ZV

 

[waggy]

Originally posted by: jdoggg12
So you're saying that gravel, errant animals, oil, mechanical failure, potholes, or other unforeseen factors cannot create an unavoidable accident?

gravel, oil, potholes are avoidable.

Also you should have the bike inspected and well mantained. its not like a car. you need ot keep it safe.

but yeah animals and other stuff can cause a accident.

 

[jinduy]

i know about 5 friends personally who have gotten bikes... about 3 of them have hurt themselves... one critically skidding about 30 yards as well with no jacket, arms scabbed up the woo haa

 

[nweaver]

Guys, I don't think beating up the OP is what this is about. The OP has admitted to being a tool and stupid for what he did. He doesn't need us to tell him he is a tool, and he isn't saying people shouldn't ride bikes, he is saying don't be a stupid tool if your ride a bike.

 

[Turkish]

I have 2 suggestions for bike riders (I began this year):

1. Don't be stupid.
2. Think of yourself as a ghost and ride as that other drivers simply don't see you. This will save you from a lot of trouble.

Cheers.

 

[halik]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: Skoorb
We all know that motorcycles are objectively very dangerous. Insurance rates are high, accident and mortality rates are high. Some bike riders pretend otherwise, say that they're careful etc. but the reality is that it's not a very safe activity and its dangers are massively compounded by people doing stupid ass stunts on sport bikes.

Insurance on my last motorcycle was $200/year (16-year old male). Yeah, very high insurance rates. :roll:

Granted, that was for a real motorcycle (a "standard", a subset of cruiser) and not a crotch-rocket. Yes, it's more risky than driving a car, but it's less risky than riding a bicycle if you subtract the single-vehicle accidents.

A motorcycle in the hands of a responsible adult is not an inherently unsafe method of transportation. I see a lot of people who've never ridden one claim that they are, but I've never seen that claim from riders. If you haven't ridden, you really have no authority to speak on the subject.

ZV

For the record, I'm 23 and the insurance for my gixxer runs about 350/year, 150 of that being comprehensive (guess they get stolen alot...).

It helps that I've never been in a car accident before and I have no urges to speed profusely. Twisties and 0-60 in 3 seconds is where it's at anyway. I can do triple digit speed in my car..

 

[jdoggg12]

My femur (in a poster i made haha)

http://i12.photobucket.com/alb...7a1727be874105b2ed.jpg

 

[nweaver]

Originally posted by: jdoggg12
My femur (in a poster i made haha)

http://i12.photobucket.com/alb...7a1727be874105b2ed.jpg

lol, that's great

 

[Arkaign]

A veteran rider once told me something true :

"There are only two types of riders in this world, the guys who have laid one down, and the guys who are GOING to lay one down."

No matter how good a rider you are, you can't control all the variables around you, only react to what you can, and plan as good as possible.

I love riding, miss my Magna, but don't recommend daily riding in an urban environment to anyone who values their life. Think of the average driver out there, because you're putting YOUR life in THEIR hands every time you roll out.

 

[ayabe]

Thanks for sharing jdoggg12, hopefully this will help others to think twice before showboating, even very experienced riders.

At least you didn't have a passenger, while you probably wouldn't put anyone else's life in danger in such a way, I do see it more and more with people hitting 100mph+ on the highway with a chick on the back. My sister was killed by this kind of asshole mentality.

Also what Arkaign says is very true, think about how often you avoid accidents in your car every week. I can't speak for everyone but I would say that I avoid probably at least one serious accident a week on average.

People just don't pay attention and if they can't see you coming in a car then they certainly won't on a bike.

 

[Killrose]

I had one hell of a MC wreck years ago. I still ride and now that i'm much older anything over 85MPH seems crazy fast. And the sound comming from the F1R's on my 83' Interceptor don't seem to instill the rebel they used to when I was a 26yr old.

And to the origional OP: Pulling a wheelie at the speed you did and on a corner and expecting to ride thru it and live? You accomplished the living part, but the crashing part was a given, and as unfortunate as the outcome was, certainly should not have suprised anyone. I will agree with you that riding CAN be hazardous even if driving responsibly, but no one needs to add extra dangers into the equation because of the ever excisting hazards involved.

Ride responsively and watch your ass.

 

[Pliablemoose]

jdoggg12, glad you survived.

I quit riding after a cycle wreck, broke left arm, 7 ribs & my big toe, collapsed my lung too. I was on my way home from teaching an advanced MSF class when a myopic driver going int eh same direction as me turned in front of me.

Now the most daring I get is to drive my car (dual airbags and seat belt) with the top down, although I have to admit I grin from ear to ear in the Miata like I did on my bikes...

 

[Turin39789]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: Turin39789

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: Skoorb
We all know that motorcycles are objectively very dangerous. Insurance rates are high, accident and mortality rates are high. Some bike riders pretend otherwise, say that they're careful etc. but the reality is that it's not a very safe activity and its dangers are massively compounded by people doing stupid ass stunts on sport bikes.

Insurance on my last motorcycle was $200/year (16-year old male). Yeah, very high insurance rates. :roll:

Granted, that was for a real motorcycle (a "standard", a subset of cruiser) and not a crotch-rocket. Yes, it's more risky than driving a car, but it's less risky than riding a bicycle if you subtract the single-vehicle accidents.

A motorcycle in the hands of a responsible adult is not an inherently unsafe method of transportation. I see a lot of people who've never ridden one claim that they are, but I've never seen that claim from riders. If you haven't ridden, you really have no authority to speak on the subject.

ZV

When was that? because I ride a standard 550cc and I'm in my mid 20's and I pay more than that.

Rural Ohio, 1998. 1982 Honda CB450SC motorcycle. Dirt cheap. Bought it for $600 with less than 3,000 miles on it.

ZV

well rates have gone up or I'm getting robbed, because I have a 75 Honda CB550 in lexington ky and I think I'm paying closer to 300 for minimum.

 

[jdoggg12]

Originally posted by: Killrose


And to the origional OP: Pulling a wheelie at the speed you did and on a corner and expecting to ride thru it and live?

Steering a wheelie is nothing new to me, i was actually in the process of learning to steer highchairs as well at a local abandoned airfield

 

[jdoggg12]

updated

 

[Kaspian]

"There was a tear-jerker moment too ? as I was slipping in and out of consciousness, my best friend and his wife said goodbye. I was nearly unconscious with little/no strength and managed to reach up as he was getting up, grab his sweaters strings and pull him down to me because I didn?t want him to leave my side. Needless to say, everyone in the room went into overdrive tear production. (Yes, this was you Ryan)"

Damn dude, you almost made cry. I'm glad you've made it though.

 

[iamwiz82]

I hope my story saves a life

Why would you expect that to happen? I am sure dozens of experienced riders told you not to make the same mistakes they made on a bike, yet you still did, right?

 

[Fenixgoon]

Originally posted by: jdoggg12
updated

question: how much of your hospital stay/surgeries did insurance cover? i just read your update, and was surprised to see how much it cost to have all that done :Q

 

[BillyGoat]

Glad to see that you lived to tell your tale....
A true testiment to wearing a full faced helmet and gear.
Im 30 years old, I have been riding since age 6 ( I was a young dirt biker)
I was riding street bikes on a track by age 9, and racing super sports by age 14 on a controled track enviroment.
I never, ever exceed 85 mph on a public road, I would never weave threw traffic, and certainly would never stunt a bike. Doing these things increase the chances of a fatal injury 100 fold. Im glad this is such a well wriiten and thought threw post. Instabikers and newer riders, read up - its a dangerous thing. When you ride recklessly, that danger is multiplied. Jdogg, your posts are well writen and articulate- I still find it amazing that you do not think you were possibly putting anyone at risk.
I live in philly, but I have rode the whole 101 stretch all the way to oregon several times. Its a tough road, inherantly difficult to ride even if you are opperating a motorcycle responsibly. Any time you ride in excess of 15 mph over the speed limit, ride recklessly by stunting, or other squidish things, you are a menacing risk to yourself, your fellow riders and all the people on 4 wheels you share the public roads with.

Theres only 2 types of riders, those who have gone down and those who are going to. Period. People, gear up and stay safe. Riding is such a powerful, fun and awesome activity - there is no need to take foolish risks. We all need to set an example by being safe and cortious riders and drivers.
Currently own a 1982 yamaha 650 maxim - 100% restored with historic plates to boot
a 2004 Harley sportster 1200
2002 CBR 600
and a 150 cc scooter for putting around philly.
My Insurance on all 4 bikes comes to around 400.00 a year
Full coverage on the harley, liability and 200,000 personal medical on the other bikes- so insurance is very reseonable for experienced riders.

I recommend all new riders take an advanced safety course. PA offers one for 25.00, they provide the bikes and practically teach you to ride.
NJ offers this for free to NJ residents. I have instructed at both.
If most people would take these courses and learn to respect their bikes, their saftey and everyone elses rights as driving citizens, this unnessisary stunting would not be so previlant

 

[SipWineLickGine]

SipWineLickGine... Not sure if you noticed but this thread is 11 years old...? If you want to post something then do so just make it a bit more current ok...

AT Moderator
Bartman39

Why would you expect that to happen? I am sure dozens of experienced riders told you not to make the same mistakes they made on a bike, yet you still did, right?

That was a cruel response to a sincere and admirable sentiment. I think I'd rather visit ten jdoggg12's in the hospital than one single person who could say something mean like that.

jdoggg12, my name is Jahmai and I'm 28 years old. I first read this thread 16 months ago shortly before I started riding, and I just read it again today. For the past 48 hours I've been in extreme turmoil over my riding style and my judgement when riding, as I believe I'm trending toward imminent death. However, I remembered and sought out your post, and as I read it for the second time, after everything I've been through, I can honestly say I've experienced an internal shift in terms of what I want for myself and what I want to get from my riding, and along with that shift a great sense of relief.

I'm terribly sorry for what happened to you. I'm glad you survived, and I'm grateful you shared your story because I honestly believe that it just saved my life.