Wrecked

So yesterday was not so much a fun day, but I was lucky if you believe in that stuff!

Helm

When I was heading home from work yesterday on my motorcycle I collided with the bumper of a car. As I was going around a blind turn I was speeding up and merging into another lane. When the turn completed traffic was dead stopped and I was heading quickly to the back of the car in the far left lane.

Broken Tail light and Saddle Bags

Bent Handle Bars

I applied both brakes and had put too much pressure on the back brake. I felt the back tire start to slide and took a look at the back of the car I was heading for. I slowed as much as I could and my front tire hit the bumper on the passenger side of the car, I probably hit at about 20 mph. My bike fell to the left and I rolled to the right. I slid along the pavement and rolled to the left out of traffic, I  jumped up to my feet before the momentum stopped me from moving so I could be sure to avoid any traffic behind me.

Broken Whatever Its Called

Missing Foot Rest

My bike was on its side facing away from the direction of traffic, cars were already slowing but a lady pulled behind me to make sure no-one hit me and asked if I was ok. Another person got out of their car and helped me lift the bike up so I could move it out of the road, I was struggling with the weight of the bike and my strained muscles from the impact.

Broken Clutch Leaver

I collected my left mirror and foot rest from the street and put them in my saddle bag. The vehicle I hit was a hundred feet ahead of me or so with a black tire mark on the bumper. The well dressed man was concerned with my condition and was very kind. Turns out he is an Attorney from the city. He was unhurt and only the bumper of his car received any damage. So I imagine he would want to get that fixed up.We exchanged business cards and phone numbers.

He called me today to check on how I was doing and was very happy to hear that I'm well.

Scratched Tank

The police came out to check the scene and file a report. The cop asked if I was ok and then said "it's your fault" before asking about what had happened, just so it was clear to me before I said anything about the incident if I had wanted to argue. The only response I had to that was "ok". He later said that he wasn't going to give me a ticket because I admitted fault, which saves me at least $200 in fines, which sounds good to me. The medical team and fire department came to check me out as well. They were very friendly and helpful. The fire department helped me to roll my bike down the road closer to the cop car and the exit, they were even willing to help me pull the bike over the curb and into the grass to get it off the street. We left it on the road at the time though.

I several phone calls to see if I could find someone to help me transport my bike back home. Fortunately Nancy has a van and a ramp that was able to move my bike! She was awesome and drove over from Akron to help get my bike home. The cops said they could call for a tow but if they did the bike would be impounded and that would be a high cost for me. So I'm grateful for how that worked out.

Right Shoulder

Pants

Jacket, Right Shoulder

I have a bit of skin missing from my hands and knees but not much damage otherwise. My neck is sore and muscles ache, but I'm happy with the outcome overall.

I took photos of all my gear and broken sections of my bike as you can see throughout this post. I have full coverage on my bike with $3 K in accessory coverage. It should help to replace my safety gear (helmet, jacket, boots, gloves) and well as my bike. They are going to come out tomorrow to evaluate and see if they need to total it out and just cut me a check. It might be better if I just look for a new one, but once they check it out and total the damages I'll report back.

Here are some pictures of the damage to my body. Scratched hands and knees. Nothing major!

Right Hand

Left Hand

Knees

-- Update! --

So the representative from my insurance company came today to evaluate the damage to the bike. Turned out to be about 3k worth of damages (well over the value of the bike). They gave me money for the bike minus my deductible (500) and gave a check for accessories and safety gear.

It was going to be too much work and money to get it repaired myself, and I don't know that it would ever ride the same with the handle bars bent like they are.

So I purchased the bike at the end of July with 6,800 miles on it. It is going to get towed away with 8,600 miles on it three months later. I had a lot of fun riding ... I don't anticipate riding again until next season. I will be on the lookout for a good deal online, but I'm not in a hurry by any means.