Accident - classic car pull out in front

[VStarRider]

I was on my way to work this morning, wet roads after rain yesterday and last night, slightly foggy conditions.

I was heading eastbound, two-lane road, 45 mph limit, approaching an intersection with stop signs for north and south traffic (also two-lane road).

Person in a GMC Terrain heading south stopped as I approached at approximately 50 mph, then proceeded through the intersection.

I saw it coming and got on the brakes. Tires locked up within a split second, bike went down low side. I stayed on it for a bit, but eventually ended up skidding down my lane for about 50-75 feet on my knees, ass, elbows (I think). Bike kept going for quite awhile, riding on the crash bars, clutch side.

I came to a stop and immediately got up to avoid potential for getting run over.

My riding jacket and shoes did their thing - not a scratch - my Dockers slacks did their best, but I got some road rash on my left knee. Ass in pants held up well.

Cops came, wrote everything up. Lady who was a witness was crying - her son was killed in a bike accident.

Cop put blame on driver, for stopping but then not yielding to traffic. I do not think she got a ticket, but he gave her 100% fault in his report.

Ambulance checked me out, vitals ok (high blood pressure from adrenaline), no neck or back pain.

Bike itself - not a scratch on it - unbelievable. Not even any paint missing because it skidded down the road on the clutch side Ergo III mainly (which got bent upwards). I rode it home (not even a mile away).

The lady who pulled out stopped and stayed the entire time. Guess what she said? Yeah, that classic line. I said "The front of this bike is lit up like a Christmas tree. What else do I need to do for you to see me?" I also told her to let this one incident, which may end up as minor, serve as permanent reminder to look for bikes.

My wife, who is nurse, bandaged my knee up and I am about to head to work after this, but wanted to share with you guys.

I have to be honest - I am already feeling very anxious - not necessarily about physically riding again, but about how I am going to feel about riding again, the guilt associated with the risk of knowing this happened and it could've been way worse, and how this is going to make my wife feel when I take a ride. She never got on my bike again after my accident in 2012, and I do not know what to expect after this one.

I am also unsure of my reaction - did I get on the brakes too hard? I just finished the ARC three weeks ago and did a lot of practice emergency braking. Was my threshold set for dry roads, because they locked up immediately. Did I jam on the brakes instead of squeeze gradually? How is one supposed to gradually apply brakes when a car pulls out 50 feet in front of you? Right now, I am disappointed in my reaction.

Also - my parents - my brother recently died of a heroin overdose - the guilt of knowing this incident occurred and how that will make them feel about their only living child out riding.

I think I need some time....but...my initial, seemingly rational, thought is I need to have a bike with ABS. With those, I wonder what would have happened here. Need time.

Click the link below for a few pics, if interested.

https://imgur.com/a/zPXAbcC

[tenxxx]

Glad your ok.
I went off the road in a curve because I flinched, when I saw another cage coming in the other direction. Totally my fault.
You go through the whole gambit of feelings and run all the what if's your head.
Everybody said "your done riding". I said I don't know, I'm not done figuring things out yet.
Time, does heal ALL things. But after 3 years I'm still not sure what happened.
I have since decided That, I, would decide when to stop riding.
Since this is not your first, You know the most you did was easing peoples minds, that your all right and their all right.
First thing, when your able, Fix the Bike. Don't shove it in a corner and hide from it. Face your fears if there are any.
It will come to you in the process.

[Travelor]

Sorry to hear of your situation. I know you'll work through them in time. Many questions indeed, and you raised a very important one. All the training and practice in the world won't substitute for antilock brakes in an emergency situation. In my opinion, this is one of the greatest problems with this bike. Honda really blew it on the brakes. I love mine, but nearly went down with a front wheel slide out from grabbing brakes in an emergency situation. Slow speed was the only thing that saved my ass.

[Cooter]

It's easy to overreact. We have all done it. Some of us were just luckier than you. Hang in there. Take some short rides. Next time it rains find a vacant parking lot and test the limits of your braking. Just me but when it's raining I try to stay away from the front brake. I know with the linked brakes you get some anyway and that seems to be enough in wet conditions. Glad you're ok.

[opas ride]

Glad your reasonably okay...Only you can decided what is best for you and your family in the future....I have been riding off and on for over 50 years and never been down and hope it never happens..So, I cannot give you any advise as to what to do.....Hang in there!!..Regards

[No Handle Sam]

First of all I'm glad you are OK. I totally know what you are going through. On April 2nd I was on the interstate when the two west bound lanes split apart for construction that is going on. There were two cars in front of me (all three of us were in the left lane) and a car to my right. We had all slowed down to about 50 MPH when the first car must have freaked out about the "fork in the road" and decided to totally lock up his brakes and come to a dead stop in the middle of the interstate. The second car in line did the same thing and managed to stop inches before hitting the first car. By the time I realized what was going on I guess I must have grabbed a big handful of front brake and in an instant I found myself on the ground (in the middle of the interstate) after having smashed into the right rear / quarter panel of the second car. Luckily (like you) I was able to jump up and get to the inside retaining wall. The guy that I hit was out of his car and to me within seconds and one of the first things that he said to me was that he couldn't believe that I wasn't dead. Unfortunately (unlike you) my F6 was destroyed. ($19,600 worth of damage according to the local Honda dealer who did the estimate) But better the bike then me. I've been riding since I was 7 years old. And while I have had my share of dirt bike accidents from back in the motocross days... I had only been down on the street one other time. That was when I was in my teens and I basically dropped a GPZ550 after rolling through an intersection that had gravel in it. But this was totally different. I can't say that my life flashed before my eyes (because everything happened so fast) but I did have just enough time to think "this is going to hurt". Calling my wife from the side of the interstate and hearing the sound of her voice is something that I don't think I'll ever forget. With the F6 gone and the fact that I sold my beloved Rune back in February (something I said I would never do... but that is another story) I'm down to just my Street Glide. To your point... the first time I rode it after my F6 accident being back on two wheels felt different. I found myself not scared, but maybe "overly cautious". Braking way to early. Hyperconscious of everything around me. Generally just being out of sorts on the bike. In the months since the accident I have been riding more and more and I'm starting to get back in the groove. But I do still find myself thinking about the accident and wondering if I did everything I could to avoid it. A lot of 20/20 hindsight thinking that I should have done this. Or why didn't I do that? I'm really just thanking the man upstairs that I wasn't hurt and even more so that my wife wasn't with me.

[Heatnbeat]

Anti lock brakes are a great thing but they aren't magic. Too close to stop is too close to stop. The anti lock will only make sure you are still upright when you hit the car that pulled out in front of you.

[Verismo]

Hey VStar, I always enjoy your good-natured posts, passion for riding, and humor. I'm sorry you were involved in this and really glad you're ok.

Jason

[jmdaniel]

Don't feel bad, VStar, I have a similar story, except it was my fault. Last summer, I was running back to Austin from Houston, on a hot Saturday, lot of traffic, when I decided to take a different way to the house, by cutting through Brenham. I'd never been that way before, and don't know if I was tired, or hungry from not eating that day, or just not paying enough attention, but as I came up on an intersection, I failed to notice that I had the red light. A truck was pulling into the intersection from my right, (and rightfully so), which snapped me to attention and probably caused me to grab too much brake; too much front especially. Down I went on my left side, and my B slid into the intersection, making a very large 270 degree counter clockwise circle, and coming to rest when the front tire bumped into the curb. Texas people, especially once you get out of the metros, are some of the nicest people I've ever met, and as I ran up to my scoot, I was surrounded by 4-5 other people, trying to help me. They were amazed at how fast I bounced up and ran after my B, but I was fine, except for a slight scrape on the knuckles of my left hand; I like wearing shorty gloves here, year round. The B had a broken left mirror, which I taped to the fairing for the ride home, and the expected scrapes, but all in all, not bad. Progressive took very good care of me, replacing everything I was wearing, head to toe, except my undies and t-shirt I had under the armored jacket. Everything on the bike that needed it was replaced, not repaired, so it looks like new again!

My FJR has ABS, and while I wish the B did as well, it may not have helped in this case, as I was right on the top of those painted stripes in the intersection when I hit the brakes. Too much brake, a slight turn of the wheel to the left, as I was avoiding the truck to the right, and down I probably would have gone, on either bike. Since then, I've never thought of not riding, (the Cortez trip happened after all this...), but I realize (remember?) that I do need to be on top of my game at all times.

Good luck, VStar, and do whatever makes you feel happy!

[JackB]

I'm glad your ok but I thought I was going to be hearing about a "classic car" hitting you.

[jmdaniel]

I'm glad your ok but I thought I was going to be hearing about a "classic car" hitting you.

Ha! I thought the same, thinking "when did a GMC Terrain become a classic car?"...:rolleyes:

[VStarRider]

Ha! I thought the same, thinking "when did a GMC Terrain become a classic car?"...:rolleyes:

Ha! Yeah, I read my post title again when I got home and logged in and saw what you mean!

Thanks to everyone for sharing your stories. Many are very, very similar to what happened to me today.

When I got home, I gave the bike another look-over. There ain't a dam thing wrong with it, other than some missing paint on the bottom of the rear saddlebag crashbar. In fact, the clutch side Ergo III I thought was bent was actually just pushed upward. Stepping down on it put it back to its original position and still operates fine. The bike was skidding on the stainless bolt head that holds the footrest mechanism together.

i did see that I broke a wind deflector off during the skid. That's really it - oh - except one other thing - my glovebox key knob came unglued. Not sure if that is timing or adrenaline pumping that broke it off.

---------------------------------

As for me, 13 hours later I seem to be physically fine. My knee scrape features no pain. I did notice that I may have bruised my clavicle (shoulder probably hit the road at some point) when I put my seatbelt on in the car this afternoon. Noticeable, but no limitation in range of motion.

Emotionally, I feel ready to ride. I may have gone out tonight, in fact, if a friend had not called. I am supposed to be riding to my camp 100 miles from home after work tomorrow, and I feel ready to do that. Maybe I should go for a quick spin tonight to see how things feel behind the bars again.

I almost emailed my dealer tonight to get a quote on a new Wing Tour. I know some of you have doubts about the impact of ABS, particularly in my case today, or perhaps some of the other incidents in this thread. I feel that no matter how much training one has, when you are watching a vehicle pulling in front of you 50 feet away, I want to remove the thinking that goes into modulating braking inputs and just be able to jam on those brakes with everything I have. ABS allows you to remain upright, as someone mentioned, which is better than being on the ground in most cases. Can I afford a Wing Tour? No, not really. But I do think I am going to accelerate my plan to replace the F6 with a Wing Tour sooner than later.

The insurance company is stopping by tomorrow for a look at the bike and to write up an estimate.

Thanks again everyone. Ride safe, stay focused!

[2wheelsforme]

Glad you and the bike are both pretty much OK. What kept the bike from sliding into the car?

[wjduke]

Well, first of all, I'm really glad this turned out ok. Coincidently, today will be my first time back out on my bike since my last (2nd) time being hit on a bike. First trip...a 3 hour ride to NH. No time for a little break in ride or two. This isn't about me, but my point is, I have the guilt you have, and I have a little trepidation that you have too. You have to decide what's best for you. This is my life...I work, come home and without biking, I pretty much lay on my couch. It's all I have besides family. My son is ok with it, my mother is ok with it, but I have plenty of family who isn't. I'm 62, I live alone...it's all I have as a hobby, and I still love it. I said yesterday to friends and I'll say it now here...if it happens again and I survive, you'll never see me on a bike again. That will be the third time. I'm hoping my past two are the last of my bad luck on a bike. Good luck on whatever you decide. No one can make that choice but you. I might leave later today if I get out of work early enough. Otherwise, I leave early am. Headed to Lincoln to stay at the Loon Mountain resort area with friends.

By the way, I'll be on a white 2016 F6B with a M-----d shield. Curious how it'll be on the highway...soon to find out.

[VStarRider]

Glad you and the bike are both pretty much OK. What kept the bike from sliding into the car?

Thanks. After I jammed the brakes and bike went down, she stopped.

[VStarRider]

Well, first of all, I'm really glad this turned out ok. Coincidently, today will be my first time back out on my bike since my last (2nd) time being hit on a bike. First trip...a 3 hour ride to NH. No time for a little break in ride or two. This isn't about me, but my point is, I have the guilt you have, and I have a little trepidation that you have too. You have to decide what's best for you. This is my life...I work, come home and without biking, I pretty much lay on my couch. It's all I have besides family. My son is ok with it, my mother is ok with it, but I have plenty of family who isn't. I'm 62, I live alone...it's all I have as a hobby, and I still love it. I said yesterday to friends and I'll say it now here...if it happens again and I survive, you'll never see me on a bike again. That will be the third time. I'm hoping my past two are the last of my bad luck on a bike. Good luck on whatever you decide. No one can make that choice but you. I might leave later today if I get out of work early enough. Otherwise, I leave early am. Headed to Lincoln to stay at the Loon Mountain resort area with friends.

By the way, I'll be on a white 2016 F6B with a M-----d shield. Curious how it'll be on the highway...soon to find out.

I can tell by your words, and others, that you know how I feel. I am waiting for the adjuster to show up and then will make my decision as to whether or not I am going to ride to work, then camp following work. I know how my wife feels, but I am being honest with her in saying I do not know what I am going to do. I have been clear to her and others that I do not want to limit myself based on fear and/or risk. A guy I know well, who has a bad knee, fell in his bathroom at 3:00am and hit his head on the vanity edge. He is paralyzed from the waist down.

I took a 10 mile ride last night, and while a little uneasy and hyper aware, I was ok. It was easier than expected, considering what had happened just 12 hours earlier.

[jmdaniel]

I can tell by your words, and others, that you know how I feel. I am waiting for the adjuster to show up and then will make my decision as to whether or not I am going to ride to work, then camp following work. I know how my wife feels, but I am being honest with her in saying I do not know what I am going to do. I have been clear to her and others that I do not want to limit myself based on fear and/or risk. A guy I know well, who has a bad knee, fell in his bathroom at 3:00am and hit his head on the vanity edge. He is paralyzed from the waist down.

I took a 10 mile ride last night, and while a little uneasy and hyper aware, I was ok. It was easier than expected, considering what had happened just 12 hours earlier.

I really wish we had the ability to like posts on this forum... Have a great day, VStar!

[wjduke]

Got my first ride in. 227 miles. Fuel light came on right at the off ramp at my exit. Still gas left. I’ll check mileage when I gas up this morning. VStar, I was nervous. I hit traffic right away and I was waving my arm for people to see me slowing down! The trip went well, this bike is a dream. BTW, I
Love the M—d shield. Very functional, huge difference from the last one I had. Again, good luck.

[VStarRider]

Got my first ride in. 227 miles. Fuel light came on right at the off ramp at my exit. Still gas left. I’ll check mileage when I gas up this morning. VStar, I was nervous. I hit traffic right away and I was waving my arm for people to see me slowing down! The trip went well, this bike is a dream. BTW, I
Love the M—d shield. Very functional, huge difference from the last one I had. Again, good luck.

This is great news. I am so glad to hear this (you getting back on two wheels, not running out of gas!)

Yes, in my opinion, the Angrystad is a great addition...great enough to make you forget what it is like to ride a bike with a buffeting or wind noise issue cause their ain't none.

I understand your apprehension about getting into traffic because, IIRC, both of your incidents involved traffic around you.

Between yesterday and today, I rode about the same miles as you.

I continue to be hyperaware, especially at intersection with stop signs only on the cross road (this was the type of intersection I had my accident a couple of days ago at). To be honest, in reflecting on what happened, I think I had let "risk creep" sneak into my riding life. I don't think I realized until I slowed down a bit the past couple of days that maybe I was pushing it a bit too much in the days and weeks after the ARC. Forget excessive brake pressure on a wet road - I never should have allowed that situation to unfold. Strategy before skills.

Good luck on your trip and way home.

[valkmc]

Sorry to hear about your accident and I'm glad you are OK. Makes me think about my own "risk creep". It is to easy to relax and enjoy the ride sometimes. Hope all works out for you!!